Mobile notaries are very busy. As the name would suggest, a mobile notary is always on the go because a day filled with appointments is a profitable day. One of the many perks of the notary profession is the ability to create your own schedule and be your own boss. While there are several positives that accompany the freedom of being your own boss, it comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility. Good managers appropriately delegate tasks to their team and regularly check in with employees. Those who are starting a business in hopes of becoming their own boss have little time for self check-ins and typically bite off more than they can chew.
When I first launched my notary agency I was on the clock 24/7 and drove to multiple signings in different cities, all in one day. Notaries need to hustle, but burnout can quickly creep in and affect your professional and personal life. A quote that I try my best to live by is, “you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.” By prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, you can always bring your best self to work and deliver excellent service to clients. Here are four of my tips to help notaries achieve a healthy work-life balance.
1. Schedule a Personal Day
Take time to do something you enjoy. Don’t let your hobbies take a back seat just because you are starting a business. I am a self-proclaimed “foodie” and enjoy discovering new restaurants. This inspired me to become a Google Local Guide and make contributions on Google Maps. If I’m feeling overwhelmed I’ll treat myself to lunch and slow down. Additionally, I am supporting small businesses in my community while contributing to my digital footprint.
2. Plan a Recurring Healthy Activity
Schedule a healthy activity that occurs on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Physical activity and exercise strengthens your heart and improves circulation. Adult coloring books relax the brain and completely shift attention away from ourselves. Meditation can promote self-awareness and manage stress. There are various healthy activities to choose from based on your comfort level and resources. I have found great success with therapy and acupuncture.
3. Set Financial Goals
Lack of funds and an unorganized financial plan can be stressful for a business owner. Notaries are not accountants and will find greater business success if they partner with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Most CPA’s offer small business consulting and provide best practices that can help companies achieve their financial goals.
4. Network with Notaries
Throughout my professional career, I have never perceived competitors as competition. There is plenty of notary work and enough of the pie to go around. Your competitors can be mentors, friends, and your greatest teachers. When you maintain a network of dependable notaries, you can pass along an appointment if you need to take a day off.
It can be difficult for notaries to separate work and life, especially at the start of their business. Through Alexandra On The Go, I am motivated to promote a healthy work-life balance for the notaries who join my network. Appointments are scheduled with plenty of advance notice so my team can practice the tips listed above. A successful work-life balance helps you remain passionate about work and consistently deliver the best service to clients.