I’ve been working on starting my mobile notary business for a few months now and it has been quite a journey. Actually, I wanted to become a notary during the pandemic, but the timing wasn’t right. Fast forward, the door recently closed on my recruiting career which re-opened the door to start my own business. I took my exam in June, built my website from scratch, taught myself about SEO, took courses, webinars, joined Facebook groups, researched the competition, created a google business page and my own yelp page that went live this week. And away I go!

I’m as ready as I’ll ever be and just need to get leads, book appointments, and the rest will follow. Easy enough, right? However, the 10+ leads yelp leads I received also went out to my competition. Despite responding within 10 minutes to keep my ranking higher, none of the leads converted into bookings. Was it my fees? Or the fact that my competitors have numerous five-star reviews compared to my zero? Could be so many things so I have to stay encouraged and remember it’s not personal. This experience reminded me that marketing is a numbers game—activity, activity, activity. Although it didn’t lead to immediate success, it was a valuable learning experience that made me reflect on my motivations.

So why am I on this journey and what is driving me? Did I think that yelp or google business page is going to spoon feed me clients and my phone would start ringing off the hook? Of course not, but I can dream, right? Why did I start this business and what did I hope to accomplish? It's more than just a job. I’ve had a very successful 25 years of recruiting. I worked for good companies but more importantly I’ve met and befriended some amazing people in those 25 years. Coworkers who have become lifelong friends. Candidates who now have children they want to refer to me for career guidance. It was more than just the money; it was about making a difference in people's lives. Leaving people in a better position than before we met.

I’m so thankful that I’ve had an amazing career that could be so impactful. I cherish the relationships I’ve built over the years and it brings a smile to my face when I have a former candidate reach out after years and they think I don’t remember them. I always do. For that I’m thankful.

Back to my reason: I became a notary to connect with people and learn new things. I’ve been on the other side of the table signing my own home loan documents, refi’s, HELOC, trust, estate plan, power of attorney and advance health care directive. Those weren’t just documents to me. They were important and meaningful documents to benefit or protect me and my family. That is what I want from this new career change. I want to have the same meaningful and impactful experience with my new clients when they need someone to assist them in signing these important life documents. Someone who understands the importance in a compassionate and caring way.

That is my why; and I’m so very thankful for this new adventure. Of course, it would have been nice to have at least one of those ten leads turn into an appointment. The appointments will come and the new relationships will form in due time.

Four years ago, I began this journey, and I’m excited. I never thought I’d write a blog, but here I am. Do you have a personal or professional dream that you’ve been waiting to pursue? I encourage you to dream big. What’s stopping you from making it happen? Stay positive, say your dreams out loud, and see what unfolds.

Abundant blessings to you and your families,

Tamara Pacini