Posted by Johnathan Venable on 10/3/10 5:09pm
Msg #355231

Can anyone help with reputable companies...?

If I wanted to email and introduce myself to as many companies as I could to get my name out, which ones would be the top 10-20 you would recommend? Also, anyone happen to have an email list already made of companies I could approach and that would save me time from clicking on each link on the list, reviewing each, etc? Anything you can recommend or help with is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!

Reply by James Dawson on 10/3/10 5:14pm
Msg #355232

Honestly Johnathan I would recommend you take the time to review each yourself since you will be making decisions to work for them yourself. It ain't THAT EASY. Took me about two years.

Reply by desktopfull on 10/3/10 5:48pm
Msg #355234

Sorry, but ROFL!!!!!! n/m

Reply by kathy/ca on 10/3/10 5:57pm
Msg #355235

You are so funny Johnathan, that was a good one! Ha ha! n/m

Reply by Lee/AR on 10/3/10 5:58pm
Msg #355236

Backing away from keyboard, too. n/m

Reply by JulieD/KS on 10/3/10 6:48pm
Msg #355238

Sorry dude, but you can climb the food chain just like the rest of us...but doing it yourself. No one will hand it to you on a silver platter. Part of the reason I am still in business after 8 years is because I learned the ropes by the school of hard knocks. I know who to and who not to accept jobs from because I keep my eyes and ears open always and I take notes. I don't ask people to give me the key to prosperity; I've gone and found it on my own.

It's not an easy business. Companies expect you to work your way DOWN the payscale, which is why I just don't take many jobs anymore. Doing the same work with 8 years of experience for half the money? It ain't gonna happen.

Another thing that ain't gonna happen is the fine people here handing you a list of who to market to. Get your pen & paper and make your own list. In 8 years when some newbie comes asking you to hand him your hard work for free, you'll understand why we guard our information.

Reply by Johnathan Venable on 10/3/10 7:12pm
Msg #355242

Again, excuse me for asking. I guess not everyone is the same when it comes to business. Me personally, with my other printing business I own and spent the past 8 years learning the ins and outs of the industry, etc, I have NEVER hesitated to help as a mentor to others just starting out in the same industry. The reason. I had others that did that for me along the way and I will be forever grateful for the help/advice they gave me here and there. Therefore, I felt it was only right for me to help others once I became experienced enough in the industry because I had people that did that for me. So again, excuse me if asking for some help with typing out a few companies to start with and not get ripped off was too much...then I apologize. Take care and again, I will no longer post on this forum bc I NEVER expected such harshness.

Reply by 101livescan on 10/3/10 7:18pm
Msg #355245

No one here is trying to be harsh, your request made me smile. This is a crazy business. I don't see any one on this board sharing their best clients at large, because very simply this business is extremely competitive, although not all notary/loan signing agents are created equally. One must really earn their stripes in this business. I covet my bread and butter clients and I do make referrals to others in my stream who also refer to me. We take care of each other because we can trust each other.

Hope you don't give up on NR because the best R&D for this business is on this board, like no other.

Honestly, I was being funny, not harsh! Sorry you took it that way. Have a great night.

Reply by desktopfull on 10/3/10 10:18pm
Msg #355267

You really turned a list of your best clients over to other printing companies so they could solicit business away from you? If so, I can see why your attempting to start a new business. The best thing I can offer is go to Notary Rotary's "signing central" and go through the list of companies and use the contact information provided like everyone else, read the comments, stay away from the ones that have less than 3 stars, the best have 5 stars. Then make sure you have filled out your profile here.

Reply by MichiganAl on 10/3/10 11:42pm
Msg #355269

Really dude?

So if someone plopped a printing business across the street from you and walked into your store and asked you provide them with a list of your clients, you would "NEVER hesitate" to give that to them? Pants on fire.

We offer a ton of help here, but we won't run your business for you. We don't respond well to laziness OR tantrums.

Reply by 101livescan on 10/3/10 6:55pm
Msg #355239

I have an extensive company list, with contacts, teles, email addy's and home n cell numbers. But it's going to cost you a a big finders fee for years and hours and hours of hard toil to build rapport and protect my reputation with them.

Reply by Johnathan Venable on 10/3/10 7:02pm
Msg #355241

Really? Wow. That was the LAST thing I ever expected from you guys. I'm sorry but I was asking a serious question and curious as to what the "Larger" companies were such as LSI, etc that manage a higher volume of signings each month vs. which ones were the "one-man show" types that have signings available here and there. That way, I could focus my time and efforts on filling out all the paperwork, w-9's, etc that are required to get set up with them. Therefore, I had hoped some of you that are more experienced and more familiar with all the companies would be willing to share some of that experience and advice with a fellow signing agent. I apologize if I was mistaken and if I wasted your time. I will learn the hard way and do what I can on my own. Thanks and goodnight.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 10/4/10 2:15pm
Msg #355359

Best Advice I can give - Start with message 33325

And read the entire thread. It's better than a Master's Degree (well, maybe not that good, but very valuable information there).

If you think that we've been tough on you, just wait until you meet some of the customers. We're silk purses compared to some of them. Thankfully they are in the minority, but the best thing you can do in any business is develop a thick skin.

Reply by James Dawson on 10/3/10 7:12pm
Msg #355243

You got us all wrong, how about this. Go to the signing central tap and "select it" then look at the ratings (stars) and pick the ones with five stars first, then pick the ones with 41/2 and so on.....it has already been done based on comments from people who have previously worked for different companies.

Reply by Jayhawk/KS on 10/3/10 7:17pm
Msg #355244

Take James' advise. Look at the ones with the highest star ratings, and plan to spend the afternoon at the computer and on the phone for about 2-3 weeks, and do your homework. With any luck things will start to come your way. Good luck. That's how all the rest of us got started.

Reply by Jayhawk/KS on 10/3/10 7:19pm
Msg #355246

From the looks of your profile, looks, like you already have it all figured out, or you fluffed your nest.

Reply by JulieD/KS on 10/3/10 7:33pm
Msg #355247

Like the others, I will mentor, but I won't give away the company recipe. There is a difference.

Reply by kathy/ca on 10/3/10 8:06pm
Msg #355253

Johnathan, the info James just gave you is the same thing

as us giving you names of the better companies thats what "Signing Central" is here for.

If we came off a bit harsh upon first reading your post it is because we have all worked hard over many months/years to get the information you aked for. BUT, we are here to help each other and now that you have gotten through the initiation and have a feel for how things are done here, welcome and please do not hesitate to be a part of this site.

You will learn a lot and in time most likely be of help to many. Good luck!

Reply by Stoli on 10/3/10 7:38pm
Msg #355248

Johnathan, here are the most valuable resources available..

Shauna/Wa posted Message # 354699
and everyone's favorite Message # 33325

As you can see fron Shauna/Wa, there is a lot of self promoting and organization. All the best to you.
I see a lot of new notaries (and trust me, I'm one!) who ask a lot of questions about getting known. Keep in mind that most of the work HAS to be done by you. If you're doing the footwork then any rewards that come your way are earned and more appreciated. Even before #1, get trained. Nobody will do it for you. You have to put in hard hours learning your business.

1) Get business cards

2) Give business cards to everyone you know, everywhere you go. If I get a manicure, the owner gets my card and I ask if I can put a card holder up by the register. Never been turned down.

3) Flyers/rack cards/postcards. Get 'em, give 'em out. Door to door, business to business.

4) Get yourself on Google maps. Google will give you guidelines and if you research you'll find out how to get on the first page (especially in your zip).

5) Get a website, make it look good. Monitor traffic and where it comes from. That'll give you good ideas on what to use as keywords and where most of your visits are coming from (in fact, I had so many visits from one certain website, that I called them up and offered my services at a discounted rate. Paid off, big time).

6) Sign up with title companies and signing services. I've kept a notebook of who I signed up with, if I've had a response and when I've done a signing with them. Signing Central can be your best friend. I've only signed up with companies with a 4 star or higher because I want PAYING jobs.

7) Read this board daily. You'll find out about companies you haven't signed up with, problems you didn't even think about and the best tips anywhere.

8) Memberships with websites like NotRot. The price on some isn't worth it and on some it's invaluable. One signing can pay for an entire year, here.

9) Be organized. I keep a map with my prices in each city I routinely get calls for and a datebook with me at all times. No signing service wants to listen to you fumble around for your available dates, cities you visit, price, etc.

10) Remember that this is a business. It's up to you to grow it and if you're timid about telling people about yourself and what you do, it'll be hard. You never know what friend may be in financial difficulty and need someone to notarize their sigs on a loan mod. Not only is it good for you but it's good for them - they have someone they trust sitting next to them.

11) Sign up on any website that'll bring you business. Think about all the areas you specialize in and start signing up. I felt like a dolt, but just yesterday I discovered Kudzu and signed up.

Not everything can be accomplished in one week or even one month, but keep at it and you'll find business picking up. I'm nowhere near as busy as I'd like to be, but I'm busy and for someone relatively new, I'll take it.

Any other tips/hints/ideas?

Use the "orange" search button to search for additional topics.

Reply by Stoli on 10/3/10 7:40pm
Msg #355249

#33325 n/m

Reply by Johnathan Venable on 10/3/10 8:05pm
Msg #355252

Re: Johnathan, here are the most valuable resources available..

Thank you so very much for your help and advice. I just want to make one thing clear...I am VERY WILLING AND COMMITTED to putting in as much work as I can to build this into a full-time business for myself because I truly enjoy it. Thank you again for the advice!

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/3/10 7:42pm
Msg #355250

One more thing....be careful

Since you're in TX, some of what you want to do MUST be done in an attorney's office or title company office....

Of course you probably know that since you've been a TX notary since September, 2009.

Reply by Johnathan Venable on 10/3/10 8:03pm
Msg #355251

Re: One more thing....be careful

Yes ma'am and thank you. I have a Title office that allows me to use their facilities when needed. They have been wonderful so I'm lucky to have them.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/3/10 8:20pm
Msg #355254

My advice... edit your profile to something YOU wrote, and not just changed a few words. The vast majority of your first sentence is an exact copy of a signing agent in Houston.


Hers: "[Her name] is a highly experienced notary public and signing agent. She has completed over 2,000 error-free signings for title companies, escrow companies, and signing services."

Yours: "I am a highly experienced notary public and signing agent, completing over 350 error-free signings for title companies, escrow companies, and signing agencies in Florida and Texas."


People pick up on that kind of thing real fast in this industry....

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 10/3/10 8:43pm
Msg #355256

que cohones grande tienes este vato! n/m

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 10/3/10 8:49pm
Msg #355258

but your cute so I'll forgive you ;) n/m

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 10/3/10 10:14pm
Msg #355266

Re: but your cute so I'll forgive you ;)

<<but you're cute so I'll forgive you>>

No doubt about that, C. Rivera. If I were young and single (I wish) and lived in Texas (I don't wish) I'd request him as the LSA on my next refi ...

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 10/3/10 9:20pm
Msg #355265

This is a bad time to be getting into this business. Most of us are having a hard time making enough money at this to pay the bills. Companies are offering less and less, and it is becoming increasingly hard to get more than $100.

I recommend that new "signing agents" first spend a year doing nothing but general notary work - learn your notary laws inside and out. Once you are an expert notary, then learn the signing agent gig, because it really doesn't have much to do with being a notary. Being a notary is merely a job requirement for being a signing agent. You need to know how to do each job right, and start with the more important job (the notary job) first.

Reply by Jack/AL on 10/3/10 11:06pm
Msg #355268

A good list for me might not be for you........

You and others have mentioned some of the good companies for wich to work. Unfortunately, there is a tremendous geographic relevance pertaining to them. Some that have jobs for me in north Alabama have no work for you in Texas, so most of my list would be useless to you, and vice versa. As done by some others, I started by contacting the companies with 5 stars, worked my way down through 4 stars, and concluded with the 3 stars. That took many days and numerous repeats of completing the W-9 and faxing/emailing required docs. Also called most of the same companies. The results were good overall, but here are some findings I'd not anticipated. 1. Many of the companies are out of business! Yes, even some of thiose with 5 starts might have not had a comment posted for three years, because they've been out of business that long. That applied to perhaps 30% of those with 3 to 5 stars. 2. Many phone numbers, fax numbers, and web sites are not correct (often an indication that the company is out of business). 3. Although some advertise as serving in all 50 states, there are many that serve a small geographic area, and sometimes it took my call to learn that they serve only a few counties far away from Alabama. 4. In addition to the companies listed on SC, some that have become good clients were not previously posted there, but found me through NotRot, the numbers site, or the coffee site, so be sure to register with all three. Lastly, if you want a copy of my list, I'll happily email it to you and wish you well. It's an excel file. Just email me at [e-mail address]. If you were working in the areas I serve, I'd not be so generous, but to repeat, my list won't do you much good.

Reply by MW/VA on 10/4/10 8:06am
Msg #355282

The "list" you're looking for is in Signing Central. Look

for companies with 4 & 5 stars, and read the comments also. I didn't have a list when I started out & it was a crap shoot with companies who called. You can thank the members of NR who post their experience, G/B/U, in Signing Central. It is a great resource. Good luck.

Reply by MichiganAl on 10/4/10 9:03am
Msg #355290

So it's been here all along if he just clicked the tab?

Well geez, that seems easy enough.

Reply by MW/VA on 10/4/10 9:59am
Msg #355298

Re: So it's been here all along if he just clicked the tab?

Yes, for those of us who know how this site works.

Reply by A S Johnson on 10/4/10 10:44am
Msg #355308

Johnathan, from the TX SOS website I find you are in Odessa and have been a Notary since Sept 2009. From the NotRot "find a Notary" thier is one other NSA on Odessa and one in Midland.
It would seem that your area could support you but think of the population of your area and the miles you will need to travel.
I would suggest you will be working with differnet companies than I do here in Weatherford.
The suggestion you need to check each title/escrow and/or ss out youself is the better advise.
This is are hard time to be trying to break into the business.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/4/10 11:37am
Msg #355315

Hold up....

He's been a notary for a year and has already done "over 200" loan signings? I suppose it's possible...

But yesterday, his profile said 350.... Msg #355254

Reply by Teresa/FL on 10/4/10 12:09pm
Msg #355326

Re: Hold up....

That's right, it did say 350. It also indicates that number (200 or 350) is for Florida and Texas. A quick check of the Florida records show he was a new notary on 10/17/05, so most of those signings probably occurred in Florida.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/4/10 1:21pm
Msg #355344

Thanks, Teresa! That makes a lot more sense. n/m

Reply by meganPA on 10/4/10 1:36pm
Msg #355349

200 closings in 1 year = 17 closings per month...

..how is that hard to believe?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/4/10 1:59pm
Msg #355357

He was a notary for 4 years in Florida n/m

Reply by Teresa/FL on 10/4/10 3:41pm
Msg #355380

Re: 200 closings in 5 years = 40/year, 350 = 70/year n/m

Reply by LKT/CA on 10/4/10 12:14pm
Msg #355327

Everyone gave you good, solid advice. Because you are in Texas and I'm in California, you're not my competition.....however, it is best to go through the list at Signing Central. Not only will you see who the 5 star companies are, you'll also see who the deadbeats are.....so when the deadbeats call, you'll remember their low star rating and <hopefully> decline their offer.

Reply by taxpro on 10/4/10 1:26pm
Msg #355346

What is a "time-stare?"

Is that what you do when you're staring at the clock while you're waiting for docs?

But seriously, I recommend you run a spelling checker on your profile...

good luck!!

Reply by JanetK_CA on 10/4/10 11:37pm
Msg #355446

I don't remember if anyone else mentioned it or not, but just reading this board on a daily basis is another good way to get educated on who to call and who to avoid. That's a key way the rest of us get clued in, aside from our own "sweat equity". There are no shortcuts. Everyone has to do their own legwork, I'm afraid.