Siarma Business Solutions

Don't Get Ripped off by a Notary Public

2010-07-10T18:48:00.002-04:00

A notary public witnesses the signing of legal documents and is allowed to charge fees for attesting his signature to and afixing his official notary stamp onto the documents. They are representatives of the state and are thereby bound to uphold the laws of that state.

A notary who violates the oath of his office is required to be removed from office by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the notary public resides. ORC 147.03

Ohio very clearly defines what a notary public may charge for his/her services. The fees are a tad more complex than those listed below but this is a fair guideline. Additional fees are rare (unless you are a practicing attorney) and are usually only attatched to lenghty or more complicated legal documents. It is fair to charge no more than $0.10 per 100 words for longer documents- yes, you read that correctly, a dime for every 100 words is legal. Therefore a 2000 word document should cost no more than $2.00.

Ohio Notary Fees
Acknowledgments $2.00
Jurats $1.50
Oaths & Affirmations $1.00
Protests $1.00 plus actual expenses

An Ohio mobile notary may charge any travel fee they feel is appropriate. This can include milage, rushes and time of day (weekends or after hours) expenses the notary has incurred or honestly deserves.

Did you know that these fees are per notarial act, and are not cumulative? If there are four signers in a single notary certificate, the notary cannot charge four separate fees!!

A very nice document is included here, written in the The Citator: The official newsletter of the Paralegal Association of Central Ohio about the Do's and Dont's as a notary.

In the State of Ohio, a reputable and honest notary cannot and will not be able to earn a living doing just notarizing documents. Being aware of the legalities of this often necessary service can save much trouble and expense.

P.S.
When you have gone to a business or person to have a signature notarized travel fees do not apply. However, when a notary has to come to you or meet you somewhere, it is legal and acceptable to be expect to compensate that professional for his/her time, milage and services (travel fees). These fees should be discussed up front.

The 100 days Test

2009-04-30T18:44:00.005-04:00

Everyday that passes is a new opportunity. To reflect on that which we have done and what we have not. Yesterday President Obama reflected on his first 100 days in office with hope, humor and sobriety.

It is with that same honesty we as small business owners/entrepreneurs need to review ourselves. Are we truly living up to our business objectives? Are we confronting our challenges or allowing them to pile up while we busy ourselves with paperwork?

Do you have a business plan?
If so, are you working it?
If not, why not?

Do you have a success team?
If so, are you capitalizing off of them?
If not, why not?

We all went into business for ourselves knowing the road would not always be easy. But it need not be overwhelming. Take time to do your own “100 days” assessment. By investing in this process you can determine what is working for you and what is not.

"And, you know, every generation has to rise up to the specific challenges that confront them. We happen to have gotten a big set of challenges, but we're not the first generation that that's happened to. And I'm confident that we are going to meet these challenges just like our grandparents and forbearers met them before." Barack Obama, Apr 29, 2009.

Quotes of the Week - Apr 20, 2009

2009-04-23T17:40:00.007-04:00

"Success consists of going from failure to failure
without a loss of enthusiasm."

~Winston Churchill

"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how
close they were to success when they gave up."

~Thomas A. Edison

Image is Everything

2009-04-13T16:48:00.007-04:00

Well, not really. But in the world of business, first impressions tell a potential customer about not only your business but your work habits. Fair or not, you are judged by your marketing materials.

Most business owners believe that their customers judge them by the quality of their work. While this is true, what about your potential customers?

Do people really know what you do?

Does your website invite people to learn more about your services?

Does your invoice tell a client that you are professional and take your billing serious?

Does your paperwork created a professional, unified message?

Add a Blog, Open your Website to the World

2009-04-08T14:51:00.009-04:00

I am currently working on a web site for a new client and mentioned the flexibility that a blog would give his company. You see, the site is pretty complex, but he requires the ability to add information and news often.

I have designed the site and was very reluctant to have him go in and make a lot of changes. Those who have set up websites know how fickle they can be. I suggested a blog to him and showed him how easy it is to add anything he likes (even from his email or phone). He was overjoyed. On top of the ease of use, he can have traffic directed to his site by virtue of the blog.

Solutions is in our name for a reason! We find out what you need and what is holding you back and then provide a solution. We help you implement your business solutions and follow-up or give you on-going assistance. Want to see the site? Click on the picture of the screenshot.

-Stephanie

Why use Freeware, Open Source or Creative Commons

2009-01-07T10:57:00.007-05:00

Freeware, shared, open source work and public domain work has become a worthwhile tool and a powerful movement. Championed by a great many, not the least of is Creative Commons, society is turning away from the corporate giants that have held us captive by their proprietary licences and restrictions.

How many times have I created a new form to make my job easier and shared it with my co-workers? Public domain and freeware at its simplest. What drawing or idea have you freely given away? It really feels good when people appreciate and use the things that we create.

Of course we live in a capitalistic society and our primary reason for being in business is to generate income; however in today's economic climate we need to take advantage of every opportunity given. Freeware, shared, open source work and public domain work provide that opportunity. From entrepreneurs just getting started to established companies looking for ways to smartly tighten their budget I suggest considering using these as tools to help your company.

Nine Reasons why Free is Best

2009-01-07T10:36:00.005-05:00

1. Its Free.
2. The quality of many products are superb.
3. You are supporting independent research and thought.
4. You are providing exposure to a worthwhile project.
5. Did I mention it was FREE?
6. With the right products, no one will know you used free anything. Unless you tell them.
7. With each download, you tell the mega-giants that you will not be held hostage to their products and licenses.
8. You know you are not stealing anything
9. You can usually make changes without violating any laws or restrictions.

Yes, I believe creative commons, open source, copyright free and freeware to be godsends to the majority. I do caution you to read the licences and obey them. If they request a link back be a good responsible consumer and link back. If the license states "NO commercial use" or "no derivative work", then respect the artist or author. If you cannot or do not wish to abide by their requests then do not use their work.

Use freely, give freely and love freely.

Resources I Could Not Live Without

2009-01-06T15:38:00.007-05:00

Thanks to technology and individuals generosity, I have been able to create an on-line presence for next to nothing. This website and most of its contents were free. In addition a great deal of my everyday work is done on software that is considered freeware or are upgrades from those products.

There was a time (not long ago) that I would have been ashamed to admit I used "those" programs; however, now I understand the politics and the beauty of free/inexpensive tools. I make sure that I only use high quality products that perform as well or better than their expensive counterparts. By doing so, I can pass my savings on to my customers. The differences are transparent and the work is exceptional. No one knows and everyone is happy.

A big THANK YOU goes out to those developers, contributors and artists that support these endeavors. I would be remiss to not thank everyone for their efforts. While I may inadvertently forget to credit anyone, I am putting the source websites where the work can be found.

Please feel free to visit them.

Does your Company have a Safety Manual?

2008-08-21T12:45:00.022-04:00

If the answer is no, then your next question might be "Why, does my company need a safety manual?" The answer is yes. Every company is required to have one. By having a manual you protect not only your employees but you and your business. Because each business is set up and run differently so should your manual.

Ohio Revised code (ORC) 4101.12 states that it is the:

Duty of employer to furnish safe place of employment

No employer shall require, permit, or suffer any employee to
go or be in any employment or place of employment which is not safe, and no such employer shall fail to furnish, provide, and use safety devices and safeguards, or fail to obey and follow orders or to adopt and use methods and processes reasonably adequate to render such employment and place of employment safe. No employer shall fail to do every other thing reasonably necessary to protect the life, health, safety, and welfare of such employees or frequenters. No such employer or other person shall construct, occupy, or maintain any place of employment that is not safe.

Siarma Business Solutions can help customize a manual for your business and workers. When your health and safety information and procedures are localized in one handy manual, everyone knows where to find assistance. While working within your office, questions or important forms can be quickly accessed without difficulty or rummaging through papers looking for the right form.

If you or your staff are working off site all important contact numbers and procedures will be right on hand. Each new job should be updated to include new emergency numbers, new names and the current job, location and relevant parties.

Do yourself and your employees favor; get a health and safety manual and keep it updated. If you need assistance with this or any other office forms or manuals, please feel free to call Siarma Business Solutions at (216) 551-0540.

NEXT QUESTION: Do you have a Company Policies and Procedure Manual?

Achieve Your Business Goals

2008-07-21T17:18:00.004-04:00

Click the image to read flyer.
Remember to hit your back button to return to this page.

Customer Relations Management

2008-06-30T22:57:00.002-04:00

Excellent Customer Service is the ultimate key to keeping your customers.

Client Retention in 10 Steps

2008-06-28T13:56:00.007-04:00

We have all heard the saying "It's easier to keep a customer than it is to get a new one." Well, it's more than just a saying, it's true. Take very good care of your current clients and do whatever you can to give them many reasons and opportunities to buy from you over again.

Here are 10 tips you can use to put a successful Relationship Marketing program into place so you can reap the benefits for years to come.

#1 CREATE A CUSTOMER DATABASE OR FILE
Whether you have many clients or just a few, keep records with important details about them.

#2 NEVER TAKE YOUR CUSTOMERS FOR GRANTED
Do not assume they will always be there. Continue to earn their trust and show them you care and value their business.

#3 SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION
Send them a thank you card or token of appreciation. Do something nice for them.

#4 STAY IN TOUCH
Send out a newsletter. Send news articles about their industry or issues they are concerned about. Make telephone calls, send email and don’t forget to send holiday cards.

#5 TAKE AN INTEREST IN THEM & THEIR BUSINESS
Ask questions. Find out what their challenges are and see if you can help them.

#6 CATER TO THEIR NEEDS
Make it a priority to go out of your way to provide service that truly delivers and makes your customers' lives and their businesses better.

#7 GIVE EXTRA VALUE
Exceed expectations. Give more than your clients expect so they are anxious to work with you.

#8 ASK THEM WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO FOR THEM
Find out how else you can serve them. You may be able to help them reach their goals and be more successful.

#9 BE RESPONSIVE
Always respond in a timely manner to your clients. Be on time, even better, early for meetings and appointments. Being responsive tells your clients they are important and that you respect them, their business and their time.

#10 MAKE THINGS EASY FOR THEM
Make it easy for them to use your services or buy your products in ways that are convenient for them. Give them options and choices.

If you put these steps into action, your customer relationships will be stronger. And, when you make customer relationships your top priority you'll be rewarded with long-term, profitable clients.

Put these tips into action with your company or organization now by calling (216) 551-0540.

About SBS

2008-06-23T11:39:00.006-04:00

We are an independent contractor, giving you the benefit of additional support without the costs associated with an employee. With over 17 years of corporate experience, SBS is dedicated to helping you achieve your business goals.

Administrative services vary widely from simple typing and data entry to complex editing and research.

Design services include business collateral such as company stationery, posters, flyers, brochures and annual reports. We also produce eye-catching, results oriented marketing materials.

Our recognition programs help your company ”support those who support you.” Customers, clients, employees or friends. Let them know how much they mean to you and your organization.

Put Down that Phone

2008-06-23T11:19:00.006-04:00

How many hours of your day are spent on the phone? Hunting down clients, searching for information or just trying to get everyone on the same page can take hours out of your work week. You are especially challenged if you have a small business or home office. Just think what you could get done if you could recapture that lost time.

At Siarma Business Solutions we can track down your contacts, make the necessary connections and get your schedule back online. Just let us know what needs to be done and the needed information and rest assured it will be done.

Follow up is quick and can be delivered by phone or email.

New Year, New Beginnings

2008-01-04T13:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome. As 2008 is coming in, lots of changes are happening. It took some time to get to where we are now, but as the great Diana Ross said, “I’m coming out.”

Siarma Design has been in existence for 6 years now and started out as a desktop publishing company. I have decided based on customer requests and business need to expand our business offerings and house everything under the new name of Siarma Business Solutions. We offer great administrative, project and design services to small businesses, busy professionals, non-profits and individuals.