How Notaries Can Make 2021 Their Best Year

Last year was far from normal, this was apparent in all aspects of life, and very apparent in most businesses. The pandemic challenged us in ways no one could have prepared for. Businesses closed, school went online, and people had hard times making ends meet.

In early 202 notaries faced a number of difficulties including a surge in demand from customers seeking notarizations of legal documents for updating wills, closing real estate deals, granting power-of-attorney, or other formal transactions. As everything switched to online, many notaries had to learn to utilize RON (remote online notarization). There are many things we learned in 2020 that we will use moving forward to make 2021 our best year.

#1 Review what worked and what didn’t

Ask yourself,

“Did I achieve my goals?”

“What can I do to improve areas where I was not as successful?”

“Should I seek help to achieve my goals?”

#2 Examine your expenses

Review your finances from last year, what services brought in profit and what services did not? You may discover discrepancies in your budget that you didn’t notice before, it would be a good idea to begin uses financial tracking software for your business to keep better track of where you’re wasting the most money. Services that are not bringing in the most money do not need to be eliminated, this is a good time for you to change up your model and make the services work better for you!

#3 Maintain relationships with customers

Repeat customers are the bread and butter of a business. As a notary your clients will absolutely need you more than once, so make your presence well known. Send thank you cards, keep in touch, it is critical to let them know that you are grateful for their business and look forward to providing them notary services in the future!

#4 Set aside time to grow professionally

2020 was proof that the notary industry evolves quickly, remote online notarization is more popular than ever as a result of the need for social distancing and safe notary services. Quick changes in notary laws and regulations can make it difficult for notaries to succeed, changes in technology can make it even more difficult. These factors are why it is important for you to set aside time to get comfortable in the changes in the industry. Take classes, attend workshops (online or in person), join a notary network, hire a mentor, or learn new skills to make sure your business is still viable.

#5 Check your notary stamp

It’s good practice to check the condition of your notary stamp once a year! If your stamp is wearing down, you should order a new one so that you never have to decline service because your stamp is surprisingly out of commission. Some states even allow you to order a back up stamp! Also consider keeping a back up supply of ink pads or bottle refills, and an extra notary record book if yours is almost full!

#6 Look into working with a mentor

Many seasoned notaries and notary networks offer a mentorship program. Years of successful notarizing comes with a plethora of tips and tricks of the trade. If you are struggling keeping your business afloat, or getting new notary jobs, getting a mentor could be a great resource for you. Most notary mentor programs are remote, the Signature Mobile Services mentor program is over text and FaceTime and we answer all of your questions in real time! To find out more about the Signature Mobile Services mentor program click here.

Make 2021 your greatest year as a notary, make 2021 your highest grossing year as a notary! Follow these steps, if you need more help contact us! Together we will work together to help you succeed in your notary career!