Posted by Cheryl Anderson on 10/5/11 9:29pm
Msg #399731

Tossin' the thought around...

I was wondering if anyone has ever offered their services for free or at best a minimum, by setting up "office" within another amicable business, to generate (not just business) but some exposure? If so, if you don't mind sharing; how did your experience go, and did it, in fact, result in any more business or actually give you any noticeable exposure? (or return clients?).

This, of course, would be based on ONE DAY in a month.

I, like others, am not insinuating that I am in any position to offer any of my services for free precariously or "on a whim"...but presuming it might help to generate some business....althewhile "giving back" to the community...if you will.

Thoughts, suggestions, opinions...(that i might be nuts) accepted here!

Thank you so much, in advance!

Reply by MW/VA on 10/5/11 10:10pm
Msg #399732

I think notarysigner volunteers his services at a

senior citizen center, if that's the sort of thing you're referring to. IMO there is always room for service to the community. It isn't always about the money, IMO.

Reply by Jessica Ward on 10/5/11 11:06pm
Msg #399735

I do this occasionally with youth sports leagues that require notarized parental waivers, and with adoption agencies--I'm an adoptive parent myself. Several adoption agencies know they can call upon me when they've got a family that needs a hand with notarization and can't get into the agency office (shift workers, etc). LOTS of adoption documents have to be notarized (I know this first-hand--I have two adopted children). Yes, I've gotten lots of return business from both opportunities.

Reply by BossLadyMD on 10/6/11 8:03am
Msg #399741

I did an internship at a title company for several weeks just for experience but ended up gaining exposure too. Ten years later, they are still a loyal client. So it worked great for me as I may use their office for any of their signings. Not much in the way of community stuff though.

Reply by Notarysigner on 10/6/11 8:12am
Msg #399742

Good morning! Yes, I offer my

services free at my local Senior Citizens center every week for 1/2 day (Weds). I've been doing this going on two years now and I wouldn't have it any other way. I will do one "basic" notarization per senior. I average about two a week.
As far as generating business, well I don't do it for that reason but it has. My reason for doing so? Well, I'm a senior and what better way to find out problems that seniors are facing then to hang out with them? LOL
The gave me an office and "other" Senior Centers (there are five) refer their members to me. If you want to know more, email me [e-mail address]

Reply by Molly Richardson on 10/6/11 12:50pm
Msg #399787

Re: Good morning! Yes, I offer my

In California, AV Notary Network has members that provide "free" services during all veteran stand downs and during senior citizen expos and such. The experience provides first hand notary training to "new notaries", exposure for "seasoned notaries", and true "give back to the community" abilities for any notary. All reasons are good to volunteer your notarial services. I whole heartedly believe that you get what you give and that someday it will reap rewards even if they are not immediate.

Reply by closergrl on 10/6/11 2:03pm
Msg #399799

I volunteer for the MDA Bike-a-thon in Northern Minnesota every year. I notarize the Parental Holdharmless for bikers under age 16. I have done this for 7 years with some referrals and new customers.

Reply by Cheryl Anderson on 10/8/11 9:06pm
Msg #399982

Wow....Thanks everyone!

I appreciate the awesome responses that I received. I think I will go ahead and do this...Volunteering in the Senior Citizen Center in my area is a fantastic idea! All the responses ROCK! Thanks again!