Posted by Michele Carr on 7/28/13 4:31pm
Msg #478332

Signing Jobs in Tampa Florida

Hi,

Can anyone direct me to comanies that are hiring agents right now. I am looking for work in the Tampa area, and am willing to travel 30 miles.

Thanks for your help
Michele Carr

Reply by MW/VA on 7/28/13 4:35pm
Msg #478334

Not to be snippy, Michele, but this is a very competitive

business. I doubt that NSA's in your area that are competing for what work is out there are going to be willing to tell you where the work is coming from. I did sent you a p/m though.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 7/28/13 4:59pm
Msg #478336

Re: Not to be snippy, Michele, but this is a very competitive

Not only that, Michele, but I suspect there are other notaries in your same area who have been long time members and contributors to this board. If notaries from other areas send you this type of info (whether publicly or privately) vs. those other notaries in your area, they are effectively back-stabbing their long-time colleagues on this forum. Not really fair, is it?

Unfortunately, there are no short-cuts to this - or any other - business. It takes hard work and perseverance. I think you got come very solid advice the last time you asked for this info and again here. Now it's time to implement that advice.

Best of luck!

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 7/28/13 4:42pm
Msg #478335

Not to be snippy here either..but as I told you in

response to your same question on 7/18/13 Msg #477297

Start using signing central and working your way through the list. Since you have experience (as stated in that previous message) you should have no problem getting on the lists of many companies that can send you work. You will get much farther working your way through the list is signing central than you will posting the same question every 10 days to 2 weeks and not doing your own due diligence..

JMHO and Good Luck.

Reply by Buddy Young on 7/28/13 8:43pm
Msg #478350

Re: Not to be snippy here either..but as I told you in

The best person to help you is the person in the mirror.

Reply by LKT/CA on 7/28/13 8:24pm
Msg #478349

If it hasn't been suggested yet, it would be a good idea for you to search message 33325 using the orange search button. There is a wealth of information in that thread. Also, use the orange search button to research any question you may have, which has probably been asked and answered at least 100 times over.

If you don't do your due dilligence and research before asking a question, that will evident to the veteran members here. Then you will get unfavorable responses and you'll claim everybody's mean and rude.

Reply by 101livescan on 7/28/13 8:52pm
Msg #478351

Michele, I see you don't have a profile up yet in your territory. You should spend a little time on this as it is how people will know if they want to hire you.

Only work for 4 and 5 star companies with solid footing in the industry. Maybe you can remain unscathed and not be "stiffed" by only working for the best. You can sort the companies in SC by stars. Definitely do not work for 1, 2 and many 3 star companies because they are dropping like flies due to slow down in the refi world.

If you have the time, start at the very beginning of NR's forum and bring yourself up to speed.

This board had its infancy, toddler, puberty/adolescence, young adult and now more mature audience, but many of us have stuck with the work through thick and thin. There are also some people who think this is a great way to make a fast buck. It just isn't so!

I'm here to tell you that it's harder and harder to earn the fees we once did, and there is a lot more involved. Do your homework, then come here and ask questions. There is a wealth of information here and some great technicians, but they will not hand over their knowledge and pearls of wisdom until you've earned your stripes. KNOW YOUR STATE NOTARY LAWS BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS, SONG AND VERSE.

Many are moving to general notary work (GNW) because the loan signing business has slowed to a crawl in many areas of the country.

If you know someone in the lending, title and escrow biz, that is a way to get started, but you better know your stuff, because no one has time to show you or explain it to you. The professionals in this business expect perfection every time, no errors or oversights. TIME IS MONEY.
What signing agents do is critical in the timeline of a loan and there are absolutely no excuses for not stamping or signing acknowledgments/jurats at this critical juncture before the rate lock expires.


Good Luck!

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 7/28/13 9:52pm
Msg #478353

Cheryl
Michele has a profile - unfortunately there are many premier members for her zip code (33624), and she is a basic member. The Tampa area is saturated.

Michele, all I can suggest as well is that you sign up with as many companies listed in Signing Central as you can, but stay away from the low rated companies, and before taking any signings check the company out first.

Reply by Christine/OK on 7/29/13 6:14am
Msg #478357

Very supportive . . .

All contributors above are being very supportive, Michelle, and are providing you with key information to achieve success.

Some organizations, as has been stated above, laud this as an easy/painless way to make 6 figures. As with any business that is launched, there is a steep learning curve and lots of 'learning experiences' along the way. In my experience the only folks that I have encountered that are willing to 'help' you want you to do the work for them pro bono or for a small fee to further develop THEIR business.

This is a very competitive business and it is also is a challenge to network in this business sector for obvious reasons . .

Here is the road map that I created during my process of building a business. Hopefully, you will find it helpful. There are elements within it that have been posted above and their guidance is true and correct.

Here goes . . .

If you are new to the industry, there is quite a bit you will be learning over the next few months about notarizing, loan documents, signing services, certification courses, and MARKETING! I emphasize marketing because I have found this to be the biggest challenge!

Check out Google! It can teach you a lot!

Speaking from my experience, I can offer the following:

Reply by Christine/OK on 7/29/13 6:18am
Msg #478358

Very supportive . . .

1. Many companies will want you to spend money with them to sign up for this or that and to buy various items. Be cautious because some offer little of value to your business.

Reply by Christine/OK on 7/29/13 6:24am
Msg #478359

Very supportive . . .

Give yourself 2-3 YEARS (yes, years) to become financially self-sufficient with regular clients and business. When I first started, of course, I hoped the business would come rolling in! lol Over the first several months not much happened, even though I was signed up with the BIG three with premium listings. I did quite a bit of additional research and discovered that it REALLY DOES take 2-3 years before you are self-sufficient! So, please don't quit your "day job" just yet! The marketing aspect comes into play in a very BIG way in this profession (see below for additional info).

Reply by Christine/OK on 7/29/13 6:27am
Msg #478360

Very supportive . . .

Market YOUR BUSINESS to the big 3 NSA listing directories.

Reply by Christine/OK on 7/29/13 6:27am
Msg #478361

Very supportive . . .

Get certified! Many lenders, title/escrow companies, and signing services will not hire you without certification.
A. Initially, I successfully completed the NNA certification AND purchased the Background Check as well. I am a professional, detail-oriented, and believe that it is important to have a thorough understanding of my responsibilities so that I can effectively and efficiently answer the borrowers' questions. After completing the certification course, I just did not believe that I was fully prepared at that point.
B. So, I researched many other training programs and certifications. I located the Notary2Pro training and really liked what I saw. I contacted the owner, Carol Ray, and after speaking with her and asking many, many questions I believed that her certification would take me to the next level. After completing BOTH of her certification courses, I was elated and was confident that I could now provide this service professionally, effectively, and efficiently. Of course, there is always a learning curve to work out those 'tricky' details, but her training is exceptionally thorough and prepares your in many ways! I also HIGHLY recommend signing up for her mentoring program at least for your initial 6 months. The price is very reasonable and it is critical to making it through your first few signings.
C. I completed the Direct Closers Master Closer certification. I have found that there were even more new things that I am learned in that program! As with any business, it is so important to stay current and make sure that you hone your skills!

Reply by Christine/OK on 7/29/13 6:28am
Msg #478362

Very supportive . . .

5. MARKETING!!! Oh my goodness! This one is so critical to your success! Getting started is the toughest hurdle! Many companies require experience before they will hire you. How does one gain experience if you cannot land your first signing assignment?
A. Start with Notary Rotary for your initial marketing. Once you have their premium membership, you can access a great deal of data on the signing companies, title companies, etc. Go into Signing Central and then into Singing Service Listing. Sort the data by the Star Ratings. Then the work BEGINS! Apply to the companies with good ratings (you can see the comments when you go into each company on that page). Some companies will list specifically on their web site that they require a minimum of 2 years experience OR they will require referrals from companies that you have done work for. Just make a note of those and then after you have met those requirements, go back and apply at that time. It will be worth the work!
B. Signing services are more likely to give you an opportunity to gain some experience.
C. Wait to sign up with lenders, title/escrow, etc. until you have some experience, unless you know someone in the biz!
D. RESEARCH! Here are the texts (bought on Amazon) that I found were very helpful and thorough:
i. How to Start, Operate, and Market a Freelance Notary Signing Agent business by Victoria Ring. A wonderful step-by-step blueprint for your success.
ii. The Complete Handbook of Loan Documents and Transactions
iii. The notary signing agent training manual that is part of the NNA Notary Signing Agent certification.
E. Network: Sign up on several notary signing agent forums and read as much as you can and share what your learn. (Big Grin) By all means please use the orange 'Search' button on Notary Rotary BEFORE asking any questions as it is probably not the first time that it has been asked . . . (God bless the NR members for their patience!).

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 7/30/13 12:22am
Msg #478461

Bless her heart. I have my own autographed copy!

D. RESEARCH! Here are the texts (bought on Amazon) that I found were very helpful and thorough:
i. How to Start, Operate, and Market a Freelance Notary Signing Agent business by Victoria Ring. A wonderful step-by-step blueprint for your success.

Reply by Christine/OK on 7/29/13 6:28am
Msg #478363

Very supportive . . .

6. Develop a web site. You may not receive business directly from your website, but the signing services and title/escrow companies use this to determine if you are a business professional. You can build one pretty inexpensively yourself through GoDaddy's Website Tonight program and the cost is very reasonable.

Reply by Christine/OK on 7/29/13 6:30am
Msg #478364

Very supportive . . .

7. Submit your company's website to Google Maps! It will take about 2 weeks to receive your PIN after Google verifies all your data. To be listed on Google Maps (free). Here is the Google link: http://www.google.com/local/add/analyticsSplashPage?gl=us&hl=en-US&pli=1

8. The most important item: Be patient with yourself and the 'process' of building your business. Your first few months will simply feel as if you are pouring so much energy and time into and not seeing anything in return. It will come!! Make it a goal to apply to new signing services each day and you will begin to see the results of your efforts. (Big Grin)

Again, congratulations and Good Luck in your endeavors. Wishing you and all notary signing agents great success in their businesses!

p.s. To everyone: Regrets that this was in multiple entries, but was receiving the error message of 'There is a problem with this post' when entering it in one post. : (

Reply by 101livescan on 7/29/13 11:32am
Msg #478371

Great mentor to have

Look at Christine's profile and her website. She is a great mentor to emulate. Not many people in this business of notary loan signing, work it the way it should be worked. You have crafted, modeled and strategically marketed yourself, Christine. My hat is off to you.

Awesome website. And I'll bet you don't work for deadbeat signing companies because you've done your homework every time.

Have a fabulous day.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 7/29/13 1:26pm
Msg #478376

Re: Great mentor to have

Yes, great stuff! And a couple more comments for anyone else reading this thread: learn from others, but do your own work; don't copy profile and/or website info from someone else who has clearly invested lots of time and effort into something that is designed specifically for them! Also, be grateful beyond words to have this spelled out for you...!!

Finally, when doing your research, also read up on this industry. You'll probably learn that we are on the downward curve of the business cycle for this industry (which is VERY cyclical), with interest rates already having taken some significant increases. Business volume is down substantially as a result, so as the saying goes, "past performance is no guarantee of future results". Whether the overall trends are up or down, it's not a straight line, so there will be bumps and dips, but the trends are there. You should keep that in mind when making business and financial decisions - hence the advice about not quitting your day jobs... Your chances of success over the long haul are much greater if you're realistic about what you're getting into and you plan accordingly.

Reply by Christine/OK on 7/29/13 2:36pm
Msg #478388

"If I have seen further it is by standing on ye sholders...

of Giants." Sir Isaac Newton

I am honored to read your words of appreciation and humbled at the same time [blushing].

So right about working it and crafting my own words and descriptions on the web site! It has all taken a lot of work, struggle, conscious effort, networking where it made sense, investment, etc.

Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´

Reply by BrotherOwner on 7/29/13 3:02pm
Msg #478393

Re: "If" THE MOST PROFESSIONAL......

N/R profile and NSA website I have ever seen!!! Yes, I was shouting. Just three letters cover your efforts.

WOW!!! MUCH SUCCESS...but I'm positive you've already achcieved that.

Reply by Christine/OK on 8/3/13 6:09am
Msg #479144

Thank you [blushing] n/m