1. Performing a notarization for a spouse or close family member:
A. Can lead to the Notary’s impartiality being questioned
B. Is prohibited in some states
C. Is permitted in some states provided the Notary is not named in the document and doesn’t benefit from the transaction
D. All of the above

ANSWER: D. State laws vary widely regarding notarizing a document for a spouse or family member. Nevada prohibits Notaries from notarizing for relatives including spouses, parents, grandparents, children and siblings. Florida prohibits notarizing the signatures of spouses, children or parents, but permits Notaries to officiate weddings for family members. Other states, such as Oregon, do not prohibit notarizing for relatives but discourage Notaries from doing so because the Notary’s impartiality might be questioned if the notarized document was ever challenged in court. To avoid any appearance of bias, the NNA generally recommends signers to use a Notary who is not related to them.

2. If a person comes to you and asks you to notarize the signature of an absent relative:
A. It’s OK because the person is vouching for the relative’s identity
B. You can do it if the person making the request presents an ID card for the absent relative
C. Since the relative isn’t present you may not notarize unless the relative personally appears
D. You must speak to the relative by telephone before proceeding

ANSWER: C. You may not notarize an absent signer’s signature based solely on the word of another person — even if that person claims to be a spouse, child or other close family member. There have been cases reported where family members and spouses have attempted to have a signature notarized without the relative’s knowledge in order to commit fraud in order to gain control of property or to claim assets during divorce proceedings. Always ensure that the signer is physically present and has satisfactory proof of identity to ensure the signer is willing and aware of what is being signed and notarized before proceeding.

3. True or False: If an elderly signer cannot speak or respond to you, it’s still OK to proceed if a member of the signer’s family directs you to do so.

ANSWER: False. Direct communication to a signer is always required before proceeding with a notarization. If a signer is unresponsive or uncommunicative, you should not proceed with the notarization, even if one of the signer’s relatives insists you do so. The signer’s relative may be pushing for the notarization against the wishes of the signer or seeking to commit fraud.

Credit:
http://www.nationalnotary.org/bulletin/best_practices/quiz_answers/quiz_relationships_and_notarization.html

So I was chatting with a few members of www.ROIbusinessclub.com and then asked how is your day going? 3 of them replied some variation of "yes! I have xx number of fresh contacts from xyz event"   Now onto setting one-on-one meetings then do business right then"

Does anyone else see the issues as I do with this way of thinking?

To me the above example is same thing a cold calling! All hard work with very little return(less than 8% in most cases)! In this day and age you truly have to step back from the IMMEDIATE Sale! I have to find the article that stated that in 2012, we get an AVERAGE between 2,000 to 1 million ad impressions on our brain each day. Think of it this way-- If everyone viewed you as a $ sign only, what is your worth? Why would we even bother doing business with you?

By changing your thought process to BE OF SERVICE or I know you have heard of it also called "From the Heart" working as a business person you will be more successful! I promise you this since I have been/am in your shoes too! Right now on Dash Notary's 7 Year Business Plan I am 2 YEARS Ahead of schedule! Why? Because all of DN's advertising / marketing is NOT always about the sale... 

Take ownership of your business both in thought process and online how?

1. Get your own domain name instead of www.company.com/numbers etc.
2. Write down the various items that your company offers, decide what you want to focus on
3. Create the problem in YOUR IDEAL Clients mindset
4. Solve the problem with your service
5. See how else you can help the person you’re in discussion with at that moment in time!

I cannot wait to view and see your responses and/or questions.

Warmly,

Tonie Boaman

I do not know about you but I am VERY excited to be attending the National Notary Conference in 2013.  Think of the networking and knowledge we get to glean off others at the conference.  Are you like me where if you attend a conference you make lifelong friendships? If so, please make sure to find me while your attending!

Here are the details:

Registration to our annual conference in Austin, TX is now open! Register today and save $100 off the regular registration prices. http://www.nationalnotary.org/conference/registration.html

The National Notary Association will hold its 35th Annual Conference June 2-5 at the Marriott Renaissance Austin Hotel. Austin promises to be an exciting destination for attendees with panels, workshops, and exclusive industry speakers.

As the official "Live Music Capital of the World" Austin promises a multitude of activities, restaurants, and nearby live events. For ideas on what to do in Austin, other than NNA 2013 of course, visit our Pinterest board here: http://bit.ly/WhatToDoInAustin

Save the date for the 'Notary Event of the Year' and plan to join us in Austin, TX!