Why Notaries Don’t Last: DO Something
Some of our notaries invariably give up because they are tired–or get tired because they have given up–on themselves. They seem to feel that just being listed on a database–without really trying to say anything intriguing in the Notes section or give any details on why they should be hired over other notaries–is all they have to do. Then, they have a few companies who pay them too little, ask them to drive too far… or do not pay them at all.
One notary whose Notes section says virtually nothing reported he does not get any work– or does not get paid when he does take on work! He told me, “I have become a target for morons. Everyone who calls me wants me to do a job 100 miles away for next to nothing.” Well–if he takes the job–and continues taking jobs from a company that does not pay him–just who is the moron?
A top title company owner recently told me, “I like it when notaries tell right at the beginning of their Notes how many loans they have signed. Years as a notary does not tell me how many loans they have signed or anything about them.”
I understand that inexperienced notaries must start somewhere, and do not feel they have anything to say to promote themselves. But be pro-active and look at a few other listings to see what notaries say in their Notes sections. Don’t just sit there, waiting for the phone to ring. YES: companies DO read your Notes…particularly the opening lines, which become the thumbnail for the search results. The best companies will not hire a notary who has errors in the Notes, by the way. Also, if all you say at the beginning is “Hi, my name is Benny,” you are wasting good space. Open with your # of loans signed and follow with a description that will make me want to call you. Tell us about your technology, memberships, and degrees. Read on.
A few tips to avoid burnout or getting burned:
> Think about whatever there is in your experience and background that makes you detail-oriented, reliable, and punctual. Tell us THAT–instead of just listing adjectives. For example, if you have a degree or experience in accounting– Say! For example: “MA in Marketing, 10 years in accounting: I prepare every loan as if it were my own tax return.”
> Update your Notes and # of loans signed frequently. As you gain experience, take a look at your Notes. Add any degrees or info that would help someone choose you.
> Find a few companies to write positive reviews of your notary work. Companies trust notaries with a few reviews. If someone has hired you–let that company write a brief review, and use that review to get more work. Or maybe someone you did a routine notarization for will write a review. Right above your name on your notary page is the link to send someone to write a review. Reviews work: http://blog.123notary.com/?p=3902
> Get the 123 certification. Companies know our test is timed and focused, and you will get more calls if you are certified plus have good Notes…and a few reviews. This is just what the stats show about who gets work on 123notary. Those who get our certification move way ahead quickly. It’s just a fact.
> USE 123notary to the max: in the upper right corner of the home page, there is a link you can click on: signing company lists. Check out which ones have good reviews and PAY well…and market yourself to them after you have updated your Notes. You will be pleasantly surprised.
> If you are doing all these things–you will have much more confidence on the phone when someone calls you.
Take a few hours a week and try at least one of these strategies. Before you become bitter because no one calls you or pays you– take a look at what you can do to stand out.
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Experienced notaries are being weeded out of the industry
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=16747
Best blog articles for advanced Notaries
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=14736
I’m a high end notary in a low ball world
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=22263
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Notary in Louisiana murdered in home invasion
A Louisiana notary on our database was murdered in his Louisiana home by an armed gunman in June 2011. Two adult residents and a three year old were at home cooking gumbo when a young man aged 19-23 entered the house and opened fire. One of the residents covered the three year old with his body to protect it from gunfire. That resident named Keith Hamilton was shot, but lived after a brief stay in the hospital. The other resident, who was a well known Louisiana notary public and loan signer named Anthony Wilmore was shot twice in the chest and lower back and died.
Anthony has been listed on 123notary for several years now on our Louisiana Notary search results, and it is very sad and tragic to learn of his untimely death. We have never had anything like this happen to any of our members before. We have had members fall victem to cancer, hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires, but nobody died so suddenly like he did in such an unusual situation. Most notaries are afraid of going to someone else’s house who might be psychotic, but this notary got into trouble staying at home cooking dinner!
Anthony lived in Orleans Parish in Louisiana in New Orleans. That is a city that is filled with a festive energy, great food, great music, and great people. Unfortunately, tragedy seems to hit that city on a regular basis. Hurricanes, oil spills, high unemployment, and a high homicide rate as well plague the area. I visited New Orleans briefly and enjoyed it thoroughly. Luckily, my four days there didn’t permit me to see anything tragic other than the aftermath of their hurricane. The only reminders visable were the waterline on some of the houses that was still there. The damage had all long been cleaned up when I got there. I have been told that some of the better restaurants relocated to Baton Rouge as well.
We grieve for Anthony and those who were close to him. For the other notaries, I hope that nothing like this ever happens again. Cancer, strokes and heart attacks are common killers of notaries though. So, please take lots of antioxidants, exercise, eat healthy foods, and see the doctor regularly. Most of these health issues can be detered with a healthy lifestyle.
Tweets:
(1) A notary in Louisiana was murdered in his home by an armed gunman while he was cooking gumbo!
(2) The housemate of the notary threw his body over the 3 y/o to protect him from the gunfire!
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You might also like:
Murder in a building a week before the signing
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19272
Attorneys bullying Notaries – when does it end?
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19383
I’d rather stop being a notary than carry a gun
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=15896