Posted by Linda Juenger on 5/20/10 9:03pm
Msg #337426

Answer those phones ALWAYS

I answered my phone this morning while in the shower.  Accepted 3 closings from the same company for Monday  11am, 5pm & 7pm.   Overnight docs and a fee of XXX for all 3.   Gonna be a very profitable day.   Happy EOM to a pretty slow month for me

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 5/20/10 9:13pm
Msg #337428

not me - I'll pass - with four kids & a husband, the

bathroom is my ONLY sanctuary and that includes leaving the cell phone out of the bathroom!

(speaking of phone in bathrooms: I hate it when I'm in a public restroom and someone in the next stall is on the phone, how annoying and sort of sick)

I'm up at 5am - my shower time is my time 'cause when I get out, I'm constantly on the phone from 8am to 9pm, and in between that time I'm running around doing closings, picking up kids from school, doing superwoman duties, errands, etc.

Good for you Linda! I had two on Monday, sure did pay good too!

Reply by Notarysigner on 5/20/10 9:17pm
Msg #337429

I did a no no (in my book) I answer a "blocked" call. Had to go to a convent and notarize ten Docs for nuns (I'm cracking up)....$100 plus travel 15 mins....LOL

Reply by LKT/CA on 5/21/10 12:16am
Msg #337436

I so agree.....some of my best jobs are negotiated during a bubble bath. I answer ALL calls, blocked or not - paper and pencil within an arm's reach.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 5/21/10 12:50am
Msg #337440

I agree, Lisa. Unfortunately - or fortunately, depending on your perspective - I can't count how many times I've gotten an assignment while dripping wet and shivering. (It does make for an interesting negotiation. )

Answering the phone is more important than ever in this market.

Reply by jba/fl on 5/21/10 1:37am
Msg #337442

"dripping wet and shivering"

Many a time - and they need to pay for that too - LOL.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 5/21/10 4:08am
Msg #337443

I do the same thing, the cell goes anywhere I go. This EOM looks promising. horray!!!

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 5/20/10 11:41pm
Msg #337434

Answer your phone!

My cell is always in my pocket/purse (or very near by) and my bluethooth is either in my ear or next to my cell phone.

You have to answer your cell phone everytime if possible?

If you can't answer your cell; you need to leave a "fresh message at the start of each day" that says when you will be available to return a call and when you are available for a notary/loan-signing assignment for each day?"

This message needs to be updated every day you can't answer your cell.

Tell him/her to leave a number and you will call back at your break/lunch-hour/etc to set up the appt.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/21/10 6:59am
Msg #337445

Not sure if this is relevant

but almost all of my wedding clients have commented that one of the reasons they chose me was because I was so quick to get back to them through e-mail. I'm in front of a computer all day and, generally, if the e-mail is sent between 9 and 5, I will respond to it within 15 minutes or sooner. I know that isn't as relevant for the NSA business but, at least for me, e-mail is the #1 method of communication for weddings and general notary work.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 5/21/10 7:53am
Msg #337450

Congrats Linda! Nice work. n/m

Reply by MW/VA on 5/21/10 8:15am
Msg #337452

I hate to miss a call. Funny situation came up recently. I was out of the country & the international rate was ridiculous, so I left a detailed voice message on my phone, saying I would be back xxx & would GLADLY accept any assignments. It was pure anxiety not to be able to access my calls, especially with EOM coming up. It never fails that when I take a break the phone rings off the hook. Vacations are so necessary, so I've learned to let go when I need to.

Reply by Grammyzoom on 5/21/10 9:57am
Msg #337469

This is one of the things I teach my students. Your cell phone must go with you everywhere you go because very few companies are going to leave you a message. They need to schedule the signings and will just keep dialing until they get someone on the phone.

I too have answered phone calls with dripping wet and with shampoo in my hair. Some will disagree with me but I always answer my phone with my blue tooth when I am in signings. I tell folks in advance that my phone is my lifeline to being able to earn a living and apologize in advance for answering it. This has never caused a problem and most of the time I will get the information on who is calling, when and where is the signing, check my book and accept or decline the signing. Less than 1 minute and I am off the phone. Most people, especially now, understand and have absolutely no problem with my being distracted for just a minute or so.

Reply by MW/VA on 5/21/10 3:44pm
Msg #337523

So true--not answering your phone is about the same as a

business locking the door & not being open consistently--won't last long.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 5/21/10 8:16pm
Msg #337580

yes, I agree with you MW, we all need to let go every

now and then, to get rejuvenated, rested and refocused to the game at hand - MAKING MONEY.

I almost always answer my phones, I even have an online scheduling calendar that my clients can use to set up appointments with me (so cool GENBOOKS) and ALWAYS return all emails asap.

but when in the bathroom....nope sorry, not going to answer that phone or even think about work...i need my sanity!