Jade Solutions, LLC was one  of 50 vendors selected to include a promotional item in goodie bags that were distributed to 
attendees of the Maryland Women Business Center's  Five Year Anniversary breakfast on November 5th at Best Western Plus Rockville.

Jade Solutions provided a post card offering attendees a one hour consultation about using Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook for their business. 

Happy 5th Anniversary Maryland Women Business Center! Wishing you continued success!

I regularly receive calls from potential clients about performing notarial services.  I listen carefully to the request before asking questions or getting  clarification on the request. In general, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Notaries are public officers of the state in which they are commissioned
• ​A notary can only notarize the document in the state in which they are commissioned. For example, my notary commission is valid only in the State of Maryland
• Notaries maintain a log of notarial services performed - a Government issued ID is preferred to record the signers. 
• Notaries can not be a witness and notarize a document . Bring an additional person to the appointment who  can serve as a witness
• Fees charged by the notary vary from state to state and the type of service requested.  The fee guidelines for the State of Maryland can be viewed here
• While a lawyer may be a notary, a notary is not a lawyer. 

​What other questions would you ask a notary?  Please share them below.

When meeting potential clients,  potential teaming partners, or potential vendors I am well aware that first impression may be  the lasting impression of my business.  I try to followup with  the aforementioned groups within three days of when we met because waiting longer than that my point of contact may have forgotten about our conversation. 

How do I follow up?

• If I promised to send information (e.g. Jade Solutions' Capabilities Statement). I send it within 48 hours and mention where or how we met.
•  If appropriate, if the person is on LinkedIn, I will send a message to connect  within 72 hours. I mention in the request to connect where we met.
• If appropriate, I will suggest we meet via phone , for cup of coffee/tea, or for lunch to follow up .
• I also write hand written notes.

The type of contact will dictate the type of followup . For example, I recently attended a vendor outreach event where I had the opportunity to talking with the Contracting Officer of a Federal Government Agency.  At the midpoint of our conversation the Contracting Officer invited me  to email my Capabilities Statement to his office.  A few moment later he added, "if you don't send it within three days, don't bother sending it.  I'm busy and don't have time for people who aren't really interested." I smiled and reassured the Contracting Officer that I would respond in 24 hours.  The Contracting Officer didn't conceal his skeptical look  and continued our conversation.  I emailed the requested Capabilities Statement within 24 hours.  In turn, Jade Solutions was added to the Contracting Officer's database of interested vendors. 

How do you follow up with potential vendors, potential teaming partners,  and potential clients?  Share your comments below.