Minding Time
The Cali Notary – A DAY IN THE LIFE
That phone ringing could be a new client! Grab a pen!
Scheduling notary appointments to meet with clients is very exciting. Having an organized scheduling system is crucial so that your day doesn’t turn into a circus act.
Over the course of my 20-year notary career, I can tell you that the availability of notaries is something that most people take for granted. Most “on staff” notaries public can be called up to serve the client with barely any hesitation. But mobile notaries are running (and I mean literally running) their own business out of their car and/or home. Not having an organized and realistic schedule can cost you business big time. If you don’t already use a calendar or personal scheduler, either digital or paper, you need to get on the ball. Depending on the documents that are presented for notarization, signers and notaries might need to meet anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour or more.
Why are signing details so important?
When those important and lucrative requests for notary appointments are made, the more details you get from the client during your initial conversation can help you determine how long the signing appointment will really take. Many clients have asked me to “come in for a quick notarization”. But when I get there, many times something always needs a little clarification, signers’ identification is misplaced, more signers need to be rounded up, etc. But a notary public needs to be ever mindful of their time so that their schedule can be as realistic and profitable as possible. It can be a little daunting to ask the client for details on the content of their documents like how many signers and how many signatures are taking place. Sometimes you will be speaking to the assistant or the spouse of the signer. If that is the case, they might not have all the details that you are looking for. When you can’t get all the details in advance, pad your time wisely. Booking clients back to back to back with little time for unexpected delays is not only juggling, now you are juggling flaming torches! And showing up late is never professional.
How long should I schedule a notary appointment?
Not every client needs a full hour of your notary time. But having more details will help you build that realistic timeframe. And most of this comes from experience. Don’t go anywhere without your trusty schedule. If that scheduler is digital, remember that if you are driving in our Golden State, you cannot use that cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, with speaker phone or voice commands; never while holding it. Having some cards with a little script to remind you to ask those all important “who, what, when, where, how many” questions can secure those details for your schedule. Keep script cards in the car, in your preferred notarial satchel or tote, paper clipped into your personal calendar for the week or month, or as a note in your digital device. Being mindful of your time will help set you up for success.
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