Would You Hire You? Reflections on Notary Business Practices
As independent business owners, we often find ourselves on both sides of the hiring process. Whether we're engaging contractors, vendors, or other service providers, we inevitably assess their professionalism, reliability, and quality of service. But how often do we turn that critical eye inward and ask ourselves, "Would I Hire Me?"
In this blog post, we'll explore common frustrations we encounter when dealing with contractors, vendors and service providers, drawing parallels to our own notary business practices. By reflecting on these experiences and committing to improvement, we can elevate our abilities and enhance our service to clients.
The Mirror Effect:
Experiencing mediocre service from a service provider can be a frustrating ordeal. Consider the mechanic who claims to be skilled but lacks the necessary tools to complete the job efficiently, prolonging the repair process and inconveniencing the customer. Similarly, as notaries, our clients expect us to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, tools and resources needed to handle their documents promptly and accurately.
Furthermore, imagine discovering a little-known law that caps the amount a specific vendor can charge for a service, only to realize that your vendor has been overcharging you tenfold due to your lack of awareness. This scenario highlights the importance of transparency and integrity in business dealings—qualities that clients value in notaries as well.
The Challenge of Self-Reflection:
Asking ourselves, "Would I Hire Me?" requires honest self-assessment. It prompts us to examine our strengths and weaknesses as notaries and identify areas for improvement. Just as we expect contractors and vendors to deliver exceptional service, our clients have similar expectations of us.
So, why might we hesitate to hire another notary exactly like ourselves? Perhaps it's because we recognize areas where we need to "up our game." Whether it's improving our organizational skills to streamline the notarization process or enhancing our customer service approach to ensure client satisfaction, there's always room for growth.
Strategies for Improvement:
To ensure that the answer to "Would I Hire Me?" is a resounding yes, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Embrace Feedback: Seek feedback from clients and colleagues to gain valuable insights into areas for improvement. Constructive criticism can be a catalyst for growth and improvement.
- Invest in Education: Stay updated on notarial best practices, your state notary laws, and industry trends through continuous education and professional development opportunities.
- Prioritize Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication with clients, providing regular updates and addressing any concerns promptly to foster trust and confidence.
- Enhance Efficiency: Streamline workflows, leverage technology tools, and implement time-management strategies to maximize productivity and deliver timely service to clients.
- Uphold Professional Standards: Adhere to ethical guidelines, maintain confidentiality, and strive for excellence in every aspect of the notarial process to uphold the integrity of the profession.
Conclusion:
As notaries, we have a responsibility to deliver exceptional service and uphold the integrity of the notarial process. By asking ourselves, "Would I Hire Me?" and committing to continuous improvement, we can elevate our abilities and exceed client expectations. Let's learn from the frustrations we encounter as consumers and strive to be the notary that others would enthusiastically hire.
Deborah Lowery is a contributing editor for the Michigan Notary Association blog. Deborah is the Vice President and co-Founder of the Michigan Notary Association, and runs her own mobile notary business, On the Go Notary Pro LLC.
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