Michelle Riley

This year, Huntsville Mobile Notary celebrated its third anniversary. As a business owner, this was no small accomplishment. According to the Small Business Association, most small businesses fail within the first five years for a variety of reasons. I would attribute my "success" to three things: determination, God's blessings, and diversification. And not necessarily in that order.

I want to write about diversifying my business. Huntsville Mobile Notary provides mobile notary public services in North Alabama. That is, was and continues to be the reason for me being in business. In addition to receiving phone calls from the general public to notarize Wills, Powers of Attorney, Parental Consent forms, etc., I hear from law firms and Title companies; Signing Services and Settlement Companies who hire notaries as signing agents for real estate and insurance transactions.

Like many businesses there is a clear business cycle or pattern. Business is slower early in the month and busier at the end of the month. Being idle for two weeks out the month is not an option so I looked into offering the following [ancillary?] services: field inspections, process service, mystery shopping; and becoming an e-Verify Designated Agent, and Certified Acceptance Agent.

Field Inspections are now limited to primarily Business Verifications for companies that have the need to pull credit reports for their customers. It is my responsibility to verify that the company actually exists and has a functioning office. I complete a questionnaire, snap a few photos and interview the contact person. I currently conduct these "inspections" for 3-4 different companies. These are quick and easy to complete; however attention to detail is a must.

At one time, I was being asked to inspect structures that had suffered water or fire damage, to ascertain progress made-to-date on repairs made by contractors. The more involved those assignments became, the less interested I became in completing them. Since I have not received formal, extended training I started to decline these assignments. I know of several notaries in other states who participated in HUD certification training so that they could qualify for high paying inspections.

The good thing about field inspections is that these assignments, at least for my territory, tend to come around the first two weeks of the month. A nice compliment to my notary work. When there is an overlap between to the two, I can usually schedule an inspection (a lower paid assignment) around my notary/ signing agent work (the higher paying assignment).

Another good thing about field inspections is that at my level, there is not a huge financial commitment. You need a good digital camera, measuring wheel, computer, fax, and scanner. That's about it.

Having an active Notary Public commission is not required; however; the companies hiring you want to make sure you can be trusted. As self-employed Notaries, most of us make it a point to undergo regular background screenings, and maintain insurance coverage. Notaries are also accustomed to working around confidential information.

Here lately, I have been contacted to conduct property preservation vists and REO inspections (a realtor license is required for this in many states). Homeowner associations are known to need "inspectors" to drive through neighborhoods to make sure residents are complying with agreed-upon practices (i.e., garbage disposal, lawn maintenence, etc.)

If you are interested in starting a Notary Public business, plan on diversifying in order to be successful. To get started in field inspections, do your research and contact your state and city license bureau to make sure you are aware of your local requirements.

Check back next month when I will blog about my experience as a Process Server, Mystery Shopper and the various Agents.

At least once I month I receive a phone call or an email from a notary new to the area or new to the loan signing business, inquiring about how to get started and how to be successful. It happens so often that I usually forward a copy of an old email that repeats the same information over and over again. It saves me time and the information in the email is valid.

Well....after more than two years in the business I think it is time for me to trash that email and ask myself if my advice has changed over the years. The market has changed considerably and so have my ideas about being successful. If someone were to ask me today, what it takes to be successful in this business I would say, "You must have a reliable cell phone and you must keep it on and with you at all times". (I know. I know. That's not what you expected me to say, right? But it's true.)

One month I tallied up the business I failed to get just because I left my cell phone in the other room, or in my car, or just did not hear it ring. It was close to $600. No kidding! This is based on the voicemail messages that were left. I did not even add in the missed calls.

As a mobile notary and loan signing agent, people call you when they need your services and that usually means they need you NOW; or they need to confirm an appointment NOW. If you do not answer your phone when they call you, they will not always leave a message. They will simply hang up and call the next notary in the phone book or on their list. You are one of ten, thirty, sometimes hundreds of notaries in a certain area. Sure, after awhile you'll establish relationships with a few companies who will leave a message and wait a few minutes or hours for you to return the call. However, if you're a newbie, don't count on that happening anytime soon.

Next month it will be time for me to get a new cell phone. I will probably stick with Verizon Wireless because I can't remember the last time I "roamed", or dropped a call. When I speak with the sales representative, my requirements will be very simple. I need a cell phone that: 1) has a loud ring so when it is buried at the bottom of my purse I can still hear it; 2) allows me to read and reply to email easily because that is how some clients request my services; and 3) is Bluetooth compatible so that I can be speak hands-free .

My phone remains on at all times. I never turn it off. Never. I may turn the ringer down, or switch it vibrate, but it stays on and nearby. Yes, it sucks sometimes but I figured out that to be successful in this business you must answer your phone. Sounds easy doesn't it? Well...it can interfere with some of life's other important activities so try it and then tell me how easy it is.

So, there you have it, Newbies. My #1 tip for being sucessful in this business.

May your business grow and be a delight for you and your customers.