Networking with other Notaries in your area can be a valuable resource for your Notary business. However, new mobile Notaries and Notary Signing Agents sometimes find it tough to make those connections. But when I became a mobile Notary, I discovered that putting in a little time and effort networking with fellow Notaries yielded profitable results.
I did it with a simple, 3-part strategy:
- Homework
- Teamwork
- Footwork
This strategy worked in building a network of fellow Notaries in my home state of Georgia.
The Georgia Notary Network, Inc., started with myself and a fellow Georgia Notary, Kandi Quillet Thomas, owner of Anoval Professional Services Agency. Members of our networks share their experiences notarizing and provide tips and helpful information to each other. We support each other’s businesses and provide business referrals for each other. For example, if a customer contacts me but I’m unavailable, I can refer the customer to another Notary in my network. And that Notary can do the same for me.
The first step in creating our network was homework: What did Notaries in our region need, and how could our network help address that need? We sought feedback through social sites from Notaries seeking training, mentorship and information from their fellows. We reached out to other groups, organizations and resources available to Notaries. Then we sat down and crafted a vision for our network and how we wanted help the Georgia Notary community.
Teamwork: Inviting Notaries to join your network
Once we completed our homework, we focused on teamwork — contacting other Notaries who were interested in creating a network and inviting them to join us.
If you want to start your own network, social media is the best way to find and invite other Notaries to join. We advertised our new network by posting on social media channels like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and we asked people to share those posts with other Notaries.
We also hosted an open video forum on YouTube called “The Georgia Notary Pop-Up Shop” where Notaries could watch, ask questions and get answers. During the YouTube forum, we shared information about our network. In August 2020, the Georgia Notary Network officially opened its doors to our first group of members.
Footwork: Supporting Notaries through your network
Once our network of Notaries was established, we moved forward with the footwork: offering support for Notaries in our region. In addition to the support and resources I described above, our network has expanded to also provide Notary education to members, advocate with state lawmakers for better laws, and hosts training events for Georgia Notaries.
Creating this network has been as exciting as starting my Notary business. To see other Notary business owners share their journeys has helped the Georgia Notary Network identify and help the needs of Georgia Notaries.
I’d encourage those who are looking for support, mentoring and business referrals to look for networks in your area that embody your business beliefs, integrity and work ethic. If you don’t find a group like that, then consider creating your own — it worked for us.
Samantha Smith is a Georgia Notary Public, Owner of ShelistenS Notary & Business Services. She is the co-founder of the Georgia Notary Network, Inc. where she connects with Notaries statewide providing education, support, resources and advocacy. Connect with Samantha on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.