The more things change, the more they really change
November 8th, 2007Written by: Scott
2007 has been a year of change in the Notary world. Our bread and butter refi’s have dropped dramatically and the fallout from the sub-prime mess hasn’t helped any.
So, what can you do as a Notary? There are a few options
1. Keep doing what you’ve been doing and hope things will get better
2. Buckle down, hit the street and market, market, market
3. Turn in your stamp and call it a day
4. Look at ways to use your stamp outside the mortgage industry
5. Realize that you must change as the industry changes
Personally, I like options 2, 4, and 5.
Many notaries will choose option 1, and many option 3. The day’s of 15 calls in a day are gone, and most likely won’t be returning anytime soon.
So what’s a notary to do?
First off, go back to all your clients you’ve had in the last year and let them know you are still around. Don’t beg for work, actually ask them how they are doing. With many notaries leaving the industry you might be able to pick up some extra business just by following up with past clients.
Secondly, if your state laws allow this, look at doing more personal document work. These jobs are usually pretty straightforward (ie, a family will) and pay cash right away. No waiting for a check in the mail. For example, here in Seattle we’ll charge a $25 trip fee + $5 per notary act. Of course, this fee is not set in stone, but it’s a good base price to tell people when they call to weed out those who think you’ll travel 20 minutes for $5.
Thirdly, keep watching us here at NotaryBay.com. Our application is a new way of finding notaries for companies. New things take some time to getting used to, but we think we’ve built something really revolutionary. As we continue to show off our application some are very responsive, others are content to their standard operating procedure of calling, calling, calling. Well, you can’t please everyone. But, as companies look to cut their costs and increase their efficiency we think they will choose NotaryBay vs. laying off workers or trying to lower fees to their notary vendors.
What do you think? Which option are you choosing for your business?
February 4th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Diversify in ‘08 :)I wrote this blog on ActiveRain in the beginning of the New Year. You may find it useful for your business. Notary Signing Agents (edit/delete)
DIVERSIFY>>>> when the market is slow make sure that you have diversified. Go to Senior centers,doctor offices, local construction companies, leave your business cards. Do not only sign up with respected Signing Services. Sign up on the internet with other Notary sites. I do not advertise in the yellow pages phone book. It is rather expensive for a 1/4 year. Get listed on Google and yahoo. Notary Depot and gomobilenotary are both sites that I am listed on and get calls from community members. Just remember to diversify in 2008. Start your own blog on the internet and list your home town and what you do. When somebody searches google for your needed services your blog should come up. Keep going and don’t give up when times are slow. There are other ways to make money as a Notary.
Happy New Year to all of You.
Maureen Lazar Lancaster, Ca
November 12th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
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