Determining Awareness When Notarizing at a Medical Facility

May 15, 2019

As a notary, you may travel to many different locations, each with their own unique circumstances and challenges. For example, one common location for notarizations is a medical facility. If you are performing a notarization in a medical facility such as a hospital, long term care facility or hospice care, your signer is much more likely to be in a state that impedes your ability to be certain if they are alert and aware enough to be signing documents. So, how can you be confident that signing the documents is what the signer truly wants, and they are fully aware of what they are signing?

Start with the assumption they are alert and aware. Then look for behavior of the signer that is contrary to that. Do they seem confused or out of sorts? Look for signs that the signer is unable to communicate clearly. Can the signer speak directly to you, or does a family member seem to be doing all the talking? Make sure you have a direct, clear line of communication with your signer without the...

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How will you observe National Notary Day 2017?

Oct 10, 2017

Every November we observe National Notary Day to pay tribute to those of us behind the scenes, notarizing important documents for businesses and the public.  Last year I co-organized a 1-day event in Modesto to bring together successful notaries to share their expertise with those who were starting or relatively new to the world of loan signing agents and mobile notary work.  We had almost 50 in attendance who told us how much they learned that day and how rare it is to find a local event organized by notaries for notaries. 

I was motivated to bring it back again this year at the same location with space to accommodate up to 100 notaries who want to step up their game.  I have some new speakers, new topics, and a networking luncheon as a new element to practice making our competition into our colleagues.  I am part of a network of about 25 notaries who share the work when they are unable to take the assignment, and I push work towards them when I am unable...

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Las Vegas, a letter of observation and hope

Oct 09, 2017

We all need coaches who can give us direction and inspiration beyond our business.  I follow Brandon Burchard as one of my many coaches. In this case he give me encouragement when it is difficult to fathom a person can destroy life as the gunman did in Las Vegas.  He was in Las Vegas working on his new book and here are his observations and hope:

I just left Las Vegas.

I wanted to share what I saw and felt and believe.

I was in town for interviews and meetings for my new book.

Here is what I witnessed:

Good people. Scared people. Happy people. Angry people.

All struggling to cope, to understand.

I saw tears. I asked questions. I heard conspiracy theories. I felt the anger and sadness.

I have family and friends and students there. They are okay. But the world is troubled.

I am writing to share something important in these chaotic times, where negativity and violence seem to be the only headlines.

It is a message of hope.

It is a call to positivity and appreciation.

Some...

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Did you know?

Sep 27, 2017

When handling general mobile notary work, I receive calls for documents I many times do not recognize. Recently, I received a call to notarize an FS-240 form. I wasn't familiar with this form so I looked it up and saw it is a vital record, just like birth records here in the US. It is for US citizens who have children born outside of the US. However, to get a copy of it, a notarized statement with specific information is required and then mailed to the Dept. of State, Passport Division.

Just like a US birth certificate, only the agency where it is issued can certify the copy. And just like a birth certificate request, we need to discern what the client really needs or we may refuse a legal request. The document to obtain the record is notarized and any notary can handle that request. What we cannot do is certify a copy of one or have them write a statement about it and attach a certificate.

Here is my tip. Whenever I am asked about documents I have never handled, the first thing I...

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3 tips to get past the Gatekeeper

Aug 31, 2017

How do I get past the gatekeeper at facilities

I am asked frequently as well as observe in notary forums about how difficult it is to get in the door at facilities.  I suggest rather than dropping your business cards or brochures off at local facilities announcing your notary service, consider how you can improve the process for outside services coming in the facility door.  This approach appeals to what is good for the facility rather than your objective of getting work.

 

Introduce your purpose differently

Start with indicating just leaving your card will not meet your purpose.  You might lead off with something like: "I will be coming here to notarize documents for patients and want to discuss the best way to ensure I help my client while observing special needs of this Facility. Who would be best to discuss.....

 

Ask the right questions

Your purpose is investigating what their needs are:

What times are best not to set appointments? (Think of shift...

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A Notary's Lending Hand

Aug 27, 2017

Not a typical Assignment...

I love when our notary community steps up to help a fellow notary! I drove to Los Banos on Sat to deliver a trust. This client was a little unusual, no close family, did not like/trust neighbors, and no A/C in his home. Needless to say is was really hot and I was with him 1.5 hrs. I went thru the trust and found although he understood what I told him, the likelihood he would remember even with written instructions after I left seem iffy.  He would reask questions I answered early in the presentation several times. With no witnesses, (which I did tell him before I arrived), we were not able to sign the Will or AHCD.   I could be 1 but we needed 2.

If I had been in Modesto no problem, I would have called a family member/friend to help me out. HOwever, I was over an hour away. I wrote down explicit instructions about asking his nephew (successor trustee) to get two neighbors who live by him when he went to visit to complete the process and...

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2nd Annual CA Notary Symposium in Modesto

Jul 04, 2017

In observance of National Notary Day in November, the 2nd annual CA Notary Symposium will be held at the Modesto City Plaza, Nov 4th 

Join me and 100 of your Mobile Notary and Notary Signing Agent friends to learn how to increase your revenue, rather than your workload!  Volume doesn't equal more profit!  Come to this event and uncover hidden roadblocks that could be sabotaging your desired results, develop a strategy that creates a clear vision of your ultimate success as well as an action plan to increase your profit. 

This 1 day event will feature 5 speakers, each bringing you expertise to boost your notary business up a notch.  New for this year we have added a networking lunch to start practicing connecting with colleagues and those who can help you step up your game, because small changes can make big results!  

Most of all, after this day, you will come away Renewed, Refreshed and Inspired! 

Check out our website ...

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How one Notary used coaching services as a game changer

Jan 08, 2016

This local mom wanted a way to generate income but not at the expense of her young children.  She chose being a notary and immediately sought out the help of a coach to get her started.   Nothing however is a substitute for Effort, and by following her Coaches' advice she built a solid business to support her family while keeping them #1!  Kamila was highlighted in the December issue of National Notary Magazine, enjoy the article HERE.

 

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You did the work, now get paid!

Nov 15, 2015

Today I helped a caller regarding tips on collecting fees from loan signings and thought there are likely others who would like those tips as well.
1) Read the agreement you signed with a signing agency(if you did) for time frames, and how they handle failed appointments/trip fees, etc so you have a standard they published for you. Then communicate when those time frames have been exceeded not before.
2) If this is not addressed or you did not sign an agreement, ask them via email to tell you what payment time frames you can expect, again so you have something to refer to when following up.
3)If these time frames seem unreasonable to you up front ie:60 days, you have choices: offer to them what your A/R policy is or do not work for that company.
4) To follow up, start with the observation it may have been an oversight, would they update status of the assignment with ETA for payment. Give time for them to respond, before asking again.
5) 2nd notice should note this is 2nd time for follow...

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