Posted by ME/NJ on 7/31/11 9:40am
Msg #392131

Change in business

Over the last 3 months I'm getting more work directly from Title companies vs SS for July I did 3 deals with SS and the rest was all TC work. When I started back up in November it was the other way around.

Has this happened to others? It is almost like when I did this full time years ago all my work was from TC only.

The people I have talked with said it's a pain dealing with SS and would rather just deal directly with a trusted signing agent.

Reply by Susan/CA on 7/31/11 11:24am
Msg #392133

I get very few direct calls. How do the title companies find you? From advertising and sites like here on Notaryrotary? I advertise but get few calls. Maybe I should add my business card to the return envelopes! Would love more direct calls!

Susan

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 7/31/11 12:28pm
Msg #392138

Be careful adding business cards to return packages

if you're hired through an SS, they frown on that - they consider it backstabbing and an attempt by you to steal their clients. I consider it my signature on the package - and I've seen instructions specfically prohibiting that practice.

I've been found by some great title companies from my listing both here and on the numbers site. Also, contacting them directly helps.

Reply by Susan/CA on 7/31/11 1:05pm
Msg #392141

Re: Be careful adding business cards to return packages

I agree Linda and I am aware most signing companies prohibit sending our business cards with packages. I get a small amount of title companies calling me directly. I believe I have signed up for every title company & SS on this site and other sites as well. One year (many years ago) I sent out large postcards with my information on them to every title company I could find on the internet. No response. I sure hope our business moves in that direction but I don't see any big signing company mutiny going on as of yet. It's a hopeful thought, however!

Reply by HisHughness on 7/31/11 1:36pm
Msg #392144

I am in business

Business people use business cards. My reaction and my response to signing companes that attempt to restrict me in following a commonly accepted business practice is to tell them to find an amateur signing agent who would be willing to follow their silly stricture.

Beyond that, there is a reason for enclosing a business card. If the lender/TC want to get in touch with me on packet, I want them to be able to do so.

And finally, my name is stamped all over a closing packet. Lenders and title companies are so ignorant of contemporary technology they don't know how to google me if they want to cut out a signing company in the future? Dream on, SS.

Reply by jnew on 7/31/11 4:38pm
Msg #392152

Re: I am in business

My addition to what was previously said is this. I do not send a business card per se. I send a quality check to show the lender that I did a quality check for all lender and title company requirements and that if there is a problem with any of the documents to contact me directly. All of the information from my business card plus a little graphic and sales pitch are included on the sheet. I don't feel I have abrogated my agreement to the signing service, but merely enhanced the quality of the product which we are both responsible for.

Reply by LindaP/OH on 8/1/11 8:18am
Msg #392172

Re: I am in business

jnew, please see private pm

Reply by LindaP/OH on 8/1/11 8:53am
Msg #392173

jnew, please see your pm n/m

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 8/1/11 9:55am
Msg #392176

This is something I learned from Paul...

I, too, don't send a business card per se... but a cover letter "report" form where I indicate any concerns, or things the TC/Lender need to know about. This letter, of course, has all of my contact information. This way, it gets the message across and doesn't cross the line in to marketing because you're giving them information they need. I've received several calls and emails from companies thanking me for it.

This is something I learned to do from Paul.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 7/31/11 6:28pm
Msg #392158

Re: I am in business

Most of these SS have a contract to provide services for the lender/ TC. Whether I put my business card in or not is not going to affect that relationship if the SS is doing their job. If the lender / TC begins to call notaries direct, it's because they have already decided to dump the SS.

I too enclose a business card with each package. If the lender / TC has any questions regarding my performance, I don't want the question and answer relayed through a third party.

Reply by Notarysigner on 7/31/11 6:47pm
Msg #392159

Re: I am in business

I remember this issue from the past, boy did I get in ear full when I mentioned I included my business card in the package. Of course that was when I first started.

I still include my card and have never heard back from the SS..WHY? Because the package goes back to the TC not the SS. A couple of TC have a page for notary information which is the same as what's on the bus card, dah!

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 7/31/11 10:46pm
Msg #392163

Excellent observation, James

More and more lenders require us to fill out all our info on their third-party notary form. Also, I agree with Glenn that including a business card is not going to cause any lender/TC to dump a SS for individual notaries. A SS gets dumped on its on merits - or lack of. Or until another SS comes along, promising lower fees - usually at our expense...


I know of one SS that actually says on its doc download site that their TCs/lenders are "instructed" to report if a notary has included their biz card back with the signed docs. Pretty sad .....

Reply by Susan Fischer on 7/31/11 11:30pm
Msg #392165

Hear Hear! Independent Contractors are called Independent

for a very good, solid, and long established reasons.

No SS has a right to restrict my Small Business outreach or availability.

Period.

Besides, my business cards are beautiful, and have generated lots of local GN work. It's at once a very small world of singular happenstance, and a vast resource for networking.

Reply by MonicaFL on 8/1/11 10:23am
Msg #392178

Dumb Question or Not

Okay, I have seen the "numbers site" mentioned several times here. What exactly is the "numbers site"? Thank you.

Reply by jba/fl on 8/1/11 11:48am
Msg #392182

Re: Dumb Question or Not

It is the other notary site with "a 1, a 2, a 3" leading to advertising in competition.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/1/11 11:58am
Msg #392184

Ah yes - the Lawrence Welk website...:) n/m

Reply by MichiganAl on 8/1/11 4:36pm
Msg #392210

And a 1, and a 2, and a 3...plz turn off the bubble machine n/m

Reply by Susan Fischer on 8/1/11 4:33pm
Msg #392209

Monica, check you private messages. n/m

Reply by RedBaron/IN on 8/1/11 4:17pm
Msg #392206

Re: Be careful adding business cards to return packages

What is the number site, please?