Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marcy Tiberio, Founder of Professional Notary Services, Inc., located in Rochester, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Professional Notary Services, Inc. began by filling a need for notary signing services not bound by time or location. We travel the extra mile to make convenient and accurate notarizations accessible to all. We value the opportunity to create an excellent experience with every document notarized. We provide in-person and remote online notarizations to any individual or business that needs a document notarized.
Tell us about yourself
I started my business ten years ago. Not because I had a great idea or always wanted to be a business owner, but because I had quit my job and needed to figure out what I wanted to do next. I was working in what I now know was a toxic work environment. I was working around the clock, giving 110% to complete the job to the best of my ability, and it never seemed enough. I knew my situation was unsustainable, so I gave my notice without thinking about what would come next. As former clients heard of my imminent departure, they started to ask if I could do some real estate closings for them. A part-time solo side gig has become a notary signing company utilizing over 1100 notary subcontractors nationwide. Having made that leap of faith and being in business still ten years later motivates me to continue every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We have been in business for ten years and have been profitable every one of those years, which has helped us support so many charitable organizations and efforts:
- Veterans Associations
- Coat drive for underprivileged children
- Christmas tree stockings for underserved children
- Thanksgiving baskets for families in need
- School supply giveaways for kids and classrooms
- Animal Rescue
- Toy drives for the Pirate Toy Fund
- Food and collection drives for the homeless
- Donated computers to the House of Mercy for the homeless
And this year, we are celebrating our ten-year anniversary by hosting a 10yr 10k giveaway. For the next ten months, we donated $1000 to a charity nominated by our notaries and clients and voted on by the public. In December, we will end our tenth year by hosting a Christmas Drive Thru event in our city. you can find out more about it here: https://www.professionalnotaryservices.biz/10k-giveaway/
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being a business owner is tough in general, especially when you first start. You need to bootstrap, so you are the bookkeeper, human resources, social media person, etc. It's challenging to decide what aspect of your business needs a cash infusion and the anxiety of making the wrong decision and the consequence of that decision. No matter how much you know or think you know, going in, you quickly realize how much you don't know. I don't know if it gets easier, but it becomes less overwhelming, or at least not always overwhelming. Owning a business is not for the faint of heart, that's for sure, but it's the most rewarding thing I've ever done.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Tell everyone what you do. You never know where your next customer is coming from.
- Don't be afraid to have big ideas. Even if they don't work out exactly the way you planned, you'll either learn a lesson or something good will come of it later on down the road.
- Take advantage of every free resource out there: classes, seminars, workshops, and mentorship. Knowledge is power, especially as a business owner.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.professionalnotaryservices.biz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PNSincROC
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PNSincRoc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcytiberio/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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