Posted by Shoshana/AZ on 7/20/10 10:10am
Msg #345703

Ask and You Shall Receive!

I have a job tonight that's out of my usual area. They agreed to my fee which is more than they usually pay. This morning I got an email asking me to fax back certain docs if they won't get them tomorrow. Signing is too late to get into FedEx for East Coast delivery tomorrow. So, I asked for more money for the fax backs, since they weren't disclosed when I accepted the job.
I got an immediate email back from the scheduling desk agreeing to my additional fee. Folks, there's money out there. All you need to do is ask!

Reply by Michelle/AL on 7/20/10 10:33am
Msg #345705

You are so right, Shoshana.

One of the companies that sends email notifications to notaries re: signings called me yesterday about a closing. I told the scheduler that I had ignored the emails because I knew they pay only $xx.00. She asked me what my fee would be. I told her. She sent over a confirmation.

When I discuss fees I'm unemotional and I keep the conversation "light hearted". I don't criticize them or call them names like "low baller". Instead I tell them that I'm sorry that I can't accept the assignment because my fees are higher than what they are "able" to pay.

Does it work each and every time? Nope. Does it work more times than I expect? Yep.

Reply by jba/fl on 7/20/10 11:04am
Msg #345708

You are so right, Shoshana and Michelle-asking doesn't hurt

Respect them all. They are just doing their job, what they are hired to do. I imagine it is difficult for some of them.

Since I visited her website today, let me somewhat quote Grammyzoom: Keep a smile in your voice - it will benefit one somewhere along the line.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 7/20/10 11:35am
Msg #345710

Keeping a "smile" in your voice isn't always easy either.

I received a phone call from someone I'm following on Twitter. It's a notary-related business. As soon as anyone starts pitching an idea to me over the phone the smile starts to leave my face and voice. I know I need to work on it. I just get the feeling that I'm being hustled and I don't like that. The man at the other end of the phone picked up on it as well. Although my words were kind enough my tone betrayed my real feelings.

I see I just got an email from the company. I may try to "make nice" with a reply.

Reply by jba/fl on 7/20/10 12:46pm
Msg #345716

Re: Keeping a "smile" in your voice isn't always easy either.

Keep a mirror by the phone - watch yourself and barely listen to those calls, concentrate on the smile. Works....I try to start the call with a "Thank You for calling, what can I do for you today" then I'm all set with the nicey, nice.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 7/20/10 12:59pm
Msg #345719

Seriously good advice! n/m

Reply by JanetK_CA on 7/20/10 4:37pm
Msg #345759

Yes, great advice!

Back in the 80's I did some consulting in telecommunications. I remember one job I had for an auto dealer teaching their admin staff telephone etiquette and procedures, since they were the "voice" and first impression to potential clients. The mirror idea became a requirement for anyone answering receptionist phones. (Most calls were coming in through a main number to a real person in those days, not to a machine. Sigh.......)