Posted by azsigning on 11/23/11 6:18pm
Msg #404840

Getting the ball rolling

I'm a newly minted NSA in Arizona and I'm finding it difficult to get that first signing. I've registered with dozens of agencies but like it is with any industry - the more experience you have the more desirable you are - especially when that business is loan signings. Any advice you folks could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Reply by Buddy Young on 11/23/11 6:23pm
Msg #404843

It's going to take you at least a year to build a business.

Be patient, they will call you.

In the mean time, read this forum every day.

Reply by azsigning on 11/23/11 6:29pm
Msg #404847

Thanks Buddy - I'm realistic about the time it takes to build a business and I'm encouraged by your response. right now I just want that first gig

Reply by jba/fl on 11/23/11 6:36pm
Msg #404849

Click on the Signing Central tab above and work your way through the companies listed, signing up with those that have good RECENT ratings. Search further to see what others are saying about that company. Make it a point to do, 10-15 per day, going through the entire listing.

When you do get an order, don't be so excited that you forget to go to SC (Signing Central) again to be sure that things have not changed. If you find recent comments that that company is a deadbeat, do be afraid to turn the job back letting them know why. When you do this, don't let that scheduler tell you that they are under new management, have a new accounting system, a new bookkeeper,, etc....and they are back on track. Believe your peers - we have nothing to gain or lose by not speaking directly and honestly about these companies, but they have everything to gain by talking you into taking the job....why, they may not pay you and really make out just like the bandits they are. You will not be the exception to the rule. And yes, they are very nice - they are asking you to do something for them - that is their job.

Now, if you do take the job, when you come back here moaning about not getting paid and you took the job because they were so nice, they promised....well, we may find out just how thick your skin really is and then may say something to hurt your feelings. This is not a "feelings" business - it is just business.

Read the forum, make your own "do not work for" list and stick to it. Figure out what you need to make and do not go below that. Once you drop your fee, that will be your new fee.

Good luck. Persistence pays.

Reply by jba/fl on 11/23/11 6:38pm
Msg #404850

Correction: Don't be afraid to turn job back. n/m

Reply by azsigning on 11/23/11 6:43pm
Msg #404851

Thanks jba - I've been in business for myself going on ten years now and I have come to trust my peers - that's one of the reasons I'm on this board today. I have to admit I was shocked to find how many of the companies who use NSA's are 'dead-beat'. I've signed up with about half of the companies listed on signing central and add more everyday. Thanks for the post

Reply by Cody on 11/23/11 7:19pm
Msg #404856

where in az are you....might have a few already established folks...

Reply by azsigning on 11/23/11 7:47pm
Msg #404858

I'm in Phoenix but would be more than willing to travel a reasonable distance for the first job

Reply by Karla/OR on 11/23/11 8:20pm
Msg #404863

Another way to get business is to meet local notaries in your area. I met with one for coffee and chat and we hit it off nicely. She has referred signing companies to me (top notch ones too!) which got me some signing experience. I have also received a few calls on my own.

So the business WILL come with patience. And, as others have said, read this site as much as possible. Best of luck to you. Karla

Reply by azsigning on 11/23/11 9:46pm
Msg #404878

Thanks Karla, I have started to email some of the notaries here in PHX and hope to make some connections that way. The forum is a good tool and I intend to take advantage of the peer insight that's offered here. Happy Thanksgiving

Reply by MikeC/TX on 11/23/11 11:12pm
Msg #404881

As others have said, work the listings in SC. If possible, market yourself to local title companies. Also, be aware that there are several companies that are constantly trolling this and other sites for fresh meat they can take advantage of (such as SOX); you will probably hear from them before you hear from legitimate companies, so get in the habit of checking SC and don't be afraid to turn back an assignment from a known deadbeat.

Other than that - good luck!

Reply by azsigning on 11/25/11 11:03am
Msg #404953

Thanks MikeC - I'm going to be on the lookout for SOX (and other deadbeats) I appreciate the info

Reply by jba/fl on 11/25/11 1:00pm
Msg #404956

While you are doing your homework (research) make a list of those companies you DO NOT want to work for....SOX, Genuine Title, etc. to save yourself time in the long run.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 11/26/11 1:46am
Msg #404983

Mike, I usually agree with you, but I disagree about a newbie marketing to title co's, unless they're in an area with little competition.

To azsigning: I think it's a good idea to have some experience under your belt before trying that, as tc folks don't have the time to answer lots of questions. A signing service owner is all about getting the docs signed and may be more willing to help when you get to the inevitable road blocks or new situations and have questions. But to the settlement agent, it often something that they don't want to have to expend any mental energy over. Naturally, there's a learning curve for everything, so probably best to not burn your bridges with the tc's in your area. Make your mistakes and learn your lessons through a signing service, then work your way up. I believe you should save your marketing to the title co's for when you know the ropes.

You also may want to do some research and find out how many other NSAs there are in your area. If business is slow in your area and there are tons of competitors, it may be very tough to get going. This is why some of us have cautioned people about jumping into this business before doing your homework. But like anything else, the results go to the persistent. Eventually, you will find the right moment and someone will give you a chance.

Also, you don't have yourself linked to your profile, so we can't offer you any suggestions about what you've posted there. This is your business face to the world and is something you should put lots of time and effort into. You also need to look at what else you're doing to get found. This is an ongoing task that you need to work on perpetually - but you need to make sure that whatever impression you're leaving is one that will encourage people to want to hire you - not to move on to the next person. Be honest, but put your best foot forward. (That includes making sure that your spelling and grammar are perfect.)

Reply by John/CT on 11/24/11 6:23am
Msg #404897

Read Msg. #33325 (Orange Search Button)

The entire thread still contains priceless advice for newbies.

Reply by azsigning on 11/25/11 11:47am
Msg #404954

Re: Read Msg. #33325 (Orange Search Button)

Thanks John/CT - the information in Dorothy's original message is very useful. I'm encouraged to read that most of my early efforts are mentioned there but there is so much more to do. I read through about 20% of the thread and will go back to read more later. It contains a wealth of information and I was impressed to see it's been compiled over a five year period with members returning to add suggestions or to make comments.