As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan for the future of your notary business. Taking stock of what worked (and what didn’t) allows you to set clear goals for the year ahead. Whether you’re a new notary or an experienced loan signing agent, an intentional end-of-year reflection helps you build momentum and set your business up for success.
Why Reflection Matters for Notaries
- Track progress: See how much your business has grown.
- Identify opportunities: Discover areas where you can improve or expand.
- Avoid repeating mistakes: Learn from challenges and refine your approach.
- Stay motivated: Celebrate wins and use them as fuel for the next year.
Step 1: Review the Past Year
Assess Your Workload
- How many notarizations did you complete?
- Which services (mobile, loan signings, apostilles, etc.) brought in the most revenue?
- Did you have enough clients—or too few?
Analyze Your Finances
- Did your pricing cover your expenses and time?
- Were you consistent with bookkeeping and tracking mileage?
- Did you reach your income goals?
Evaluate Marketing Efforts
- Which channels (Google Business Profile, social media, directories, referrals) brought in the most clients?
- Did you collect enough online reviews?
- Were you consistent in promoting your business?
Reflect on Professional Growth
- Did you complete any additional training or certifications?
- Did you build partnerships with real estate agents, law firms, or local businesses?
- Did you invest in tools to make your work easier (apps, CRM, scheduling software)?
Step 2: Set Goals for the New Year
Business Growth Goals
- Increase revenue by ___%
- Add new services (apostilles, loan signings, remote online notarizations)
- Expand into new markets or service areas
Marketing Goals
- Collect at least ___ new Google reviews
- Post regularly on LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social platforms
- Launch an email newsletter for past clients and referral partners
Professional Development Goals
- Complete advanced notary or loan signing training
- Join a networking group or local chamber of commerce
- Invest in software to streamline scheduling, payments, and recordkeeping
Work-Life Balance Goals
- Set clearer boundaries for working hours
- Automate appointment confirmations and reminders
- Block out personal time in your calendar to avoid burnout
Step 3: Create an Action Plan
Goals without a plan rarely succeed. Break each goal into specific actions:
- To collect more reviews → Send review request texts after every appointment.
- To grow revenue → Raise travel fees slightly and promote premium services.
- To expand into RON → Research state requirements and sign up with an approved platform.
Step 4: Celebrate Your Wins
Don’t forget to acknowledge how far you’ve come. Every appointment completed, every review earned, and every satisfied client is proof of your professionalism and dedication. Reflection isn’t just about fixing gaps—it’s about recognizing success.
Final Thoughts
Your notary business deserves the same careful planning you bring to each appointment. By reflecting on the past year and setting intentional goals for the next, you’ll not only grow your business but also create a smoother, more profitable, and more rewarding career.
This year-end, take a few hours to review, reset, and refocus. Your future self—and your notary business—will thank you.
