Posted by Greg Wilson on 5/5/12 2:13pm
Msg #420017

Portland, OR is a ghost town

Haven't had a call from an SS in over a month although I advertise heavily. A Washington friend (NSA newbie) lives just 200 hundred away (Seattle) doesn't advertise other than NR, 45 signings recently, averaging 2 a day. Is this "hit and miss" business pattern typical across the U.S.? Puzzled and clueless.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 5/5/12 2:55pm
Msg #420019

In a word, yes.

Some lenders seem to focus marketing campaign geographically from time to time. This certainly doesn't explain all fluctuations in our business - or even close to all - but it's definitely a factor, imo. That's partly why we sometimes read here about someone in one area being swamped while someone somewhere else is slow.

But the rest of the many other influencing factors are too numerous to mention and include all the things that influence why any one business does well in a certain market while others languish.

Reply by RickG/CA on 5/5/12 3:09pm
Msg #420020

Some constructive criticism...

Revisit the local T/C's that you've worked with the last 3 years.

You may want to review your profile(s) where you're listed. Sometimes there may be words or phrases used that might make a difference between calling you or skipping.

Look for ways to get your name out where it counts. Join networking groups and/or chambers of commerce.

Good luck

Reply by Linda Juenger on 5/5/12 3:23pm
Msg #420023

Re: Some constructive criticism...

Greg, you may want to change this phrase on your profile. "I CAN IT DONE". Think you forgot a word in there. Also, I'd take out the "mistakes" part. They don't want to read about ANY mistakes, even though we all make them from time to time because we're human. Don't let them even think you'll make a mistake. Say something on the order of you "guarantee" all your work. They know what that means. ( If you happen to make a mistake, you will get it corrected). And, I too believe that lenders market areas of the country then move onto another area.

Reply by Pro Mobile Notary on 5/5/12 6:49pm
Msg #420038

Re: Some constructive criticism...

Hi Janet, how U B?

The regional differences (by training and profession and I a housing market economist for over 20 years) there are many variables in the equation. Part of the enigma is different areas, markets and sub-markets went into the housing slump sooner than others. Portland was one of the very last major cities in the country to enter the housing slump, so they are experiencing what others have gone through previously.

Another factor is how escrow and title offices like to work. We have done countless signings in OR over the years and we can count how few we have done within the City Portland itself. You can advertise until the cow come home, but if the business is slow in the market, then...

Linda, as a signing service we could care less about typos. We are amazed at how few people give an adequate description of why we should pick up the phone and call them for a signing. Don't tell us about your certifications, your insurance coverage or how nice a person or how good of a signing agent you think you are. Give people a compelling reason to call, like your experience factors and why you should be the one they call for the assignment.

Okay, I am off my "soap box" and hope people take my comments in the vane they are being given.

Reply by HisHughness on 5/5/12 8:29pm
Msg #420048

Bummer...

***hope people take my comments in the vane [vein] they are being given.***

Such a beautiful set up for a smartassed reply, like "Well...I'd be a lot more prone to take them that way if you didn't have such a sorry reputation in Signing Central."

Unfortunately for me and the smartassed reply, the Pro Mobile Notary ratings are 5 stars all the way. Just really takes all the fun out of being snarky. Also means I have to go back and read the comments again to see what I can glean out of them.

Bummer.

Reply by Greg Wilson on 5/5/12 8:35pm
Msg #420050

Re: Some constructive criticism...Pro Mobile Notary question

...Glad I thought to write "Portland, OR is a ghost town" (I never see anyone else posting from this area). Pro Mobile Notary--I've had a notary address in outlying areas beyond Portland (Troutdale, Beaverton), and still no SS phone calls. You write: "Give people a compelling reason (for us) to call." Every NSA wants to do that: e.g, I am a relatively new NSA, a mature 66 yr. old, with several years as mortgage loan orginator, owned a substantial home remodeling business for many years. That's my background--but what precisely is it that catches your eye when you read an NSA profile? That he/she has completed 6000 signings? (if they have). Or is it some other more compelling factor? Do you currently have signings in this area (Oregon). If not in the greater Portland area, where?

Reply by Greg Wilson on 5/5/12 10:12pm
Msg #420052

Re: Some constructive criticism...Pro Mobile Notary question

Thank you all for the intelligent responses. Educational!

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 5/6/12 8:36am
Msg #420059

Greg, you have many inconsistencies in your various

profiles? You have listed on your NotRot profile, that you have been a "NSA for over three years..."

Yet on another site (where James can be found), you listed you only have 1 month experience as a nsa?

So which is it?

You want more work? Then you should probably first start by being truthful when filling out your nsa profiles here and on those other nsa sites.

Reply by Greg Wilson on 5/6/12 2:59pm
Msg #420083

To Carrie of Nortary Reviews (Rivera Chicago Notary)

Correct, over three years notary, one month NSA. No calls, no signings.