If you’ve been a mobile Notary for any amount of time, I’m sure you’ve experienced your fair share of awkward questions. I’ve developed a thick skin over the past years doing Notary work but, sometimes the questions still shock me.
“Why don’t you have any children?”
“What does your husband do?”
“Is this ALL you do all day?”
“Have you thought about going to college?”
“What religion are you, and what church do you go to?”
I can’t tell you how many times I had to laugh incredulously once I got to my car. Did they really just ask me that?
Don’t Let It Bother You
When I meet someone for an appointment, I’m friendly and professional. I refrain from too much talking so I can stay focused on the job at hand. Sometimes I’ll engage in a bit of small chat like weather, local football, or pets, but I never bring up anything personal.
I understand that I am at their home or business, so they may feel the need to engage in conversation. But what the signer doesn’t understand is that a lot of people are relying on me to execute their documents accurately and efficiently, so I really need to focus and not chat about my personal life. I used to let these personal awkward questions bother me, provide answers, and go back and forth with signers. I’ve learned not to do this.
Deflecting The Question
Growing up, my dad taught me that in business there are two things you should never talk about: politics and religion. And it’s amazing how many subjects that covers. When those very personal questions come my way, I can still hear my dad’s advice and do my best to divert the question and get back to work.
The best way I’ve found to accomplish this is with a simple one word answer or a polite, “I’d prefer not to say”. For example:
The signer asks, “Is this all you do all day?” You simply answer, “yes” then move to the next page that needs to be signed.
Or the signer asks: “What religion are you and what church do you go to?”
I politely answer, “I’d prefer not to say,” and point to the next signature line.
I have come to realize that by not engaging in the question, the signer will get the hint and go with your flow of the signing.
Fortunately most signers are great, which makes being a NSA fun.
P.S. I did go to college, ... and yes this is all I do all day.
Amanda Doumanian Reeves has worked as a mobile Notary in Tallahassee, Florida, for six years and helps run a thriving business, A Notary on the Go, with her family.