NNA 2014 is right around the corner. If it's your first time at an NNA Conference, consider these tips from past attendees about how to get the most out of the year's biggest Notary event.
Introduce yourself. Daniel Lewis of Indiana estimated that meeting and networking with people at past Conferences has increased his business at least 10 percent each year. "Networking with authors of Notary publications helps adjust your perspective on the industry," he said. "And networking with various Secretaries of State gives a perspective on how state laws are developed, giving me a distinct advantage over other Notary signing companies."
Bring business cards. "If you want to network, make sure you bring plenty of business cards with you," said Cathy Betts of Washington. "I always look out for my fellow state Notaries so we can keep up to date on what is happening in our state. I also write information on the back of the business cards about the individual. This keeps my mind fresh on the new person that I just met."
Ask questions. "I think it was very helpful for Notaries to understand the loan process from the lenders perspective," said Dianna Datz of Louisiana after attending a lender and title company panel and Q&A at last year's event. "The panel did a good job presenting the facts of what goes on behind the scene before we are presented with the final product."
Bring appropriate indoor and outdoor clothes. While Phoenix, Arizona gets very warm outside in the summer, Cathy Betts suggested first-time attendees also bring a jacket or sweater because air-conditioned meeting rooms indoors can get chilly during long sessions. "Since Phoenix will be 90-100 degrees during the day, you never know how cold the meeting rooms will be," she said.
There are only a few weeks left before NNA 2014. Register now to attend this once-a-year educational and networking opportunity.
David Thun is an Associate Editor at the National Notary Association.