Why and How I Transitioned from Retail to Building a Notary and Document Preparation Business, Part 1
After a multi-decade career in luxury retail management, I found myself at a crossroads. My professional journey had been rewarding, but I found myself eager for change—something that offered flexibility, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the ability to leverage my hard-earned skills in a new way. The path forward led me to the notary industry, and I haven’t looked back since.
The Skills That Transitioned Seamlessly
Transitioning from retail to notary work wasn’t just a career shift; it was a strategic pivot. To succeed in this new field, I had to assess which of my retail management skills were transferrable. I immediately identified a few key strengths that would prove invaluable:
- Client Acquisition: In retail, building a loyal customer base was paramount. This skill seamlessly translated to attracting and retaining notary clients.
- Elevated Client Service: Discretion, professionalism, and personalized care—traits honed in luxury retail—became critical in serving notary clients with trust and finesse.
- Communication: Clear and effective communication is essential in both industries to ensure client satisfaction and mitigate misunderstandings.
- Leadership: Managing teams, setting goals, and driving results are as relevant in the notary business as they were in retail management.
- Attention to Detail: Precision was non-negotiable in retail and remains vital for accurate notarization and document preparation.
- Time Management: Balancing deadlines and multitasking on equally important projects prepared me for managing diverse notary tasks and client schedules.
At first, my primary interest was Loan Signing. This niche involves guiding clients through the signing process of loan documents during escrow closings—a service typically performed by a Notary Public or, in attorney states, an attorney. However, as I immersed myself in the notary world, I discovered it was far more expansive than I had imagined. The notary industry offers a selection of up to 20 distinct avenues to grow and sustain a lucrative business.
Drawing Parallels: Retail and Notary Work
To draw a parallel from my retail experience, I often think of a notary commission as the beginning of an outfit. Imagine you have the perfect dress—your commission—but to truly make a statement, you need accessories like jewelry, a handbag, and shoes. In the notary world, these “accessories” are the additional services and certifications you can acquire to enhance your business.
In retail, we were always focused on KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). For instance, were you striving simply for a 1.0 UPT (units per transaction), or were you focused on multi-unit sales that could boost both revenue and customer satisfaction? The notary world operates similarly. By diversifying your offerings, you increase your revenue streams and build stronger client relationships that sustain your business in the long term.
Getting Started: Overcoming the Hurdles
As I began researching the notary industry, I encountered Facebook posts and YouTube videos about the Loan Signing niche. I enthusiastically delved into these resources, watching countless videos and even going down a few rabbit holes. I joined a Facebook group dedicated to notary professionals, and a realization hit me: “I can do this business!” Looking back, I acknowledge that I spent too much time sitting on the fence, overthinking every detail. The biggest hurdle was getting out of my way. The first step? Applying for my notary commission. That single action set everything else in motion.
The Notary Industry’s Potential
For me, it wasn’t enough to rely on a single source of income. The world is ever-changing, and I wanted a career that allowed me to manage my own time while focusing on a few key revenue streams. When worked correctly, these streams provide flexibility and financial success. The notary industry has delivered exactly that.
A Note to Retail Professionals
To my fellow retail professionals: If you’ve ever wondered how to take your existing skills and apply them in a way that offers independence, growth, and unlimited potential, I encourage you to explore the notary industry. Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll dive deeper into the wide array of opportunities within this field and share strategies for creating a multi-faceted, thriving business. It’s never too late to pivot and discover a career that aligns with your goals.