Barbara's Blog

Announcing my new online store

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:00:05 -0600

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?

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 22:47:26 -0600

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?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 02:13:11 -0600

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?

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:26:34 -0600

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!

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:43:58 -0600

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...

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 01:25:55 -0600

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?

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:16:11 -0600

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

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 23:12:52 -0600

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!

One of those days!

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:25:39 -0600

Every once in awhile you just have one of those days! I purchased this little 2x3 inch card at the bookstore today. Thought I'd just carry it in my purse and have it to look at when I have "one of those days"... can't help but put a smile on your face and help you to refocus.

How I Increased My Business with a Value-Added Service

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:43:23 -0600

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.

This is election time... so...

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 03:00:31 -0600

even though a notary doesn't charge to notarize signatures on absentee ballot identification envelopes or other voting materials, it is a chance to advertise your FREE service and be visable. This might be a good foot in the door for senior centers and care facilities. Leave business cards and brochures.

Announcement of new Group for San Diego Business connections...

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:51:11 -0600

A site that can benefit ALL types of business in San Diego where you can post, interact, network, and connect.

http://activerain.com/groups/SDBusiness

Do you use Spoke?

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:48:34 -0600

Spoke is an open network for business people. It allows you to access people, discover businesses, and build your network. It seems interesting, but I'm not sure how to use it.

I'm just curious if anyone uses it, and does in help you increase your business?

http://www.spoke.com

"Your San Diego Notary Link"®

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:58:48 -0600

The mission of Linker Mobile Notary Service is to uphold the California Notary Law while providing professional, prompt service. Linker Mobile Notary Service has a proven track record of performing General Notarizations for Attorneys, Doctors, local businesses, and the general public; Loan Signings for Mortgage, Escrow, Title Companies, Lenders and Signing Services; and Trust Signings for local and national Attorneys.

I also offer 1/2 hour presentations on Identity Theft called "Deter, Detect, Defend" which is compiled by the Federal Trade Commission. This is FREE to non-profit organizations, community senior centers and community service associations such as Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, etc. Cost is normally $50.

My main focus in this group is to meet new business associates, network, and increase business.

New Year - New Inspiration!

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:01:13 -0600

My inspiration this New Year is to wake up energized!

I wake up and splash water on my face, read my 1-page devotional, hook up my ipod and walk on the treadmill for 40 minutes. Follow that with a refreshing shower, and drink my morning coffee while doing my make-up and hair.

What a great way to start the day!

Save your gas, time, and frustration by...

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:57:03 -0600

ALWAYS asking ahead of time if they have valid ID!!! Don't take "Yes" for an answer, but find out just what the ID is, and what expiration date is on it.

I "almost" always ask, but there are times I just don't think of it. One of those times was on New Years Day. Got to the person's home and the dear elderly man whose son called me had no current ID. I had to reschedule and go back when they could have 2 credible witnesses be there.

Getting Organized?

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:27:10 -0600

Here it is, that time of year when some people resolve to do better in the New Year. It always amazes me that "Getting Organized" is a fact of life come January 1st...every year!

I was at Office Depot today to get a new bigger, better hub for my computer. I love that store, spent an hour walking and looking around. I ended up not only buying the hub that I went in for, but spent another $179 on QuickBooks Pro. I thought about going to QuickBooks last year but never got around to it. Now, my Quicken Home and Business (from 2004) is outdated - so, I kind of told myself I really need to get new financial software. I installed it and successfully imported all my quicken financial files over to it... and it was so easy!

Just from what I've read about QuickBooks, this will be a MAJOR improvement in my business record keeping!

The next organizational effort will be to "get it all together" for tax filings. I know that QuickBooks will make it much easier for me to do that the end of 2008.

I also need to empty old files to make more room.

It's never ending... never ending... never ending...

Getting Organized?

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:26:30 -0600

Here it is, that time of year when some people resolve to do better in the New Year. It always amazes me that "Getting Organized" is a fact of life come January 1st...every year!

Just from what I've read about QuickBooks, this will be a MAJOR improvement in my business record keeping!

The next organizational effort will be to "get it all together" for tax filings. I know that QuickBooks will make it much easier for me to do that the end of 2008.

I also need to empty old files to make more room.

It's never ending... never ending... never ending...

Getting Organized?

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:25:59 -0600

Here it is, that time of year when some people resolve to do better in the New Year. It always amazes me that "Getting Organized" is a fact of life come January 1st...every year!

Just from what I've read about QuickBooks, this will be a MAJOR improvement in my business record keeping!

The next organizational effort will be to "get it all together" for tax filings. I know that QuickBooks will make it much easier for me to do that the end of 2008.

I also need to empty old files to make more room.

It's never ending... never ending... never ending...

Getting Organized?

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:25:22 -0600

Here it is, that time of year when some people resolve to do better in the New Year. It always amazes me that "Getting Organized" is a fact of life come January 1st...every year!

Just from what I've read about QuickBooks, this will be a MAJOR improvement in my business record keeping!

The next organizational effort will be to "get it all together" for tax filings. I know that QuickBooks will make it much easier for me to do that the end of 2008.

I also need to empty old files to make more room.

It's never ending... never ending... never ending...

Getting Organized?

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:22:55 -0600

Here it is, that time of year when some people resolve to do better in the New Year. It always amazes me that "Getting Organized" is a fact of life come January 1st...every year!

Just from what I've read about QuickBooks, this will be a MAJOR improvement in my business record keeping!

The next organizational effort will be to "get it all together" for tax filings. I know that QuickBooks will make it much easier for me to do that the end of 2008.

I also need to empty old files to make more room.

It's never ending... never ending... never ending...

Take a minute to send a Christmas Card to a recovering soldier.

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 23:42:05 -0600

While you are addressing all your Christmas cards for family and friends, won't you take just a minute to send a recovering soldier a card and thank him/her for their service for our freedom?

We Support You During Your Recovery!
c/o American Red Cross
P.O. Box 419
Savage, MD 20763-0419

Take a minute to send a Christmas Card to a recovering soldier.

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 23:41:07 -0600

While you are addressing all your Christmas cards for family and friends, won't you take just a minute to send a recovering soldier a card and thank him/her for their service for our freedom?

We Support You During Your Recovery!
c/o American Red Cross
P.O. Box 419
Savage, MD 20763-0419

Take a minute to send a Christmas Card to a recovering soldier.

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 23:34:24 -0600

While you are addressing all your Christmas cards for family and friends, won't you take just a minute to send a recovering soldier a card and thank him/her for their service for our freedom?

We Support You During Your Recovery!
c/o American Red Cross
P.O. Box 419
Savage, MD 20763-0419

Using business sense to increase business cents

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 01:35:27 -0600

Good business sense WILL produce good business cents. Sometimes it takes a lot of patience, but it's worth it in the long run.

Put yourself in the place of the customer/client. How would you feel? Are you late to appointments? Do you return phone calls in a timely manner? Do you answer the phone within the first 3 rings, and identify yourself and your business? There are SO many things that can make the difference - that can clobber a deal or close a deal.

Share your thoughts and experiences.