Posted by Matham on 3/27/11 11:44am
Msg #377620

What worked best for you?

For those of you that advertised your services at hospitals, travel agencies, nursing homes, senior centers, convalescent homes, jails, prisons, banks, and bail bond companies, did you utilize flyers, business cards, or walking in to advertise your services or a combination thereof? What worked best for you?

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/27/11 11:53am
Msg #377622

I think the answers can vary greatly by location...

IMO if you really want to market general notary work, I'd suggest getting Laura Vestanen's marketing book - it's very good.

Either google it or go to Amazon.com.....it's not expensive and, believe me, it will be money well spent.

Reply by LKT/CA on 3/27/11 3:11pm
Msg #377625

Since you're in CA, general notary work can be very lucrative. What worked for me was networking through the Chamber of Commerce. I attended their breakfast meetings, luncheons, ribbon cutting ceremonies, business mixers - meeting people and passing out my business card. My face became familiar to other business owners so by knowing me personally, it began to build trust and goodwill. Not only was that beneficial to me as a Notary, but it was beneficial on a personal level. If I was in need of a plumber, electrician, realtor, caterer, etc., I knew who I could call because I got to know them and it gave me the piece of mind to call them rather than some random stranger from the phone book or internet.

The Chamber members live locally and do business locally and highly value their professional reputation, so they're not out to "take the money and run" like a business you know nothing about. Also, when you are a Chamber member, you'll be invited to other networking groups which will provide even more opportunities to grow your business.

What I liked most about being a Chamber of Commerce member was that there was no requirement to attend any of the events - you simply show up to the ones you're able to show up at. It's always best to attend as many of the events as possible but there's no obligation to be there - like there are with some other networking groups.

Typically, when you cold call to visit hospitals, travel agencies, jails, etc., you get the low person on the totem pole, who'll take your business card or flyer, and toss them. At the CC meetings, typically business owners or management is attending - that's who you need to get to know.

Reply by Roger_OH on 3/27/11 3:53pm
Msg #377627

Definitely second that, Lisa!

Your local Chamber is a great resource for business to business (as well as personal) notary work, along with fun activities (luncheons, golf outings, business open houses, etc) Your dues are tax deductible as a business expense - an excellent investment!

Beyond that, get on every free/cheap LOCAL search engine you can (yelp, thumbtack, CraigsList, the list is endless); send/drop off cards to the social workers at hospitals and the administrators at nursing/retirement homes.

Reply by Don Courtney on 3/27/11 4:16pm
Msg #377629

google, google and more google

The prior posts are all great tips. I always keep a keen eye what hits the 1st page of a google search. If you do not hit the 1st page 2-4 times, there is more work to be done.
When I say "hits", that includes paid directories such as Notary Rotary, 123 etc. Any directory not on page 1 of the search is of dubious value. You should also have some hits from the free listings such as google maps, Yelp, Merchant Circle and so forth.

Referals and repeat business are great, but I think there is a high % of general notary business driven off web searches.

Reply by docs2go/ca on 3/27/11 6:05pm
Msg #377636

Re: google, google and more google

Always remember the customer you are with! I always leave 2 business cards, saying, "Here's one for you and one for someone you know. Please pass along my information.

I also mention other instances in which a mobile notary might be needed. This way they see my card and hear my advertisement.