Posted by Michong Kim-Keys on 5/25/10 4:50pm
Msg #338169

How do you get new business?

Hello everyone,

Thanks for all the information, it has been very helpful. My question is: how do you get new business without paying the company $20 a month and $139 a year? There are so many company to choice from?

Reply by Frank/NC on 5/25/10 4:52pm
Msg #338172

Other than advertising on this site and 1-2 others, never pay anyone to give you business or anyone who promises to give you business.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 5/25/10 4:57pm
Msg #338173

Hard work

That's the easy answer.

You have to get your name out there AND build a good reputation to attach to it. You have to talk to people without being overly solicitous or pushy. Make them aware of your services.

It really boils down to basic marketing skills and realizing that getting new clients/customers is not an cheap, easy or simple process. They say it take 5-6 times the amount of money and effort to get new business than it does to retain existing business. For some, signing up with wesbites helps --- for others it doesn't. You have to do a lot of research, know your area, your customer base, etc.

Like I said... lots of basic marketing skills. Sometimes it takes money... sometimes it takes effort, usually both.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 5/25/10 5:03pm
Msg #338174

You may want to start with Signing Central on this site, then I suggest you do searches here (using the orange button) of as many differently worded items related to your question as you can. There have been lots of good suggestions thrown in here and there on this board over the years.

However, in this very down, highly competitive market, the way an individual finds new business could be considered proprietary, confidential company info that I don't think any smart business person would want to give away for free to anyone and everyone, which is what they would be doing by posting all their ideas here. Essentially, what you are asking for is a key component of a person's business plan and not something that is typically shared with one's competitors.

In spite of that, as I said, there have been some good ideas exchanged from time to time. But it's going to take work - to find the ideas and to market yourself. Unfortunately, there is no magic secret or easy path - especially in this market.

Reply by Michong Kim-Keys on 5/25/10 5:06pm
Msg #338176

I see, even Signing Central wants a fee? I noticed that most of the notary talk was people from everywhere; so it should not be that much competition, but thanks for the advice.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 5/25/10 5:10pm
Msg #338177

Signing Central is a tab (above) on this website that lists

a lot of companies that you could market to or sign up with. You have to look at each profile, go to the company website, and figure out how to sign up with them. Of course, check their ratings first - you don't want to sign up with companies that have a bad rep.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/26/10 5:10am
Msg #338272

If finances are a problem and you're on a tight budget

you can have a Basic (free) listing here and still access the list of companies in SC. You should click on that tab above, then the List of Signing Companies icon and start working your way down the list, reading the reviews on each company (posted by fellow notaries) and contacting those that sound good to you. And yes, the notary talk is from everywhere - notaries here are nationwide but their feedback is still good.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/26/10 5:15am
Msg #338273

Also, to get more business

You should beef up your profile, telling more about your experience/expertise and letting companies know why they should hire *you* and not the other guy. Be mindful of spelling, grammar and terminology...i.e., you're not a national notary closing agent.

MHO

Reply by Notarysigner on 5/25/10 5:05pm
Msg #338175

My first year...I made $800.00 as a new notary. 2nd year over $8,000.00 large learning curb. Read everything on this forum, you will learn. If you don't have the time....you're in trouble. I doubt there's anybody here making a decent wage just by doing this. IMO

Reply by LKT/CA on 5/25/10 5:15pm
Msg #338180

Decide what your marketing/advertising budget is for the year. That will determine the ways and avenues for marketing. I have found great success joining my city's chamber of commerce and attending their breakfast and luncheon meetings, ribbon cutting ceremonies, business mixers, etc. People like to do business with and refer business to people they know and trust - as it is a reflection on them. By getting to know other business owners through the chamber of commerce, you will develop business relationships and people will call you when they need a Notary, or they will refer you to friends and family for their notary needs.

I notarized twice for a chef/caterer that I've gotten to know over the past two years. I went to her home and notarized for her. She felt comfortable inviting me to her home because she knows me. IMHO, the membership pays for itself. People want to know who they do business with these days and don't want some weirdo coming to their home. Being a chamber of commerce member is a great way to get to know people and build trust.

Reply by BrendaTx on 5/25/10 7:13pm
Msg #338214

Michong, You need to plan to have a marketing budget. No business can get a very good start without having a marketing plan. $139 per year, if you mean NR, is not a bad price to pay to market your business. What will it take to make that back up? One assignment? I don't think you are looking at the big picture. $20 a month is nothing if you are serious about this business and the site is one that actually does draw in work.

Perhaps you need to google "marketing plan" and "business plan" to learn how to get your business going.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 5/25/10 9:58pm
Msg #338256

Also, if you have SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives - don't know if that's state or federal) or something similar in your area, you may be able to find someone to help you do a business plan for free.

They provide lots of training, support, education, etc. for small businesses. Last Friday I went to my first event sponsored by them, a free seminar about data security. It was very interesting, I learned a few new things and may have found a new client by networking. (The down side is that, contrary to what I was told, I've received *at least* one email daily from them since.)

Just a thought...

Reply by MW/VA on 5/25/10 8:46pm
Msg #338243

Whatever you do, I suggest you don't give any more of your

money to that "certified/background check" organization. It costs some money to list on the major listing sites (NR is one of the best), but that's where your business will come from.
It's advertising expense & necessary to build a business.

Reply by CF on 5/25/10 9:02pm
Msg #338246

Re: Whatever you do, I suggest you don't give any more of your

It is amazing to me that people think that starting and running a business is free! In case, you did not know this is a business. You provide a service for a fee. There is an age old saying "you have to spend money to make money". Obviously, they must be looking for some extra pocket money!

Reply by desktopfull on 5/25/10 10:23pm
Msg #338261

Take some business courses for starters. n/m