Looking for advice as a new NSA

[Windchime71]

Hello all. So I’m new to this business and have signed up for several signing services, this forum, Snapdocs and I’ve only gotten 2 notices for signings. I’ve checked my settings on my NNA, Signing Services and everything looks okay. It’s only been about 2 weeks. Is this normal? Any advice on good places to join? I am in St. Pete, Florida by the way. Thank you in advance.

[cNsa5]

@Windchime71 Great question & one that is asked quite regularly . . . Previously, it seemed that most new to this business sector say that it takes 9-12 months before them see any results; however, with the current economy, real estate market, interest rate, etc. it will probably take quite a bit longer . . .

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The first concept to consider is that you’re now a Business Owner & you’re going to be filling ALL the roles to make YOUR business successful. It truly is a paradigm shift.

Second, this process is a marathon, not a sprint.

Third, it’s always wise to research & vet a new client prior to providing a definitive confirmation to them for your initial Signing Order for them => especially now that so many of them are not paying professional signing agents and/or are going out-of-business. A great start of research would begin within the Notary Cafe forums Search Function.

Many members find it difficult/nearly impossible to locate the Search Function in order to access the wealth of information available within the database.

To be helpful, I’ve inserted an image for you & others [see below] to help members locate it to unlock the wisdom & knowledge of other members on the forums.

Accessing the database to locate info about potential clients has saved many of us an inordinate amount of time ‘chasing’ payments for Services professionally provided to potential non-payers . . .

Plus, the information is immediately available!

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I’ve referenced two threads directly to you & here are a few threads [see below] that will provide you with helpful information:

Temper your expectations

To preface this, I’ve been a lurker on these forums for quite some time and I’ve noticed a ton of expectations lately that seem too unrealistic. I’m a NSA out of Michigan and have been one for the past 7 years. I usually pull in at least 8k worth of business every month but it takes a LONG time to get to that point. I see a ton of newer notaries looking to make fast money or expecting SS or TC to come to them over seasoned notaries while they have very little experience. A few tips that I’d sug…

I found a list of MISMO approved RON, RIN, and IPEN providers for emortgage closing!

@trustedsigning Hmmm . . . As new members seek insights regarding launching their business, a Key Element to Success is providing themselves with an appropriate foundation and undergirding that will serve & support their business. ====== Over the years of having successfully completed nearly all the available training programs, I only recommend the very Best (see below). This training amounts to a few hundred dollars. Due to the very reasonable price, the training investment can be quickly …

Signing S.Show

Hi Ally, Certainly, I can easily feel your frustration. I’d like to begin by offering a simple comparison: There is a very large difference between being an employee and becoming a business owner. As a business owner, from the onset, you’re going to be pretty much flying solo; that is, unless you have a family member that is within this business sector. There are no Manuals of Desk Instructions [MDIs] as one may find as an employee nor any more experienced fellow employees there to train you…

Must You Complete A Training Course To Get Work?

I concur with the insights of LindaH-FL & mannie1950 (return to the teaching industry). Also, there are 2 recent posts by CherylM that leave the sugar-coating behind & Tells-It-Like-It-Is . . . Truly, anyone entering this business sector needs to change their mindset from that of an employee to that of a Business Owner. It’s a completely different paradigm and is managed differently as well. Best Wishes with your decision.

[Windchime71]

Thank you for the feedback. The resources and information is priceless! I have started to cultivate relationships with realtors, and just updated my business cards. It’s all so new. It can be overwhelming. I appreciate your help. As well as this forum for help. Thanks again!

[gloriasimpson727]

Its not you. Time is slow due to high interest rates and COVID pretty much screwed things up since companies were forced to get there own in house notary.
Hang in there…

[candiceangotti]

I’m amazed at how many people are signing up to be LSA and wonder why they aren’t getting any work? Interest rates are up, signings are way down, there are a ton of experienced LSA out there and we aren’t even getting the amount of work we used to. Go find a job where you can make enough to pay for your gas and groceries. I reinvented myself and now do commercial insurance inspections.

[Windchime71]

Let me assist. I was working a full-time job and working towards this for months (while things were going quite well for NSA’s) and the market was good. I am also working a part-time job now and am doing general notary work, and beginning inspections as I actually work for an inspection company. People who are new are going to want to make sure they’re doing everything right to get the most work they can. Hence why I made this thread. I’ve been a notary for a while and it’s far bicer to help each other. Have a great day!

[marthajeep]

Join the club. I’ve had a 1,500% drop in signings year over year.

[Windchime71]

Life can be tough. Gotta keep grinding. I am.

[donaldsonnp]

The key to success in any business is to diversify your income source. If you are a notary and want to do it full time maybe getting a part time job or a full-time job is not for you… I know that was not an option for me. Find a way to supplement your notary income by diversifying your services… AKA multiple streams of income. Find something that is flexible that will allow you to be able to grab assignments when and if offered. It will take some time to build up to preferred notary status with lenders or SS but the more you do over time it will happen.