Finding the Right Mindset for Notary Success in Turbulent Times

Stretch to Win or Refuse to Fail: Two Mindsets for Notary Success

We are in a turbulent time. Are you second-guessing yourself as to what mindset will work best now? As a notary entrepreneur, success often depends on your mindset. Are you stretching to win, pushing boundaries to achieve new levels of success? Or are you refusing to fail, doing everything possible to stay afloat and overcome obstacles? While both mindsets have their place, they require different strategies. Understanding when to apply each can be the key to long-term growth and stability in your business.

Stretching to Win: The Growth-Oriented Mindset

Stretching to win means going beyond your comfort zone, taking strategic risks, and actively seeking opportunities to expand your notary business. This mindset is about playing to win rather than playing not to lose. Here are strategies I employ to win.

Strategies for Stretching to Win:

1. Set Ambitious Goals: Instead of settling for a steady stream of signings, aim to dominate a niche like Estate Planning notarizations, Hospital signings, or loan signings.
2. Invest in Your Skills and Knowledge: Stay ahead by taking courses in advanced notary services, RON notarization in states where allowed, or business development of other specialties like Apostille work.
3. Build Strategic Partnerships: Connect with attorneys, real estate agents, and business professionals to become their go-to notary.
4. Leverage Marketing and Branding: Improve your online presence, use SEO strategies, and actively engage with clients through social media, blogs, and in-person networking, building relationships in person.
5. Optimize for Efficiency: Implement automation tools scheduling software, or even hire a virtual assistant or social media manager to execute administrative tasks so you can focus on revenue-generating activities.
6. Take Calculated Risks: Try new pricing models, expand your service areas, or introduce premium offerings that set you apart from competitors.

As many of you know, I have two businesses; the first is the practitioner side, which means doing the work of a notary. Even though I devote time to teaching and coaching notaries, I still go out to appointments most days of the week. Doing the work keeps me connected to the execution of the job, which helps me stay current with what I recommend to other notaries. It allows me to uncover new possibilities to leverage my commission, which I can pass on to those who follow me. It may seem counterintuitive to spend money when business is unpredictable; however, investing in new skills and opportunities to increase business is about getting ready for "yes," so when the rush comes or a line of business drops off, I can rebalance.

Refusing to Fail: The Resilience-Oriented Mindset

Refusing to fail is about resilience, persistence, and ensuring your business survives during tough times. It's about GRIT, doing whatever it takes to sustain your notary business when challenges arise. The following strategies have kept me and my business afloat when financial times get tough.  

Strategies for Refusing to Fail:

1. Create a Financial Safety Net: Save some earnings to cover slow months or unexpected business expenses. Create a profit account to build finances to invest so your money makes money.
2. Adapt to Market Changes Quickly: If loan signings slow down, pivot to other specialty notary work like Living Trusts, Inspector work, mobile fingerprinting, or permit runner to maintain cash flow.
3. Maximize Client Retention: Stay in touch with past clients, send thank-you notes, and offer referral incentives to keep business coming in. Move repeat business to loyal business.
4. Control Business Expenses: Track every dollar and eliminate unnecessary costs to improve profitability.
5. Stay Mentally Tough: Success isn't just about skill. It's about perseverance. Accept setbacks as part of the process and focus on long-term success. Find a community and a coach to help you stay the course. Laura's Inner Circle
6. Keep Learning and Evolving: If a strategy isn't working, tweak it. Stay adaptable and open to change so you can keep moving forward.

These strategies helped me survive in 2008 when the world entered a financial crisis that impacted many types of businesses, particularly those that relied on Real Estate sales and refinance. The strategy that served me best then was to adapt quickly to the changes and evolve. I put my efforts into niche or specialty work other than loan signings. Ultimately, even in 2012, when the real estate market was back, I had replaced most of that business with a new focus. One that gave me a solid foundation that did not depend on what the market or real estate was doing. Ultimately, I learned that it is more than saving money for a rainy day; I must invest it so the money I make makes more money.

Which Mindset is Better?

The truth is both are essential.

In a growth phase, you should stretch to win. In difficult times, you must refuse to fail. The best notary entrepreneurs master both mindsets, knowing when to push forward aggressively and when to hunker down and weather the storm.

By balancing these approaches, you'll survive as a notary and thrive—growing your business while maintaining the resilience to overcome challenges. The key is to recognize which season you're in and adjust your strategy accordingly.  

Laura

If you would like to get better at employing these strategies, I am available for complimentary one on one consults at www.calendly.com/biewer and have weekly group coaching via zoom, join us at www.coachmelaura.com