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November 18, 2020

What do successful Notaries do that you don’t?

Filed under: Business Tips — admin @ 6:00 am

Originally published in 2019

We all want to be successful and we all think that we are experts at our job. But, are we really? Here are some things successful Notaries do that the others don’t do.

1. Keep your profile managed regularly.
What does this mean? You have to login, make sure your hours, counties, notes, and reviews are as current and thorough as they can be.

2. Keep your knowledge up and keep reading.
Serious Notaries read the various blogs and forums. They also take courses and get certified by more than one agency. Instead of claiming to be so great, they get a reputed third party such as the NNA, 123notary, Notary Rotary, etc., who has an impartial test, passes the test and then has credibility. Serious Notaries keep reading and have a never ending thirst for knowledge.

3. Knowing who to extend credit to
This is one of the hardest aspects of being a Notary. The tendency is to get as many jobs as possible. But, smart Notaries say no to bad jobs, jobs from companies that have payment issues, or jobs that pay too little. As a Notary it behooves you to have standards, but try to keep the standards reasonable as well, especially if you are new or if business is slow.. Don’t let companies rack up a huge bill. If they owe you more than $300, then ask them to pay up before you do more jobs, or Paypal you for future jobs.

4. Setting terms and having contracts
This is for the very advanced Notaries but some people do have a contract for others to sign. This is taking the upper hand and others might not be willing to sign your contract unless you are a top notch Notary — after all, why should they if you are a slouch?

5. Scheduling
Successful Notaries know how to schedule their day and get rid of packages fast so that they are not late.

6. Equipment
Good Notaries have top notch equipment and fix it fast if it breaks. They know how to download anything, anytime and anywhere and don’t make excuses. A good dual tray laser printer is a good place to start although you need good scanning and faxing equipment as well

7. Watching your email
Jobs can be dispatched through apps, email and by phone. So, a good Notary keeps a constant watch of all of these mediums.

8. Other sources of income.
Relying on Notary work when times are slow doesn’t make sense. Smart Notaries realize they need to diversify. We have a handful of full-timers who make a full living at this job. But, the majority cannot, so try to be realistic and have multiple streams of income.

You might also like:

How to become a successful mobile notary from scratch
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=13340

Beginner’s Notary 103 Reading List (Resources)
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=21120

How to write a notes section if you are a beginner
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=16698

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5 Comments »

  1. Great article – good common sense advice.

    Comment by Cathy Elledge — January 31, 2020 @ 10:15 pm

  2. I love Jeremy’s articles!

    Comment by DeborahPlanet — February 22, 2021 @ 6:04 pm

  3. Love Love Love this thread!!!

    Comment by Jeff Cooley — February 23, 2021 @ 12:37 am

  4. Excellent pointers for new or veteran Notaries. I would like to add this: if you see a notary need that makes sense and there is no
    Legislation talk to your State representatives or delegates and senators to change the law so it can better serve the public. Last year in VA I wrote up a law to allow elderly and disabled people who have expired IDs to have then accepted as legal ID for up to 5 years after expiration. I studied all the Notary laws of California and informed our Virginia legislature what California had done 5 years ago. They voted unanimously in favor of this change in the senate and House. Governor signed it into law on April 6. 2020!

    Comment by Dan Kane — February 23, 2021 @ 2:13 am

  5. Keep back ups! A backup printer a backup vehicle backup stamps…keep back ups & have some side hustles?

    Comment by Mark Sias — June 28, 2022 @ 11:10 pm

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