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December 5, 2020

NNA’s Facebook page has been off the hook since November

Filed under: Social Media — admin @ 8:41 am

For a long time, perhaps years, Facebook pages for Notaries have been dead other than the private discussion forums which seem to be where the buzz is these days. But, I was just on NNA’s Facebook and they are having questions for the visitors to answer and getting a lot of interaction. The interaction is not just on one or two posts, but on many. So, this is a good sign that the industry is finally turning around!

I have someone really good managing our Facebook page. We have many members, but the Buzz has declined although it is picking up a little.

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March 28, 2020

Facebook policies about politics, and controversial issues

Filed under: Social Media — admin @ 8:43 am

I have had a little bit of trouble with Facebook over the years. It seems they think it is their right to stifle my American freedoms such as freedom of press.

We published an article with a tarot card. This got flagged since the card had several figures in it one of which was a naked doll that had no genitals. This is not offensive and does not contain any private parts, yet was arbitrarily banned. This is censorship, and similar to what is done in communist countries. I feel my rights have been stepped on.

Then, if I write anything about Trump, positive, negative or just commentary, it can get blocked by Facebook. Even photos of the white house can get banned.

All of this unnecessary heavy handed control tactics are very left-wing, are damaging to my click through rates, and also make me feel repressed or oppressed. I love my government, and my government is not doing any repression. Private businesses led by people with intolerant political points of view are undermining my basic human rights. Not fair. Facebook is a utility and should not hamper my freedom of expression.

I just wonder if the government will ever crack down on them.

However, I have another solution. Leave it to the user to set a filter. If they want to see any type of post, then fine. If they want to filter out political, right wing, moderate, or left wing oriented posts, race oriented posts, or whatever else bothers them — let them filter it themselves rather than having Facebook just ban all types of things.

Society has really changed and the new generation doesn’t seem to have American values or traditional values anymore. Hmmm.

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January 28, 2020

Facebook’s karma – freedom of speech violations

Filed under: Social Media — admin @ 11:20 am

Facebook was a popular way for 123notary get reach in our marketing and come into contact with a lot more people. But, in the last few years, Facebook got more and more restrictive in what you could post, especially on promoted posts. If anyone complained about a title being even slightly controversial or a photo used then I would get in trouble.

Facebook is a utility of sorts. In the USA, we have freedom of speech and press, and what we say on the phone or other communication utilities is our right. How I interact with my users on Facebook should be up to me. But, Facebook has intervened and told me that my image of a tarot card cannot be used because there is a figure of a naked person. It is so small I didn’t notice and it is a dummy person with no genitals, yet someone still complained.

It is a bit like living in a communist country where people are in a huge hurry to report you to the authorities for doing any tiny thing wrong. Why are Americans in such a hurry to limit another person’s freedom of expression? It baffles me. But, the current consciousness of Americans loves repression of freedom of speech, loves lynchings of people who have been accused of being racist or sexist whether the accusation is true or not, and even approves of torture of alleged terrorists. What is the world coming to? This is not the America I grew up in. It is getting very Marxist.

At any rate. a few years after Facebook became overly constrictive, I noticed that Facebook became a lot less popular in general, especially for 123notary. It is getting to the point where we might lower our involvement with Facebook or stop altogether. I feel that they developed bad karma from being too restrictive and that they lost a huge chunk of their business as a result.

I wonder if they will have a come back or whether they are just a has been who might be popular with an aging population but will never be popular with the millennials who run the country now. Hmmm.

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January 10, 2020

Some Facebook groups are speaking favorably about 123notary

Filed under: Social Media — admin @ 9:27 am

I remember back in 2017 I was testing Notaries by phone. Many were complaining very loudly. There were Facebook groups that would bash us daily just because I wanted to have quality standards. Most Notaries claim to be great, but without testing them it does not make sense to take their word for it.

In any case, I heard that recently (in 2019) Notaries are saying nice things about 123notary on a few Facebook groups. It’s about time! All I do is work hard to maintain quality on my site! I stopped testing people by phone in early 2018, so hopefully people will forget about how unpleasant it is.

The real problem with the testing is that people did not want to be tested, and furthermore, they mostly did not know the answers. We test now by email and most people just don’t respond. But, those who do respond have time to think about the questions and answer them at a time that is favorable to them. Many people learn something answering my questions too.

Notary Public 101 is a free course I created that is on the blog. It is free and you do not need a password. Learn all about notary procedure, confirming appointments, handling tough situations, and more. You need to know this information anyway, so try to set apart some time and master it.

123notary strives hard to benefit Notaries even if we are tough sometimes. If we are demanding it is for a good reason — so we can please the users by offering them the best quality notaries possible. Thanks to those who say nice things about us on social media.

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April 14, 2013

7 ways to use Facebook to market your notary services

Filed under: Social Media — Tags: , , , — admin @ 7:35 am

“The Dalai Lama likes Edna’s Notary Services.”

That would be an endorsement any businessperson would ki–errr…work very, very hard for. Though it is unlikely that His Holiness would indicate a preference for any one notary service over another, almost anything is possible when you use Facebook wisely.

1. Envision the Future. What do you want to get out of your online presence, and your Facebook presence in particular? Do you want more customers? Do you want to raise your status in the notary community? Do you want to promote certain causes related to your business? Your plan determines the cost and amount of resources needed to use Facebook as a marketing tool.

2. Do not rely on Facebook alone. Just as you would not rely on an attack cat as the sole component of your home security system, you should not rely on the world’s largest social media platform as your only means of promotion. Every business needs a website, and every business website should have its own domain name, for example: ednasnotarypublic.com, as opposed to www.bighugenotarysite.org/ednasnotarypublic. Domains cost in the low-to-
mid two digits annually, and you can just build a free blog site on WordPress or Blogger and point your domain to that. Your website should contain easily accessible contact information, directions, a list of services, and regularly updated News and/or Blog sections.

3. Create a Facebook page. It’s free, it’s easy, and Facebook walks you through the process with pretty pictures. Start here.

4. Promote your site from your Facebook page. Unless your website features copious amounts of nudity, your Facebook page is likely to see the most traffic of your online endeavors. But as the primary means of Facebook communication are short status updates (which may include links) and image or video posts, your website is the place for blog posts, file downloads, and types of content that you are unable to offer via a Facebook page. Whenever you update your website, post a link to the new content on Facebook. Be sure to use images in your website content, as this creates a more compelling Facebook post.

5. Get “Like”d. There are few things as uplifting in this modern age as a Facebook “Like.” When someone Likes your page, it is posted on their wall (see paragraph one of this post) for all their friends to see, admire, and emulate. Begin your quest for Likes by Liking other pages–other notary services for sure, but mainly target people, businesses, and organizations that reflect the type of customers you desire and/or those that reflect or compliment the values and mission of your business. The more Likes you give, the more you are likely to receive, Grasshopper.

6. Update regularly. In the case of a small notary business, every two to three days is a good rule of thumb. Let’s be honest–most folks do not want five updates a day from their notary. Your updates can be links to your own site, links to sites of interest to your preferred customer base, an event your business is hosting, a quote from one of history’s great notaries, a photo of a particularly fetching seal, or anything that will catch someone’s eye. Remember to use images
whenever possible.

7. Use Facebook Ads. Up until now, you have not had to pay Facebook one thin dime. All that is about to change. Facebook Ads let you create ads that target customers according to your criteria.

Al Natanagara is a writer, journalist, and blogger whose career includes stints with ZDNet, CNet, CBS, LexisNexis, and Law Enforcement. http://www.findatitlecompany.com/

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July 17, 2012

Fees at the door MISUNDERSTOOD on Facebook

Filed under: Business Tips,Hospital & Jail Signings,Tips for Getting Paid — Tags: , , — admin @ 7:22 am

Fees at the door MISUNDERSTOOD on facebook 

Tisk tisk: notaries on Facebook.  You mostly misunderstood my discussion question about getting fees at the door for signings to prevent beneficial interest. this discussion took place in Jan 2012. I was NOT talking about loan signings.  At Loan signings they pay you three or four months AFTER the signing if you are lucky, not in cash at the signing. It is very obvious that I was talking about doing a traveling notary job for an individual person.  The problem is that most of you depend solely on loan signings for your living when there are many jobs for individuals which you either don’t know how to handle or reject because you are not familiar with it.
 

A typical botched jail notary job
Let’s say you drive 45 minutes to a jail to meet the girlfriend of a criminal.  You meet her in the parking lot or in the front door of the jail.  Let’s say you don’t collect your travel fee of $50 at the door.  Let’s say that hypothetically you walk to the guard, fill out the forms, but lo and behold, the prisoner has been moved to another jail 90 miles away.  Then you say, may I have my travel fee please.  The girlfriend says, “BUT YOU DIDN’T DO ANYTHING”.  And then you say, “Sure I did, I drove 45 minutes, talked to you on the phone, walked in here, and now I have to drive 45 minutes back home, and also go to the gas station which takes more time and money.  Pay up!!!  You will get stiffed, because they will feel that they do not owe you if you didn’t quote unquote DO ANYTHING. 
 

Yet another hospital notary job
Let’s say you drive an hour to a hospital at 3am to accommodate some desperate people.  You don’t get your travel fee at the door in cash like I recommend.  You go upstairs with the signer’s son in law only to find that the signer is on morphene, fast asleep, and in no position to sign anything or even sit up.  You ask for your travel fee for your 2 hour round trip, and the son in law says, “Sorry, but I’ll pay you when you come back next time, I didn’t realize that the nurse drugged Shelly’s dad”.  You just got stiffed again.
 
This isn’t rocket science. If you work with the public, they will leave you high and dry if you don’t protect yourself.
 
3rd example… beneficial interest
Lets say you go to a notary job.  You do NOT collect travel fees up front. Let’s say that the signer’s name on their ID doesn’t match the name on the document enough for you to legally or ethically notarize them.  They say, “Oh come on — you are being unreasonable”.  They say they won’t pay you a penny unless you notarize the signer. They have you by the balls because you didn’t think ahead.  If you have the travel fee up front, then you are in control and will not be persuaded under duress to break the law so you can get your lousy fee!
 
Last example:  The law office.
You are called into a law office 10 minutes away. You are instructed to show up at 1pm for a signing. Your trip fee is $30 and your waiting time fee is $20 per half hour with the first ten minutes complementary.  Let’s say that you never collected your $30.  The attorney says they won’t be ready for another 10 minutes.  But, 10 becomes 20, and 20 becomes an hour, and then finally after 90 minutes, you finally do the signing, and then they pay you, but they won’t pay for the waiting time.  If you had gotten your $30 at the door, you could threaten to leave if they don’t pay the wait time up front for each 30 minute increment.  If you don’t have the trip fee, you have no leverage. This has happened half a dozen times to me in my notary career!

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January 23, 2011

Notaries on Facebook groups — the blind leading the blind

Filed under: Social Media — Tags: , — admin @ 10:31 am

I hear this from multiple sources. There are a lot of Notaries on a lot of private Facebook groups who get together and bash people. I am one of the people who gets bashed the most because those Notaries were rude to me or failed my test, or both. If you are rude to me, I normally let it slide the first time, but if you just don’t stop, then I get forceful in return and then the Notaries who receive my reciprocal wrath run to Facebook (like babies) to slander me. This is a pattern that has been going on a lot in the last year, and somewhat less before that. You can’t just cause trouble, run away and stab someone in the back online. Those type of people get kicked off my site, get no work and drop out of the industry — it is their karma.

Asking Questions on Facebook
Since bad Notaries hate me, and wouldn’t turn to their Notary Handbook for knowledge if God himself told them to at gunpoint, they resort to Facebook. I do not monitor my personal Facebook group, so asking questions there will get responses from those who do use it. This is a nice network for discussions and opinions, but not for law and practices related questions. Here is why asking questions on Facebook is a bad idea.

1. You do not know the competency or level of experience of the person answering you. Even those with 20 years signing experience fail my test the majority of the time. So, the more experience you have, the worse you usually are. You get stuck in this industry since no other industry will have you. You don’t even know the identity of the person you are corresponding with on Facebook either.

2. People who use Facebook will give you wrong answers to Notary questions more than half the time and probably give you bad marketing advice too.

3. People on Facebook do, however know where their business is coming from (if they keep track) and what the gossip is about who is paying, and who is mean (I am generally on that list even though I am nice to those who treat me with respect which is a factor never considered by slanderers.)

4. People on Facebook can tell you what their experience is. They might not interpret their experience in a way that makes sense, but they know what they experienced, and whether they liked it or not.

5. I recommend against asking technical questions on Facebook. The NNA, your Notary Division, or perhaps 123notary (we do not know state specific laws though.) are not bad entities to ask notary questions. 123notary steers people in the right direction all day long in many aspects of the notary profession. But, those on the private groups on Facebook choose to ignore our help which is free of charge and bash us instead. It tells you what type of people you are dealing with on the private groups.

Basically, private groups on Facebook are for frustrated low-IQ people to commiserate, bash people and exchange a lot of erroneous technical notary knowledge. I recommend that your first recourse is to consult your state notary handbook. The NNA might still have their hotline which has state specific knowledge. There are notary law primers available for most states. Additionally, there are many articles online about various notary topics — but beware, those articles might also have wrong or outdated information. So, if the information is for a job that has legal liability, your state is the only official source for up to date and correct information — not Facebook.

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October 27, 2023

Top Ways to Find New Notary Customers

Filed under: (6) Marketing — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

Are you a notary public looking to expand your customer base and grow your business? Finding new notary customers is essential for success in this profession. Whether you’re a seasoned notary or just starting out, this blog post will provide the top ways to find new notary customers. We will explore strategies and tips to help you connect with potential clients and build a thriving notary business. So, let’s dive in and discover the best ways to find new notary customers.

Leverage Word-of-mouth

Word of mouth is among the best ways to find new notary customers. Networking within your community and among your existing clients can lead to valuable referrals. Encourage satisfied customers to recommend your services to friends, family, or colleagues who may require notary services. Word of mouth can be a powerful tool for expanding your client base.

Build a Strong Online Presence

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for attracting new notary customers. Create a professional website that showcases your services, credentials, and contact information. Consider updating your website to reflect your expertise and any additional services you offer. Use social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to connect with potential clients and share your notary expertise. By improving your online visibility, you can make it easier for potential customers to find you when they need notary services.

Offer Excellent Customer Service

Providing exceptional customer service is key to retaining and attracting new clients. Be prompt, reliable, and professional in your interactions with customers. Ensure that your notary office or workspace is welcoming and well-organized. A positive customer experience can lead to repeat business and referrals, helping you build a strong customer base.

Specialize in Niche Markets

Consider specializing in niche markets to stand out from the competition. For example, you can target specific industries, such as real estate or legal services, and tailor your notary services to meet their unique needs. Becoming an expert in a particular niche can make you the go-to notary for clients in that field.

Attend Networking Events

Networking events, both online and in person, can be valuable opportunities to connect with potential notary customers. Look for industry-specific events, business gatherings, and community functions where you can promote your services and meet potential clients. Don’t forget to bring business cards and other promotional materials to share with attendees.

Acquire More Customers and Boost Your Notary Business Today!

Finding new notary customers requires a multi-faceted approach that combines traditional and digital strategies. While word of mouth is one of the best ways to find new notary customers, there are other equally important ways, like building a strong online presence, providing excellent customer service, specializing in niche markets, and attending networking events, which, together, can all contribute to your success as a notary public.

If you prefer in-person networking events, these networking tips for mobile notaries will help you to be more successful. With determination and these strategies, you’ll be well on attracting new notary customers and achieving your business goals.

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October 13, 2023

Mobile Notary Advertising Tips

Filed under: (6) Marketing — Tags: — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

Starting a mobile notary business can be a lucrative venture. However, to attract clients like any other business, it is essential to have an effective advertising strategy in place. Advertising need not be expensive; there are several low-cost ways to advertise a mobile notary business. In this article, we’ll explore some budget-friendly strategies that can help you get your mobile notary business noticed.

Online Presence is Key

Establishing an online presence is crucial for any business in today’s digital age. Create a professional website for your mobile notary services. You can use website builders like Wix or WordPress to create one inexpensively. Ensure to include essential information such as your contact details, services offered, and pricing.

Leverage Social Media

Utilize the potential of social media platforms to promote your mobile notary business through low-cost ways to advertise a mobile notary business. Establish profiles on well-known platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Consistently publish content related to your services, share client testimonials, and actively interact with your audience. Incorporate relevant hashtags and location tags to connect with potential clients in your vicinity.

Online Directories

List your mobile notary business on online directories and review platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and Yellow Pages. These platforms are often used by people searching for local services. Ensure your profile is complete with accurate contact information and business details.

Networking and Partnerships

Build relationships with local businesses that might require notary services regularly. This could include real estate agencies, law firms, or financial institutions. Offer special rates or discounts for their clients, and in return, ask them to refer clients to your mobile notary services.

Utilize Free Advertising Methods

Take advantage of free advertising methods such as word of mouth and referrals. Encourage satisfied clients to spread the word about your services. Additionally, create and distribute business cards and flyers in your local community. Attend local events and meetings to network and introduce yourself to potential clients.

Email Marketing

Email marketing can be a budget-friendly approach to connect with your clients and keep them informed about your services. Gather email addresses from your clients and send newsletters or updates about your business. You can also include helpful social media tips for notaries who are related to notary services in your emails to provide additional value to your subscribers.

Content Marketing

Content is king when it comes to online advertising. Start a blog on your website and regularly publish informative articles about notary services, legal documents, and the importance of notarization. Share these articles on your social media platforms to drive traffic to your website.

Online Reviews and Testimonials

Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Positive reviews can boost your credibility and attract more clients. Respond promptly to positive and negative reviews to show your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Join Notary Associations

Consider joining local and national notary associations. These organizations often have directories where you can list your mobile notary business. Being part of such associations also enhances your professional reputation.

DIY Marketing Materials

Use online design tools or templates using Canva to create marketing materials like business cards, brochures, and flyers. You can print these materials inexpensively at local shops or online printing services.

Grow Your Mobile Notary Business Today

In conclusion, when it comes to promoting your mobile notary business, there’s no need to strain your budget. These low-cost ways to advertise a mobile notary business can serve as effective tools to showcase your services and maintain a steady influx of clients. It’s crucial to remember the significance of maintaining a professional online presence, engaging with your audience on social media, and harnessing the power of complimentary advertising methods to foster the growth of your mobile notary business.

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October 6, 2023

Online Notary Networking Groups

Filed under: Topics of Interest — Tags: — Tom Wilkins @ 5:27 pm

In today’s digital age, the role of a notary public has evolved beyond the traditional pen-and-paper world. Online notary networking groups have emerged as a valuable resource for notaries to connect, collaborate, and grow their businesses in the virtual realm. This blog will explore the world of online notary groups and how they can benefit notaries looking to expand their horizons.

What are Online Notary Networking Groups?

Online notary networking groups are virtual communities where notaries and the public share knowledge, experiences, and opportunities related to their profession. These groups provide a platform for notaries to connect with peers, learn from experts, and access valuable resources to enhance their notarial services.

Benefits of Joining Online Notary Groups

1. Networking Opportunities: One of the primary advantages of these groups is the chance to network with fellow notaries from around the world. Networking can lead to collaborations, referrals, and valuable insights into the notary industry.

2. Access to Educational Resources: Many online notary networking groups offer educational content, such as webinars, articles, and tutorials, to help notaries stay updated on industry trends and regulations.

3. Marketing Tips: These groups often discuss topics like marketing tips for mobile notary services, among others. If you want to expand your client base and increase your income, these groups can provide valuable marketing tips and techniques tailored to your profession.

4. Community Support: The notary profession can sometimes be solitary. Online groups offer community and support, where notaries can share their challenges and successes with like-minded individuals.

5. Stay Informed About Legal Changes: The legal landscape is constantly evolving, and notaries need to stay informed about changes that may affect their work. Online groups often discuss legal updates and their implications for notaries.

6. Client Referrals: Being part of a notary networking group can lead to client referrals. When individuals or businesses in the group require notary services, they are more likely to reach out to a trusted colleague from the group.

How to Find and Join an Online Notary Networking Group

Search Online: Conduct a simple search using keywords like “online notary networking groups.” You’ll find various platforms and communities catering to notaries.

Social Media: Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn have notary-specific groups where professionals can connect and interact. Joining these groups can be a great way to get started.

Professional Organizations: Many professional notary organizations have their online networking groups for members. Consider joining a relevant organization and exploring its online community.

Online Forums and Communities: Explore forums and discussion boards related to notary services. These platforms often have dedicated sections for networking and collaboration.

Ask for Recommendations: If you know other notaries, ask them for recommendations on which online groups they find most valuable.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Time

1. Engage Actively: Don’t just be a passive member. Engage actively in discussions, share your expertise, and ask questions. The more you contribute, the more you’ll benefit.

2. Respect Privacy: Be mindful of client confidentiality and legal regulations when discussing specific cases or sharing documents within the group.

3. Build Relationships: Focus on building genuine relationships within the group. Networking is more than just business; it’s also about connecting with people who share your professional interests.

4. Stay Informed: Regularly check the group for updates, discussions, and educational resources. Set aside time in your schedule to participate actively.

Unlock Your Notary Potential Today

Conclusion

Online notary networking groups offer notaries an invaluable opportunity to expand their knowledge, connect with peers, and grow their businesses in the digital age. By actively participating in these communities and leveraging their benefits, notaries can thrive in the ever-evolving world of notarial services.

Remember, the key to success in these groups is not only what you gain but also what you contribute. Engage actively, stay informed, and build meaningful relationships to maximize your online notary networking experience.

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