Posted by Joan Bergstrom on 11/26/07 1:28am
Msg #222898

Dress For Success

One big problem for a Notary/loan signer who does not dress professionally is the borrower immediately looses respect for the Notary and this makes the signing much more difficult.

The typical borrower thinks we are an employee of the lender. The borrower doesn't know what a loan signer is and when we look unprofessional the borrower immediately thinks: "if the lender hires this type of person" then they not a very good company.

This type of thought process can make the signing both longer in time and more contentious.

Don't make you clothes a negative!!

The 2 Notaries who came to my house were so poorly dressed and groomed that they could have been poster children on "how not to dress for success."

Reply by PJM/MI on 11/26/07 6:21am
Msg #222906

My Grandmother told me a long time ago, "Even if you're poor, you don't have to look like it".

Reply by cassiewi on 11/26/07 7:25am
Msg #222908

In my first "grown up" job, as a telemarketer, (hey it was an office and there was coffee), you didn't have to dress up. A nice woman who had taken a few hard knocks in life always dressed nice. I asked her why and she said to me, act as if, even if you're not "important" act as if. That has always stuck with me.

Reply by Lee/AR on 11/26/07 7:35am
Msg #222911

You never get a 2nd chance to make a good first impression. n/m

Reply by Phillip/TX on 11/26/07 9:35am
Msg #222916

Your Dress affects every aspect of your life!!

I never leave the house in anything that would not project me as the business man that I am. I dress as the business owner that I am (not just a mobile notary but an Insurance Agent as well). I have been asked, why I wear what I wear when I mow my yard... I respond, that I have no idea who will be driving by my house, when I am out there... so dress for success!!!

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/26/07 9:46am
Msg #222917

Phillip...just have to tease you a bit...

Do you mow in a suit? j/k...your post reminded me of a book I read about a guy named John List...a spooky guy.

From: http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/family/list/1.html

"List was a religious man with an extreme need to keep things under control. He kept everything in its place, barely ever smiled, and even mowed his lawn in a suit and tie. "

Reply by Phillip/TX on 11/26/07 11:23am
Msg #222925

No but I dont wear "ratty" or torn clothes... LOL n/m

Reply by CJ on 11/26/07 12:20pm
Msg #222930

No girly dresses.

I used to work in an office, and of course I dressed professionally everyday. I had lots of colorful outfits with flowers and things on them. One day I read a book about office politics, and how men and women behave differently. I learned that when a man sees a woman at the office in all those fancy colors, he thinks of her as a secretary. Men wear black and navy because it means business. Women dress to show off their individuality, men dress alike to be part of the team.

So I went to the thrift store, and got black, navy and gray outfits. Guys did stop flirting with me, which I was glad for. They took me more serioulsy at work. I wear those colors on my notary jobs, and people think I am some high-up from the loan company. When I am at Kinko's preparing my packages, people ask if I am an attorney. It is a complete change from when I was wearing those pink outfits will the flowers.

I don't like wearing black and navy, but I do like the results.

Reply by Laura Vestanen on 11/26/07 9:25pm
Msg #223024

Your story is so true. A good example for young notaries.

You totally nailed it with blue, gray, and black attire.

John Malloy wrote the Dress for Success books. What most people don't realize is that he based his advice on research, not on personal opinion or personal aesthetics. Lots and lots of test subjects and focus groups went into his conclusions.

One of his favorite sayings:

In Boston, land of bean and cod
Wear blue and gray for business
And brown for talking to God
(because no one else will listen)

Reply by Demore on 11/26/07 12:27pm
Msg #222933

Very Good! It is true that an individual public image is somewhat important and it can really impact ones’ uniqueness with a specific business such as notaries public with a mission: to provide services wherever needed and ensure fellow notaries discern and sustain the rules of the position.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 11/26/07 2:26pm
Msg #222962

Unfortunately, n/m

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 11/26/07 2:38pm
Msg #222965

Re: Unfortunately,

The people that need to read this don't visit the boards, don't really care how they look and are the ones that take the $40-$50 jobs.

Even though I have been retired from retail for a while, I still get requests from a couple of the local high schools to speak to their work experience classes on filling out applications and how to successfully completed a job interview. The number one complaint is that they never get called back for an interview. I can't tell them enough that your interview begins when you walk into the business and ask for the application. If you are not dressed the part, you will get put into the no call group even before you turn in your application. One time I was helping with hiring for a new location where over a thousand people showed up to apply for 150 jobs. The ad in the paper and the signs at the new location even warned them to dress professionally and bring something to write with. Between those two attributes, we eliminated 75% of the applicants.

SS's and TC's and LO's often follow up with the borrower to see how you looked and acted. If the answer is anything but professional, then you chances of being hired again by that agency will be small.

Reply by Les_CO on 11/26/07 2:27pm
Msg #222963

I always dress as if I'm doing the closing in the office of the title company that is my oldest and best customer

Reply by C. Wayne Moore on 11/26/07 4:12pm
Msg #222986

After reading everyone's comment I am curious what all of you consider to be the "dress for success" attire.

Reply by Phillip/TX on 11/26/07 4:17pm
Msg #222988

I wear dress slacks and a dress shirt or golf type shirt. I would never wear jeans, t-shirt, or tennis shoes.

If you show up disheavled, hair not combed, bad breath, wrinkled clothing you are not projecting a professional dress for success...

Dress as if you are going to have your picture made... to be hung on the wall of your office, do you want them to see you in a raggety t-shirt, jeans and such or a professional outfit of dress shirt/polo shirt and slacks.

I for one would rather be known for over dressing than under dressing any day.

Reply by Mamie on 11/26/07 6:53pm
Msg #222999

Another comparison for dressing appropriately. Go shopping in jeans and athletic shoes and note the response you get from the clerks. Then go in dressed professionally and see what better service you get. It works the same when you are in a client's home. You get the respect according to your dress. My pet peeve is shoes, always make sure your shoes are in good condition and polished. I once stopped taking my son to a pediatrition because she had on worn down shoes.

Reply by BrendaTx on 11/26/07 7:50pm
Msg #223012

**My pet peeve is shoes, always make sure your shoes are in good condition and polished.**

Daddy taught me how to shine shoes when I was little...every Saturday night before church on Sunday. I love the way shoe wax smells...love the way leather shoes shine up. I keep a pot of neutral colored wax to use on all my shoes and a heel black applicator. I have been amazed to find out that polishing shoes is practically a lost home art...how people just don't take the time to clean and polish their shoes. I am still wearing four pair of Nine West classic flat loafers for slacks (different colors/same style) which I have had for seven years. They look new. Four pair at $50 each, $200/7 years = pretty good shoe service, I'd say. That's not to say that I am always Polly perfect, just that I agree that shoes are important to dressing...nice leather shoes deserve to be cared for...and I deserve nice leather shoes!

Reply by Demore on 11/26/07 8:09pm
Msg #223013


It is true that a person appearance does impact someone’s decision on how to treat a customer (may be?). I do not understand why it does make a tremendous difference on how ones are looking because of clothing or jewelry. However, it does allow people to choose how to welcome a person and/or ignore them.

I’ll elaborate a real case and as an example of someone known to me and my family.
I did observe this person in many occasions when he would shop around me. This individual was a very rich man and he did not offer help to anyone. He also lived a miserable life. As a matter of fact, he was killed by his barber because his barber wants his money. Off course that he refuse to give a portion of his money to the barber. The barbers then decided to cut off his head. I was very shocked to know the way he died.

Reply by LKT/CA on 11/26/07 8:30pm
Msg #223016

My opinion of dress for success means collared shirt, blouse, slacks, dress shoes, skirt AT or below the knees, short or long sleeves, modest jewelry (one ring on each hand, small earrings for women)....basic colors (navy, brown, black, gray), modest makeup

Definite no-no's: cleavage, bare midriff, micro mini skirt, stillettos, go-go boots where the top of the boot goes up to mid- thigh, fish net stockings, gigantic hoop earrings you can put your fist through, or the earrings that dangle below your shoulder, tank tops, shorts, flip flops, denim or jeans of any kind or color, 15 colors of barretts in hair

Just my $0.04 (raised due to inflation)

Reply by mswa on 11/26/07 8:35pm
Msg #223017

I've found that dark slacks w/an expensive looking top- a rich jewel tone or sophisticated pattern and a piar os slip on/clog type shoe works well. I try to project a calm b/not depressing appearance.

Also, i like a compact and effiecient appearance--no flying scarfs of billowing skirts and tops.

I almost always take off my shoes and leave my hats and big winter coats, scarfs, etc in the car.

I tried all back or all navy and found that it kinda depressed my clients, so I switched to black slacks and a top with trim lines and a little color or solid jewel tones.

My signings go a lot faster.