Updated 7-5-22. 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.
The Georgia Notary Network, Inc. (GaNN), started with myself and a fellow Georgia Notary, Kandi Quillet Thomas. 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.
Homework: Find out the issues that are specific to your state
The first step in creating our network was homework: What concerns did Notaries have statewide, 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. This helped us to plan and prioritize our efforts.
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.
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: deciding what “support” would look like for the members. Some Notaries wanted training, others wanted mentorship for their businesses and most wanted a better understanding of the law. Our goal was to provide opportunities that would cover all of those areas.
In the last two years, The Georgia Notary Network, Inc. is the only Georgia nonprofit organization dedicated to the advocacy of notaries public, launched a website, has actively provided feedback in 2 legislative sessions (HB334-Remote Online Notarization), has been published in regional online publications, hosts monthly training and business workshops and annual events for notaries public. There is definitely more to come.
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 Specialists. She is the co-founder of the Georgia Notary Network, Inc.(GaNN). GaNN connects with Notaries statewide providing education, support, resources and advocacy. Connect with Samantha on Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.