There are many notary agents who are lucky enough to be in a position where they have clients who call them exclusively. They have earned a reputation for doing excellent work and are great to work with. Businesses probably have the signing agent’s number on their speed dial so if there is a closing in their area, they want to be able to reach that signing agent as soon as possible. They’ll probably even leave a voicemail if you can’t reach them. There is only one person they want for closure.
But what if you are new to this business?
The main thing you want to do is be patient. Your time will come. A notary signing agent will have to pass up a closing from time to time. This means that a company will have to go down the list. They may have to call someone they’ve never called before and take a chance on them. And if you are that notary who signs, you have a golden opportunity.
I call this: ‘Getting my foot in the door’
What do you do when you have this opportunity, this opportunity to prove that you are just as capable as any other notary signing agent, maybe even better? You, of course, make the most of it. Do the best job you can do. go to the proverbial ‘extra mile’ for that company. Let that company ask itself: ‘Why haven’t we called this signing agent before?’
Don’t stop there. It is not enough to do good. You have to keep doing it right. It’s like the Janet Jackson tune: ‘What have you done for me lately?’ Do tasks that take you out of your comfort zone. Chances are it’s something no one else wants to do or a place no one else wants to go. I had an assignment like that last night. I got the call around 7PM. Closing was at 9:00 p.m. The title company had called someone else, but that person couldn’t do it. She allowed me to ‘get my foot in the door’.
don’t get complacent
As important as it is to work hard to get your foot in the door, don’t become complacent and believe that once you’re in, you’re in to stay. There was a song that came out many years ago: ‘The same thing it took to have your baby, it will take the same thing to maintain it.’ It’s so true.
The competition is proud. Now, more than ever, it is important that notary agents do everything they can to retain the clients they have. Be on your best behavior with borrowers, do impeccable work, and be a team player.
And if you’re a new notary signing agent, don’t despair. Be patient. You will have your chance to ‘get your foot in the door’. And when you do, make the most of it.
Good luck.