Updated 7-19-21. Long-time Notaries Christine Wissbrun and Daniel Lewis aren’t shy about getting their clients’ attention. But when it comes really impressing clients and getting repeat business, they practice several tried and true steps. They include:
- Delivering outstanding Notary service
- Fostering trust and understanding
- Taking care of themselves
Wissbrun, a Notary with the city of Rochester Hills, Michigan, and Lewis, a partner in Lewis Notary Services in Carmel, Indiana, described these and other tips in a video presentation for NNA 2020 Online.
Delivering outstanding Notary service
Providing outstanding service goes beyond handling any loan signing or notarization assignment professionally. “To me, it means building business acumen,” Lewis said. How does your business make money? What are your daily expenses? How much do you set aside for marketing? Who are my clients?
Notaries need to ask themselves these questions to determine if they’re running an efficient operation that has the energy and expertise to give clients what they need and make money at the same time.
Wissbrun recommended taking classes in order to further your knowledge and be ahead of the curve: “You want to change with the world as the world changes,” she said.
Fostering trust
They both stressed that trust is essential if you want to create a business that shines. People only go back to sources they trust. Lewis noted that Notaries must always consistent, honest and keep promises.
They noted that developing superior communication skills will help ward off misunderstandings, clarify proceedings and generally keep things friendly.
Lewis likened it to being a lighthouse. “Is my business lighting the way in complex transactions? Am I mastering new skills?”
Taking care of yourself
It may not seem logical, but carving out “me time” to take care of yourself plays an important role in building a thriving business. It’s hard to serve clients if you’re exhausted, eating poorly and can’t concentrate, Wissbrun stressed. Invest in self-care and improve your daily habits. “Addressing your habits goes along with getting enough sleep and eating well and keeping a schedule and structure,” she said.
It doesn’t matter what equipment you have, Lewis said. “You are the most important asset in your business. You have to invest in your health and your wellbeing.” Remember, a car can’t operate without a driver.
Financial and wellness goals are both tough to meet, but they become doable when you break them into much smaller chunks, Lewis advised. He breaks down a year-long goal into daily action steps, which are much less intimidating.
Set high standards, they advised, and even if you don’t meet the mark, you’ll still shine far more than if you hadn’t set standards at all.
Christine Wissbrun is a NNA 2016 Notary of the Year Special Honoree. Daniel Lewis is the NNA’s 2010 Notary of the Year.