Keep your eyes on what is Important
I was a student pilot flying a little Cessna 150 single engine plane. My instructor believed in making me ready for any situation, As I approached Kobelt airport in upstate New York (a very short runway – under 3000 feet) was before me. I had landed there a few times and knew that a perfect approach, airspeed and elevation was essential; lest I have to call a “missed approach” apply full power and go around to try the approach again.

I spotted something in the middle of the runway – during a rather good approach. I could not make out what it was! My eyes fixed on it for about 2 seconds trying to determine what the obstruction was. Thankfully, I took a look at the bigger picture and noticed that a slight crosswind was directing the plane toward a rather large tree! Flaps up, full power, slightly lift the “nose” – over the trees I went, just above stall speed! The object was my instructor, teaching me to look where I was going….

I doubt you notarize for the fun of it. You want to earn money, the more the better. However just earning money can be somewhat pointless without there being Profit. Some might object to my use of the “P” word – but, even if I offend some – it’s central to this article; and I will use it.

Profit is the money left over after the costs of doing business are deducted from revenue. Many are the callers I speak to that offer revenue, but not profit. A 50 dollar edoc that takes an hour plus each way is a rejected offer – there is revenue; but no profit. We all know the components that go into our costs; no need for me to again enumerate them here. However, some will take any assignment hoping to “show their mettle” – with a higher rate on subsequent jobs. That has never worked – “they” remember the least you would accept and will offer not a penny more.

Keep your eyes on what is Important – Profit. Sure it’s virtually impossible to account for the= share of “overhead” expenses on a per job basis. However, it’s pretty easy to “feel” if you are at least earning what you feel you are worth. Some with a high degree of skill probably will want a higher rate per hour compared to those just starting out. But, for the vast majority of us we desire to earn, what’s the popular amount now? Hmmmm, are your efforts earning 15$ an hour?

Of course that 15$ amount is very low; but some take the bait and make less; how is that possible? Well, with eyes on the important, let us take two views. You decline the lowball and they say “there are lots of notaries who will take what we are offering” – that’s unfortunately true. But so is the flip side, there are lots of firms that are willing to offer more. Stand fast, don’t break ranks to the bottom fisher. Many posts here and on other sites tell you how to make the two most important actions. First, learn a lot about what you are authorized to do. Secondly, make yourself known widely; sure some will be lowballers – you just decline, best done with an “unsubscribe” one word reply.

As my little plane approached the trees I had a decision to make; with very little time to make it. I could have adjusted course and “attempted” to pull off a landing; but I knew my skills were not up to that level of flying. I chose to abort the missed approach – and lived to try again. But, it was a lesson well learned. When landing a plane look where the plane is going. When being a notary look at the “bottom line” and keep aware: will you profit properly or lose by accepting?

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Dress Brittish, Think Yiddish
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=8643

Ken’s take on how to be a bad boy/girl Notary
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=22374