The Right Message at the Right Time

When I announced that Notary Basics for Alabama Notaries - a notary training class - would use the National Notary Association's (NNA) "Twelve Steps to a Flawless Notarization" as its primary textbook, I was asked why.  My answer was simple:  Cost and Content.

For less than ten dollars, "Twelve Steps" provides the most amount of information for the least amount of money.  The NNA makes it plain in the Introduction:

                             "The purpose of this book is to explain the critical elements of proper
                               notarization and to help Notaries use reasonable care".  [Page 6]

In other words, the NNA made the decision to focus on what really matters - the basics.  And, in my opinion, they did an exceptional job.  By covering less information the author's were able to go "deeper" and in greater detail, while still leaving room for each state's requirements to be added without taking anything away from "Twelve Steps" and visa versa.  "Twelve Steps" is a soft-back book - light enough and small enough to carry easily in a notary bag.  Not a bad idea for new notaries.

While "Twelve Steps" is perfect for covering the basics - we at Notaries for Alabama knew it was equally important for Notary Basics to include Alabama-specific requirements.  For that, we turned to "A Manual for Notaries Public in the State of Alabama" - a document few Notaries know anything about.  It was published by The Young Lawyers' Section of The Alabama State Bar.  The last copyright date was 2007. Although some information is out of date (i.e., it refers to a $10,000 bond requirement, when it was increased to $25,000 two years ago); it has timely information concerning Oaths, Journal Keeping and Notary Liability.  As the Lead Trainer for Notary Basics for Alabama Notaries, I feel confident that students will leave the class with more knowledge and skills than they had when they arrived.

Notary Basics training will be held on Friday, February 28, 2014 from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm at the Homewood Public Library, in Homewood, Alabama.  The cost is $35.

If you're a first-time Notary Public, or a commissioned Notary who never received formal training, Notary Basics may be right for you.  For more information, call (205) 626-9399.  You can also register online at Meetup.com.

Notaries, Do You Know Where YOUR Stamp or Embosser Is?

It's been over twenty years since I heard the famous Public Service Announcement that aired on American televisions around 10 pm at night, "Do you know where your children are?"  It was was an attempt on the part of a New York news station to bring attention to youth violence and hold parents accountable for their kid's activities and whereabouts.  Did it make a difference? Perhaps.  It definitely made an impact and was frequently quoted.

Which is why I pose a similar question to Notaries Public.  "Do you know where your notary stamp or embosser is...right this minute?"  Is it in an unlocked desk drawer at work, unattended?  Is it in the glove compartment of you unlocked vehicle?  Did you leave it somewhere and you purchased a replacement?

People, including Notaries, underestimate the power of the notary stamp/embosser.  Once applied to signed documents, the stamp/embosser can change the legal ownership of property, authorize a person to have control over your bank accounts, permit an adult (other than a parent) to take a minor child out of the country.  The stamp/embosser is a force to reckon with.

Which is why it's so important for Notaries to secure their equipment each and everyday.  An honest and responsible Notary Public will do everything in his or her power to make it difficult for fraudsters to steal the notary's identity and/or notary tools.  Notaries:  Don't be careless.  Don't use poor judgement.

Today I learned about an investigation of a notary public and others in Kansas City, MO.  I hope authorities in that state investigate the allegations and get to the bottom of what really happened, and prosecute accordingly.  Here's a link to the new story, and an interesting video.  I hope the link works.  If not, try copying it (KSHB.com)

   http://www.kshb.com/dpp/news/local_news/investigations/investigation-of-apparent-real-estate-fraud-scheme-questions-if-notary-signatures-were-forged

Notary Basics: Training for Alabama Notaries

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest".

- Benjamin Franklin

In just a few weeks, Alabama Notaries will have an opportunity to test Franklin’s assertions. Notary Basics for the Alabama Notary Public is a six (6) hour, classroom-based, live training that will be held at Homewood's Public Library, in Birmingham, Alabama, on Friday, February 28, 2014 from 9:30 - 4:30 pm.

Notary Basics is ideal for first-time notaries, or commissioned notaries who have never received training. Students will leave the class with reference material and knowledge of how to complete accurate notarizations in accordance with Alabama requirements.  The cost is: $35.  Registration is required in advance of the training class.

To register, send an email to Notaries4Alabama@Gmail.com.  Make sure you include:
1.  Your first and last name
2.  Phone Number
3.  Email Address
4.  Home/Resident County in Alabama (for Commission requirementgs)

To learn more or register online, go to http://www.meetup.com/Alabama-Notary-Training/.  You can also call (205) 626-9399.

Looking Back But Moving Forward

November 7 has come and gone.  Birmingham, Alabama celebrated its first National Notary Public Day thanks to the dedication and hard work of the members and 2013 Leadership Team of Notaries for Alabama.

We were fortunate to have the support of several community leaders.  The Honorable Jim Bennett, Alabama's Secretary of State, and State Representative Rod Scott (55th District) were both in attendance, as well as a representative from Mayor Bell's office.  Birmingham's Mayor William Bell, issued a special Proclamation recognizing Notary Day in Birmingham.  Notaries for Alabama also received a letter of support from State Senator Tammy Irons (1st District).

Our event was held at the Birmingham Public Library, located downtown.  The staff at the Library were generous and gracious by accommodating us free-of-charge.  Notaries for Alabama offered free notary services for eight hours.  Turnout, unfortunately, was light.  At last count we notarized documents for ten individuals from the surrounding area.  We were happy when several notaries from the community dropped by and expressed an interest in joining the group. Two of them have become active members.

National Notary Public Day on November 7th will continue to be an important date for Notaries for Alabama.  In a just few months, plans will be underway again to plan a community service project for 2014. We hope you're join us!

It's Almost Here! National Notary Public Day 2013

On Thursday, November 7th, National Notary Public Day will be recognized across the United States.  For a mere twenty-four hours, citizens will be asked to acknowledge and thank the men and women who are commissioned Notaries in their community.

If you've been following my Blog you know that earlier this year I had an idea.  Instead of giving lip service to this Day of Recognition, why not give it...give them (the notaries) the attention, the kudos, the appreciation, the 15 Minutes of Fame (or twenty four hours, depending on how you look at it) they deserve?  What if Alabama took this day to heart and did something nice?

A few months ago I spoke with a representative from Alabama's Secretary of State office.  I was shocked - blown away - to learn that at last count, the state had more than 22,000 notaries with active commissions.  Did you hear me?  22,000!  That's....incredible!  That's a lot of notary! So...what started as an idea gave way to:

Notaries4Alabama (N4A) Birmingham's 1st Notary Public support group.  We've been meeting monthly since May 2013 at Homewood Public Library.  Just over forty men and women have joined the group.  We've invited leaders from the community to attend our meetings and talk about notary topics.  I'll Blog later about the training and mentoring that's been going on.  If you're an Alabama Notary Public and want to learn more about N4A, you can find us on Meetup.com.  You can click here Notaries-for-Alabama Support Group.

That was the icing on the proverbial cake.  Remember, the initial idea was to host a Notary Day event on November 7th for the Notaries. Well...we're doing that, too!  But instead of just doing something nice for Notaries, the Notaries are doing something nice for the community-at-large.  Check this out!

FREE Document Notarizations

 

In recognition of
National Notary Public Day

 

Thursday, Nov 7th 10am - 6pm
Birmingham Public Library (Near Courthouse)
2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL

 

Open to the General Public
Bring your un-signed forms, and Government-issue ID.

Expert Notaries will notarize your forms.
NO real estate-related documents, please.

Walk-Ups OK.  No appointment necessary.

 

Alabama Notaries can register for exciting gifts in our Notary Raffle and learn about Notaries4Alabama, a support group for Central Alabama Notaries.

 

 

For more information about this Birmingham, Alabama's #NotaryDay2013, contact Notaries4Alabama: 

 

Telephone:  (205) 626-9399

Email:  Notaries4Alabama@Gmail.com

Web:    www.NotariesforAlabama.com

Twitter:  @NotariesAlabama

Emergency Broadcasting System

When I was a little girl, growing up in Los Angeles, at least once a week, in the middle of cartoons, the tv channel I was watching would interrupt its programming to air this test.  It would show up on every channel at the same time (we only had four or five channels back then).  The Emergency Broadcasting System test was supposed to prepare everyone for the possible invasion of Communists or Aliens (I kid you not).  Fortunately, representatives from neither group never showed up and eventually, this test was replaced by something less annoying.

So what does this have to do with Notaries?  Well, the next few months will be a test of sorts for me and other Birmingham, Alabama Notaries.  As of today, thirty-one men and women have joined the ranks of Notaries4Alabama Networking Group.  Each member has indicated they are interested in forming a lasting group in support of notaries.  We will hold our third group meeting on Thursday, July 18th at the Homewood Public Library, in Homewood, Alabama.   Group leaders will be selected.  Tasks will be delegated.  Serious planning will start for our November Community Service Event (National Notary Public Day on November 7th).  There's a lot to accomplish.  This is definitely a test.

The members of Notaries4Alabama-Birmingham will find out first hand just how committed we are to this idea.  It sounds good, doesn't it?  What's not to like about notaries getting together once a month to obtain training, listen to professional speakers, meet mentors, and hear about new opportunities? It should work, right?

According to SmallBizTrends.com (http://smallbiztrends.com) small businesses in the services industry have a 47% failure rate within the first five years.  That's almost one out of every two companies.  Granted, this notary group isn't a formal business but there are similarities.  Enough similarities for me to be somewhat concerned.

Time will tell whether or not I'll be a successful leader of this group, and if the members are really up to the task at hand.  I sure hope so.  Just like most new ventures, including personal relationships, as time wears on the excitement starts to ebb just a bit.  It's easy to get distracted.  But instead of allowing these fears to overwhelm us, we should use them as motivation and inspiration. I think Dale Carnegie said it best:

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear.  Action breeds confidence and courage.  If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it.  Go out and get busy".

Notaries4Alabama: The Saga Continues

I just spent the last couple of hours “getting the word out” about the June Notary Meeting. It’ll be our second group meeting.  I was pleased to see that in less than two hours of announcing the date, three notaries had confirmed their attendance.   To be honest, I wasn’t surprised. A lot has changed since my first blog post in April.

More than twenty notaries expressed interest in joining the new Birmingham group.  Sixteen indicated that they would attend our first meeting, on May 23^rd.  I consider that a good sign.  Although we had a few last minute cancellations, notaries who did show up had no problem networking and making their interests/concerns known.  They made it clear that they wanted training and information that would help them feel more confident performing the duties of notary public.

Surprisingly, when the question was asked how much an Alabama Notary can charge for notarizing a document, four people offered four different answers. Their responses ranged from $1.50 to $10.00. I was blown away.  I did not expect that.  In a room with twelve notaries, only four answered the question (the others were unsure) and only one was correct.  And in case you’re wondering, as of February 28, 2011, the authorized Alabama Notary fee is $5.00 (http://arc-sos.state.al.us/PAC/SOSACPDF.001/A0008589.PDF).

I see this as another reason why a Birmingham Notary Group is necessary; not optional.  And, this is one reason why I believe it will be successful.

The challenge will be making sure meetings are scheduled in advance, communicated well, and cover meaningful topics.  Thankfully, several individuals have already offered to work with me in a leadership capacity to help ensure the group’s success.

If you know an Alabama Notary Public tell him/her about this blog and encourage them to connect with us at our monthly meetings.  More information about Notaries4Alabama can be found on Meetup.com, Birmingham365.org, and on www.facebook.com/Notaries-for-Alabama.

 The best news is that it was unanimous that Notaries4Alabama will host a community service event on November 7^th, National Notary Public Day. Within the next 3-4 weeks, we should be able to provide more specific information.  If you have ideas/suggestions, or you’d like to partner with us, email me at notaries4alabama@gmail.com.   Let's do this, Alabama!

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment".

Jim Rohn