Has There Been An Increase In Business For Notary Signing Agents Since New Background Requirement?

The National Notary Association reported that as a measure to protect private and sensitive information of consumers, the federal government has require that all persons involved in the lending process undergo background screening and compliance training. The requirement will affect every individual with access to borrowers’ financial information and includes Notary Signing Agents as well as employees of lenders and title services firms. This mandate is spelled out in the Gramm-Leach Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act and applicable Interagency Guidelines. Lenders now requiring that all Notaries handling their loan signings have background screenings.

According to a Survey conducted by CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC in their CDC Newsletter concerning the new requirement for notary signing agent to become certified and have background check in order to continue working as NSAs. The result of the survey was 86% responded No and 14% responded Yes to the survey question, “Have you seen an increase in business since the new certification and background requirements?”

According to the National Notary Association, NSAs who want to continue working for lenders and title services firms that are complying with the consumer protection law will have to undergo background screening. However, the questions most notary signing agents have concerning the new background and certification requirement are, will these lenders and title companies consider to hiring NSAs who get their certification and background screening from other companies other than the NNA and are these lenders and title companies willing to pay the NSAs more for their services?

Can Anyone Become a Virtual Assistant?

The three members of CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC, have combined 30 years as paralegals/legal assistants. One positive of our time “in the trenches” is the opportunity to get hands-on training and to develop relationships with current and potential clients. A potential field of business opportunity is the Virtual Assistant. What is a Virtual Assistant, you ask? A Virtual Assistant (or simply VA), is an independent contractor providing administrative, technical, or sometimes creative assistance to clients–usually to other independent entrepreneurs and solo and small business practices, such as that of a lawyer or realtor. Virtual assistants work from their own office (hence “virtual”), thus making it a fairly popular (and growing) profession. It is estimated that there are about 5,000-8,000 virtual assistants worldwide.

The virtual assistant business is a very competitive industry. We would suggest to anyone entering the VA field to start with a basic business plan. For example, start in an area where you have experience, know your targeted clients, don’t waste time and money marketing to people who don’t need your services. In addition to internet marketing, good old fashion direct mailing, flyers and post cards still works. Keep in mind that the virtual assistant job description is very broad. As long as you can offer your skills online you can be qualified as a virtual assistant. As mentioned before make sure it is a skill in which you have knowledge and experience. So how does one find jobs/clients as a Virtual Assistant. Aggressive marketing and exceptional skills is what keeps us above or a least on par with our competition. What do you think?

Bankruptcy Forms Processing Business

We have received several emails from bankruptcy forms processors who feel a little lost and frustrated because their businesses are not taking off like they were expecting. For most bankruptcy form processors this area of business is very new to them. Time and money was invested in the training materials and seminars and workshops, but finding clients is proving very difficult to get. We at CD&C are looking into ways and methods to improve marketing and making it easier to attract and keep clients. What do you think? Any ideas? suggestions/ success stories? insider secrets? Drop us a line. Later CD&C.