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vince
Kansas
324 Posts |
 Posted - 09/07/2008 : 10:31:24 AM
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That's really all it is - a concept. To be discussed by the intial network members and agreed upon, modified or tossed out. Who knows what will be decided. |
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Renee
Michigan
549 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2008 : 04:29:32 AM
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Very interesting concept, Vince. Something I really have to let roll around in my head - off the cuff, there's some very solid benefits but also some risks, just like anything else, eh?
I think it merits some real investigating - but playing Devil's Advocate here, I would have some serious reservations about giving up control of my business to anyone for these primary reasons: loss of negotiating control, and loss of control with client relationships.
OK, I guess there's a common denominator in there - when it comes to my business, I'm a total control freak! |
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vince
Kansas
324 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2008 : 3:53:42 PM
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Actually, the "responder" idea could be really simple depending upon the support of network members. When I first opened an office in Kansas City in a different line of work, it was impossible to be in meetings, travel and work without interuption. The same problems exist within this endeavor.
The answer then, and maybe now, was hiring an answering service to take calls when the phone was call forwarded. An aswering service did not charge much then. In fact the service we used assigned a local housewife to take calls and they were forwarded to another as backup as needed. The person was unusually nice and always presented herself and our office well. She also knew when a call was more important than others.
So, just as a thought, would it be advantageous to hire a service to screen calls and provide a monthly report to the network individuals on calls received, from who and to who the message was given after following perimeters.
Perhaps this is oversimplified, but the idea should be fairly sound? Especially sharing the costs of the service that would be a network closing only "hotline". Comments? |
Edited by - vince on 09/06/2008 3:54:41 PM |
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Lee-AR
Arkansas
678 Posts |
Posted - 09/05/2008 : 2:45:23 PM
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The point of contact that is referenced deals more with the initial assignment. To explain: would the persons interested want to establish a marketing method where TC's could simply call a network "responder" who would in turn contact the most appropriate choice(s) for the assignment to be accepted.
Never thought of above. Off the cuff, tho' I am sure a TC would love the idea, it would seem to be quite difficult, if not impossibly complicated, for one person to be able to accept an assignment on behalf of any number of notaries. Even SS have problems & must turn the assignment back--as evidenced by the 4 calls I received on Wed. for the same signing that I was not available to do (time conflicts). 1st was TC; other 3 were SS.
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azdocsign
Arizona
89 Posts |
Posted - 09/05/2008 : 12:27:36 PM
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Great posts - you have really got me thinking today! An unusual concept indeed.
Kathy Fletcher
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Renee
Michigan
549 Posts |
Posted - 09/05/2008 : 10:13:45 AM
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Ah, gotcha. Well, having a network 'responder' would be great all the way around, if it could easily be done. There's the rub - the two impediments are cost and logistics.
One person fielding ALL calls & scheduling them out would mean having a person available to do that, 24/7. Know anyone who would do that for free??? It would also mean a separate phone (mo $$)
On the plus side, ease of use by the client = more potential $$. A separate phone number means ease of listing the Network as a separate entry in databases (and again, costs $$).
Takes money to make money - but at the moment, both factors seem to be running a little on the low side for everyone. |
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vince
Kansas
324 Posts |
Posted - 09/05/2008 : 10:01:42 AM
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Yes, I agree about payments directly to the NSA providing the service. That each NSA is an independent contractor. The point of contact that is referenced deals more with the initial assignment. To explain: would the persons interested want to establish a marketing method where TC's could simply call a network "responder" who would in turn contact the most appropriate choice(s) for the assignment to be accepted. Or, instead have whatever member the TC wants contacted directly and go from there. I'm just discussing ideas at this point, as it is really unknown what will or will not be acceptable to those wanting to participate.
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Renee
Michigan
549 Posts |
Posted - 09/05/2008 : 03:11:00 AM
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Awesome endeavor, Vince! I'm one of the Administrators of the Michigan Notary Network (along with Alex Yvonnou), and as Alex said in another forum, we're both more than happy to share our experiences and help any way that we can. Our guidelines (d/l from the site, same name plus dot com)were derived from those of the FL Network, which has been around for some time and has proven to be quite successful.
While Alex pointed out the potential risks in 'colluding' on fees, I also think you might seriously reconsider having a single contact point collecting fees. All the other state networks (that I'm aware of, anyway - I know of 7) insist on direct contact, direct contracting/payment between vendor and NSA - for a lot of reasons. They also prohibit any type of 'referral' fee.
Obvious reason #1 is to avoid any appearance or similarity of acting as a SS. Not-so-obvious (perhaps) is the risk of liability and the legal Can O' Worms it opens.
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vince
Kansas
324 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2008 : 1:58:33 PM
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If you have an interest in participating in this Eastern Kansas / Western Missouri (northern?) area network please read on. Another meeting will be scheduled within the next month or so. If you are interested in attending the next meeting, please contact me.
A small group of people met today to discuss the possibility of forming a regional signing agents network. The one hour meeting discussed some preliminary items to be considered before proceeding. Following is a brief outline of the discussion:
Defining the goals of the network.
I. Qualifications of Participants
A. Members Certification by a known entity (ie: SAR, 123, other?).
B. Minimum number of completed closings (number and verification?).
C. Years of Experience completing closings (not simply as a notary)
D. Professional Resume to be available to clients with other network members
E. Education of member
F. Availability (24 hour by appointment only?).
G. Geographic Area to be Covered in Eastern Kansas, Western Missouri (by counties).
H. Information to be shared to members (where to draw lines on client information?).
I. Minimum Equipment Specifications
J. Substitutions of credit for most of the above based upon additional experience (guidelines)
II. Services to be provided
A. Advertising to Clients within market area
B. Advertising to clients outside market area but needing service within area
C. Potential for duplication (accepting and agreeing to limit coverage withing areas?)
D. Kinds of closings and ancillary services listed by member (refinance, purchases, reverse mortgages, etc. inspections and any other?).
III. Other
A. How many members to allow entry (limit by area services provided)
B. Turnover (how to transfer “membership” from to old/new members).
C. Policing membership (minimum stated ethical standards?).
D. Fee structure within network assignments (to include standard fee, excess package size rates, faxback requirements, mileage, no show, and or other failure to fund scenarios, cancellations).
E. Network assignments point of contact - who collects individual members and/or compensated service.
F. Collective and/or individual guarantee.
G. Quarterly or semi-annual meetings to assess progress and goal achievement.
H. More |
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