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May 26, 2023

How to Find a Niche and Dominate It

Filed under: Notary Public 101 — Tags: , — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for mobile notaries is on the rise. With people’s busy schedules, the convenience of having a notary come to their location is invaluable. But how can mobile notaries find a niche and differentiate themselves from the competition? In this blog post, we’ll explore the steps to identifying and dominating a niche market, ultimately helping you get more clients and grow your business.

Step 1: Research and Identify Opportunities

To find your niche, start by researching the various industries and sectors that require notary services. Some of the most common industries include real estate, legal, healthcare, finance, and education. Within these sectors, there might be smaller markets that have unmet notary needs. For example, you could focus on working with attorneys who handle real estate transactions or specialize in notarizing documents for international students at a local university.

Make a list of potential niche markets and then evaluate each based on factors such as competition, market size, and demand for notary services. Consider conducting interviews or surveys with potential clients to better understand their needs and pain points.

Step 2: Assess Your Skills and Expertise

When considering how can mobile notaries find a niche, it’s essential to take stock of your unique skills, expertise, and interests. Choose a niche that aligns with your strengths, and consider any specialized training or certifications you may have. This will not only make it easier for you to market your services but also help you provide the best service possible to your clients.

Step 3: Develop a Unique Value Proposition

Once you’ve identified your niche, it’s time to develop a unique value proposition (UVP) that sets you apart from other notaries. Your UVP should address the specific needs and pain points of your target market, emphasizing the benefits and solutions you provide. For example, if your niche is working with the elderly population, your UVP could be your ability to accommodate their needs by offering flexible hours and providing services in the comfort of their homes.

Step 4: Create a Marketing Strategy

To dominate your niche, you need to create a marketing strategy that effectively targets your chosen market segment. Develop a clear and consistent message that communicates your UVP and resonates with your target audience. Utilize various marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, and content marketing, to reach your audience and generate leads.

Consider creating a website and blog that showcases your expertise and provides valuable information related to your niche. This will help establish you as an authority in your field and attract potential clients.

Step 5: Network and Build Relationships

Networking is crucial when it comes to dominating a niche. Attend industry-specific events, join online forums, and participate in discussions related to your niche. This will help you stay informed about the latest trends and developments while also giving you the opportunity to connect with potential clients and other professionals in your field.

Establishing strong relationships with your clients is equally important. Provide exceptional customer service, and be sure to follow up with your clients after the completion of a job. Happy clients are more likely to refer you to their friends and colleagues, helping you grow your business.

Find Your Mobile Notary Niche and Dominate It

In conclusion, finding and dominating a niche market is a strategic way for mobile notaries to stand out from the competition and get more clients. By identifying opportunities, assessing your skills, developing a unique value proposition, creating a marketing strategy, and networking, you’ll be well on your way to establishing yourself as the go-to notary in your chosen niche.

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May 19, 2023

Mobile Notary Etiquette Tips

Filed under: Etiquette — Tags: , — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

Mobile notaries are professionals who play a crucial role in facilitating the signing of legal documents. They travel to their client’s locations to witness and notarize documents, saving clients the hassle of traveling to a notary public office. As a mobile notary, it is essential to maintain a high level of professionalism. In this article, we will share some tried and true mobile notary etiquette tips that will help ensure the notarization process runs smoothly.

Dress Professionally

As a mobile notary, it is important to dress professionally when meeting clients. This creates a good first impression and sets the tone for notarization. Dressing in business attire and wearing a name badge is recommended to identify yourself as a notary. Dressing professionally is one of the most important mobile notary etiquette tips you should follow.

Be Punctual

Clients appreciate punctuality, and it is a sign of professionalism. As a mobile notary, ensure you arrive at the scheduled time or a few minutes early to avoid delays and inconveniences.

Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is key in any professional setting. When dealing with clients, it is important to communicate clearly and concisely, using simple language they can understand. Listen attentively to their concerns and address them appropriately.

Bring Necessary Supplies

Ensure you have all the necessary supplies for the notarization process, such as a notary journal, seal, stamp, and pen. Also, ensure these supplies are in good condition and comply with the relevant state laws and regulations.

Check Client Identification

Before notarizing any document, verifying the client’s identity is important. Ask for a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. Check that the ID is not expired and that the name and photo match the client.

Stay Impartial

As a notary, it is important to remain impartial and not take sides in any transaction. Your role is to witness and notarize the document, not to provide legal advice or express personal opinions.

Maintain Confidentiality

Clients trust notaries to keep their information confidential. Ensure that any personal information the client provides is kept confidential and not shared with any third party.

Explain the Notarization Process

Clients may need to be more familiar with the notarization process, so it is important to explain it to them. Let them know what they need to do, what you will do, and what to expect after completing the notarization process.

Be Flexible

Mobile notaries often work with clients who have busy schedules. Therefore, it is important to be flexible and accommodate the client’s schedule as much as possible. This may involve working outside regular business hours or traveling to remote locations.

Keep Accurate Records

As a notary, you must keep accurate records of all notarized documents. Ensure you complete the notary journal, including the client’s name, date, type of document, and any other relevant information. Also, ensure that you keep the journal in a safe and secure location.

Proper Etiquette Will Improve Your Reputation

In conclusion, mobile notaries play a crucial role in facilitating the signing of legal documents. To maintain high professionalism and etiquette, it is important to dress professionally, be punctual, remain impartial, maintain confidentiality, and be flexible. By following these mobile notary etiquette tips, notaries can provide exceptional services to their clients and build long-lasting relationships. For more notary tips, check out this article on how to be a successful mobile notary.

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May 12, 2023

Scheduling Tips & Tricks for Mobile Notaries

Filed under: Beginners Corner — Tags: , , — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

As a mobile notary, you’re always on the move, witnessing and verifying legal documents. But between the hustle and bustle, you must ensure your schedule is organized and efficient to keep your business booming. That’s why we’ve created this fun and informational guide to help you master your time management skills. Here are eight scheduling tips & tricks for mobile notaries to make scheduling a breeze!

Color Code Your Calendar

Add a little pizzazz to your planner by color-coding your appointments. Assign different colors to appointments, like signings, client meetings, or personal time. This visual cue will help you quickly see what’s coming up and better prioritize your time.

Set the Stage with a Pre-Scheduling Routine

Before diving into scheduling, create a pre-scheduling routine. Start with a cup of coffee or a quick workout to energize your body and mind. Then, review your emails and texts for appointment requests, and list them. Finally, check your calendar and start scheduling appointments, ensuring you have enough time to travel between locations.

Embrace Digital Tools

Ditch your paper planner and go digital! Use scheduling apps like Google Calendar, Calendly, or Doodle to manage your appointments easily, set reminders, and sync your calendar across all your devices. Some apps even allow clients to book directly, saving you time and preventing double bookings.

Schedule Buffer Time

Keep your schedule manageable. Allow buffer time between appointments to accommodate delays like traffic or document revisions. This extra time will help you stay on schedule and make your clients happy.

Prioritize Client Locations

When planning your day, prioritize appointments by location. Group clients that are close together to minimize travel time and reduce fuel costs. Use a mapping app to help you find the most efficient route and maximize your productivity.

Establish Clear Communication Channels

Ensure your clients know the best way to reach you via phone, email, or text. Establish a preferred communication method and stick to it. This will help streamline communication, making it easier for you to manage appointment requests and confirmations.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”

As much as you want to accommodate every client, sometimes it’s impossible. Don’t be afraid to say “no” when you’re overbooked or the appointment is too far out of your way. It’s better to provide quality service to a few clients than to stretch yourself too thin and risk making mistakes.

Take Time for Yourself

Lastly, remember to schedule some personal time for yourself. Whether it’s a lunch break, a workout session, or a day off, you deserve some downtime to recharge and refocus. After all, a happy notary is a successful notary!

Master Your Schedule and Make Your Life a Notary Party!

By following these scheduling tips & tricks for mobile notaries, you’ll be well on your way to becoming more organized. Want to take your notary game to a whole new level? Check out these time management tips for mobile notaries. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start planning your notary party today!

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May 5, 2023

Master Your Productivity: Easy Hacks

Filed under: General Articles — Tags: — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

In today’s fast-paced world, we all have much on our plates. Between work, family, social obligations, and personal goals, staying on top of everything can be challenging without feeling overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to improve your personal productivity and get more done in less time. In this blog post, we’ll explore some easy hacks that you can use to master your productivity and achieve your goals. Whether you’re looking to boost your work performance or get more out of your leisure time, these tips and tricks will help you make the most of every minute. So, let’s start and discover practical ways to improve your productivity!

Set achievable and specific goals.

Creating specific goals gives you a precise idea of what you want to achieve and allows you to determine what matters most. It is essential to ensure that your goals are practical and possible. You can divide them into smaller tasks to make them more manageable and less intimidating.

Use a to-do list or task manager.

Keeping track of your tasks and responsibilities in writing can help you stay organized and focused. Use a to-do list or task manager to track what needs to be done and prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency.

Take breaks and schedule downtime.

Remember to take breaks regularly, even when you’re busy trying to meet deadlines or get more done. Taking breaks allows you to recharge and refocus, making you more productive. It’s a good idea to schedule breaks into your day and ensure you get plenty of rest and relaxation outside work or study.

Minimize distractions

Distractions can eat up a lot of your time and can make it hard to stay focused. Identify your biggest distractions, and take steps to minimize them. This might mean turning off notifications on your phone, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, or working in a quieter environment.

Stay organized

Keeping your workspace and materials organized saves time and reduces stress. It’s essential to have a system for filing and organizing documents and materials to save time searching for them later.

Get enough rest

Sleeping and caring for your physical and mental health is essential for productivity. Lack of sleep and poor health can lead to fatigue and decreased productivity. It’s important to prioritize self-care and ensure enough rest to stay focused and productive.

Continuous learning

Continuously learning and developing new skills can help you stay competitive and productive. Look for opportunities to attend training sessions, workshops, or online courses to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Take action today to master your productivity and achieve your goals faster!

To conclude, tackling productivity should not feel like a battle or a chore. With the simple hacks and solutions outlined above, we can better manage our workflow and achieve higher levels of efficiency without compromising the time for rest or leisure. In particular, creating a well-crafted schedule, utilizing helpful tools such as time-trackers and project management tools, and seeking help from smart notaries when needed can be beneficial. Taking advantage of these strategies can take us a long way in mastering our productivity more innovatively. With diligence and sustained effort, let’s become more organized while earning more free time!

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April 28, 2023

Simple Tips for Healthy Eating on the Road

Filed under: General Articles,Travel & Cuisine — Tags: , , — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

You don’t feel like driving home and preparing a healthy meal when you’ve been on the road for hours. Fast food and gas station signs tempt you to stop for a quick burger. Eating healthy while on the road requires some planning, but when the day ends, you’ll feel light and energized instead of tired and bloated.

1. Bring Fruit and Nuts

Instead of grazing on chips and pretzels, stock your vehicle with healthy, non-perishable snacks. Bring nuts, granola, dried fruit, non-buttered popcorn, crackers, and cereal. For variety, make homemade trail mix. Check the label before you buy trail mix at the store because many brands add salt and sugar.

If you miss the crunchy texture of potato chips, look up online recipes that make chips from vegetables, such as kale and sweet potatoes. Add a little dark chocolate to your stash when you crave sweets.

2. Grab a Cooler

If you know you’ll get tired of dry food, bring a cooler to snack on perishables. Build a protein box loaded with hard-boiled eggs, cheese, fruit, hummus, crackers, yogurt, and raw veggies.

You could also bring a simple meal with rice, vegetables, and a lean protein, such as grilled chicken. Other ideas include sandwiches, wraps, bagels with spreads, and healthy leftovers from last night.

3. Research the Area

Research the restaurants on your route before you hit the road. Look for sit-down restaurants with lighter dishes like grilled fish and homemade soup.

If these places are too pricey, check the fast food menus for lighter fare. Many places offer low-calorie and vegetarian options to keep up with today’s health-conscious world. Even a minor swap, such as drinking water instead of soda, helps you stick to your diet.

4. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

A hearty, fiber-rich breakfast can prevent midday cravings. Try enjoying one of these before you leave for work:

  1. Smoothies loaded with fruit, vegetables, and dairy or non-dairy milk
  2. Oatmeal with honey, nuts, and fruit
  3. Greek yogurt with fruit and granola
  4. Whole-wheat pancakes or waffles
  5. Smoothie bowls with nuts, granola, honey, and sliced fruit
  6. Scrambled, hard-boiled, and soft-boiled eggs

If you’re pressed for time in the mornings, make breakfast the night before and stash it in the fridge.

5. Snack Occasionally

You might not notice your hunger when you’re busy, but you suddenly realize you’re starving when the day ends. Try to eat something every couple of hours, even if it’s just a handful of nuts. This helps you balance your daily food intake instead of overloading your body with a sudden influx of fat, sodium, and calories.

6. Drink Water

Some people eat when they’re dehydrated, thinking that they’re hungry. Drinking water makes you feel full and keeps your body functioning, especially on hot days when you’re sweating in the car. If you don’t like regular water, add a low-calorie flavoring or buy a bottle with a slot for fruit and herbs, infusing those flavors into your beverage.

7. Start with a Salad

Order a salad when you visit a sit-down restaurant. Salads are loaded with healthy ingredients, such as lettuce, carrots, peas, and lean meat, and you’ll end up ordering a smaller entree. This helps you offset a hearty meal with a dose of fresh vegetables. Plus, salads are light and refreshing after a day of driving in the heat.

Now that you’ve learned about eating healthy while on the road, check out these mobile notary safety tips for a relaxing trip.

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April 21, 2023

Chic Home Office Makeovers on a Budget

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

Are you feeling the need to change scenery but don’t want to spend lots of money revamping your office space? Home offices should be stylish, comfortable environments that motivate and inspire us during work sessions. With a few simple home office decorating ideas on a budget, it’s easy and fun to transform any workspace into an amazing one without breaking the bank. Read on for more tips and tricks on crafting an irresistible working environment with inexpensive items you can easily find.

Use Multifunctional Furniture

Maximize your workspace and stay organized with multifunctional furniture! Whether you choose pieces that match existing decor or a brand-new style, these versatile options help create an aesthetically pleasing setup while taking up minimal space. Plus, they can keep all your work necessities in one place, helping reduce clutter and increase productivity.

Organize Your Desk

Transform your workspace into a functional and stylish area by clearing the clutter and creating plenty of space. Use desk organizers such as magazine holders, drawer dividers, and pencil cups to add personality and cable organizers to keep cords out of sight but easily accessible. Make it your own by adding personal touches like pictures and certificates. Create a productive atmosphere with a clean and organized workspace.

Good Lighting

Remember the importance of good lighting at home for a productive and peaceful workspace. To use natural sunlight wherever you can, position your desk so it’s right by the window or install sheer curtains to let sunbeams in, but not the bright light. Desk lamps and string lights also provide an excellent source for creating warm atmospheres without blowing out your budget. By investing thoughtfully in reasonable lighting solutions, you’ll increase focus when work gets tough, as well as keep yourself feeling upbeat.

Create your Own Gallery Wall

A gallery wall is a great way to liven up your home office and make it uniquely yours. Strategically select pieces that inspire you and get creative with frames, colors, sizes – anything! Not only will this charming addition complete the décor of any workspace – but studies show that having visual reminders around can instantly boost productivity. So don’t settle for just another boring desk setup – excite yourself every day by creating a personalized gallery wall filled with art, photos & quotes that fuel your passion.

Define Space with an Area Rug

Creating a successful and cozy home office is all about defining your workspace – and that means making room for an area rug! Not only will it delineate the boundaries between work life and personal life, but it will also bring texture, personality, sound-dampening properties (bonus!) & more to your new digs. With size options galore + countless colors/patterns/textures at hand – you’re bound to find something perfect to put those productivity vibes in motion!

Incorporate Plants

Transform your home office from dull to delightful with the simple addition of plants! Not only will they help you breathe easier, but studies show that being around greenery lowers blood pressure and stress levels, boosting your productivity. But before getting started on selecting floral friends for your workspace, consider how much natural light is available — as this can affect which types are best suited for growing in their new digs. So embrace plant power today and watch it improve your work-from-home space’s air quality and atmosphere!

Creatively Decorate Your Home Office on a Budget

Decorating your home office can be a simple and cost-effective process. You can transform your workspace into a comfortable and inspiring environment with creativity and resourcefulness. Whether repurposing old items or adding small touches like a desk lamp or wall art, every little change can make a big difference. Do your research and plan ahead, but be bold and let your personality shine through. By incorporating your unique style, you can organize your home office that reflects individuality and inspires productivity. So, take action today and turn your home office into a space you’ll love to work in with these home office decorating ideas on a budget!

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April 14, 2023

5 Networking Tips for Mobile Notaries

Filed under: General Articles — Tags: , — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

As a mobile notary, expanding your client base and securing repeat business is essential for long-term success. With the right approach, you can grow your network, gain more exposure, and boost your income. This blog post will discuss five networking tips for mobile notaries that will help you advance in the industry. Following these strategies will improve visibility and develop lasting relationships with potential clients.

1. Build a Strong Online Presence

One of the most effective networking tips for mobile notaries is establishing a robust online presence. This includes creating a professional website that showcases your services, qualifications, and areas of expertise. Optimize your site for search engines so potential clients can easily find you online. Additionally, maintain an active presence on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, where you can connect with other notaries, share industry news, and engage with potential clients.

2. Attend Industry Events

Another critical aspect of networking tips for mobile notaries is attending industry events, such as conferences, workshops, and seminars. These gatherings provide excellent opportunities to meet other professionals, learn about the latest trends, and exchange business cards. Attend local and regional events and consider joining relevant associations or organizations. This will help you stay informed about the industry and give you access to valuable networking opportunities.

3. Develop Partnerships with Relevant Businesses

Forming strategic partnerships with businesses related to your notary services is another valuable networking tip for mobile notaries. For example, you can collaborate with real estate agents, mortgage brokers, law firms, and other professionals who may require notary services for their clients. Building these partnerships can lead to steady referrals and mutually beneficial business relationships.

4. Offer Exceptional Customer Service

One of the most powerful networking tips for mobile notaries is to provide outstanding customer service. Going the extra mile to ensure your clients’ satisfaction will leave a lasting impression and encourage them to recommend you to others. Prompt communication, professionalism, and a genuine interest in helping your clients will set you apart from the competition and generate positive word-of-mouth marketing.

5. Request Testimonials and Referrals

Lastly, don’t be shy about asking your satisfied clients for testimonials and referrals. Positive reviews and recommendations from satisfied customers can significantly impact your credibility and reputation. Ask your clients if they would be willing to provide a testimonial for your website or if they know anyone else who might need your services. This approach can lead to new business opportunities and help you establish yourself as a reliable and trustworthy mobile notary.

Grow Your Mobile Notary Business With Online & In-Person Networking

By implementing these networking tips for mobile notaries, you can expand your client base, improve your professional reputation, and increase your income potential. Focus on building a strong online presence, attending industry events, developing partnerships, offering exceptional customer service, and requesting testimonials and referrals. With dedication and persistence, you can make a lasting impact in the notary industry. For more ways to grow your business, here are 5 Ways to Market Your Notary Business.

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April 7, 2023

6 Home Office Organization Ideas for Notaries

Filed under: General Articles — Tags: , — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

Are you a notary public looking for ways to organize your home office? Staying organized is critical to running a successful business; having a home office can present unique challenges. From utilizing wall space to streamlining your documents, here are six home office organization ideas for notaries that will make life easier, improve efficiency, and help you become the best professional you can be.

1. Utilize Wall Space

Often small spaces lack adequate storage options, but utilizing wall space can effectively maximize the available area. Consider adding shelves or attaching file organizers to the wall to access important documents and supplies quickly.

2. Invest in Quality Furniture

Many ergonomic furniture options on the market provide support while allowing room for organization. Find something that fits your workspace budget and provides extra storage, such as filing cabinets or bookshelves, to help keep clutter off your desk.

3. Digitize Your Documents

Digital document management systems are becoming increasingly popular among businesses because they can easily store, share, and search information quickly and securely. Notaries should consider adopting an electronic system that works well with their existing hardware setup so they can easily find documents when needed without losing valuable time searching through paperwork or filing cabinets.

4. Declutter & Reorganize

Setting aside time once or twice a year to declutter and reorganize helps maintain an efficient work environment free from unnecessary distractions or wasted time searching for misplaced items. Ensure items have their designated space and periodically check in on things like cords or paperwork piles – if it’s out of place, it’s easy to get overlooked!

5. Implement Technology Solutions

Using scanning and archiving software and cloud-based applications can save a great amount of time spent managing documents by eliminating paper-based processes and manually entering data into different programs like databases or spreadsheets. Automation enables greater workflow efficiency, leading to faster service times for clients too!

6. Label Everything

Labeling everything clearly is essential when organizing any workspace, especially at home, where items tend to accumulate quicker than usual due to everyday living situations like family members using shared areas around the house often (think those snacks are hidden in drawers…). Taking the extra few minutes on this final step will make locating items much easier down the road – saving precious time better spent getting work done now instead!

Keeping one’s workspace organized is key in any job setting – but especially important for notaries who need access to important documents quickly to serve prospective clients trying to find a notary signing agent who offers notarization services. Utilizing these six home office organization ideas for notaries should inspire you to jumpstart your organizational journey toward success!

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March 24, 2023

Best Apps for Mobile Notary Services

Filed under: Business Tips — Tags: , — Tom Wilkins @ 10:00 am

If you’re a mobile notary, arriving at your notary jobs on time is essential. Navigation and other vehicle-related apps can streamline scheduling and reduce costs when driving to different cities.

A great app can help you avoid traffic jams, find a restaurant that serves your favorite food, pinpoint a place with the cheapest gas or an EV charger, and so much more. Here are the best apps for mobile notary services that will make your life easier and save you money.

Waze

Waze is a reliable traffic navigation and alert app that uses real-time traffic data to bypass accidents, avoid speed traps, and be routed to your destination using the quickest path. The app can save you time and frustration, especially if you drive through heavily congested areas.

Plug in your starting point and destination to see how long it will take so you can plan your day accordingly. If you have flexibility, the Waze app will take historical data and tell you the ideal time to leave to avoid traffic.

GasBuddy

GasBuddy helps drivers locate nearby gas stations and find the best gas deals to plan a cost-effective trip. The app also offers pricing stats so you can see at a glance if gas prices are rising or falling, so you can fill up when it saves you the most money.

Gas Buddy also has a handy feature that can estimate fuel expenditure if you’re planning a road trip which can help you plan a budget.

PlugShare

The PlugShare app is a must-have if you own an electric vehicle. The app highlights the locations of over 230,000 EV chargers and superchargers across the US, with data updated regularly. Zoom in on your area and click on any tab to learn the charger location, address, business hours, and the number of charger spots they offer.

The best feature of PlugShare is that the information is in real-time, so you can locate an open charger in your area without having to drive there and check the status, saving battery power. There is also a chat feature to connect with a technician if you have any questions or issues.

BestParking

BestParking is one of the top apps for mobile notary services, as it can be a lifesaver when driving to appointments in urban areas. The app can find available parking, lets you compare fees, and even allows you to book a parking space so you can quickly park and go.

The app is very user-friendly. You can find a spot immediately or pre-pay and reserve a parking slot on a specific date and time, which can significantly reduce stress. A bonus is using the app can save you up to 50% off posted parking rates.

FIXD

When you rely on your vehicle for work, keeping it maintained is critical. The FIXD app is a monthly subscription that uses a sensor on ICE cars and trucks after 1996 and diesel trucks built after 2008 to diagnose your engine.

Pop the FIXD sensor into the OBD2 port under the steering wheel, start the car, open the app, and scan your vehicle’s condition. Instantly receive data on your smartphone about issues that need attention, especially when the check engine light is on. The app also sends alerts when your vehicle needs oil changes, tune-ups, and other routine maintenance that can slip your mind.

The app stores your vehicle history and comes with on-call support from FIXD mechanics, who can guide you through repair solutions.

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March 17, 2023

How to Be a Successful Mobile Notary

Filed under: Become a Notary,Beginners Corner,Notary Public 101 — Tags: , , — Tom Wilkins @ 4:17 pm

Working as a mobile notary is an attractive option for those who find the idea of clocking 8 or 9 hours daily at the same location with the same people more than a little stifling. Mobile notaries get to work with a diverse group of people and aren’t stuck at one location constantly. Of course, the drive is only one part of the answer to being a successful mobile notary. Read on for some key tips on turning that dream into a practical reality.

Develop a Plan

People don’t open a restaurant or even launch e-commerce stores without making a plan first. Being a mobile notary isn’t a traditional business, but it most certainly is a business. You should treat it that way and make a business plan.

You can find templates for business plans in many places online, such as the Small Business Administration. Minimally, you need some ideas about what services you’ll offer, the service hours you’ll keep, your expected expenses, and a fee schedule.

Give particular thought to where and how you’ll market your services. Will you get yourself listed in an online notary directory (you should) or focus more on local publications to advertise your services? You’ll probably want a mix of online and offline marketing.

Diversify Your Service Offerings

Many new mobile notaries will focus all their attention on the loan signing aspect of notary services. While these assignments can prove profitable, the payment timeline is extended. You can wait up to 45 days before you see any money.

Consider offering other services directly to consumers in your community. For example, you can offer signature witnessing or copy certification, assuming there is enough work and you can charge enough per notarization to justify it. If nothing else, these other services can help you maintain a positive cash flow

Make Strategic Alliances

New notaries often view other notaries or businesses offering notary services as their competition. There is a kernel of truth in that, but it also limits your business unnecessarily. For example, you’ll want to limit the distance you will drive to offer your services. You can set up an informal agreement to recommend that people use a different notary if they’re outside your driving radius and vice versa.

Pick Your Customers

A common mistake that many new business owners make is that they assume every customer is good. That’s not always the case. For example, a customer that wants you to make a long drive two or three times a month for a low-paying service isn’t a good fit.

As a rule, you must balance your costs and the value of your time against what you get from a customer. Spending an hour round trip for a job that only pays $25 isn’t profitable. You want customers who make it worth your while to make the trip by getting higher-paying services or bundling together several lower-paying services.

How to Be a Successful Mobile Notary

The question of how to be a successful mobile notary requires several things from you. Minimally, you need a business plan to focus your efforts. You’ll want to offer a mix of services to capture immediate profit from consumers and higher-paying work like loan signings. Think about making strategic alliances. Finally, pick customers that value your time and make it worthwhile to make the trip.

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