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 Notary Tips
 Dress for success, dont' park in driveway!
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jbelmont

California
3106 Posts

Posted - 05/18/2010 :  12:23:39 AM  Show Profile  Visit jbelmont's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Boy, this parking issue is complicated. At least ask permission before you create congestion in their driveway (without paying rent).

Although the tie and jacket are not required, they make an impression, and getting ahead is all about impressing people with your technical, social, and wardrobe skills (in that order). I have gotten many complaints about how I dress which is why I know how important it is. Carmen, on the other hand dresses extremely well for signings and is a Master of the trade in terms of technical skills, not to mention her dynamic personality. She gets paid much more than the average notary does, and her mastery of the "three pillars" has a lot to do with it.

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LindaJ

Illinois
77 Posts

Posted - 05/17/2010 :  7:39:18 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
I thought I was the only one who still ironed Lisa. Glad to see someone else does also.
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Lisa T.

California
391 Posts

Posted - 05/17/2010 :  5:32:52 PM  Show Profile  Visit Lisa T.'s Homepage  Reply with Quote
Women's attire could be slacks and a collared button front shirt, closed toe flats work best. If you get solid colored slacks and shirts, you can mix and match. I have one pair each of black, brown, navy and grey slacks and about 10 different colored button front shirts - short sleeve and long sleeve. I mix and match them, pairing the outfits with different jewelry and accessories.
I have enough ready so if I get a call, something is ironed and waiting for me to throw on.

It doesn't take a lot of money to dress for success.

Edited by - Lisa T. on 05/17/2010 5:33:44 PM
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PWinFL

Florida
469 Posts

Posted - 05/17/2010 :  5:28:12 PM  Show Profile  Visit PWinFL's Homepage  Reply with Quote
With so many HOA communities here, many have restrictions about parking on the street. Chances are, if you park in the street, you may end up with a fine or the homeowner may be fined.

Also, in rural areas, houses sit back too far to park on the road. And with two lane narrow roads, it is dangerous at best to park on the shoulder or worse, on the homeowners yard.

I think the "parking" recommendation really depends on the neighborhood and general acceptance. Though I live in a city (that is, within the city limits), I don't expect service folks to park in the road. Of course, there are times when I would expect it, like when the lawn maintenance men come, they park their truck and trailer in the road because there's no where else they can park. And they must place cones in front and the rear of their vehicle. But when our insurance agents comes, by car, I do expect and anticipate, him to park in the driveway.

I always do ask where I can park, and if I park in someone's driveway, the first thing I ask at the door is if I'm parked okay or do I need to move my car. (Car is well maintained so oil and coolant leaks are not likely. I do leave a puddle of water though. Air conditioners are a way of life in this neck of the woods.)

As for the dress code, I subscribe to the 'business casual' rule. That too depends on location and time of year. Shirt and ties are for lawyers, is the rule of thumb here, and sometimes not even them, except in court. Slacks, an appropriate collared shirt and almost any shoe except sneakers or beach shoes, is what you'll see around here.


Never drive any faster than your guardian angel can fly.

I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida,
and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.


Visit us online at http://www.PAWnotary.com
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jbelmont

California
3106 Posts

Posted - 05/17/2010 :  4:45:08 PM  Show Profile  Visit jbelmont's Homepage  Reply with Quote
Notary etiquette 101.

Going to a signing? Dress for success, but don't park in the borrower's driveway. What if someone needs to come in or out of the driveway while you are there? They will be upset with you. Parking in someone's driveway seems normal, but is unprofessional and bad manners. Just park on the street, or call and ask permission to park in the driveway if there is no other choice.

No other place to park? Call the borrower up and ask, "May I park in your driveway, I have no other place to park?". Or, if you live in the country, "May I park in your driveway, I'm afraid a tractor will run over my car if I park in the street".

What if your car leaks oil or coolant? Do you want to leave a lasting "impression" on your borrower's driveway? Remember, ONLY affix your notary seal to a document, but don't affix your brake fluid to someone's driveway.

The snowstorm exemption clause? Maybe the snowplow will run over your car if you park in the street. In the case of a snowstorm, wear successful looking snowpants and a nice hat -- and it may be okay to park in the driveway, if you ask.

Dressing for success is so important. Some of us like "keeping it real" and are simpler folks. But, so many people appreciate it when you dress well, it makes all the difference. You will get more referrals, and better standing with the signing companies you work for. The first thing that comes out of a borrower's mouth is, "She was so pleasant and so nicely dressed". They will forget how you didn't know how to answer any of their technical questions if you smile a lot and wear nice clothes. Having good breath never hurt anyone either.

Remember, business clothes are key. Keep shirts tucked in, and no shorts. Winter hats should look tidy and not have sports teams logos on them. Slacks and a button down shirt for men. The tie and jacket add the extra touch. Nicely polished leather shoes make you look like a professional. We live in a society that judges people by what shoes they wear. For women: business attire and nice shoes. Make sure your hair is neatly styled. I'm a guy, so I don't know exactly how to get specific for women's wear - but these are the basics.

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