What Is a Mentor?
Mentor:
Noun: an experienced and trusted adviser
Verb: advise or train (someone, especially a younger colleague)
One of the best decisions I consistently make for my notary business is to seek the advice of a notary mentor. Even though Google seems to have “all the answers”, there are certain situations when you need a trusted and experienced notary mentor in your corner.
This is especially true if you are just starting your mobile notary business. Notaries know how often laws and state requirements change as it relates to our profession (especially these days) and I have personally found nothing more helpful than speaking with a fellow notary when I have questions, concerns, or just need some feedback.
It’s funny, but many notaries already have a mentor and they don’t even know it! If you have someone whose advice and guidance you seek out when you have questions; well, that’s a mentor. And on the flip-side, you probably mentor a couple of folks yourself without knowing it. Being a notary mentor can come in many forms. I have found those people that make the best mentors are typically those who relied on mentors in their earlier years of being a notary and running a business.
How to find a notary mentor
The search to find a good notary mentor should be done with specific intent.
- Speak to friends, family and colleagues to see if they have any recommendations. People who know you may be better able to recognize someone who’ll meet your needs.
- Consider continuing education. Here is a great article on continuing education for paralegals.
- Look online and do a little research to find a professional mentor. Check out any reviews, websites, and social media, etc.
- Consider contacting an experienced notary within Notaryjane.com is also an option.
Also, keep in mind that as a notary, you might need multiple mentors. Not all notaries who are experts in how to handle documents and conduct signings are great business people. You might need to find a mentor that you respect as an entrepreneur to get guidance in running your own business.
What are the qualities of a good mentor?
- The mentor should have the experience you can trust.
- Your mentor should have the time needed for effective mentorship. (Good time management on both sides and bite-size time slots seem to work best).
- Your mentor should be patient and be willing to provide any information that may be helpful to you, (i.e. sending informative emails and links that will assist you).
- A good mentor will be able to help you look at things from different angles. (We make the best decisions with most information.)
- A good mentor will reach out to you as well and follow-up on what you may be currently working on.
- A good mentor should not be intimidated by a mentee’s success or potential.
- An ideal mentor has great best business practices. Anyone can get skilled at a profession, but best business practice speaks volumes.
- And most importantly, you should feel comfortable being vulnerable with this person. You should be able to speak your weaknesses and concerns, knowing they will be met with a guiding hand and not judgement.
Mentorship helps your notary business grow
Having a notary mentor has been truly invaluable in growing my notary business.
When I became a Notary Signing Agent, I reached out to a woman in New York (I live In Ohio) and I asked her to mentor me. She accepted and is still providing me with great information. I recently was about to make a business decision, but I spoke with my mentor and she helped me realize the timing was not right. I’m grateful my mentor had the honesty and courage to tell me.
On the other side of the coin, being a mentor is invaluable as well. It provides a sense of purpose and motivation to continue to sharpen my skills. I am a firm believer that the gift is in giving. So when I give of myself, I am ultimately rewarded. And I personally think it’s a great way to create positive business karma.
Another way to be in the company of great notaries is to join Notary Jane. Start your directory membership today.
By Jacqueline Hardges