Also, don't ever ever change your cell phone number. You can change your carrier but no one out there wants to deal with a new phone number.
You are so rignt Michelle. Most of the time, if you do not answer they will go on to the next notary on the list. I have had a few people tell me over the years that I was the only one that answered the phone. They had called a few other notaries but they did not answer and the caller did not want to leave a message. They want a notary now or at least make the appointment now. I always have my phone by my side. You just never know when it will ring. It is my lifeline to business.
I never go anwhere without my phone, even a shower. The companies do not give you a second chance for a call back. I also start a signing by telling the borrower that a phone call is the only way I get work and if it rings I would like to answer it. That way you can have both. Be sure to keep the calls short as possbile. Happy New Year filled with success, plenty of gas, paper, and Love!
I bring my cell phone everywhere and it's always on. It will be put on SILENT if I am in a movie theater, but the rest of the time it's either in my hip pocket or in my purse. If my phone rings at an assignment I answer it.
If it's your family HANG UP unless its an emergency. This is not the the time to settle a dispute between your children.
I use a blue tooth ear piece in my ear so much that my golf friends use to say in the years, 2005-2007, "Joan has her Palmetto Bug in her ear."
Since July of 2008 Calif has required cell phones in cars to be in a blue tooth mode so it's not unusual to have people "chatting to themselves .
Michele is right on!!!
Happy New Year
Hi Michelle- It sounds like you know what to do to obtain business, and keep customers happy. My phone is always on and with me. This does make life different, but I think it is important to answer or call back immediately. We live in an instant gratification society, and I think it's expected these days to be there when you're needed.