Barbara's Blog

Announcing my new online store

2008-02-25T02:00:05Z

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!

Are you advertising your business well?

2008-02-13T22:47:26Z

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?

Do you need a Calulator?

2008-02-11T02:13:11Z

I just stumbled upon a calculator by accident!

San Diego's NBC TV station is called 7/39 - I did a google search to find their website and I just entered 7/39 - the first result was

		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

Do you need a Virtual Assistant?

2008-02-01T21:26:34Z

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!

2008-01-17T18:43:58Z

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.

Avoid Identity Theft - OPT OUT of that stuff - here is how...

2008-01-17T01:25:55Z

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!

Prescreened credit offers - Call toll-free 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com for details
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
Stop telemarketing calls - go to the donotcall registry
www.donotcall.gov, or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.
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.
Stop unsolicited commercial email, use DMA's online form at www.dmaconsumers.org/offemaillist.html. Your online request will be effective for one year.
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

Do you diversify your business or use value-added services?

2008-01-17T00:16:11Z

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.

Smile

2008-01-16T23:12:52Z

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!

How I Increased My Business with a Value-Added Service

2008-01-16T12:43:23Z

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.

Identity Theft

2007-11-19T23:34:27Z

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.

Why use Linker Mobile Notary for your Loan Signings?

2007-11-17T23:56:21Z

Promptness, Presentation, and Professionalism

Linker Mobile Notary takes pride in being prompt for appointments and takes the time to present the loan package to the borrower in a professional manner. Critical documents are reviewed first so that any concerns the borrower may have can be resolved in a timely manner. The critical documents are:

•· Closing Instructions - Review is made of the closing instructions outlining the loan package for terms of loan, fees, whether funds should be obtained from the borrower to forward to the lender, and if copies of the borrower's identification are needed, as well as whether to use blue or black ink.

•· Signature/Name Affidavit - While collecting the borrower's identification and recording it in the notary journal for state-specific purposes, the ID is verified to be current and the name on the ID matches the name on the loan documents. When the borrower signs the notary journal the signature/name affidavit can be signed at the same time.

•· Address Certification - The borrower verifies that the property address for the mortgaged property is complete and accurate.

•· Notice of Right to Cancel - The borrower will be made aware that there are three full business days to review the loan package and resolve any issues that may arise.

•· Settlement Statement (HUD) - A review will be performed on the charges incurred for the loan itself which are presented on one side of the page, and the other side of the page showing all the disbursements and/or payoffs. The borrower will be shown how the loan amount, less the settlement charges, less the disbursements, equals the amount being disbursed to the borrower (if applicable).

•· Note - Verification will be made on the address of the property, loan amount, lender, interest rate, payment due dates, where payments are to be mailed, monthly payment amount (principle and interest only), and the percentage rate charged by the lender if payment is late, as well as what happens if the borrower defaults on the Note.

•· Notice to Borrower of Impound/Escrow Account and the Initial Escrow Account Disclosure Statement - If the borrower has requested an escrow account be set up, it will be pointed out that the Note shows principal and interest only and that the escrow account breaks down the taxes and insurance and is in addition to the principle and interest, there by bringing the actual monthly payment up to "x" amount.

•· Deed of Trust - The borrower will be made aware that this is the "security instrument" which gives the lender a claim against the borrower's home if they fail to live up to the terms of the note, and the borrower will verify that vesting of the borrower's name, property address, county, and loan amount are all correct.

•· Truth-in-Lending Disclosure Statement - This discloses all charges associated with the loan over the life of the loan. The borrower will be made aware of the Annual Percentage Rate, total number of payments, and any prepayment penalties that may be indicated

Of course there are many other documents that are included in a loan package; however these are the major ones. Any concerns that arise during the signing process will usually occur on these documents. Once the loan package is signed and complete, it will be reviewed before leaving the signing to verify that nothing has been missed and then promptly returned by overnight courier.

California Signers who have no valid ID

2007-11-17T21:54:56Z

So often I'll have a signer with no valid ID. Sad but true most of them are elderly and in care facilities, or are shut-ins with home-care. According to the CA notary handbook, there are a couple of ways to "get around" this dilemma. If you personally know the individual, then there is no problem (there will be no personal knowledge after the first of the year, so that wipes that out!). If the individual knows two people who can be credible witnesses and each of them have valid ID, then that is another option.

How does an individual get a CA ID if they are unable to get out to the DMV? I could never get an answer, until my husband took his drivers test. I went with him to the DMV, and while he was going thru all the motions of taking his test, I stood in line and ended up talking to 3 DMV employees until I got the answer from the "man in charge". Did you know that the CA DMV has MOBILE UNITS that will go to an individuals location to take their picture and process the information so that they may get a CA ID card? I was told that the person simply needs to call their DMV office and request a mobile unit to come out.

It breaks my heart to see elderly people unable to get documents notarized simply because they have no legal ID. It's usually a request from a son/daughter or other relative for POA's or Health-care Directive. Many care facilities will not allow their staff to act as CW's.