This has nothing to do with Real Estate or the Notary Business, unless you are a lover of pets.  I have opened an online store called The Bulldog eStore, which by it's name you can see I'm a bulldog lover. 

I specialize in customizing your pet's picture on various products.  Pictures can be modified to take out background, and include phrases or wording as well.  This might be an "out of the box" way to advertise your business - have a clever saying to go with the picture.

When you have a moment visit the store and browse around!

I have picked up new clients simply from the magnetic car sign I have on the back of my car.  I've performed notarizations in parking lots... one person went to local UPS store and their notary wasn't in, this person just happened to spot my sign and came running over to me.  Fellow notary Paul Williamson sells the magnetic signs in his webstore.

Another great way to advertise is on clothing.  I have 3 sweatshirts I wear to the grandkids soccer and baseball games (and around town on the weekends).  I have a huge logo on the back of them (covers the whole back) and I've received new customers from that.  I had them made at Queensboro Shirt Co.  I also have an embroidered canvas attache that hold everything really well - also from Queensboro.

I've often though about bodypainting "a car" - something like a VW to match my logo, and then put a big red feather on the antenna (or on the roof of the car like the Truly Nolan mice???)  Can't you just picture it?

I just stumbled upon a calculator by accident!

		7 / 39 = 0.179487179
		More about calculator.

Turns out you can use google's search for a calulator: Pretty neat!

7 * 39 = 273     7 + 39 = 46

7 - 39 = -32

I am announcing the opening of Linker Virtual Assistant Services.  It is a division of my current Linker Mobile Notary Business.  I have taken on the additional responsibilities because I can't sit still and I like doing administrative things.  For information and services offered visit my website at: http://virtual-services.linker-mobile-notary.com 

Currently I am only focusing on the San Diego area because I want to meet one-on-one with the client(s).   

Thanks!

IDENTITY THEFT CAN BE DEVASTATING

By Barbara Linker, Linker Mobile Notary Service - "Your San Diego Notary Link"®

Identity Theft is what happens to you when someone uses your personal information to commit fraud in your name. The resulting damages can cause you much devastation!  Identity thieves can go on spending sprees using your credit card, open a new credit card in your name using your and Social Security number, get cell phone service in your name with your credit history, and even get arrested and give your name to the police.  You can also lose out on job opportunities, loans for education, housing or cars, and may even be arrested for crimes that you didn't commit.

Identity Theft can also occur in the business environment where employees steal information, or bribe another employee for information, con information from other employees, hack into computer records, or simply take information from the trash. 

Beware of phishing scams in your e-mail.  Never click on links to visit a website where you will be asked to update your personal information, the web site may be bogus and set up only to steal your information.  

Telemarketers use pretexting, which is when someone obtains your personal information under false pretenses and it is against the law.  Your information can be sold to people who may use it to get credit in your name, steal your assets, or to investigate or sue you.                                                      

Skimming is a hi-tech method where thieves capture your personal or account information from your credit card, driver's license, or passport. When your card is swiped, the skimmer captures your information from the magnetic strip on the card and stores it on the device itself, or on a device attached to the skimmer.

Once thieves have your information they can...

•·        Call your credit card company and change your address

•·        Open credit cards in your name and not pay bill

•·        Apply for phone and wireless services and rack up the charges

•·        Open a bank account and write bad checks

•·        Drain your bank account using counterfeit checks, EFTs, credit/debit cards

•·        File Bankruptcy in your name to avoid paying bills

•·        Get a Drivers License in your name with their picture on it

•·        Get a job or file fraudulent tax returns in your name

•·        Give your name to police during an arrest, don't show up in court, and there is a warrant out for your arrest.

It may take some time for you to realize you're a victim of identity theft, and the damage can be devastating, but you can take some practical steps to minimize your risk and reduce the damage.

Resources:  Talking About Identity Theft: A How-to-Guide, www.ftc.gov/idtheft

                    Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft, Federal Trade Commission, June 2006                   ________________________________________________________

About the author:  Barbara Linker is owner of Linker Mobile Notary Service - "Your San Diego Notary Link"®.  As a value-added service to her Notary business, she offers a free 20-minute presentation on Identity Theft by the FTC.  She is certified by ICFE as an Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist.  For information call Barbara at 858-565-2346.

Are you tired of getting unsolicited credit card offers, promotional material, telemarketing calls, direct mailing, and unsolicited emails?  Many of this "junk stuff" you get can be an open door for identity theft if you are not careful.  Always shred anything with personal information on it, and be very aware of scam type phone calls.  Better yet... why not just OPT OUT?  Here is information for you to do just that!

1. Prescreened credit offers - Call toll-free 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com for details
2. Stop promotional material - notify the 3 credit bureaus NOT to share your private information for promotional purposes
   Equifax, Inc.
   Options
   PO Box 740123
   Atlanta, GA 30374-0123
   
   Experian
   Consumer Opt-Out
   701 Experian Parkway
   Allen, TX 75013
   
   TransUnion Name Removal Option
   P.O. Box 505
   Woodlyn, PA 19094
    
3. Stop telemarketing calls - go to the donotcall registry
   www.donotcall.gov, or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.
4. Stop Direct Marketing mail - opt out of receiving direct mail marketing from many national companies for five years. www.the-dma.org/consumers/offmailinglist.html.
5. Stop unsolicited commercial email, use DMA's online form at www.dmaconsumers.org/offemaillist.html. Your online request will be effective for one year.
6. DMV - The Drivers Privacy Protection Act forbids states from distributing personal information to direct marketers. It allows sharing of personal information with law enforcement officials, courts, government agencies, private investigators, insurance underwriters and similar businesses. Check with your state DMV to learn more.

Courtesy of Linker Mobile Notary Service - "Your San Diego Notary Link"®

Linker Mobile Notary Service offers FREE presentations on Identity Theft to non-profit and community based organizations in the San Diego area.  http://www.linker-mobile-notary.com/Identity.htm

As I described in a previous blog entry, I use Identity Theft presentations as a value-added service to my business.  I am also, however, diversifying my business by offering design and print services for business cards, brochures, t-shirts, stationary, etc.  It is still a work-in-progress, but I know it can be a revenue generator if marketed well. 

This can't but help put a smile on your face and brighten up your day when you are having "one of those days"!    It is amazing how your attitude and demeanor can change with a simple little smile and joy... and to top it off, people respond to you in a very open and positive way!

Embrace each and every day - you are blessed!

In this time when mortgage loans are slowing down, so is your income.  I found that when I started my business that I really enjoyed marketing.  Consequently, I am always looking for ways to market and increase my business and income.

In my particular circumstance, I took a self-study Identity Theft Risk Management^TM course from ICFE, the Institute for Consumer and Financial Education (http://www.financial-education-icfe.org/) and became a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist.  The ICFE also has self-study certification courses for Credit Report Reviewer^TM, and Credit Score Manager^TM.

In putting my "package" together, I created a Power Point presentation with handouts, wrote a script, and ordered a case of identity theft flyers from the FTC (Federal Trade Commission).  To market the program I added a new page to my website, created and mailed flyers to my clients, and changed my business cards to include on the back the FTC ID Theft logo with an invitation to schedule an on-site Identity Theft Seminar, the name of my website identity theft page, and my name as being a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist^TM.

The number one factor in my marketing technique is to always remain visible.  To do this I've created a logo and tagline, both which are now registered trademarks.  They are included in every piece of advertising, literature, and mailing that I put out.  But, another way to remain visible is to appear before the public.  Although I charge businesses to present my seminar on Identity Theft, I am also offering it free to the public.  I put an ad in the local paper the day before the event, I mass emailed the local Chamber of Commerce of which I am a member, posted flyers in local store windows, and left a stack of flyers for the taking at my church.  I have a disclosure at the bottom of the posters and flyers that the seminar is given for education purposes only, and that there will be no promoting or soliciting of products or services.  However, the copies of the Power Point presentation all have the name of my company at the bottom and reference my website.  The flyers from the FTC are all stamped on the back with my company name, tagline, website, and phone numbers.  Visibility, visibility, and more visibility!  It works!

You too can increase your business by using value-added services.  I chose Identity Theft because I feel very strongly about the subject and want to share it with others.  I suggest choosing a service that you believe in and can be passionate about.  By doing so, you will come across as credible and feel comfortable at the same time.

The FTC has a program called "Deter, Detect, Defend" which is an excellent presentation on Identity Theft.  As a value added service to my Notary Business, I offer a 1/2 hour presentation of this information.  Details can be viewed on my website's ID Theft page at: http://www.linker-mobile-notary.com/Identity.htm.  I am always looking for audiences and welcome any referrals or interested prospects in the San Diego area.