Daylight Savings - Is There Something Magical About That Extra Hour?

How did you spend your extra hour?

Last night (or early this morning), due to Daylight Savings, many Americans set their clocks back by one hour.  So what did you do with that extra sixty minutes?

Did you party longer Saturday night?  Did you sleep for an extra hour on Sunday morning?

I chose to use my extra hour finishing a project that had been lingering for weeks.  I don't know why it took so long, but it did.  You know what?  There might be something magical about this extra hour we lose in spring and recover in fall.  The editing changes that I'd been struggling to finish over the last six weeks came easily to me this morning.  I knew immediately what to cut and what to add.  There was no agonizing or second guessing on my part. The final document looks so much better now.  I guess I just needed that extra hour to figure it out.

Whatever you did with your extra hour, I hope it was performing an activity that mattered to you.  And yes, sleeping matters!

Enjoy your day - all 25 hours of it!

Got A Complaint? Take A Message!

Last week, I received a call from a Notary wanting to file a formal complaint.  Not against me, or the notary group I founded nearly two years ago, Notaries for Alabama.  Someone who I'll call "Nancy" (not her real name) said she wanted to file a complaint against a fellow notary.  According to Nancy, she needed her signature notarized on one form and a notary wanted $15 to do it.

           Nancy:   "Michelle, isn't the notary fee in Alabama just $5?"

           Me:        "Yes, the fee increased to $5 in January 2012."

           Nancy:   "Well, I want someone to know that this notary is overcharging people."

I couldn't help but smile as I explained to Nancy, who by the way is also a notary,  that my organization is powerless in this situation.  I went on to tell her that it wasn't the first time a notary had overcharged someone.
In 2005, a state representative contacted then Alabama Attorney General, Troy King, and asked for an official Opinion in a matter concerning a notary who charged more than the state allowed.  In short, AG Troy King concluded:

                              "There are no criminal penalties in the [Alabama] Code for a                                notary who charges fees in excess of the statutory limitation".

And

                                "There are no procedures in the Code of Alabama for filing a                                  complaint against a notary for charging excessive fees".

Here's a link to that entire Opinion.  It can be found on the Alabama Secretary of State website, under the Notary Section.  I should add that the Opinion suggests that a person could take civil action against the notary.

Why the notary charged more than $5.00 is unclear.  Perhaps she included a travel fee.  Traveling, or mobile, notaries can legally charge for this added service, and to my knowledge, Alabama does not set limits on travel fees, although some states do (Maryland, for one).

Nancy didn't say whether or not she paid the $15 or found a different notary, but I'm glad she called. I added her to our mailing list when she said she'd like to become affiliated with our group.

As we near the end of another year, it's nice to know that word is getting out about Notaries for Alabama; and that notaries around the state can call us with their concerns.  Perhaps one day something can be done when a complaint about a notary is filed - assuming the complaint is legitimate.

If you're an Alabama Notary (or would like to become one), and are interested in learning more about Notaries for Alabama, visit our website.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.  To learn about our training classes, go to our meeting site at Meetup.

"To Whom Much Is Given, Much is Required" - Except for Alabama Notaries

As a rule, I try and keep religion and business separate. It was advice given to me years ago, and it's served me well so far.  Although the lines between religion and business are often blurred here in the Bible Belt, I tend to err on the side of caution and keep the two separate.  But today I feel a need to venture into grey matter and quote a familiar Bible text:  Luke 12:48, KJV.

"But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes,
shall be beaten with few stripes.
For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required:
and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more".

In my family, when the elders quoted this text, it served as a reminder that a three-year old cousin might be excused for throwing a tempter tantrum in church, but don't let a thirteen year old try it.   This text served another purpose.  Those of us with talents like singing, playing an instrument, or having keen memorization abilities, were expected to use our "God-given-gifts" at church, school and in the community.  To do otherwise would be considered dishonorable, and, yes, a sin.

So what does this have to do with notaries?  Hear me out.

Being a Notary in any state brings with it a lot of responsibility. A notary's signature and stamp on a piece of paper carries a lot of weight.  Depending on where you live, it's required to adopt a child and give up a child. Going on vacation?  If both parents aren't traveling and trip is to take Little Bobby outside the U.S.?  You need a notary.  Selling a car or a house?  Notary.  Wills, Affidavits, Power of Attorney. Dial 1-800-Notary. Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates all require a notary's stamp. I'm serious. Take a look at yours. And the list goes on.

So, how does the notary learn the proper steps to follow when executing his/her duties?  Well, in Alabama that's left entirely up to the Notary.  Alabama doesn't require any training.  Nope.  None. Nada.  No kidding.  Some notary's look for training online or locally.  Others ask other notaries what to do.  And a few just wing it. I'm not making this up.

And how do Alabama Residents know for sure whether the notary they go to knows what he/she is doing? Most won't know until it's time to execute the form, and sometimes that's too late.  How do I know all of this?  Because not only am I an Alabama Notary, but I also need my signature notarized on documents from time to time.  I cringe when a Notary fails to place me under oath even though the form requires it.  More than once I've had to tell the notary what information should be printed by him/her on the blank lines of the notary certificate.  Talk about awkward. Why give a person's position so much authority and not require training is beyond me.

Christ is speaking in Luke 12:48 and He suggests mercy will be shown to the sinner who unknowingly errs.  I hope when a notary's mistake comes to light, the Alabama's judicial system will be equally merciful.

Two years ago, The Alabama Code - Notary Section was amended (SB54, enacted in January 2012 ). Among other things, it increased the notary fee from fifty cents to five dollars. A step in the right direction, right?  But, wait.  SB 54 also did away with the requirement to have notaries maintain a record/journal of documents they notarize, and the name of the person(s) signing the form.  One step forward and two steps back. SMH.

Apparently, the wheels of Alabama's justice system seem to be turning quite nicely despite the lack of notary training.  I have not heard of any major problems in the News.  Have you?  So maybe I'm making a big deal for no reason. But if other states see the need to require training, or at least provide notaries with an instructional handbook, why not Alabama?  I'm just saying.

To whom much is given, much is required?  Ummm...I don't know.  Maybe.  But when it comes to notaries, I guess it depends on which state you reside.

Report Card or Self-Assessment - It's Time to Check Yourself (or your Business)!

Two weeks ago, I received an email from HR at work informing me it was time to complete my mid-year self assessment.  Perhaps you received a similar email from your employer.  A Mid-year Review is when you and your supervisor discuss your job performance in relation to the goals that were set earlier in the year.  If a mid-year "check-in" makes sense for me as an employee, seems it would make sense for organizations, and small groups to do the same.  Here's how Notaries for Alabama is tracking:

Goal:    Membership

Rating:  Very Good

Last December, we announced we'd require members to pay a $20 Annual Membership Fee.  This would cover the expenses associated with conducting Group Meetings at the Homewood Public Library (room rental, refreshments, supplies).  The financial goal was to grow membership to twenty (20) notaries by 12/31/2014.  As of July 1st, we had twelve (12) Members with paid memberships.  While we haven't reached our goal yet, we are well on our way

Goal:  Notary Training

Rating:  Excellent

Notaries for Alabama conducted its first class, "Notary Basics - Training for Alabama Notaries," on February 28, 2014.  Fifteen people registered for the class.  Feedback from students was very positive.  A second Notary Basics class was held last month on June 27th.  Fourteen men and women attended.  A third Notary Basics class was just announced for Sunday, August 17th at the Comfort Inn-Homewood.  We hope by holding class on the weekend it will be more convenient for those who have difficulty requesting time off from work.  There are still plenty seats available for that class.

Goal:  Group/Member Meetings

Rating:  Average

In 2013, Group Meetings were held monthly at the Homewood Public Library and attendance was strong - on average, 10-12 Notaries.  In 2014, we changed the schedule from monthly to bi-monthly for two reasons:

1. We wanted to maintain the quality of the meetings by keeping topics timely, relevant & informative. This meant inviting guest speakers from the local and national community. As you can imagine it's a lot easier to book six guest speakers than twelve.
   
2. Cost.  Fewer meetings, lower expenses.

Attendance at Group Meetings has declined.  We now only average 6-8 Notaries.  Low turnout at member meetings is not uncommon for many groups and associations.  Yet and still, it would be prudent for our group to take a closer look at what, if anything, can be done to improve turnout.

Goal:    Notary Supplies

Rating:  Very Good

The last thing I wanted for Notaries for Alabama was for it to sell supplies.  To be honest, this wasn't on the original list of goals for 2014.  But after reviewing feedback from Notary Basics students, it was clear they expected to be able to purchase notary supplies at our training sites.  This caused me to reconsider my earlier decision.  Something, by the way, we all should do from time-to-time.  When I learned that Notary Warehouse, an online site I'd been using for years to purchase my own supplies was willing to partner with our group and make supplies available, I jumped on it.  The supplies are high quality and competitively priced.  We are able to offer special discounts to Members and to those attending our training class.  

Goal:    Annual Community Service Project

Rating:  Below Average

This is the goal I'm most concerned about.  Our group has yet to finalize plans for our Community Service Project.  Last year, for National Notary Public Day (November 7th) we offered free notary services in Birmingham.  We're still looking for ideas and, more importantly, volunteers.  Any suggestions?

All-In-All, Notaries for Alabama is tracking well in relation to its goals.  Not bad for an organization that is just a little more than one year old.

How does your individual or business performance rate?  Do you need to tweak anything?  If so, now's the time to do it.  Setting goals at the beginning of the year is easy.  Making good on those goals throughout the year is something altogether different.  Go ahead!  I challenge you to take a few minutes and conduct your own Self Assessment.

If you'd like to learn more about Notary Basics, or become a member of Notaries for Alabama, visit our website.  You can also call us at (205) 626-9399.  Here's a link to our training site.

Phoenix, Arizona: Here Come The Notaries!

     Hundreds of Notaries across the U.S. are packing their bags as they prepare for the National Notary Association's annual Notary Conference (#NNA2014) from June 1 to June 4th.  This year Phoenix, Arizona is hosting the gala at the Hyatt Regency.  If you're a Notary and a NNA Conference Newbie, we have the following tips for you to consider to help Conference a more rewarding experience.

1. Leave your shyness at home.  We know not everyone has a Type A personality or has the gift of gab.  But in order for you to make the most of the conference experience you must get out of your comfort zone and meet other people. If you're traveling alone, make sure you don't eat alone.  If you see a table of with people around it,  with at least one vacant chair, walk up with a smile and ask "Is this seat taken"?  If it isn't, follow it up with "Well, I hope you won't mind if I join you.  My name is [  ] from [State]".  Trust me, it really is as easy as that easy.
   
   
2. Create Must-Do Goals.  Write down two "Must-Do's" on an index card or piece of paper. A "Must-Do" is something that is valuable or important to you or to your notary business.  It is something or some things that if you don't do it you'll be disappointed.  It might be making a connection with a new title company so that you can conduct signings for them in your state.  Perhaps you want to pitch a workshop idea to NNA Conference organizers for next year. Or, maybe you're looking for a mentor.  Whatever it is write it down on a card or piece of paper and put it with the rest of your important travel documents.  When it's time for you to register for workshops or visit vendor tables, pull out your "Must Do's" and select workshops and vendors accordingly.  Before going to bed each night, review the Goals again.  Hopefully you can cross off at least one by Tuesday. If not, you know that Wednesday morning may be your last opportunity to make the right connections.  For you over-achievers, if you want to list more than two goals, have at it.  But be careful that you don't spread yourself too thin.

     By writing down your goals and taking proactive steps to meet others you are no longer longer being a passive conference attendee.  You're doing more than just showing up.  You are more likely to realize your goals.

     Notaries for Alabama is 1 Year Old.  One of the things on my Must Do List is to meet other notary group leaders who can give me advice and insight on matters related to growing membership, hosting local events, and establishing a brand.   So, when I register for my workshops on Sunday, I plan on making sure that I'm front-row-and-center for the Keynote Speaker's, Marcus Sheridan, presentation on growing your business and content marketing.

     Another workshop that is in line with my own Must-Do Goal would be attending the General Session where the topic will be "Trends in Notary Laws, Rules & Standards".  I'm bound to learn something that I can bring back home to my local notary group.  This is how one makes strategic, planned decisions to hopefully turn goals into accomplishments.

     If you see me in Phoenix, please stop and introduce yourself (if I don't beat you to it).  Let me know that you read my blog and if it helped.  And ask ME how I'm doing with realizing my Must-Do Goals.

     I pray that everyone will have safe travel to and from Phoenix, and that #NNA2014 will prove to be one of the best conferences ever.

     If you're reading this blog post and you're an Alabama Notary Public, or would like to learn more about becoming a notary, I'd love to meet you.  You can connect with our group by going to our website at www.notariesforalabama.com; or check us out on Meetup.

Michelle
Alabama Notary Public
Founder, Notaries for Alabama
2014 Notary of the Year Honoree

To Journal or Not To Journal? That Is The Question.

At least that's the question every Alabama Notary must answer for him and herself.  Why?  You think the answer is obvious, right?  Well, it isn't in the State of Alabama.  You see, in Alabama, the Notary's role and responsibilities are outlined in the Code of Alabama.  And it doesn't matter whether you read the Code from ten years ago, or the Code as it is today after several changes, you won't find any mention of a Notary Journal being a requirement.  Whether this is an oversight on lawmakers' part, or not, many Notaries interpret this to mean that keeping a journal of their acts isn't require, or optional, at best.

When looking to notary laws in states like California, Maryland, New York, it's clear that a Journal is required.  Even our notary neighbors in Mississippi have rules that address journal keeping.  So you see, it isn't another one of those North vs. South things at all.  Mind you, Alabama isn't the only state that doesn't require its notaries to record their activities.  Lawmakers in the State of Florida have been considering making journals a requirement (HB 0407).  As of two weeks ago, it was announced that HB 0407 died before reaching the senate floor.  Ask Florida Notaries how they feel about the matter, and they seemed to be split - some for the requirement and others against it for different reasons.

For members of Notaries for Alabama, maintaining an official record of our actions makes good sense.  It is considered to be an industry best practice by the nation's largest notary association, the National Notary Association (NNA).  In their booklet, 12 Steps to a Flawless Notarization, the NNA writes, "A detailed journal of notarial acts is the Notary's best defense against lawsuits, because it can prove that Notary used reasonable care" (Page 34).

If this were a research paper I would need to go into explaining what reasonable care is...yada, yada.  But it isn't.  This is a blog and I've written way more than I had intended to write already.  Personally, on two separate occasions, I believe my Journal kept me from having to testify in court when documents notarized by me were later contested by the signer's family members.  My journal reminded me of the date, time, document, notarial act, and signer identification info.  For one entry, I had even included notes of comments made by the signer that reassured me, at the time, that he knew full well what he was doing.  Once I shared this information with the attorneys, in writing and verbally, it was decided there was no need for me to appear in person for any other part of the hearings.

Maintaining a Journal causes the notary to slow down and record information each time he/she applies the seal to a document.  It prompts or reminds the notary to examine the signer's identification and record the the ID #. The journal prompts notaries to indicate whether the act he/she is performing is a Jurat or Acknowledgement - which in turn serves as a reminder (when appropriate) to place the signer under Oath. Trust me, I had no desire to spend time at a courthouse, sitting in a witness chair answering questions about an appointment that happened nearly a year earlier.

A Journal is one of the first things that the Notary's insurance company will ask about when it receives a claim naming the Notary in a lawsuit.  Members of Notaries for Alabama will learn more about this on September 18th when a representative from an Alabama insurance agency will speak to the group on "Notary Bond and Error and Omissions Insurance:  What Every Notary Should Know, But Doesn't".

For me, the decision is an easy one.  I've never been one to gamble and my luck so far has been mediocre.  I will continue to maintain a Journal whether the State of Alabama requires it or not.  Notaries for Alabama considers journalkeeping to be a wise decision and it is strongly encouraged.  This is what we teach in our training classes (Notary Basics:  Training for Alabama Notaries).  This is what we promote each and every time we have the opportunity to do so.  What's your decision?

If you're an Alabama Notary and would like to attend our networking meetings in and around central Alabama, or learn more about proper notarization techniques through formal training, contact our group by visiting our websites, or by calling or emailing us:  (205) 626-9399 and Notaries4Alabama@Gmail.com. We'd love to connect with you.  You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

Do you know an Alabama Notary who could benefit from training?  If so, Notary Basics:  Training for Alabama Notaries will be conducted on Friday, June 27th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Homewood Public Library.  The fee is $35.  For more information or to register, send us an email or check us out here.

Neither Rain, nor Sleet, nor Snow...the mail must go through.

More than three hundred Jefferson County notaries have heard about Notaries for Alabama since its inception one year ago.  Some received a postcard, others an email or personalized letter.  We've been reaching out to Alabama's Notaries in a variety of ways offering basic notary training, mentors, clinics and opportunities to meet and network with other notaries.

With more than twenty-two thousand commissioned notaries in the State of Alabama, we are a very long way from our goal of contacting each and every one.  The response so far has been mixed.  Most are thrilled to learn that there is finally a place to call or go to with general questions and inquiries.  Some have no interest in doing anything more.  A few can't wait to attend the next meeting or training session.

Two months ago, on Friday, February 28th, Notaries for Alabama conducted its first Notary Basics Training class.  Students learned how to notarize documents correctly in Alabama.  Sounds simple, right? Not necessarily.  Although it isn't rocket science, there are different notorial acts (Acknowledgement, Jurat, Certification, to name a few) and each one requires the notary to do something slightly different. Feedback from Notary Basics students was overwhelmingly positive.

If you hold an active notary commission, you don't have to wait to receive one of our letters or postcards.  In fact, you don't have to be a notary.  We offer training and mentoring classes, and will be hosting a community service event in November.  Our group's website is NotariesForAlabama.com. You can also reach us by phone at (205) 626-9399, on Facebook, Twitter and on Meetup.com.  Connect with us.  You'll be glad that you did.