Posted by Maureen Lazar on 10/30/09 9:52pm
Msg #309376
Notary Presentation Need Advice.. Thank you
I belong to a local BNI chapter. Once every 4 months it is my turn to have a 10 min presentation. During that time I am supposed to teach about what I do in my line of work as a Notary & Loan Signing Agent. My first presentation I spoke about how important it is for me to Properly ID an individual. I was able to display some fake ID's that our local Notary Educator displays and teaches her students on what to look for, at her classes. I also spoke about that Mortgage Fraud is very high and that in every transaction there was a Notary involved. It was informative and much appreciated. Well now it is my turn again and I have No Clue on how I will top that presentation. All ideas are much appreciated. Thank you, Maureen Lazar
| Reply by Michelle/AL on 10/30/09 10:16pm
Msg #309380
What about E-Sign (if available in your state)? That way you
can promote your mobile office. I held a Notary Clinic once for senior citizens. I focused on the importance of taking care of the POA, Will, HCD now and not waiting until the last minute when there may be a medical emergency. I approached it from the perspective of them needing to be alert so that I could notarize the documents. Are there other services you offer that aren't solely notary duties? For example, I-9 work, inspections, depositions, etc.? Good luck!
| Reply by Charles_Ca on 10/30/09 10:19pm
Msg #309381
Re: Notary Presentation Need Advice May I suggest
I have been an alternate at many BNI meetings: I think it's a great organization for networking and getting business. Don't be afraid. to promote your business, tell them what you actually do and the types of services you perform, after all, that is the premise for the organization, shamellss promotion ;-), at least that was the way they did it in Lake Forest, CA
| Reply by JanetK_CA on 10/30/09 11:43pm
Msg #309390
I pretty much agree with Charles
And that's the way they still do it in Lake Forest, CA, Charles -- as far as I know, anyway. 
I was in a LeTip group for over five years and had to do a good many of those presentations. In my experience, I found that most people really aren't all that interested in what a notary does. To outsiders, it's pretty boring stuff. I was always told by the leaders of the group that the best thing you can do to help the other members is explain to them what people or organizations use your services and how they can refer someone else to you. They don't need to know how we provide our service or even how THEY could use your services, but rather under what circumstances would someone they know need those services and what differentiates you from your competition. That was always the most appreciated by the group. I prepared a handout with types of documents that typically needed notarization and a list of potential multiple users of notary services and some found that helpful.
An anecdote or two, perhaps about ID fraud, could be also interesting. I used examples of how I was able to make a difference at a signing by knowing my business or perhaps how someone else who didn't know what they were doing messed something up. Therefore, they should ask for you. Something like that. I tried to come up with something different each week for my 30-second commercials. I also found that any possible way you can interject some humor into your talk helps a great deal.
Geez! I can't believe I did that nearly every Thursday morning (waaaay too early for me) for more than five years! It was well worth it for me, though, for a good while.
Best of luck!
| Reply by davidK/CA on 10/30/09 10:20pm
Msg #309382
Make a photocopy of a blank page(s) of your journal. Be sure not to include any previously entered real information. Fill out several examples for certain conditions/documents and then make a copy of the filled in journal for each BNI member. Explain the importance of keeping a journal, and how CA unlike many other states requires the journal for all notarial acts. Explain that CA has very strict rules and regulations that many other states do not, such as the mandatory language for jurats and acknowledgements. That should fill up your 10 minutes.
| Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/30/09 10:23pm
Msg #309383
Importance of proper identification!!
That ought to get their attention!!
| Reply by LKT/CA on 10/30/09 11:29pm
Msg #309388
Re: Importance of proper identification!!
I'm a sub for two BNI chapters, it is a great way to promote your business. I suggest for your Real Estate and Mortgage broker member ears that you highlight the problems caused when docs have (for example) John Quincy Edward Doe Jones, III and the ID has only John Doe on it. While it's a particular problem with loan docs, it is a problem for any docs.
| Reply by Marian_in_CA on 10/31/09 1:01am
Msg #309401
Maureen, since we share the same "turf" (Hi, neighbor!) I think it might be good to discuss some of the issues that affect us locally - obviously, because of the Base, we get a lot of military and out of state dealings and a LOT of VA loans. Because of Mira Loma there are a lot of immigration issues that pop up.
One of the things that I do... and I'm not sure about 10 whole minutes... but I get a lot of people who whine about the cost of a notary. I like to explain to people that we're more than just a rubber stamp and book. I explain to them the purpose of the notary as a public official, how we take an oath and that there is a lot of potential liability on our ends. I also explain that (at least in California) the process to become a notary is long, and in the couple years, much more difficult.
I also have a little speech about how a notary is not a professional license... it's a public appointment/commission, and there's a BIG difference!
| Reply by John Bouchard on 10/31/09 7:43am
Msg #309407
How Many Competitors Did You Create For Yourself?
I would be afraid of presenting any information about my signing agent business. How many people in the audience do you think are really struggling right now, and would love to supplement their income? If there were 50 audience members, I bet al least one is on line right now looking to become a signing agent....This person could live in the same zip code as you, and you just lost business....
| Reply by Lee/AR on 10/31/09 8:22am
Msg #309415
Good point...
During the boom years, a certain national organization sent 4-color brochures to every r. e. person in a very small town promoting NSAing as a lucrative addition to their r. e. work.
| Reply by Charles_Ca on 10/31/09 8:48pm
Msg #309481
John, I don't know how much you know wbout BNI but...
When I was subbing (I could never agree to making every meeting) the BNI chapter I attended was set up along the lines of the national BNI organization ( you can Google it) and there was only one representative member from each type of business. If there was already a residential real estate agent member you could not join unless you were a different type of real estate agent such as business broker, land specialist or in my case commercial. the requirements for membership included you spending time outside of the meeting with each member to present your business to each other and to see how you could help each other out. One of my favorite parts of the BNI group was that everyone was encouraged to refer members of their chapter whenever the opportunity presented itself. I know that as a commercial real estate broker it was a very valuable connection. YMMV
| Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 10/31/09 4:29pm
Msg #309453
I am surprised that anyone would join Le Tip or BNI for their notary biz. Of course here in AZ, we are so strictly regulated as to what we can charge. I know that as a former CA notary, the sky's the limit.
| Reply by JanetK_CA on 11/1/09 1:08am
Msg #309490
I learned a lot about marketing from the people in my LeTip group. There was also a mortgage guy who was very productive (in the go go years...) and he made sure his escrow people hired me to do his loans. It more than paid for my membership. There were other intangibles I got out of it, too. Just depends on the group and the individual. I quit a year ago, though, partly because of the slow-down, and partly because I wanted to be focusing my "spare" time on other things.
One thing about LeTip -- and perhaps BNI, as well -- is that you are required to provide a minimum number of tips to other members every month to maintain your position and you can only miss about four meetings a quarter (I think). It's definitely a commitment.
| Reply by Laura_V on 11/1/09 11:11am
Msg #309501
Importance of Wills, PoAs
Talk about all the bad things that can go wrong if their wills, poa - $, poa - health, and advanced health care directive (pull the plug, don't pull).
Dog goes to pound. Evil cousin Mortimer gets the jewelry. Someone thinks you want to be a vegetable forever. Like that.
That topic always gets 'em scared. Bring blank free forms if that's allowed in your state.
Be super ultra careful to give zero advice.
There are witness requirements in my state. People don't usually like to ask neighbors and friends to be witnesses (they want to keep their important info private) so I furnish witnesses and they are paid directly by my clients.
My clients like that I do this, even though they can sometimes get free notary services at their banks. They don't like the bank notaries reading their private papers, either.
It seems like no one here but me has discovered large post it notes.
Whoodda thunk knowing about large post it notes would be a marketing advantage?
| Reply by Linda_H/FL on 11/1/09 11:34am
Msg #309503
Re: Importance of Wills, PoAs
"Talk about all the bad things that can go wrong if their wills, poa - $, poa - health, and advanced health care directive (pull the plug, don't pull).
Dog goes to pound. Evil cousin Mortimer gets the jewelry. Someone thinks you want to be a vegetable forever. Like that"
NO...do NOT say this - you're not an attorney and, IMO, this borders on UPL - why SCARE people into it? You can stress the importance by simply stating "if you know how you want your affairs and property handled should you become disabled or pass away, then it's important to have it in writing via a will, advanced health care directive, etc., drafted by a reliable attorney". But tell them what can go wrong - very dangerous territory IMO.
"It seems like no one here but me has discovered large post it notes.
Whoodda thunk knowing about large post it notes would be a marketing advantage?"
What brought this up? I don't get the connection.
Maybe that hour's extra sleep didn't help me...
| Reply by jba/fl on 11/1/09 12:02pm
Msg #309504
Re: Importance of Advanced Health Care directives
I have recommended 5 Wishes to my entire family, and in most states is is legal, valid and fine to use. It is not reommended to stand alone though. The first article gives info on the states, the second on how to get free copy for self. If there is nothing, this is best, but still caution all to have a good 'look-see' first and foremost.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Wishes
http://www.agingwithdignity.org/forms/5wishes.pdf
Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, have worked with them but still know little. In fact, the older I get, the less I know at all. These are my opinion(s) only.
| Reply by Les_CO on 11/1/09 3:17pm
Msg #309513
Re: Importance of Wills, PoAs
I have notarized many wills and POA’s, durable, and health related. I have NEVER had the witnesses read the documents; I simply have them witness the principal’s signature.
I do like your idea of those large post notes. (In which to roll up those lovely Vancouver buds.) You don’t have to lick up. Beats Zig Zags any day.
| Reply by BrendaTx on 11/1/09 2:13pm
Msg #309509
Maureen, I think that I'd make an example list of
All the different types of notary appointments you have done so that the other members get a better idea of how to refer you...I'd start with something vanilla and finish with the most amusing or compelling.
Off the top of my head if I were giving the presentation:
(1) Describe how parents needing permission slips signed call me to come to their office or meet them at the school at the last minute so their kiddo could go on the field trip.
(2) Illuminate the appointment I had on a Saturday where I met several heirs in an estate for lunch where I completed several affidavits regarding the estate while they ate their lunch...then I packed up and left.
(3) Discuss a group of homeowners meeting regarding changing their neighborhood's deed restrictions and that I sat at a table and notarized statements while they conducted business and came/went at their convenience.
Based on what I understand you are looking to do, an overview of different ways you serve clients and different types of clients might be a good way to help the other members market and refer you.
| Reply by JanetK_CA on 11/1/09 5:50pm
Msg #309524
Re: Maureen, I think that I'd make an example list of
Well, put, Brenda. I don't know if BNI also has everyone do their 30-second commercial each week like LeTip, but this is exactly what I tried to do each week. I always tried to pick something from the previous week's experience to talk about to mix it up. I think this would also work well for a longer presentation.
My group was pretty big, so we only had 5 minutes. Five minutes goes by very quickly, but 10 minutes seems to be like it would be a long time. However, you probably want to allow time at the end for Q&A.
| Reply by KC Jones on 11/1/09 9:15pm
Msg #309534
sent you a private message
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