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tejasnotary
Texas
3 Posts |
 Posted - 02/10/2011 : 12:31:38 AM
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I would say dont answer your phone, that way they will call me, lol, because i am going to answer it, and book that signing,
Angelina Saenz
www.tejasnotary.com
Mobile Notary serving the Gulf Coast Region of Texas, including but not limited to Harris County, Brazoria County, Matagorda County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Chambers County, and anywhere else I may be needed. |
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DianaNotary
California
171 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2011 : 12:50:41 PM
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There is a difference of opinion here…I guess, common sense is what matters when it comes to answering the phone in a middle of a signing.
I would say, if it’s done politely it’s O.K. to pick up the phone during another signing. From my experience, a new appointment conversation usually lasts no more than 1-2 minutes (especially if it’s a repeat business). That is fine (we are not performing a medical surgery here) so excusing ourselves for 1-2 minutes is acceptable.
Bottom line: we are on the go, the closing industry is fast paced, we have the cell phone with us, therefore- a quick business conversation during another signing is acceptable.
http://www.DianaNotary.com |
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mgadler
California
10 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2010 : 10:22:15 PM
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I answer the phone as many of you do, whenever I am not with a client. However, I have noticed, as some of you mentioned, that when I call back 30 seconds later, they often have found another notary. So, as one of you mentioned, it appears that many call from a long list of notaries until they get a life person.
I rarely miss calls, but it seems that whenever I do it is for larger jobs when I am with a client. This is making me consider an answering service for those few calls each month that might go to voice mail. Jury is still out though. Great comments though.
San Diego Mobile Notary |
Edited by - mgadler on 12/28/2010 10:53:40 PM |
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Lisa T.
California
391 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2009 : 12:28:48 PM
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My post really wasn't geared toward "should you answer your phone in the middle of a loan signing". The overall message of my post was how to keep control of your personal/business schedule without losing work and without interrupting your personal time. My thoughts are that putting all of your day to day activities in your calender as an appt makes it easier to plan new notary service calls around your schedule. It avoids double booking and doesn't interfere with personal/family time.
During a signing, I usually don't answer my phone either - but that issue had noting to do with what I wrote.
I think Notaries lose work (general or loan signings) because when they decide to take the day off, they don't answer their phone - all the while not realizing the notary service calls received may not be for that day but for the future - the next day, the day after, next week, etc. Even when I am in another state, I answer my phone, get the info and find out WHEN the customer would like to meet. The caller may want the appt for a day I'm back in town - there, I just booked a job while out of town, because I answered my phone. The caller doesn't know I'm out of town or on vacation, nor would I tell them. Obviously, if the appt is needed while I'm out of state, that's where I provide other options (i.e. UPS Store, etc.)
That's my whole point....if you're on the moon, answer your phone and get the details. The caller may want the appt when you are back on earth. If you're on the moon doing a loan signing, well then it's at your discretion whether or not you answer the phone. Doing things this way has been very productive for me, especially because I do three times the general notary work than loan signings.
As I stated before, no one likes calling a business and getting a voicemail. There's too much of that already when we call the bank, the doctors office, etc. It's refreshing to speak to a breathing person. If I'm in a loan signing, that's different as the borrower deserves my full attention. Other than the loan signing, always answering your cell phone keeps you working. JMHO |
Edited by - Lisa T. on 08/08/2009 12:43:21 PM |
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KanDoNotary
Oklahoma
69 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2009 : 12:12:44 PM
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I have 3 scenarios when I don't answer my phone. Like Copperhead and Renee, when I'm in the middle of a closing; when I'm in the middle of a doctor's examination; and when I'm in the bathroom. (The last is because I really hate it when I'm on the phone with someone while they flush the toilet,  and often the echo is so bad, I can't understand what's being said )
Otherwise, I answer the phone. I do have more of a personal message on my voicemail, so will take up the idea of changing to one that is more business-style, if I can figure out how to do it on my phone
Have Seal, Kan Travel! |
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CopperheadVA
Virginia
420 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2009 : 05:30:46 AM
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Renee, I feel exactly as you do. I have one particular client that pays me very well and the closings are conducted in real estate offices. I don't answer my phone during those closings unless it's the client that I'm doing that particular job for - and they don't usually call me unless I've called them with a question.
When I do get a call, I send it to voice mail. Sometimes companies do not leave a message and I do lose that business. Other times, especially with my regular clients, the caller will leave a message and I return the call as soon as I'm back in the car, and I make a point of telling them I was in a closing and THANKING them for leaving a message.
I get annoyed when borrowers answer their phone during a closing (although I do not show it!), especially if it's a repeated exercise. Of course I do not want to lose out on any potential new jobs, but I just don't feel comfortable answering the phone and negotiating a job in front of the borrowers I'm meeting with.
CopperheadVA
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Edited by - CopperheadVA on 08/08/2009 05:34:12 AM |
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Renee
Michigan
549 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2009 : 02:49:52 AM
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Here I go, always bucking convention ... I rarely answer my phone during a closing, depends on the surrounding environment for me. If I'm with younger people and in their home - I might, because they're usually answering their own and they just have a more lax attitude. Most of the time this isn't the case - I'm more often in an office and with 'fellow boomers' and the protocol is for more gracious manners.
Every single one of my regular clients will leave me a message. They all KNOW I don't answer during closings, and they TELL me how much they appreciate that. All I ask in return is that they leave me messages, and they do. (I am prepared & do answer IF it's the client for whom I'm currently doing a closing for.) I am almost always thanked by the borrowers - since my phone is out but on vibrate (in case that client calls), borrowers always know when I do not take calls while I'm with them.
It might 'cost' me in losses down one column (new clients who don't know me), but since the other column of regulars is keeping me busy, and borrowers give me excellent reviews, I am sticking with my own sense of what it means to be gracious. |
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vince
Kansas
324 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2009 : 5:14:11 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Lisa T.
The young people on this board may have memories like an eagle (or owl or whatever bird or animal has an excellent memory) but I don't so I need most things written down....somewhere.
Maybe an elephant? |
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Lisa T.
California
391 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2009 : 12:39:15 PM
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I'd like to share something about this subject of answering the phone. I think the best way to gain new business and maintain current customers is to answer your phone always. With today's technology, the majority of businesses we call have long menus to wade through before reaching a live person so it's refreshing to call a business for service and actually reach a live human instead of voicemail.
I've found a way to always be in control my personal/business routine and schedule new appts. Every personal/business activity is put in to my PDA as an appt. Dental appt, running errands, taking the day off - all are scheduled as an appt and the time blocked off. And I've realized too that calls for notary service (general or loan signings) may be for a future day/time and not the day the person is calling. I may plan to take the day off to go shopping and have lunch with a friend, block off 9am - 5pm but will still answer calls, asking the general questions about the doc, ID, how many signers, etc., then ask the caller the key question - what day and time they'd like to meet. If they need to meet within the time frame blocked off in my PDA - as in the example above, I will let them know my schedule is booked at that time and will ask if they are available at 6pm or 7pm. That's always my answer if I cannot meet. It's none of the callers business that I have a dental appt., errands to run, or just want the day off. For them, my schedule is booked, or my calender is full, or the appt time is taken - whatever variation of I'm booked" is said. If not available, I always provide an alternative like the UPS Store, AAA office or refer them to one of the notary directories.
I would never just tell the caller, "Sorry, not able to meet with you, goodbye." I always give them options so their notary service needs get met. This may make a positive impression on them, and the next time they need notary service, you're the first person they call, in spite of the UPS Store. Besides, the UPS Store has business hours and the caller may have to work late, past those hours but still need their signature notarized. Who are they gonna call? Ghostbusters!!! Just kidding! [heeheeheeeee!!] Even better, they may recommend you to their friends/family as they remember that you didn't just dump them when they needed help, but that you provided options for them.
In many cases, the caller doesn't need to meet that day, but the next day or the next week. So now I've booked future jobs while still being able to enjoy the day as planned. It's so much easier to schedule every activity for the day as an appt....while I may remember all the notary work I have that day, I may easily forgot to take vehicle in for routine service check. The young people on this board may have memories like an eagle (or owl or whatever bird or animal has an excellent memory) but I don't so I need most things written down....somewhere. |
Edited by - Lisa T. on 08/07/2009 12:48:48 PM |
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n/a
Washington
1 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 08:24:34 AM
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| I have found that investing in a business telephone number adds credibility that garners a degree of respect. After my number switched from a personal to business line I was really surprised at how many people left messages and then waited an hour or two for a call back. I think it's because they figure a business is more reliable and they can count on a call back. Also- common sense item here- a professional message that states the business name, day and date (stating the day shows you're working and on top of it) with a firm statement promising that you check your messages frequently and YOU WILL call the person back is helpful. Be sure to urge them to PLEASE leave a message WITH their PHONE NUMBER in your message. For those of you who are still on the fence regarding a business line, consider this: the business line pays for itself with all the free listings you will receive on the myriad of yellow page websites and city sites that pick up from the yellow page listings. And the more websites you're listed on the better placement your website will get on search engines. It can take a few months for the listing to start showing up, but if you're serious about your business a business line is one of the best ways to show it. |
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lightk
Alabama
108 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 07:38:34 AM
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I try to always answer my cell phone. At the start of a signing, I tell the borrowers that I have my cell phone on as sometimes the title company or lender calls during the signing just to make sure everything is ok.
If my phone rings during a closing, I apologize and then answer.
My recorded message states that I "return all calls within 30 minutes of receipt of message". In my opinion this has led to many more companies leaving messages on my cell. |
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gjk-fl
Florida
151 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2008 : 04:19:13 AM
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I always have my phone with me and answer it immediately. That is why I pay for it, to make me money. I call it my little money maker. I DO answer it during signings, but I live in the south and people down here are much more laid back down here. Of course I tell them to please excuse me (manners are very important down here too) before I grab the phone. I have never had anyone show displeasure when I've done this.
gjk |
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Claudine-Oh
Ohio
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2008 : 7:59:36 PM
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I always try to answer my phone when it first rings. If a company leaves a message by the time you call back they have already moved on to someone else. When times are tough we have to do everything we can to get the work. I have my phone with me at all times. I will not answer a call during a signing, I do not think this is professional. The signer I am with deserves my full attention and I make sure they get it!
Claudine-Oh |
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kaleijohnson
Hawaii
13 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2008 : 4:48:33 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by jbelmont
Many notaries always ( or almost always ) answer their phone. Other notaries take messages and then call right back. Other notaries are not so reliable about answering the phone. How much business do you think you lose from not answering your phone?
I cannot answer every call. I try to. I am with clients and they need my attention. It depends on the situation whether or not I can take the call. Not too long ago I answered a number with caller ID of an agency I really like doing business with. I got the hiccups at that moment, apologized and was basically told that I may be contacted at another time. I haven't heard from her since. She was offended by my very awkward moment. You can't please everyone. I wish that I could answer every single call but it is not possible.
Kaleihanamau Johnson |
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edelske
New York
815 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2008 : 07:42:53 AM
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I answer my phone all the time - even at 3AM Tuesday morning. I advertise 24x7 and live up to the promice. Those "wee hour" calls are often emergencies and require attention. Of course they are done at about double or triple my normal rates - I do charge for lost sleep and explain (with a foggy sleepy mind) the reason for the charge. And that reason is that it is just not profitable to have a person on "standing by" all night - as there are so few calls. I give my callers the analogy of a locksmith - when calling at 3AM he was also sleeping and will charge much more for waking up and having a groggy day to follow fixing the lock.
Here in New York both the Police and Fire departments seem to schedule their "interviews" at 4 and 5 AM! The applicants notice at the last moment that the application needs a notarization. They call me and pay a fair rate (coming to my doorstep with their car) for me to get up, dress, and go down to notarize. Most understand my high fee for this and thank me several times for allowing them to proceed with their applications - all part of the job.
Ken |
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Lee-AR
Arkansas
678 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2008 : 06:43:47 AM
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| Can't tell you how many times I answer after 2 whole rings and my CID says it's a TC/SS---but they are GONE~~ We really can not & do not sit on top of our phone nor sit in front of a computer all day long. We can be at a signing & need to excuse ourselves to answer or in traffic & it takes a moment to--say--finish that left hand turn before we can either grab the phone or push the talk button. 2 rings is only 10 seconds! And, when a message is left on VM, it's almost always rattled off so fast you can't understand it & must replay it several times to 'get' it. |
Edited by - Lee-AR on 02/10/2011 10:32:49 AM |
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fl_notary
Florida
7 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2008 : 05:41:02 AM
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Amen, I spend countless hours getting notaries voice mails. When this happens I call the next person on the list. If you are going to spen d the time , effort and MONEY to advertise here, answer your phone. Also, including your specialties helps us SS greatly. We figure if you can take the time to tell us about your experience you have, we should at least take the time to read it, instaed of hitting the back button to find the next notary.
Have A Sunny Day!!!!! |
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jbelmont
California
3106 Posts |
Posted - 05/19/2008 : 03:22:09 AM
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| Many notaries always ( or almost always ) answer their phone. Other notaries take messages and then call right back. Other notaries are not so reliable about answering the phone. How much business do you think you lose from not answering your phone? |
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Question 16 - Answering the phone
