If you were looking for more doom and gloom about the Notary & Loan Signing Agent industries, you really opened the wrong article. This article is filled with all sorts of good business advice for those of you who are still with us or just getting started as a Notary Loan Signing Agent. Did you notice I didn't say... Notary Business Advice or Loan Signing Agent advice in that last sentence? That's because you are so much more than a Notary or Notary Loan Signing Agent. You are a business owner and it's about darn time you started thinking like one because we are really through the worst of the fall out of the interest rate hike and it's either get prepared now or leave what money is to be made on the table for those who will get prepared. Now if you haven't been to our General Mentorship on Mondays then you've missed three really great sessions this past month including: The Most Common Mistakes to Avoid, Where to Look for Business Right Now, & How to Handle the Long Haul as a Signing Agent. You should really catch up if you haven't watched them and join us each Monday at 5 pm PST / 8 EST. Just Here are 10 Business Tips That You Should Be Thinking About: Market Research Unlocks the Very First Door to Success If You Fail to Plan, Then You Plan to Fail Good Ole Benjamin Franklin said this one. And we all want to see lots of his face still to this day! It's all about the Benjamin's, isn't it? Seriously though, Goal Setting is the key to success in any business. And the good news is you can start anytime! Here's a great goal setting video for you to get ya started. Focusing On the Value of the Product or Service You Offer Will Bring You Revenue Barbara Corcoran says whatever you do be the best at it, and we agree! No Matter what you are doing in business you need to be an expert in it. And never take for granted that you will always have new things to learn. Customer Service Will Always Be Your Greatest Asset This one is personal because I often get made fun of for what seems like the overuse of Mrs., Ms., Misses., Mr., Yes Mam, and No Sir. And all I have to say is I'm not currently looking for work and I'm the one writing the article to help others. I don't say that to be cocky at all. What I mean is that I constantly live in fear of losing clients because I didn't provide excellent customer service. And I believe good customer service starts with how you make people feel. And I like to make people feel respected! Maya Angelou says it best, "people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." If you want to brush up on your customer service skills, you can start with our free Customer Service Champions sessions. Small Business Owners Must Learn to Analyze and Be Comfortable in Making Big Decisions No one can teach you to make decisions, but you make them every day. For some reason though newer business owners get that "deer in the headlights" mentality when faced with making a decision. Some of this might stem from current culture where people are used to finding the answers quickly on YouTube for many of life's problems. But unless you are a plumber, the kitchen sink isn't your business. Yes, you can learn a lot online, but you have to be able to analyze and make decisions after you research! Your Window of Success is Too Short to Learn Everything Through Experience I use this example a lot but it's so fitting for this one. If you were accidentally run over by a car, crushed a few vertebrae, and were facing back surgery. Would you choose the surgeon who just graduated but decided he was just going to learn as he went along or the one who graduated, took additional courses, and worked on a team of surgeons with more experience first before practicing by themselves? Business Owners Must Be Adaptable and Know When to Grow or Pivot I wish I was able to get this out to you prior to the downturn of the market. It's a really good one! Growth and Pivoting is a part of business. It shouldn't take a downturned market for you to start expanding your services. You should consistently be grooming your business to learn what you can do to expand. No Business Will Survive Withoutt Marketing 2-5% The general rule of thumb is that you should spend 2-5% of your revenue to market for future business. If you don't market your business, it will not grow. The People You Work with Are Not Your Friends or Family This one has a lot of meanings for me really. I like to make my colleagues feel like family, but the truth is they aren't. They don't owe me anything. We all come to work so we can go home to our own families. Learning this early on a business owner is extremely important. Business is business. You can make it feel good, but you will need that support system of real friends and family if it fails. Business Owners Can't Be Fearful This year at the 2023 Level Up conference we learned the phrase, "Do it Scared." And then we learned that fear and excitement live on the same level within us. It really just depends on which one we choose to see it as. Business owners have to be confident and unafraid in every aspect of their business. It doesn't mean that you can't delegate, that is not what I'm saying. But if you are going to delegate then you should be able to analyze, make a decision, and be confident about whom or what you are delegating it to. I bring these points up to you without trying to mention the Notary and Loan Signing Agent Industries at all because all we seem to talk about these days is being a Notary or Loan Signing Agent. That's great and all but we need to also be thinking about the bigger picture which is being successful business owners in it for the long haul. Look for more articles soon to come just geared toward owning a business in general!

Meals can be a business expense, but you must do it correctly! Here are some key tips to help you avoid making mistakes: Sit-down meals are deductible, but grab-and-go meals usually are not (unless while traveling for business) Now this doesn't mean that if you are working you can just write off meals. What it means is if you: Take a client to dinner or meet with someone to discuss business Purchase a basket of fries or coffee to use a table Or even buy something for your clients so you can conduct business You should always record the intention, attendees, date, time and amount of the meal for required documentation purposes A helpful tip is to write it on the back of the receipt and then take a picture of both sides of the receipt. Here's an acronym to help you remember what to capture. I Always Do That, Ahh! Use software tools such as NotaryAssist to maintain and organize your records, plus generate reports and logs. NotaryAssist also lets you upload copies of your receipts Work with qualified tax professionals to stay informed and up-to-date with tax laws and changes REMEMBER that in 2023, the allowable deduction for meals will return to 50% of the meal cost. This is subject to change annually. By following these guidelines, you can maximize your business deductions while staying compliant with tax laws & regulations. READ ALL OF THIS YEAR'S TAX TIPS BY CLICKING HERE: https://www.notarystars.com/blog/notary-tax-tip-space-equipment-rentals-purchases https://www.notarystars.com/blog/can-signing-agents-write-off-meals-on-taxes-yes-and-it-pays-to-eat-in-2023-as-long-as-you-do-things-properly https://www.notarystars.com/blog/mileage-for-notary-business-owners https://www.notarystars.com/blog/bad-signing-agencies-unpaid-signings-tax-tips https://www.notarystars.com/blog/tax-tips-from-sue-hope-glen-hill https://www.notarystars.com/blog/tax-tips-from-sue-hope-glen-hill-january-2023 https://www.notarystars.com/blog/your-notary-loan-signing-agent-business-tax-time

Season 1, Episode 1 “Unleashing the Power of Remote Online Notarization in Healthcare” [Theme music fades in] [Voiceover in the style of Meredith Grey] As the sirens blare and the ambulance speeds through the city streets, racing towards the emergency room with a critical patient in tow, the hospital staff braces themselves for the intense, high-stakes drama about to unfold. In this world where every second is precious, and life and death decisions are made on a daily basis, there's no room for inefficiency or delay. In the midst of this pulsating chaos, a groundbreaking innovation has emerged, ready to transform the way healthcare providers handle their processes and documentation: Remote Online Notarization (RON). RON has revolutionized the notarization of documents by harnessing the power of audio-visual technology, enabling notaries to verify signers and notarize documents remotely over the internet. In the high-octane world of healthcare, RON can help save valuable time, reduce the risk of infection, and improve patient outcomes, offering a lifeline amidst the tumult. In today's gripping episode of A Dose of Efficiency: RON Emergency, we'll delve into the unique challenges faced by the healthcare sector and explore how RON can be harnessed to address them, turning the tide in the race against the clock. Act 1: The Diagnosis The healthcare sector faces a unique set of challenges, from strict privacy and security measures to compliance with regulations like HIPAA. Add to that the necessity of accommodating individuals with disabilities and the need to maintain efficient processes in a high-pressure environment, and you've got a recipe for a high-stakes drama. Enter RON. This innovative tool has the potential to address these challenges by offering secure, efficient, and accessible notarial services. By allowing notarization to take place remotely, RON can eliminate the need for in-person visits and reduce delays in obtaining crucial documents. Act 2: The Treatment Plan In the bustling halls of our fictional hospital, patients and healthcare providers alike face a seemingly endless stream of paperwork. Healthcare documents, credentialing processes, and informed consent for medical procedures are just a few of the areas where RON can have a significant impact. When healthcare documents require notarization, RON offers a fast and secure solution. Gone are the days of patients and healthcare professionals traveling to a notary's office or waiting for a mobile notary to arrive. Now, a notary can verify signers and notarize documents remotely, saving time and reducing the risk of infection. Credentialing processes, too, can benefit from the efficiency of RON. With the ability to notarize diplomas, transcripts, and certifications electronically, healthcare professionals can complete the credentialing process faster and more conveniently than ever before. Finally, obtaining informed consent for medical procedures can be a time-consuming process, especially when notarization is required. RON offers a streamlined solution, allowing patients to provide their consent remotely, ensuring that medical procedures can proceed without unnecessary delays. Act 3: Overcoming the Complications In any gripping hospital drama, complications inevitably arise. In the world of RON, these complications come in the form of patient privacy concerns and the need for compliance with HIPAA regulations. But fear not! RON has the potential to address these complications, providing a secure and efficient solution for notarizing healthcare documents. RON's advanced identity verification methods, such as knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions and requiring government-issued IDs during the audio-visual session (or better yet by using biometrics in the states that allow this), provide an added layer of security essential for maintaining patient trust and meeting strict privacy standards. With careful planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to protecting patient privacy, RON can overcome these complications, ushering in a new era of efficiency and security in the healthcare industry. Act 4: The Call to Action As our hospital drama unfolds, we're reminded of the power and potential of remote online notarization in the healthcare industry. But in order to turn these success stories into widespread reality, notaries must step up and embrace the opportunities RON presents. To be part of these success stories, remote online notaries need to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the unique challenges of the healthcare sector. Here's what you can do to make a difference: Step 1: Get RON-Ready Becoming a remote online notary starts with familiarizing yourself with the laws and regulations governing RON in your state. Complete any required training, obtain the necessary certifications, and choose a secure, reliable and easy-to-navigate RON platform. Step 2: Understand the Healthcare Sector Dive deep into the world of healthcare and learn about the unique challenges and requirements this sector faces. Understand the types of documents that may need notarization, the importance of patient privacy, and the regulations that govern healthcare information, such as HIPAA. Step 3: Master the Art of RON in Healthcare Develop your expertise in performing RON for healthcare documents by honing your skills in identity verification, document handling, and electronic signatures. Stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices, and be prepared to accommodate individuals with disabilities in your notarial services. Take the initiative to learn what your state allows you to accommodate and be the notary that people come to for the best treatment. Step 4: Build Your Network Forge connections with healthcare providers, hospitals, and telemedicine companies to showcase your expertise in remote online notarization for the healthcare sector. Offer your services as a solution to the challenges they face and help them streamline their processes, improve efficiency, and enhance patient care. Act 5: The Happy Ending As the curtain falls on today’s episode, we envision a bright future where remote online notarization plays a crucial role in revolutionizing the healthcare industry. By embracing RON, notaries can help healthcare providers save time, reduce risks, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. But the journey doesn't end here. As technology continues to evolve, new developments and innovations will emerge, offering even more opportunities for notaries to make a difference in the healthcare sector. So, as the credits roll, we encourage you, the notaries, to take up the mantle, embrace the power of remote online notarization, and make your mark on the healthcare industry. The future is waiting, and it's time to write the next chapter of this compelling drama. [Theme music fades in] The End.

I needed a mobile printer to be able to take jobs on the go but didn’t want to connect directly to my car’s battery. So, this is what I did. I’m using a Brother 5200 Dual Tray printer btw. I purchased: a Marine Battery from for $79 to around $99.00. a Battery Box from Amazon for around $12.00 a Pure Sine 2000W 12V from Amazon for around $212.00. a trickle charger to maintain the battery bought at Amazon for $58.00 a Bestek 300-Watt Pure Sine Power inverter Car Adapter DC 12V to AC 110V for around for $49.99. The 2000W inverter is connected to the battery as is the trickle charger. The charger is connected to the 300W invertor. The 300W invertor is connected to the 12V outlet DC Connector (cigarette lighter). All of this is well secured to the car so it will not move in case of impact. I can also use either of those inverters to plug in my Brother ADS-1250W portable scanner for the times I’m unable to scan from the signer’s home. I know that an expense of $430.00 seems high. However, in a matter of just 3 months it has more than paid for itself.

Why is it so important to track your business mileage as a Notary Public Business owner and how and how should you do it? Tracking your mileage for business purposes can help you SAVE money on taxes by claiming deductions for business related travel. Here are three tips! Tip 1 – Record your odometer reading on Jan 1st – then again on December 31st by doing so will help you calculate how many miles you drove your vehicle in that year. Tip 2 – Separate business miles out from personal miles. You will need diligent records of your business travel. Tip 3 – Create a Trip or Mileage Log – containing the date and total mileage of business trips in chronological order. NotaryAssist can save time and effort for notaries who would otherwise have to manually track their business mileage and calculate their deductions. With the ability to customize how milage is tracked; Odometer to odometer, Total Mileage or Auto-calculate, NotaryAssist generates mileage logs and mileage reports for tax time. Additionally, having a reliable system for tracking mileage can help ensure accuracy and compliance with tax regulations. READ ALL OF THIS YEAR'S TAX TIPS BY CLICKING HERE: https://www.notarystars.com/blog/notary-tax-tip-space-equipment-rentals-purchases https://www.notarystars.com/blog/can-signing-agents-write-off-meals-on-taxes-yes-and-it-pays-to-eat-in-2023-as-long-as-you-do-things-properly https://www.notarystars.com/blog/mileage-for-notary-business-owners https://www.notarystars.com/blog/bad-signing-agencies-unpaid-signings-tax-tips https://www.notarystars.com/blog/tax-tips-from-sue-hope-glen-hill https://www.notarystars.com/blog/tax-tips-from-sue-hope-glen-hill-january-2023 https://www.notarystars.com/blog/your-notary-loan-signing-agent-business-tax-time

Are you ready for round two? After the overwhelming response to our first list of unique industries to target for your remote online notary (RON) business, we're back with 10 more! If you thought the first list was fun and intriguing, you're in for a treat. With these new industries, you'll continue to diversify your RON clientele, discover new opportunities, and make your mark in previously untapped markets. So, let's dive into another set of fun and approachable marketing strategies to help you conquer these industries! Renewable Energy - Harness the power of the renewable energy sector by offering your RON services to eco-conscious companies. To market your services in this green industry, create content showcasing your expertise in handling permits, contracts, and equipment purchase agreements. Attend renewable energy conferences and networking events to build connections and engage with potential clients who value sustainability. E-commerce - Tap into the ever-growing world of e-commerce by offering RON services to online retailers and businesses. Create targeted marketing campaigns highlighting the convenience and efficiency of remote online notarization for supplier agreements, international shipping documentation, and other crucial e-commerce documents. Collaborate with e-commerce platforms, and consider offering exclusive promotions for their users. Event Planning - Party planners, rejoice! Your RON services can help event planners and vendors manage notarized contracts, permits, and insurance documents with ease. To market your services to this lively industry, showcase your ability to handle event-specific documentation through engaging social media posts, targeted email campaigns, and by attending industry events. Offer flexible appointment times to accommodate the hectic schedules of event planners and vendors. Aerospace and Aviation - Reach for the stars by marketing your RON services to the aerospace and aviation industries. Highlight your expertise in handling contracts, licenses, and regulatory compliance documents in your marketing materials. Attend industry conferences, join aviation-related LinkedIn groups, and build connections with professionals in the sector to showcase your understanding of their unique notarization needs. Agriculture and Farming - Cultivate new opportunities in the agriculture and farming industry by offering your RON services to rural clients. Emphasize the convenience and efficiency of remote online notarization for clients with limited access to traditional notary services. Create targeted campaigns that address specific farming-related notarization needs, and partner with agricultural organizations to build trust and establish your expertise in the field. Military and Defense - Serve those who serve our nation by offering RON services to military personnel and defense contractors. Highlight the accessibility and security of your services, catering to the unique needs of these professionals, whether they are stationed domestically or abroad. Collaborate with military support organizations and attend industry events to build connections and showcase your dedication to supporting our armed forces. Telecommunications - Connect with the telecommunications industry by providing RON services for contracts, licensing, and regulatory compliance documents. To market your services to this fast-paced sector, create targeted social media campaigns, offer webinars on the benefits of remote notarization, and attend industry conferences to network with professionals in the field. Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals - Contribute to the world of cutting-edge research and innovation by offering your RON services to biotech and pharmaceutical companies. To market your services in this industry, create content that showcases your expertise in handling research agreements, clinical trial documentation, and intellectual property matters. Attend industry events and join professional organizations to network with potential clients and demonstrate your commitment to supporting their groundbreaking work. Film and Television Production - Lights, camera, notarize! Offer your RON services to film and television production companies that require notarized documents for location permits, talent and crew contracts, and distribution agreements. To market your services to this creative industry, create engaging social media campaigns featuring behind-the-scenes content, collaborate with production companies, and attend film festivals and industry events to network with potential clients. Emphasize your ability to accommodate the unique scheduling and location challenges faced by production professionals. Food and Beverage - Add some flavor to your RON business by targeting the food and beverage industry. Restaurants, bars, and food manufacturers may need notarized documents for licensing, health and safety compliance, and contracts with suppliers. To market your services to this appetizing sector, create food-themed content, attend industry events, and collaborate with culinary influencers. Showcase your ability to provide efficient and secure notarizations that meet the specific needs of food and beverage businesses. And there you have it, another 10 non-traditional industries to target for your remote online notary business! With these new industries, the possibilities for growth and diversification are virtually endless. As you continue to explore these untapped markets, you'll not only expand your RON business but also forge connections with fascinating clients from all walks of life. Remember, the key to successful marketing in these industries is to be fun, approachable, and encouraging. Each industry has its unique challenges and requirements, so take the time to understand their specific needs and tailor your services accordingly. To quote Roger Ebert, “We are put on this planet only once, and to limit ourselves to the familiar is a crime against our minds.” Start thinking outside the box. Just because no one in the industry has ever tried cultivating business in these ways before doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Be creative! Carve out a piece of the notary pie that is your very own! And don’t forget, Rome wasn’t built in a day. There will be trial and error, but the payoff is likely worth it in your newly specialized niche. Go ahead, let your RON business take flight, and watch as your notary services continue to make a difference in these diverse industries!

Every mobile business that deals with sensitive documents needs a mobile printer and a mobile scanner. If you are newer to your field you may try to skimp by with phone scanners but if you are a Notary Public, Loan Signing Agent, or working with any type of important legal documents you are truly going to want to invest in an easy-to-use portable scanner that provides clear quality scans. Especially if you are working with Title and Escrow documents. The scanners we have listed here have been purchased by Notary Stars or Notary Stars Members. Although the links below are affiliate links, this is how we keep fresh new content coming to the site regularly. We promise to never put items on our site that we have not invested in ourselves! Here Are the Top Rated Mobile Scanners by Notary Stars for 2023! Check it Out on Amazon Epson Workforce ES-400 II Color Duplex Desktop Document Scanner for PC and Mac, with Auto Document Feeder (ADF) and Image Adjustment Tools Starting at around $289 Epson Workforce ES-500W II Wireless Color Duplex Desktop Document Scanner for PC and Mac, with Auto Document Feeder (ADF) and Scan from Smartphone or Tablet Starting at around $319 The Massimo portable power station is the perfect way to keep your electronics charged while you're on the go. See it on Amazon Did You Need a Mobile Printer As Well? Check Out Our Suggestions Here

Notary Public and Loan Signing Agents absolutely have to have the best Laser Jet Printers (never Ink Jet Printers) to navigate their Mobile Notary Public Businesses. Notary Stars is happy to make the following recommendations for printers we've actually purchased or used in the recent past. We'll always do our best to keep this list updated. Please note that the items below do contain affiliate links, which is how we also keep information like this, free and public! We never post things on our site that we also haven't spent our hard-earned money on as well. Here Are the Top-Rated Home Office Printers by Notary Stars for Signing Agents See it on AmazonBrother Monochrome Laser Printer, HL-L5200DWT, Duplex Printing / Dual Tray / w Wireless Networking See it on AmazonBrother HL-L6200DWT Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex Printing and Dual Paper Trays (Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready) Starting at $399 See it on AmazonBrother Monochrome Laser Multifunction All-in-One Printer, MFC-L5700DW, Flexible Network Connectivity, Mobile Printing & Scanning, Duplex Printing, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready, Black Starting at $439 and requires and additional purchase for an additional tray. See it on Amazon Brother Printer LT5500 Tray Starting at around $139 Here Are the Top-Rated Mobile Printers by Notary Stars for Signing Agents See it on AmazonBrother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex Printing Starting at $119 See it on AmazonThe Massimo portable power station is the perfect way to keep your electronics charged while you're on the go. We Also Highly Recommend Purchasing Your Toner and Drums from V4INK on Amazon If you decide to go with the Single Paper Tray route you might need Page Separator And here's a great video from Notaries around the country and how they set up their equipment.

If you're running a remote online notary (RON) business, you've likely tapped into the traditional, but somewhat floundering, market of real estate. Or you may have tried, with limited success, to break into the world of legal services. But what if we told you there are other industries out there, just waiting for your notary expertise? There are people out there right now that need your services that don’t even know they need them. That's right, we've compiled a list of 10 non-traditional industries that could greatly benefit from RON services. So buckle up, get ready for an exciting ride, and let's explore some fun and approachable marketing strategies for your RON business! Maritime and Offshore Industries - Ahoy, Matey! As a remote online notary, you can be a beacon of hope for those working in the maritime and offshore industries. With limited access to traditional notary services, these professionals will treasure your convenience and efficiency. To market your services to this unique niche, consider creating ocean-themed promotional materials or hosting virtual networking events for maritime professionals. Don't forget to emphasize the ease of completing notarizations from anywhere, even on the high seas! Sports and Entertainment - Lights, camera, notarize! Athletes, entertainers, and agents need notarized documents for contracts and other agreements. To market your RON services to this glamorous industry, create eye-catching social media campaigns and target influencer partnerships. Offer flexible appointment times to accommodate busy schedules and showcase your ability to notarize documents securely and efficiently, even when clients are on the road or between gigs. Insurance - Let's face it; the insurance industry can be a bit of a maze. Help clients navigate the paperwork with ease by offering RON services for their insurance needs. To reach this market, consider partnering with local insurance agencies or hosting webinars to educate agents about the benefits of remote notarization. Emphasize the convenience and security of your services, making it clear that you're the go-to notary professional for insurance matters. Franchising - Calling all franchise enthusiasts! Remote online notarization can be a game-changer for franchisees and franchisors alike. When marketing your RON services to this industry, focus on the benefits of streamlining the franchise agreement process. You can create a franchise-focused blog, share success stories, or offer exclusive promotions for those in the franchising world. Remember, you're helping to pave the way for entrepreneurial dreams to come true! Nonprofit Organizations - Nonprofit organizations have a special place in our hearts, and they need notary services too! When marketing to nonprofits, emphasize your commitment to supporting their missions by offering special rates or partnering with them for events. There is nothing more fulfilling than community outreach (and it looks great on a resume, just like when entering college). Create content that showcases your expertise in handling grant applications, board resolutions, and other nonprofit-specific notarization needs. They'll appreciate your dedication to their cause, and you'll feel great about making a difference! Human Resources - HR professionals are the unsung heroes of the corporate world, juggling countless responsibilities. Show them some love by offering RON services to help with employment verifications, background checks, and other employee-related documents. To market your services to HR departments, create targeted LinkedIn campaigns, offer webinars on how RON can simplify HR processes, and emphasize your ability to provide quick, secure notarizations. Intellectual Property - Eureka! It's time to tap into the innovative world of intellectual property. Inventors, patent holders, and copyright owners need notarized documents for their brilliant ideas. To market your RON services to this creative bunch, craft content showcasing your expertise in handling patent applications, trademark registrations, and other IP-related notarizations. Consider attending industry events and partnering with intellectual property attorneys or innovation centers to build your network in this niche market. Art and Collectibles - Add a splash of color to your RON business by targeting the vibrant world of art and collectibles! High-value transactions often require notarized documents to verify provenance, ownership, and authenticity. To make a name for yourself in this industry, collaborate with art galleries, auction houses, and appraisers, and create visually striking marketing materials that highlight your expertise in handling art-related notarizations. Remember, you're helping to protect and preserve priceless treasures! Travel and Hospitality - Pack your bags and set sail into the world of travel and hospitality! With visas, travel permissions, and other legal matters requiring notarized documents, your RON services can provide much-needed convenience to globetrotters and travel businesses alike. And don’t forget the expatriates and US Citizens living abroad! To market your services to this industry, create travel-themed content for your website and social media channels, collaborate with travel agencies or hotels to promote your RON services, and consider joining Facebook groups for US Nationals living overseas. Emphasize your ability to notarize documents quickly and securely, no matter where your clients may roam. Technology and Startups - Ready to dive into the fast-paced world of tech and startups? These innovative businesses often require notarized documents for incorporation, funding agreements, and contracts. To market your RON services to this cutting-edge industry, create a strong online presence through targeted social media campaigns, industry-specific blog content, and collaboration with startup incubators and coworking spaces. Be sure to emphasize the convenience and security of your services, allowing tech entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best – changing the world! And let’s face it… if anyone should understand how to use technology, this is the group that will have your back. So in conclusion, venturing into non-traditional industries can add an exciting dimension to your remote online notary business, providing fresh opportunities for growth and collaboration. By targeting these 10 unique industries, you can showcase the versatility and value of your RON services, while having a blast discovering new markets and meeting fascinating clients. So, what are you waiting for? Get your creative marketing juices flowing, and let the fun begin! Embrace the adventure, and watch your RON business thrive in these exciting, untapped markets.

The increasing demand for remote online notary services has given rise to various RON software platforms. These platforms provide a convenient way for people to get their documents notarized without having to be physically present before a notary public. While this development is certainly a welcome one, it also raises some concerns about the availability of RON notaries. With the influx of new RON software platforms, it makes one wonder if we are entering an age where there simply aren't enough RON notaries to go around. There could be two reasons for the potential shortage of RON notaries. Firstly, the demand for their services may be outpacing the number of notaries who are trained to offer them. Not every notary public is authorized to provide remote online notary services, as additional training and certification may be required. Secondly, some notaries may be hesitant to transition into the digital realm of notarization, which could contribute to the shortage of RON notaries. As a result, there may be a limited number of notaries who are qualified to provide RON services, which can create a bottleneck in the notarization process. Another factor that could contribute to a shortage of RON notaries is the competition among RON software platforms. As more and more companies enter the market, they will need to attract notaries to their platform in order to provide notary services to their customers. If the number of notaries remains fixed while the number of companies vying for their services increases, this could lead to a situation where there aren't enough notaries to meet the demand. Underhanded marketing tactics are starting to rise in the competition among remote online notary (RON) software platforms. Such tactics may include poaching notaries from competitors through cold-calling or spreading false claims about the competition in fictitious blog posts. This type of marketing approach can lead to an unprofessional work environment where notaries are frequently subjected to unsolicited solicitations from multiple companies. Moreover, it can result in notaries signing up for platforms based on inaccurate information provided by these marketing campaigns, which can cause them to misunderstand the features and requirements of the platform. Notary Stars has added to this article with a warning for all Notaries interested in RON by stating they feel it is very important at this time to make sure you are choosing a RON Platform that is owned and operated by a US company and not from an overseas vendor. Underhanded tactics not only create a negative image of the RON industry but also raise concerns about the ethics of the companies involved. Notaries who are caught in the middle of this tug-of-war between RON platforms may find it difficult to navigate this competitive landscape, which could ultimately lead to a shortage of notaries. As more companies enter the market, it is essential that they maintain ethical marketing practices and avoid using tactics that are misleading or dishonest. This will ensure that notaries are not swayed by false claims and that they are able to provide the best service to their clients. As a RON notary, it is important to be cautious of platforms that use underhanded sales tactics to gain your subscription. Not only do these tactics create an unprofessional environment, but they can also be a red flag indicating that the platform may be struggling financially. If a company is resorting to unethical marketing practices to attract notaries, it may be a sign that they are not doing well and are looking for any way to generate revenue. Finally, if a platform is using underhanded sales tactics, it may be a sign that they do not value their notaries as they should. A company that values its notaries will focus on providing a high-quality platform and will be transparent about its marketing efforts. By contrast, a company that uses unethical marketing practices may view notaries as little more than a commodity to be exploited for their own benefit. This can lead to a toxic work environment and a lack of trust between the notary and the platform, and the customers you serve. Ultimately, RON notaries should be cautious of platforms that use underhanded sales tactics and focus on working with companies that value their expertise and treat them fairly.

This month's General Mentorship that talked about Slow to Pay and Non-Paying Signing Agencies which sparked a great question- are Notaries allowed to write-off bad debts like we hear about at other companies? We are not Tax professionals here at Notary Stars so we reached out to our good friends at Notary Assist and to Glen Hill, The Tax Lady to get an answer and here is what we found out: Notaries cannot write off bad debt because they don't actually have a loss (although you may beg to differ) because our businesses are on a cash basis and not an accrual basis. Cash basis lets businesses record income and expenses only when cash is actually received or paid. Accrual accounting involves tracking income and expenses as they are incurred (when an invoice is sent, or a bill received) instead of when money actually changes hands. An unpaid invoice on a cash-based method of accounting cannot be written off as a bad debt. Essentially, the notary cannot include it as income since they were never paid, and therefore did not pay taxes on that income either. Most (if not all) accounting software allows us to identify it as an uncollectable invoice. Now, the good news is we can still write off the cost for mileage, supplies, and applicable expenses. In other words, we cannot write it off as bad debt BUT & AND we get to write off expenses associated with it even if we never received payment. It some cases, this is a better write off than the bad debt process, including proving to the IRS our documented collection efforts. Some notaries may think we can write if off because some small businesses get to write off returns. However, we do not provide merchandise or products that can be returned. We provide a service to the public and having unpaid invoices does come with the industry. This is even more of a reason to be diligent in our record-keeping for all of our expenses as business owners. READ ALL OF THIS YEAR'S TAX TIPS BY CLICKING HERE: https://www.notarystars.com/blog/notary-tax-tip-space-equipment-rentals-purchases https://www.notarystars.com/blog/can-signing-agents-write-off-meals-on-taxes-yes-and-it-pays-to-eat-in-2023-as-long-as-you-do-things-properly https://www.notarystars.com/blog/mileage-for-notary-business-owners https://www.notarystars.com/blog/bad-signing-agencies-unpaid-signings-tax-tips https://www.notarystars.com/blog/tax-tips-from-sue-hope-glen-hill https://www.notarystars.com/blog/tax-tips-from-sue-hope-glen-hill-january-2023 https://www.notarystars.com/blog/your-notary-loan-signing-agent-business-tax-time

Yelp.com is one massive business directory! You almost have to be on it to maximize your Internet presence. And for some it is very scary to think about listing with YELP because of the horror stories they hear. In 2019, the film BILLION DOLLAR BULLY, available on Amazon, addresses a lot of these fears, but we are really here to address fearlessly listing with YELP and how you can bite back at bigger Internet Giants like YELP by harnessing their Internet presence and not paying a dime. First of all, let us explain something. Currently, in 2023 Yelp is valued at 2.10 billion dollars and it gets 90% of its revenue from advertisers who don't understand they can easily do what it does with a website made on Wix.com. Their power, and appeal, isn't in their revenue though (as impressive as it is). Yelps power resides in its Search Engine Optimization (SEO). We double dog dare you to Google just about any business type with the words near me in it and you'll most likely see the first three Google Business Listings from Google My Business, a sponsored ad or two, and then Yelps directory. Yelp doesn't really make its money from advertising if you ask us, Yelp makes its revenue from those who think that building a website is difficult and that you have to be some sort of tech genius to understand SEO. Ronnie Mickle, owner of Unlimited Ink Notary and NotaryStars.com (a niche directory for Notary Loan Signing Agents) has built many websites smaller than Yelp that can outrank the Internet giant and he teaches Notaries weekly within his niche just how to do that- and for much less cost than paying for costly Yelp ads! Still there is an old saying, "if you can't beat them, join them," and even though you can out rank Yelp yourself without paying any money you still can, and should, utilize their directory for two very important reasons. First, because they provide a healthy backlink to your website pulling you up in search rankings almost immediately. And second, because while your website is gaining SEO their marketing team will be working around the clock to bring you in customers. Here's a free video on how to set up and maximize your Yelp Business Listing but don't forget to continue reading the article on why after you set up your listing you shouldn't pay YELP a dime (at least for now). Within hours or days after you sign up for YELP you are going to get a call from one of their highly trained market managers. Or that is at least how they'll refer to themselves. They are going to tell you they have statistics for businesses just like yours, but the question is, do they really have those statistics? We've never seen any real ones when we inquire about them after setting up listings. We just get the "we'll get back to you." speech and they never do. They are going to be asking you to run Ads on Yelp or purchase things to "make you stand out," like a company logo. You don't need any of their ad ons for your listing to function properly at this time and here's why you should definitely not purchase Yelp Ads and only use their free listings for whatever traffic you can get. #1) Yelp Ads seems to run 24/7 currently as opposed to Google Ads where you can schedule what time they run. There is no point running an ad at 2 am for a client you can't pick up the phone for or answer an email for most small businesses. Especially if you work in services that are generally needed yesterday, so to speak. This means you are paying for clicks while you are sleeping and not while you are working and wasting your marketing budget. This is one of the hard stops, but there's more! #2) Yelp Ads seem to group small businesses at the Top-level categories of the site. So let's say Notaries are often grouped into advertisements with Attorneys (which are two different things). That's because of where the top level resides. Why would you pay for invalid clicks in a directory? #3) Yelp uses questionable ethical SEO Practices to drive members into their site. Google loves lists and ratings. So the first way they draw members in is with Meta Tags and Meta descriptions like "The Top 10 _________ Near Your City." When you click to enter Yelp as a consumer you only get a list sorted by distance, not the actual Top 10. So, working hard for those reviews and paying YELP to advertise you first isn't working there. And, if someone has less, or not as good, reviews as you, they can still show before you as long as they pay money. Yelp also has a metatag they use often that says "THE TOP FREE _______ NEAR YOUR CITY." Now there may be some not for profits out there so we aren't saying never but if you are reading this you are most likely not operating your business for free. Which means they are bringing in users through organic search who might be looking for free or reduced cost services but then charging you top dollar for their clicks on your ads when those users won't hire you because you are charging them. THIS IS QUESTIONABLY ETHICAL BECAUSE THEY ARE MISLEADING THE ORGANIC USER BY ABUSING GOOGLE'S ALGORITHM BUT THEN CHARGING YOU TOP DOLLAR FOR A CLICK (ALL WHILST DOING ITEMS 1 AND 2 A THE SAME TIME). Here is proof they are doing this. This screenshot was taking on 3-23-22. If they are doing it to Notaries, they are doing it to all businesses out there. Our site works no differently than Yelp and their Meta Tags are dynamic. The best way to list on Yelp until they change their practices is to only go for their free listing, let the rep call you once, politely decline any offers, don't take any of their "free" offerings, obtain the healthy backlink form them, get that free Internet traffic and joining a course like Notary Stars + Marketing to learn how to out rank them. And then ditch them! Sources: Google Finance - Stock Market Prices, Real-time Quotes & Business News Yelp Inc. (YELP) Market Cap & Net Worth - Stock Analysis Yelp Business Model - How Does Yelp Make Money? (businessmodelanalyst.com) Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links, specifically for Amazon, which links to Billion Dollar Bully. We use affiliate links wisely here at NotaryStars.com as they help us keep free content like this coming to you!