Posted by Michelle/AL on 10/7/09 8:52pm
Msg #306574
Seminars & Other Ways to Waste Time & Money
I am so close to giving up on attending seminars - especially those that cost money. It seems as if nowadays, everyone wants to give a seminar or webinar on one thing or another. Well this week I went to one on taxes for small businesses. The venue was a reputable company. The sponsor was also reputable (one of the SBC organizations). I had high hopes. Those hopes were dashed as soon as the key speaker opened up by saying, "We're not in a recession. I don't believe in recessions and you shouldn't either". (I was tempted to raise my hand and say, "And I bet you don't believe man landed on the moon!"
This is the second seminar I've attended in the last three months that was a waste of time. I felt the speakers were there not to educate or inform but to promote their own businesses. I provided honest feedback, in writing, to the organizers of both seminars so I hope it will help. He spent most of the time telling "war stories" about various clients and how he got them out of trouble with various tax entities.
Maybe I'm in the wrong business. Instead of notarizing forms, I think I ought to get a PowerPoint presentation together and hit the road.
You know the way that John Schenk feels when someone owes him money? That's how angry I get when I feel that someone is wasting my time. I take it personally. So far I've been good and haven't thrown any oranges or rotten tomatoes at the boring, self-absorbed speakers (but I've been tempted).
| Reply by Jim/AL on 10/7/09 9:38pm
Msg #306585
Michelle...you are probably kidding, but IMO you should go for it.
The conference we attended was not much more then what you described. It was mostly a waste of time and big $$$. The part that got me was that none of the speakers had a clue what is legal vs. illegal, what our duties include or much of anything else.
The xyz speaker was the only one that even came close to knowing anything and I would not trust what they say for a moment. The legal advisor to the SOS had no knowledge and did not even do a good job of interpreting the statutes pertaining to us.
I was so disgusted that it took four more days of sunning, dancing and drinking on the beach to get over it, lol.
Let me know where to sign up for your first seminar.
| Reply by Michelle/AL on 10/7/09 10:07pm
Msg #306589
Jim, it was good meeting you in Montgomery.
However, based on your comments, one would think that we did not attend the same Conference last week. I learned a lot at the AL Notary Conference. In fact I'm summarizing the key points (at least from my POV) and will put them in my blog.
I especially enjoyed Judge Jean Brown's presentation. Her review of the Attorney General Opinions on various court actions involving notarizations was insightful. I get the impression that AL takes a reactive approach to notary law, instead of being proactive.
I agree you asked a straightforward question at the meeting and it sucks you could not get a straightforward answer.
| Reply by John Schenk on 10/7/09 9:41pm
Msg #306587
LOL Be nice to me. I'm working for the CAUSE! n/m
| Reply by Michelle/AL on 10/7/09 10:15pm
Msg #306592
John, you're my hero. n/m
| Reply by John Schenk on 10/7/09 10:30pm
Msg #306593
Re: John, you're my hero. You stalking me? LMAO
You are too sweet. I love this board, and the people on it. I am exactly the same as anyone else here, when it comes to going after people that don't pay us our contracted fee. I'm not exactly the same as the full time signing agents, as I am NOT a full time signing agent, although I'm the best one in the world by all accounts, including an endorsement by the Dalai Lama. J/K ALL!
I do all the signings that I can, and I truly enjoy them, and definitely give the lender, the SS, and Title a perfect job every single time. Just call me an OLD Superman! LOL
I'm PROUD of the signings I have done, and each I will do in the future. I always try to make them letter perfect, and so far I have never had to go back for anything.
I'm PROUD of EACH OF YOU for your hard work, and dedication to this profession. It's really hard, in hard times, to keep a positive attitude, but most of you do it! Do your best, and KEEP THAT POSITIVE ATTITUDE! PRAY, A LOT! It WILL improve! I've started booking closings 10-15 days away now. Something is happening, but don't know what it is yet.
God bless, and good night.
JJ
| Reply by Stamper_WI on 10/8/09 9:33am
Msg #306613
I went to one as a new realtor back in the early 90's. Someone named Darrel. It reminded me of the Walmart pep talk before they open the doors. I decided a chocolate shake treat while brainstorming with myself did as much for my motivation as that greasy looking guy up front. I slapped some magnetic signs on my car doors and started waving at people on the road. It worked.
| Reply by Claudine Osborne on 10/8/09 9:59pm
Msg #306777
Thank you John..You go get them!!
| Reply by John Schenk on 10/8/09 10:19pm
Msg #306781
Settled. Check is on the way. Just takes keeping your ducks in a row, and a little legal knowledge, and a company that doesn't plan on filing BK. LOL
JJ
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