Stuff happens, I talked about patience and a few of the things that can and will likely happen to you about which you have got to be patient. Because of what I used to do in my former life, I often thing of ‘what if’ scenarios and how would I recover or move forward if something happens. Here are a few things to think about…
For example, it isn’t my fault that my pen chose to run out of ink mid-Signing. Maybe carry extra pens?
It isn’t my fault that I ran out of gas on my way to a Signing. Maybe be familiar with your calendar so you know whether you need to ensure you have enough gas and/or enough time to fill up before you head out.
It isn’t my fault that the highway is closed due to an accident. While we all know you can’t control traffic, you should have GPS and know how to use it whether it automatically re-routes you or is able to show you alternate routes.
Those are the easy ones…simple Plan Bs.
What about the big stuff? What about a power outage? Or, if your Internet goes down? Or, if you have a flat tire? Or your printer blows up?
Let’s talk about the kind of stuff with not quite so easy solutions:
My first suggestion is always to think about your process in detail and what would happen IF…
What about a power outage? This is multifaceted: If you have a laptop, you have some battery power to get you to a point, but can you access the Internet? Can you print? Can you scan? My Plan B is a small rechargeable battery ‘generator’ that I can plug multiple things into – including my router so I can still wirelessly send files to print and I have a cord in my drawer that I can plug directly into my printer if I need to. I can also use my phone as a Hot Spot. I have unlimited hot spot access, so that helps…be aware of your access in that regard – how much can you use before you start getting charged or throttled. Know how to connect your printer and scanner to a new wifi connection.
What if your printer runs out of ink or suddenly, it asks for a drum unit or simply refuses to print? I am fortunate in that I was able to recently purchase at a steep discount another Notary’s used Brother printer that I can use as a Plan B. I always have an extra toner cartridge and an extra drum unit in my supply closet for both printers and have become really good at fixing my printer and have even been able to so small repairs to rollers and drawers and such. While my 2nd printer is my Plan B, I also have both a Fed Ex and a UPS nearby – Plan C. These are expensive solutions, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. If there is time, you can always give a Signing back to the Signing Agency or Title company, but only do that if you have to.
As for my scanner, I have a multi-function printer / scanner/ copier / fax machine that, while it scans REALLY slowly that will work as a Plan B. The Plan C is Fed Ex, but they charge $0.50 per page you scan. That can get very expensive, very quickly.
I even have an Inverter in my car so that I can run my car and connect my printer and router as a Plan D maybe?
I carry a tire inflator device in my car that plugs into the cigarette lighter. I used to carry a bicycle pump that works on bikes and car tires too. As Dallas is a driving city, I find myself keenly aware of how much gas I have and have been known to swing into a gas station and put $5 in, in a pinch.
I also have a back up laptop – my old laptop that I keep up to date with all the security, etc. It’s the one that was replaced by this one. I sent it to Dell to have it fixed and essentially brought back to new.
I Plan B everything to the cloud – it happens automatically every hour, so IF I need to access a file while out and about, I can access it from my phone and send a file to Fex Ex to print. I can recheck instructions (if I failed to print something or left instructions at home).
I even have a Plan B and C for shipping. I know the cut off times for the nearest Fed Ex and UPS locations near me. I know (at least for Fed Ex) where they have a later cut off and a third location that has an even later cut off.
I know there are other things for which we all need a back up plan and hopefully you’ve thought this stuff through. If not, I hope this helps. But no amount of planning is good unless you’ve tested it. Find a day and just test your Plan B and your Plan C. You have to make sure you are comfortable with it and most importantly that it works.
With all of that said, there are somethings that just might not work. It’s better to know in advance. Lastly, don’t be afraid to reach out to your Notary friends. I have a Notary friend – we agree that as we live far enough apart, if anything happens, we will share our resources. Maybe not ideal, but I know she has good securty and a printer and a scanner and the cutest dog ever….
Good luck!
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