Posted by BossLadyMD on 2/5/10 10:06pm
Msg #321549

Can we start a union...

Maybe we can deal with the low ballers & non-payments once in for all...

Reply by Lee/AR on 2/5/10 10:43pm
Msg #321551

Think it'd be easier to herd cats n/m

Reply by LKT/CA on 2/5/10 11:02pm
Msg #321554

Re: Think it'd be easier to herd cats

......or nail jello to a tree.

Reply by Moneyman/TX on 2/6/10 12:40am
Msg #321567

What if we froze the Jello first? n/m

Reply by PAW on 2/6/10 7:55am
Msg #321582

Or froze the cats! n/m

Reply by Stamper_WI on 2/6/10 9:38am
Msg #321594

Re: Or froze the cats!

The secret to herding cats is to not really let them know you are doing it. Cat herds are unique. They travel differently. Each is king of their own space and do things their own way. But their way is based on core commonality. So they take what the others have to offer and ingest only what they feel they need.
Had a great mouser once but all the dead shrews ended up next to his dinner bowl.

Reply by BossLadyMD on 2/6/10 10:05am
Msg #321602

Re: What if we froze the Jello first?

you guys are cracking me up...lol

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 2/6/10 6:27am
Msg #321575

Speaking of the "Herding Cats" Super Bowl Commercial...

...one of my all time favs!

http://bit.ly/1N1E6C

Reply by John Schenk on 2/6/10 12:06am
Msg #321562

Yes, we could, but the problem is the line busters would leave us in the same position we're in.

JJ

Reply by ReneeK_MI on 2/6/10 4:23am
Msg #321572

Start or join a state network instead

Much more plausible way to deal with SS's - although it does take some actual effort to accomplish, too. You can't accomplish anything by doing nothing.

Title/Settlement Agents use SS's for specific reasons - primarily, it's much easier to let someone else shoulder the headaches of sifting through the crowd to find good contract closers. This forum shouldn't delude anyone into assuming those posting represent the majority - the majority aren't all that up-to-snuff. Perhaps the forums tend to attract a particular caliper to begin with - more Internet savvy, more engaged in the industry, more motivated to learn and more interested in exposure.

A Network (as it's being done now, by those I know) follows some basic standards set down long ago by our dear Miss Brenda: the Network gathers the highest caliper NSA's within their own state, usually limits it to two per 'territory' and by their own criteria. That Network is then marketed as a whole - each member is bound to market the Network whenever they market their own self. Marketing is then exponential. HOWEVER - that's why it's crucial that each member BE & REMAIN of the highest caliper, as all reputations are linked to each other.

Assignments are contracted by each individual - there are NO 'referral' fees allowed between members, otherwise ...you're now entering the realm of becoming/being a SS, defeating the entire purpose.

Reply by Stamper_WI on 2/6/10 6:43am
Msg #321578

Re: Start or join a state network instead

The WI network also has avenues for feedback from clients. A system for complaints. It is great to get to know the others and have face to face time with them not to mention peer contact with issues unique to our business as it pertains to our State.

Reply by Laura_V on 2/6/10 8:52am
Msg #321585

Renee has nailed it. Again. n/m

Reply by Laura_V on 2/6/10 9:02am
Msg #321587

A super smart and super nice woman and a friend of hers tried to do just that around 6 years ago.

Didn't get off the ground for a variety of reasons.

One important one: we freelance notaries are mavericks. We LOVE working outside an office and winging every day. Nerds who are flexible? That's hard to find. And some of the best ppl who post on this board are exactly that.

I wanted a union or at least a national huge group of notaries and NSAs so we could get group/union priced benefits like health ins and some sort of access to low-cost legal advice like PPL. When doing research for this, I discovered that the health ins would have to be state by state. We wouldn't have been able to have enough members per state to get decent discounts on the premiums. Oh well - esp for the ppl in NY. And prepaid legal's quality level skyrocketed. They finally got a clue: no one will spend even small amount of $ on crummy lawyers. Now they have some good ones.

And I get where you are coming from, BL. As the others are saying, herding cats would be infinitely easier. Sigh.

Reply by BossLadyMD on 2/6/10 10:12am
Msg #321606

thanks for the insight

i've only started doing loans 5 yrs ago and realized if it was that easy to unionize, someone else would have definitely done it long before i popped on the scene. your feedback was great and i love the part about herding cats being easier...lol

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/6/10 3:53pm
Msg #321682

Another critical detail that might make it even tougher...

When you think about it, we aren't employees, virtually always the ones who unionize, as far as I know. As independent contractors and business owners, we're more akin to management! That kinda blows the whole idea right out the window, imo.

Reply by LisaWI on 2/6/10 5:00pm
Msg #321694

Re: Network, network, network!!

One of the best business decisions I ever made! We are 3 years old and still going strong. Love my network and love BrendaTX for laying down the groundwork and giving us something to go by.

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/6/10 5:04pm
Msg #321695

I 2nd that -> Network, network, network!! n/m

Reply by Maranga Ink Resources on 2/6/10 11:24pm
Msg #321739

Independents.....

As Insurance Agents who have their own business....they are regulated by the Insurance Industry rules. Licensing series so and so numbers good for a term.

Insurance Agents have to follow rules and all companies know what to expect from them.
Them also take Certifications, Updating, keeping in good standing their License and watching their Bonds and Professional Insurance coverage.

Then why a SA/Notary Public wouldnt be recognized in the same level?

An insurance Agent wouldnt be tricked with taking away their commission $ ; they got their entire pay

SA/Notary Public as well we are not able to give away gifts or receive gifts in the amount over $10; same as the Insurance Agent.

I think, we Notaries need more than a Network, we need an organization who back our RIGHTS as a Notary Public, NOT only our duties.
When we go out is representing a TC; Insurance Agent represents an Insurance company. When they have training they are in payroll; after that Insurance Agent is in their own, independent, seling policies by commision $.

Why not?

Reply by JanetK_CA on 2/8/10 12:58am
Msg #321879

Be careful what you wish for...

The kind of thing you are talking about involves more state regulation and, as a result, more fees and restrictions. We aren't as pervasive as insurance agents, also. Nearly everyone needs insurance of some sort most of the time, however, many seldom if ever need a notary. In some places, when loan signings has gotten the attention of state legislatures, it has ended up in limiting loan signing to attorneys. In your own state, you now have restrictions on where HELOCs can be signed.

I agree with those who say that we need to become more savvy about managing these things on our own and think like business owners - NOT employees.