Posted by Anonymous on 6/12/06 10:05pm
Msg #125504

Proper Business attire

Do you think that dressy capris and a shirt with low 1" hills is proper attire for a signing agent? I was told at an office that I work in that it is not> I disagree. The borrowers that I see wear shorts, jeans, ect. I think that you should dress a step above the clients, but not over do it. Am I wrong?

Reply by Signing_Doc on 6/12/06 10:14pm
Msg #125506

I wouldn't wear that, (especially since I'm a guy),however, even though this IS Vegas, I think I should wear slacks, a polo type shirt and shoes (what are hills)...(they are alive...with the sound of muzak...oooooooo)

Since your question identifies you as "human being, female type"...it sounds all right with me...

I have "branded" myself as "The Signing Doc" and therefore, over my slacks, I wear a short lab coat (white with pockets) and above the left pocket are the words "Doc" Stuart
Signing Agent

"Doc"

Reply by Missy_Lulu on 6/12/06 11:16pm
Msg #125518

Are you joking about the lab coat?

Reply by BrendaTx on 6/12/06 11:21pm
Msg #125524

Re: Proper Business attire - very clever Doc.

Branding will probably help you stand out tastefully by your description.

I summer "uniforms" of red, white and navy, navy/navy, white/white, black and white. Pearls, silver beads or a wide gold necklace w/ matching earrings. Those are my four mainstays for summer. Few variations for signings.

Charm wears "milkmaid" dresses.

If only "scrubs" were in for office casual...I'd be Nurse Notary. I would not be so "tasteful" on a gal to do that "medic" thing.

However, I swear, when I wear my white tennis shoes and jammies (scrubs) to the corner store with no make up early in the morning on weekends I get a little chat from the single guys buying papers. I look awful but very doctor-like. It ain't me, it's a hope to get an edge in with the money. I think maybe the stethoscope has something to do with it...or the fake pager...or the MD I embroidered on the pocket...but I'm definitely not trolling the newstand. No, unh uh.

Reply by Stuart Posner on 6/12/06 11:55pm
Msg #125537

Re: Proper Business attire - very clever Doc.

Thanks Brenda...I didn't want to go with the "doctor" look, because I didn't want to be associated with or be mistaken FOR a Doctor. My brother is a Dr. (PhD...stands for Piled Higher and Deeper)...but I use the "Doc" such as "Col" Sanders or "Col" Parker used it. My branding as "The Signing Doc" tm is that, since we/everyone else, refers to the papers we sign as 'docs'...(the docs are ready to be signed....do we have docs yet...we sent the request i for docs...etc), I decided to become "The Signing Doc" tm and to capitalize on that. I answer all phone calls that I don't know who it is as.."Doc" Stuart...may I help you.etc" "I Make House Calls" also solidifies the doctor personna...(such as Cal Worthington...THe CHopper...etc)... I am even seriously debating on getting an out of service box-type ambulance as a mobile office. Set it up with a table, fax machine, copier, etc. They are already set up with plugs, a/c etc. The ONLY thing holding me back so far, is the cost of gas to run the bloody thing. I decided NOT to wear scrubs, but a lab coat is a different story...(this was also seconded by my marketing team). Anyway, a long answer to your question Brenda...and thanks for noticing...or as Eyore would say...(in a slow drawn out voice)..."Thanks for thinking of me"

Reply by BrendaTx on 6/13/06 12:02am
Msg #125541

Re: Proper Business attire - very clever Doc.

**service box-type ambulance as a mobile office**

I hear you can pick up a similar type thing around here in good running condition for around $3000. They get about 10 mpg. So, that's a lot of notarizin' in short spans for the notariety.

I have friend who lets a plumber drive his around for free...just keep liability on it...AND his big ol' picture and ads...the plumber gets a little one. He offered me a space, but I just was not ready at the time to be OUT THERE with the plumber.

Doc, you are a delight. I love ya.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 6/13/06 8:55am
Msg #125574

Re: Proper Business attire-Too funny doc n/m

Reply by vonneycali on 6/12/06 10:17pm
Msg #125507

I think that the appropriate dress code for a notary is a professional business attire. If you are doing an 'in office' accomodation signing, then the appropriate thing to do would be to dress the way that the title company requests. If there is no preference, then dress how you think a professional should. Many business people consider capris as casual. Personally I never wear anything jean, and I always wear a skirt with heels. Remember that you are a reflection on your business image, as well as the company you are representing. HTH!

Reply by CaliNotary on 6/12/06 11:11pm
Msg #125515

I disagree

Most of the office workers I know in Southern California dress in business casual attire. I see people in jeans in all sorts of different office environments, including title companies. I don't know if this flies in other parts of the country, but here it's completely normal and common.

I usually wear jeans or khakis with a collared shirt, and nobody has ever commented on it. Unless I had a darn good reason, I would never dream of wearing a tie on this job. I'm stuck in the car all day, I'm going to be as comfortable as I can.

My knowledge and experience with loan docs is the reflection of my business image that I'm most concerned about. I just don't see any reason to be dressed to the nines as well.

Reply by BrendaTx on 6/12/06 11:31pm
Msg #125528

Re: I disagree

In the rainy season I might wear garden clogs if I know ahead of time (easy remove at the door) and a yellow slicker if I have to. I don't use an umbrella because it just makes me more likely to slip down.

Lot of farm signings. Going over a cattle guard in heels causes me to look really stupid. Keds on those are worse. Doc Martens boots or my DM work shoes in the trunk if I need them. They grip the pipes. Have had to open cattle gates, drive over, close the gate, go through mud, but never climbed a fence.

Why not just do it for $65 or less? I wonder. A ten mile gravel road is treacherous over 20 miles per hour. Ten miles...20 mph...1/2 an hour. Sounds almost like LA.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 6/12/06 11:55pm
Msg #125538

When in Rome....

you must do as the Romans do. It's not a cliche by accident.

To be in formal business attire in Southern California today (for women: business skirt, nylons, jacket and heels) at a signing would be to scream, loudly, "I have no idea what the norm is for the last ten years in business". Truly, for a woman to do a signing in this area with that attire would seriously put the borrower/purchaser in discomfort, wondering who died.

It is just the way it is here, in business. I'm the biggest proponent of the display of professionalism BECAUSE I work for a title company. Yet, string me up on a clothesline, I wore denim to my Friday night signing because it was 'Friday Casual' when I accepted the assignment. My buyers were even less casual.

Other areas of the country dictate something else. Here in So Cal, we do as the Romans do. It's just more comfortable for everyone that way, and I think I'd rather make someone comfortable by a similar way of dress than to make myself stand apart, and give the message that I'm "above" because of my dress. Right or wrong, it's just the way it is.

Reply by John_NorCal on 6/13/06 12:22am
Msg #125542

Re: When in Rome....

I agree. You need to dress in accordance with you clientele. If grass skirts are the norm, then.......on second thought, strike that. Reminds me of stories I've heard of some product exhibitors at a convention in Hawaii. The first day they wore suits and ties, etc. and wondered why no one was stopping by their booth. Next day they came back in Hawaiian shirts and fit right in with the customers.

Reply by NCLisa on 6/13/06 7:18am
Msg #125561

Re: I disagree

I know that here when it is 95 degrees out with 90 percent humidity, you wouldn't catch me dead in pantyhose. 1/2 my closings are out in the country where I'd break my neck in heels. I normally wear capris with a Fresh Produce shirt, or other "cute" top and for footwear I go with my nicer pair of Mephisto Sandals. Haven't worn any jewerly in awhile, our well has sulfur in it, so all my silver keeps turning black.

Even in attorney's offices here, we don't wear anything but business casual. I haven't seen an attorney in a tie for anything but court.

The car I'm driving is 18 year old and the air conditioner doesn't work, no way am I going anywhere anyway but comfortable.

Reply by vonneycali on 6/13/06 11:39am
Msg #125596

Re: I disagree

Let me clarify.. I don't wear pantyhose or anything on my legs. Can't stand pantyhose! BUT, I DO try to be as professional as possible. A lot of my signings are for borrowers with huge homes to refinance. Many times I have gone to the borrowers home and they are just getting off of work and are still in their dress clothes. I never know how they are going to be dressed, but in my opinion, wearing a skirt and a nice shirt with sandal heels works great and is an impression on the borrower that they are dealing with a professional. Its also better to be dressed up then come in your scrubs.. (I am not dressed to the NINES - if I wanted to do that, i would wear St. John or something ( To me, its the same concept as being an attorney and showing up in a beater car for an interview. Believe it or not, people look at that and judge your success by outward things (that, in my opinion, really don't matter..I just do it because of my clientele). So far its worked for me.

Reply by Missy_Lulu on 6/12/06 11:19pm
Msg #125522

An in office company I do work for has a dress code of 'nylons if wearing a dress and no open toed shoes'. I have never been asked to comply with that but where strictly pantsuits, nice slacks and blouse or skirt. If it's a last minute signing they have stated that it's ok if I come in jeans but I never do.

Only time I might consider jeans is winter if I think I might get caught in a snow storm.
If I'm not mistaken the majority of my independent contractor agreements have a notation about proper attire and I adhere to that.

Reply by Pro_CA on 6/13/06 1:14am
Msg #125545

For men, in my opinion, dress slacks, a dress shirt and a tie are more than appropriate. I believe it helps express the professionalism that I bring to this field.

Dress to impress. You will benefit if you follow this simple idea.

Reply by SusanOH on 6/13/06 5:59am
Msg #125552

When I go to a realtors office or a brokers office I always wear a blazer, I have one outfit for summer that are a pair of linen like very dressy capris that I wear with a brown blazer trimmed in the same color as the capris. Usually when I go to a borrowers house I wear what I call cigarette pants, they're not quite capris, they hit just above the ankle and a nice blouse.
Quite frankly some of the houses that I've been in I wouldn't want to wear my sunday best.
I was in a house only last week and I had on black pants as usual, when I got up the borrowers said oh no please wait a minute, she went out of the room and came back with a lint brush. She had a black and white cat and my butt was literally covered in white fur. I looked like I had been tarred and furred. LOL.

Reply by PAW on 6/13/06 7:46am
Msg #125564

Dress for Success

A man should never wear a shirt & tie without a jacket. To me, it is the "Fuller Brush Salesman" look. In the tropical areas, it is more common and acceptable for men to wear dressy slacks and a collared shirt, like a golf shirt or sports shirt. No tee shirts and jeans.

Making the right impression isn't hard if you keep in mind three basic points when buying clothes:

1. Presentation counts.

2. Casual shouldn't mean slovenly.

3. Dress as you want to be seen: Serious, professional, upward-bound and ready to meet clients.

For those in the Florida area, you may want to read what FSU has to say.
http://www.career.fsu.edu/ccis/guides/attire.html

Reply by Kelly M Robertson on 6/13/06 8:24am
Msg #125568

Dressing for Success Says A LOT about YOU

When I teach a class, I can look out in the audience and see who's already half-way there as far as success goes: They are he students who dress professionally for an all-day seminar and I think it says a lot about someone. Wanna Guess who are the students who always stay after a long day of class and pick the teacher's brain?

Reply by Leslie Przybyla on 6/13/06 12:05pm
Msg #125603

I see nothing wrong with Capri Pants. As long as they are well done and with style. A matching cute blouse and heels...Summer shoes of course. Your hair done well and look of a professional is more important. Clean Pressed and matching. I have a cute pair of Capris that are white with a turned up cuff, with pink trim...a matching blouse and my shoes are the one that tie at the ankle. I think if you feel good, and you know that you would want someone in your home dressed as you are, then you are fine. I wear alot of dresses and skirts and blouses mostly. I have had tons of compliments on my attire and I would know if I felt insecure with what I was wearing. I would never wear jeans. Just is too casual. If I walk in looking sharp, I feel, that the client is more at ease and trusts me more. Just my opinion of course!

Reply by LynnNC on 6/14/06 1:43pm
Msg #125921

I dress business casual: skirt, slacks or cropped pants - not capris-, jewelry neckline pullover top, jacket and low heels. If it is really hot, I will wear a long-sleeved linen shirt with a collar, buttoned and loose, rather than tucked in, rather than a jacket. I limit my jewelry to six pieces: watch, one ring, one bracelet, necklace and one pair of pierced earrings.

I also wear a nametag - gold metal with black letters with my business name, my name and the word "notary". It fastens with a magnet so I do not have to worry about holes in my clothes.