The Benefits of a Small Title Company

Michael,

Service is the key....large or small.....yet the smaller ones become a very personal relationship that takes business to a new level.

I absolutely agree with these principles across the board.  I'll go out of my way, drive farther, even pay higher prices to support small businesses (esp. 'Mom & Pop' type) over any Big Box alternative. 

These principles extend themselves so deeply that I believe they factor into the very quality of our lives.  It really IS 'all about relationships' and that's definitely not limited to business.  We all, as human beings, have an affinity towards positive human connection - and the less our techno-advanced society gives us, the greater the need.

I recall reading at the Gallup Mkting site years ago the statistics relative to this (although I don't recall the statistics, of course!).  How the consumer will forgive many greater transgressions of a vendor, in favor of a positive human relationship.  Just as I'll pay higher prices or drive farther.  If you treat your clients as humans to connect with, and you seek out vendors who are ALSO humans you can connect with - at the end of the day, you'll feel a much greater sense of satisfaction with how you've spent the time you were blessed to have.

lol - Michael, there are just some people that think a pizza is enough of a 'bribe' to justify sending business.

Personally - I ignore it.   In fact, I have told clients and potential clients that I am 'Not the Guy that brings donuts every Monday".  Almost all of them laugh, and quite a few fire shots at the absurdity of the agents that do.  I have heard Mortgage Brokers tell me that the Title Agent 'contact', thinks the 'donuts' are what drives the business.... but really wishes the people would just continue to provide good service and stop interrupting the workforce.  Stop in once in awhile and just be available in an emergency.

The bigger battle are the kickback (RESPA LEGAL) ABA's.  Man, do I hate those with a passion.  When you can pry a Realtor from their Brokers grasp - because you provide a superior service... it feels like you just hit the lottery, a trifecta and announced as MVP of the SB all in the same day.

Suggestions?  Well, it's relationship selling.  Perseverance, perseverance, perseverance.

 Oh, have coffee or lunch ONCE IN AWHILE with the Broker or the LO's or Realtors...  the one-on-one's are far superier than handing out candy to all.

After 2 1/2 years of brushoff by a client, she finally realized that her Title company sucked... to the point of TRYING us.  Now she's quite happy.  But getting them to TRY you.... that's sooooooooooo hard.  Point is. I never gave up on that potential client.

Rob-

Your post is excellent. I have an opportunity to service a brand new small title company. I will keep your post when trying to sell my service to the small companies.

Being friendly and at least "acting" like you are happy to deal with your customers can take you a long way.

I get tired and frustrated with people in this world that are so busy and don't mind letting you know, either by body language or actual words coming out of their mouth, that you are getting on their nerves, while just trying get good customer service.

www.examinerhomeinspection.com

I too have worked for one of the larger 'big box' title companies early in my career. I have to agree that the level of service is no where near the type of service we offer here at Mercury Title Company and other smaller title companies like your own.  Also, the amount of knowledge and experience is much greater when you deal with a smaller title company like my own.  At the 'big box' title companies you usually deal with a title clerk or processor who usually has little to no experience in the title industry and only knows how to do their small segment of the closing process. 

If you were to ask a title clerk or processor a specific title question at one of the big box companies more than likely you would have to be transferred to a supervisor or someone else and end up geting their voice mail.  If you call Mercury Title company you will talk to either myself (who has 10 years of title experience) or my business partner who is a Florida Bar and Licensed Real Estate Attorney, not some inexperienced title clerk.  There are many advantages to usuing a smaller title company and I have to agree service is one of the greatest benefits, good post.

Good recognition!  Some folks don't know what side the butter is on.  I'm glad it worked out for you and your partner.  Good foresight! 

My Pastor often says, "Some folks think more of themselves than is to themselves."  Apparent your former company thought they were a bag of chips and some! 

He would laugh last, laughs the longest and bigger don't mean better!

I teach my students that there are distinct advantages to being small.  Small firms can turn the corner on opportunities quick, fast and in a hurry if they choose to.  Large firms are like big ships; it takes a moment slow down and then you it need a lot of space to reverse directions.

A little firm with a wide net and strong work ethics could have cleaned up or the school of fish may have moved while the big ship is changing directions.

This is so true I still like to work with the small guys, they do try harder, I found when I owned my own title company that once we were closing over 100 a month, even our personalized service declined, its hard to keep that balance.

Have A Great Day

Mike be my guess in using that analogy, but be sure to give me credit for it!  I'm glad you took the time to learn from your mentor.  Many people today don't understand the value of mentorship.  I like that respect what was given to you to help you become the person you are today.

Much luck to you and your team. Small can be beautiful.  I would appreciate if you bookmarked our website www.needAnotary.net and patronize our notaries, as they are also small independent business people.  Many thime some make it and forget they were once small.  I'm glad your humility comes through in your writing.

needAnotary is a small company with a big vision! 

Mike, you're on the right track here with this post! Relationships are key to any business' success. Once you create the relationship and continue to provide excellent service, the business will continue to steadily pour in. As you know in our area, its hard for me and you to succeed with the area being predominantly "JV" oriented. I wish it was just Pizza these places provided!

Well done!

Jason