We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amber Gist. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amber below.
Amber, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I believe that confidence and self-esteem are built over time. It’s a process of acknowledging your strengths, learning from experiences, and being kind to yourself along the way. Here is what I has helped be develop confidence and self-esteem:
Embrace Learning and Growth: Recognize that every experience, whether it’s a success or a challenge, is an opportunity to learn. This mindset has helped me view obstacles as stepping stones to personal and professional development, rather than setbacks.
Set Achievable Goals: I start with small, manageable goals and gradually work my way up. When I achieve my goals I get a sense of accomplishment and it has built my confidence over time.
Positive Self-Talk: I replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. I constantly remind myself of my strengths and past successes. This practice has helped in fostering a more positive self-image.
Seek Feedback and Mentorship: Engaging with mentors and a supportive network has provided valuable insights and encouragement. Learning from others who have walked similar paths has definitely boosted my confidence as well as provided guidance.
Celebrate my Achievements: I do like to take time to acknowledge and celebrate my successes, no matter how small.
Face Challenges Head-On: This was a big one for me. Taking on what I deemed a challenge was empowering. It showed my that I’m capable of more than I might have initially thought. Once challenge I faced head on was investing in a team for my business. The interview process was a challenge in itself but I persevered. I had to be vulnerable and trust others to help me with my business.
Self-Care and Wellness: I made it a point to prioritize my physical (still working on that) and mental health. A healthier lifestyle has improved my mood and energy levels, making me feel more prepared to take on challenges.
Continuous Learning: Another BIG one for me. I can say that I stay curious and open to learning new things. This not only has enhanced my skill set but also contributed to a sense of achievement and self-growth.
Surround Myself with Positive Influences: Being around people who are positive and supportive has significantly impact my confidence. Their encouragement and belief in me has been uplifting.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a passionate entrepreneur and educator in the notary field, deeply invested in empowering individuals to start and grow their notary businesses.
At the core of ventures is The Notary Academy, a comprehensive platform designed to be a one-stop shop for aspiring and practicing notaries. Our goal is to streamline the process for individuals to apply for their notary commission, secure necessary bonds, obtain errors and omissions insurance, and gain nationwide signing agent certification. This holistic approach is aimed at simplifying and enhancing the journey of notaries at every stage of their career.
In addition to The Notary Academy, I’m actively involved in the Notary Lotus Directory (Notarylotus.com), a pivotal resource that connects notaries with a wide range of opportunities, facilitating growth and visibility in their profession.
One of the highlights of my work is the Empower Notary Conference, set to take place in Dallas, Texas, in September 2024. This event is designed to be more than just a conference; it’s a congregation of knowledge, skills, and networking opportunities, aimed at empowering notaries from all walks of life. We’re bringing together experts, experienced professionals, and newcomers to share insights, experiences, and foster a community of learning and mutual growth.
Additionally, my YouTube channel serves as a vital platform where I share insights, tips, and detailed information about the notary business. Through this channel, I aim to reach a broader audience, offering them valuable content that can help them in their notary journey.
I’m also thrilled about our Signature Success Community and the range of mentorship and value we offer. These initiatives are close to my heart as they directly impact individuals by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in the notary field.
In essence, my work revolves around empowering, educating, and supporting notaries and business owners. I am deeply committed to this cause and excited about the impact we’re creating in the community.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey as an entrepreneur and educator in the notary field, three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful:
1. Expertise in the Notary Field: Deep knowledge and understanding of notary laws, procedures, and industry standards were crucial. This expertise not only established my credibility but also allowed me to provide valuable and accurate information to others. For those early in their journey, I recommend immersing yourself in continuous learning. Stay updated with the latest industry developments, attend workshops, and engage with professional notary communities. Building a solid foundation of knowledge is essential for confidence and competence in this field.
2. Entrepreneurial Mindset: The ability to identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and innovate has been vital. An entrepreneurial mindset involves resilience, adaptability, and a continuous drive for improvement. For newcomers, preparing this mindset can start with setting clear goals, being open to feedback, and learning from both successes and failures. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
3. Communication and Teaching Skills: Effectively communicating and teaching complex information in an understandable way has been key to my success, especially in training and empowering others. Developing these skills involves practice and a willingness to understand your audience. For those starting out, focus on honing your communication skills. This can include public speaking, writing, and active listening. The ability to convey information clearly and engagingly is a powerful tool in education and business.
Advice for Development:
1. Seek Mentorship and Networking: Connect with experienced professionals in the notary field or in their industry field. Their insights can be invaluable in guiding your early steps and helping you avoid common pitfalls.
2. Practice and Application: Apply your knowledge in practical scenarios. Whether it’s through simulations, internships, or real-world experiences, practical application of knowledge solidifies learning and boosts confidence.
3. Engage in Lifelong Learning: The notary field, like many others, is constantly evolving. Stay committed to learning, whether through formal education, self-study, or professional development opportunities. This commitment will keep you relevant and informed.
4. Develop Soft Skills: Beyond technical knowledge, focus on building soft skills like empathy, leadership, and problem-solving. These skills are crucial in building relationships, managing a business, and navigating the complexities of the notary field.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, I am always open to exploring partnerships and collaborations that align with the mission of empowering and educating notaries and entrepreneurs. The types of individuals and organizations I am looking to collaborate with include:
1. Industry Experts and Educators: Professionals with deep knowledge and experience in the notary field or related areas such as legal services, real estate, and finance. These experts can contribute to our educational platforms, workshops, and conferences, providing valuable insights and enhancing the learning experience for our community.
2. Technology Providers: Companies or individuals specializing in software or digital solutions that can streamline notary processes, enhance digital notarization capabilities, or provide innovative tools for notaries to manage their businesses more effectively.
3. Event Organizers and Sponsors: Entities interested in collaborating on events like the Empower Notary Conference. This could include event planning collaboration, sponsorship opportunities, and other forms of partnership that can enrich the event experience for attendees.
4. Content Creators and Media Personnel: Individuals adept at creating engaging content, be it written, video, or multimedia, to spread awareness and educate about notary services and entrepreneurship. This also includes journalists or media outlets interested in covering stories related to the notary industry.
If you are interested in collaborating and believe that your expertise, services, or products align with the goals of The Notary Academy, Notary Lotus Directory, or Empower Notary Conference, I would be thrilled to hear from you. The best way to connect is to reach out via email: amber@thenotaryacademy.net
Please provide a brief introduction of yourself, your organization (if applicable), and how you envision our collaboration. I look forward to exploring potential partnerships that can mutually benefit us and, most importantly, provide value to the notary community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amberondemand.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ambergist_
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/amberthenotary
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambergist/
- Youtube:www.youtube.com/@amberondemand1
- Other: www.thenotaryacademy.net
