Posted by HisHughness on 5/10/12 1:37pm
Msg #420488

Tip on avoiding a lesson learned the hard way

My best client, a large title company, called me three times today on my land line. The first two times I was in a closing. The third time I answered, and it was a closing assignment. It was after that, on checking my Caller ID, that I discovered they had called twice previously, which, I presumed, was for the closing I finally accepted. I called back to the closing department to ask why they had not called my mobile when I didn't answer the first two times, and mentioned that it was probably for the closing I finally accepted. It wasn't; the scheduler said it was two other closings. This company does not call a second number if the primary doesn't answer; they just go to another notary.

I have always regarded my primary or preferred phone number as the one I prefer to be called first, after which the caller goes to the second number. Not so with this title company, and I wonder how many others. Since I prefer that calls to my land line not roll over to my cell, hereafter the cell will be the primary phone number.

Reply by bob/IA on 5/10/12 1:44pm
Msg #420489

I think most call one number and if no answer move on to next person on their list.

Reply by Les_CO on 5/10/12 1:47pm
Msg #420490

I too missed one from one of my favorites today. Left my cell in the car while getting haircut/groceries…didn’t check it for an hour.
I’m thinking of getting another number (cell) that I give out ONLY to SS and TC for closings not only as my primary number but as my ONLY number.

Reply by MonicaFL on 5/10/12 5:41pm
Msg #420531

That's a great idea! Especially when you can get some of these no-contract phones and even though they usually have only about 250 minutes on them, it just may well be worth it. Think I will look into that.

Reply by ME/NJ on 5/10/12 2:03pm
Msg #420491

Seems to happen when in the shower or if I left the phone in the car to grab something. I know not to call back on a few because if you don't answer they move to the next. Called back within minute and already assigned.

Reply by CJ on 5/10/12 2:26pm
Msg #420492

I only have ONE phone: my cell phone. I take it with me EVERYWHERE. I am constantly patting my pockets to make sure it is there. If it has not rang in a while, I check it to see if it is working. I even take it with me in the bathroom (you know that's when they are going to call). I sleep with it next to my bed. Sometimes I even sleep holding it. When I went on my honeymoon, I took it so that I could accept jobs for when I came back and in case someone needed an ack. Once it fell out of my pocket and I inadvertently left it in the car for an hour. My husband was terrified because I did not pick up and he locked up his shop and came looking for me.

Reply by PegiT_MN on 5/10/12 2:44pm
Msg #420494

It's just like that stupid saying....."a watched pot never boils". It never fails for me.....I keep this cell phone attached to me at all times and the minute I can't take the call....that's usually when they do call.....and it's usually from my favorite title company......and they definitely go on to the next notary.

Reply by Joseph Miller on 5/10/12 4:18pm
Msg #420516

same here I can be at gym in shower for 10 minutes and they call, then phone is silent rest of day with nothing going on.

Joe/NC

Reply by Doris_CO on 5/10/12 5:33pm
Msg #420528

I've had a few companies that call both my cell and then my home phone if I don't answer the cell. But, most just go on to the next notary on the list. I can almost guarantee though, that as soon as we head out of town the phone rings constantly. And as soon as we're back home the phone is very quiet.

Reply by Buddy Young on 5/10/12 7:48pm
Msg #420540

I have always used my cell phone # as my primary contact number.

I always have it with me and am always able to answer. I don't even list a secondary number.

I have never missed a call. I accepted an assignment today while on the golf course.

Reply by ikando on 5/10/12 9:26pm
Msg #420543

Like you, Buddy, I answered calls while on a few days of R&R. Got two calls about an hour apart for closings next week, but because I couldn't send an email response w/in an hour of receipt of the confirmation, they took them back. I told them I'd be able to do the jobs because I would be back home on Friday, but they took them back anyway.

Reply by Kay/IL on 5/11/12 9:17am
Msg #420572

Don't you have a Smartphone (I-Phone, Blackberry, Android, etc.) setup in which you can communicate via e-mail? That's too important a feature NOT to have if you plan to stay successful in this business.

Reply by ikando on 5/11/12 8:15pm
Msg #420636

My point was that I told them I was available. I've worked with them before, and so they should have a record of my completions when I take a job. The only off thing was my not immediately replying to a confirmation. I would understand if it was my first working with them, but it's not. There is no reciprocation when jobs are cancelled and our time has been wasted when we find out from the borrower.

While I understand the point Hugh was making, my point is that a person ought to be able to disconnect for a couple days, especially when the job to be done is scheduled a week in advance.

Reply by LKT/CA on 5/11/12 1:08am
Msg #420557

My cell is the primary number. I always have it and always answer it (as best I can), whether in town or out of town. The callers don't need to know I'm out of town. I just answer my phone, get the details, ask them when they'd like to meet and if that day and time won't work (because I'd still be out of town), then my answer is "I'm booked at that time, but I'm available on X day at X time". Or I offer to refer them to a trusted and experienced notary friend. By doing that, when I get back IN town, I have appointments lined up. This method has worked quite well over the years.