Posted by Darlene Fontenot on 3/22/11 1:09pm
Msg #377091

New to NSA

I am a new NSA and would like to generate more business any suggestions?

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 3/22/11 1:11pm
Msg #377093

My suggestion is to find a different line of work

You are entering into a business that is completely oversaturated. There simply is not enough work to go around. Especially in a state like Texas which has so many notaries.

Even signing agents who have been in the business many years are leaving this business because there isn't any work.

Please take my advice - before you start investing in this career, find a different line of work. I am sorry you got sold by the NNA's "get rich quick" scheme, but with the current state of the real estate market there is very little work for NSAs.

Reply by MW/VA on 3/22/11 4:11pm
Msg #377140

How would you know--you're not in this line of work! n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/22/11 4:58pm
Msg #377153

Robert, I do not agree with you on this.

I feel that there is mobile notary work, if not signing work, for those who will dig in and market daily, and think very hard about how to reach every single client who is a target.

It will not come easily like it did a few years back, but it is "out there". New niches must be found.

This is not to say that signing agent work is ever going to deliver a grand full time income for any and everyone again. It was never as big in Texas as it was in most other states, but there is notary work.

I have never taken low fees for signing or mobile work, and I still get regular calls. The last few months I have been sick and busy catching up after being ill, so I have passed along at least $500 worth of work (monthly) to a local notary who works 24/7 doing general notary work.

Here's the other thing, just because you aren't making a huge amount being a mobile notary does not mean that you cannot supplement your mobile notary businesses with other services that go with notary work.

Also, another reason to get a notary commission is that it may get some moved to the top of an employment candidate list. I can think of two instances where it probably boosted me to the top of the roster.


Also...about how many notaries there are...saturation in Texas...what I have learned over the past ten years is this:

If there are 1,000 people in a room who want to be in business for themselves...

800 will at least try to learn how to build a business; 200 will wish and talk about it but they will wait for something to come along because they are too lazy to do more than talk.

500 of the 800 will put forth a little more effort than the other 300 and take some classes, and maybe even get the commission/license/registration for that business thing they are starting...and then, they will wait for something to happen.

200 out of the 500 of those will move forward and read everything they can get their hands on, study, and take advantage of every source possible; the other 300 will be disillusioned with the fact that the license/commission/registration and a listing on the 'net didn't kick their business off in a big way. They will move on to something else.

Out of that 200; only about 50 will not give up, have the time to work the business and market so that they are able to make it through the financial difficulties of a business start up AND the IRS. They will use every marketing tool available to them, AND they will hit the pavement to make contacts.

Out of that group, 10% will not become sidetracked or disappointed when the business does not blossom after one or two months of hard, dedicated marketing.

5-10 of the 20 left will actually market each day and make contact repeatedly until they get clients. They will continue in the business.

Being in biz for yourself all sounds good until the rubber meets the road and a tax season goes by.

Saturation in numbers? Maybe. Saturation in those who will be around in a year? Probably not.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/22/11 5:07pm
Msg #377154

Robert, I DO agree that NSA work is not as plentiful

as it once was.

The upside is that the less work there is, the more notaries who will abandon the signing business and find another line of work. I have seen this happening around me. It's hard to find a signing agent in some areas. "Big city" notaries are covering more and more country.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 3/22/11 1:18pm
Msg #377095

First, DO NOT be discouraged by certain posters...especially

those do NOT WORK in the NSA field.

Do a "search" on this site for a wealth of information. Take your time reading and take copious notes.

Good luck to you!

Reply by James Dawson on 3/22/11 1:18pm
Msg #377096

Listen to the majority of people responding to your (this) post then you will have some idea of what you must/should do. Good Luck!

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 3/22/11 1:26pm
Msg #377098

James and Cari are delusional if they think that this

business has room for MORE notaries... especially in Texas which has the second highest number of notaries of any state (behind Florida).

Reply by James Dawson on 3/22/11 1:59pm
Msg #377100

So why are you teaching people to become notaries? n/m

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 3/22/11 2:05pm
Msg #377102

It is inevitable that people will apply for a notary

commission... at least I know that if I'm teaching classes, SOME of the notaries will actually know what they are doing.

Believe it or not, I teach classes because I am trying to increase the standards for notaries in Florida. It is not all about money, people.

Reply by James Dawson on 3/22/11 2:12pm
Msg #377104

Re: It is inevitable that people will apply for a notary

I see, an over abundance of smart notaries instead of an over abundance of sub-standard ones. Now that really makes sense.........you win.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 3/22/11 2:25pm
Msg #377107

Even though you are trying to be sarcastic, you are

actually proving my point.

You are correct - since it is inevitable that there will be an overabundance of notaries in Florida, I would rather that they be smart than sub-standard.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 3/22/11 3:35pm
Msg #377130

AND here we go with Robert's typical "look at me", "que

tengo dos pelitos en mis webitos" complex.

...totally contradictory, as always...

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 3/22/11 3:40pm
Msg #377131

Really appropriate Cari, how about post it in English?

You are despicable. I don't know why I even bother replying to you.

Reply by bagger on 3/22/11 4:11pm
Msg #377139

Re: Really appropriate Cari, how about post it in English?

Robert, your ego and feeling of self worth is obviously very distorted.
Mother Theresa you ain't buddy.
The best advice I can give to you is something that a wise man once told me.
When you start thinking that you are irreplaceable, stick your fist into a bucket of water, pull it out.
The hole you leave is about the size of what you are worth in the grand scheme of things.
Lighten up buddy, you ain't that important.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 3/22/11 4:17pm
Msg #377143

yeah, its a wonder.... n/m

Reply by bagger on 3/22/11 4:07pm
Msg #377137

The biggest lie

LOL, when ANYBODY says "it's not about the money", It is always about the money.
Robert, you need an 18' extension ladder so you can climb down off that ego of yours.
True, it is a very difficult time to get started in thius business, and if anyone thinks they are going to make a fortune doing it, they are going to be very dissappointed.
That being said, if you are looking for a part time job to supplement your income, this is a perfect job.
You can set your own hours, and be free to attend to the grandkids or whatever.
You will NOT make as much as Charlie Sheen, but then again, you won't be able to afford the cocaine habit that is going to kill him.
It is a GREAT PART TIME JOB.

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 3/22/11 4:40pm
Msg #377149

Re: The biggest lie...In agreement here....:) n/m

Reply by A S Johnson on 3/22/11 1:45pm
Msg #377099

If you are Debra (Darlene) Fontenot in Houston. The address for the mentioned Notary on the SOS site has 8 premium and 8 basic members of Notary Rotary with in 10 miles of that address. All ahve good to above rating.
I am:
Sid Johnson
Weatherford TX
817-613-7002

Reply by Jack/AL on 3/22/11 2:23pm
Msg #377106

Click on "Back to Forum." Look upward to the row of tabs, and click on the orange "Search" tab. There is a field for entering a message number, to search for old messages. Enter 33325 and hit enter. That message has been around for a while, so it is somewhat outdated, but still has a lot of good info. Suggest also reading this forum daily.............

Reply by MW/VA on 3/22/11 4:26pm
Msg #377147

I'm not new & been working hard at this for almost five years. My biz is down over 50% & calls are few & far between. I don't normally discourage people, but you might want to think carefully about market conditions before you invest in equipment, advertising, etc.

Reply by linda/ca on 3/26/11 12:53am
Msg #377558

MW/VA and yep? FlaNotary2 are both correct, it is very slow and of course you will find that out on your own. I guess the tickling of your ear folks are just trying to be kind and that is all good, however, work is scarce!

Reply by Stephanie_CA on 3/22/11 4:47pm
Msg #377151

While the industry is saturated, if you decide to pursue this line of work, I wish you nothing but the best.
If you currently have a full-time position, you may want to start out with signings in the evenings and/or weekends to "get your feet wet". You may find that this can be perfect for you on a part-time basis.
I suggest retaining your full-time position, if that is the case. Regardless, good luck in your endeavor in this industry, and I hope you do well.
Styephanie

Reply by jba/fl on 3/22/11 4:51pm
Msg #377152

You might get more help from Sid than anyone else. At least he is in your state....give him a call.

Reply by James Dawson on 3/22/11 5:40pm
Msg #377157

Darlene ....Re: New to NSA

I know you probably haven't gotten the answer you started out looking for but if you read these post carefully they are all answers you can learn from. Some will help you and some won't. Read the daily post of the people who have responded to your liking and truly good luck.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 3/23/11 9:35am
Msg #377197

Now you'll probably send her a painting

to try and bring another person over to yours and Cari's "dark side".

You both need to get off the high horse. You like to paint the picture (no pun intended) that I am some arrogant egomaniac. I am completely self-motivated and I've done more for the notary community in my three years as a notary than you've done your whole career. If you think I wrote a book and go out and teach classes just to show off to you, you're both delusional. I have a life outside this forum, unlike some people.

Reply by James Dawson on 3/23/11 11:56am
Msg #377212

Wow Robert!

People request/purchase my paintings but they can speak for themselves. West Oakland Community Senior center can tell you about my volunteer work. I don't recall saying anything negative about you and I won't, just not me. I like the view I have about life and everyone around me.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 3/23/11 12:25pm
Msg #377217

smells like..smells like...JEALOUSY! James whatcha think??

But seriously Robert, for the record, you can join us on the, what was it, oh yeah, the 'dark' side (interesting choice of words), in fact, I encourage you. :o

But getting back to the topic at hand, Darlene is also self-motivated, as are most of us on this site, otherwise we wouldn't be in this business for ourselves. And because she is self-motivated, she asked an honest question, hoping to get some positive feedback, which she did, though NOT from you.

Also, 'we' do not 'paint' the picture of your arrogancy - your self-absorbed egotiscial-self is the watercolor portrait you paint all by your little 'ole self.

And I would strongly suggest you NOT post or give new signing agents ANY advice especially since you do not work in this capacity.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 3/23/11 12:48pm
Msg #377225

And I would strongly suggest you NOT give immigration

advice as you are not an attorney.

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 3/24/11 12:59pm
Msg #377377

to WHOM are you referring this statement to Robert? n/m

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/23/11 1:24pm
Msg #377244

Re: Now you'll probably send her a painting

Robert
The picture that you are an an arrogant egomaniac is one that you yourself have painted in the past with your posts, and with this one.
I really thought you had changed and matured since you started posting, obviously I was mistaken.
I am really disappointed in you - not that that will make any difference to you.

Reply by FlaNotary2 on 3/23/11 1:30pm
Msg #377248

Sylvia - it is very hard to keep a thick skin with these two

The only time I ever act like this is on this message board. And it is completely self-degrading to continually participate in this nonsense. I really don't know what else to say.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 3/23/11 1:55pm
Msg #377256

Re: Sylvia - it is very hard to keep a thick skin with these two

Your response to James was totally inappopriate.
He was giving Darlene advice I would have given her myself regarding maybe not getting the answer she was looking for and to read the daily posts.

I believe you owe him an apology!

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/23/11 3:22pm
Msg #377280

I'd like to know where BOTH those comments came from

The "painting" remark to James and the "immigration" remark to Cari

Both of them were totally out of line. You and Cari have been at each other's throats for a while now but to throw that kind of comment out is uncalled for. Both of you need to stop sniping at each other.

And Robert, I agree, you owe James an apology...and no need to respond - I don't expect you to agree with me...c'est la vie..

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 3/24/11 1:02pm
Msg #377378

I don't snip unless I am snapped at! No exception don't care

who it is!

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 3/24/11 1:29pm
Msg #377383

I do. Stop giving advice on subjects you know nothing about! n/m

Reply by Frank/NC on 3/23/11 9:16am
Msg #377193

A lot of years in this business and I'm trying to do the same thing. Things are just terrible almost all over the place. Keep trying, calling, soliciting and whatever else works but it aint easy.

Reply by Darlene Fontenot on 3/24/11 3:40pm
Msg #377410

WOW, I didn't realize that I would start something here. I was just looking for some information and what I got was really surprising. Thank you all for the encouraging words, and to the others well I'm here to stay.