There are three tenets that helped me flourish in this business as a notary entrepreneur:

One, being a mobile notary gave me a flexible schedule, unchained from any desk or cubicle, so I could be free to do more of the things I enjoy with the people I love. 

Second, it provides a truly unlimited opportunity to earn revenue in seemingly endless ways. 

And third, providing an essential service that helps people is something we can be proud of. 

We are, in fact, the last line of defense against fraud and identity theft. 

Especially in today’s marketplace. 

Consumer protection is eroding. The safety nets that once existed are vanishing faster than  free pens at a notary networking event.

Recent cuts to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the agency that was supposed to crack down on predatory lenders and shady financial dealings after the whole 2008 debacle, have left a gaping hole in the fight against fraud. 

And guess who’s standing right at the edge of that hole, pr...

When notary work slows down, many of us start scrambling for side gigs. But what if you could tap into a steady stream of income without stepping too far outside your notary skillset?

Behold... Field Inspections.

This under-the-radar opportunity is a perfect complement to your notary business, and it’s one of the specialties we highlight in Beyond Loan Signings: The Ultimate Guide to Monetizing Your Notary Commission with Specialty Work, co-written with the amazing Laura Biewer .

What Are Field Inspections?

Field inspections involve visiting properties or businesses on behalf of clients to verify conditions, take photos, and complete simple checklists. Banks, insurance companies, and lenders frequently need these services.

Why Notaries Are Perfect for the Job

As notaries, we’re already trusted to verify identities and documents. Field inspections leverage those same skills—attention to detail, professionalism, and punctuality. Plus, the flexibility means you can book these jobs a...

When I owned a signing company that hired notaries across the country, I saw firsthand how a simple skill, following instructions, could make or break a signing. 

We weren’t sending generic order confirmations. We created customized instructions for each appointment. Tailored details about the signers, the documents, the client’s preferences, and the non-negotiable requirements. 

And we didn’t just email them to the hired notary. We followed up with texts. Sometimes, we even called to stress how important it was to read the instructions before heading to the appointment.

And yet… time and time again, we had notaries who completely ignored them.

They missed crucial details. 

They asked questions that were already answered in bold, underlined, highlighted instructions. 

Some even went rogue, assuming they knew best, only for us to find out later that they had done something completely different from what was required. They used black ink instead of blue. Or printed on letter sized ...

In an age where emails flood inboxes and texts are sent in seconds, a handwritten note stands out.

If you’re ready to add a human touch to your notary business and deepen client connections, the simplest way to start is by creating a Note Sending Kit, a simple way to make it easy for you to send notes and build lasting relationships.

Why Handwritten Notes Work (And Why They’re Rare!)

Think back to the last time you received a handwritten card. It probably felt like a warm hug, right? Handwritten notes are personal, thoughtful, and incredibly rare in today’s fast-paced digital world.

That’s precisely why they’re so powerful.

Most people intend to send notes but never get around to it. Why? Because life gets busy. By the time you think about it, you’ve misplaced the stationary or don’t have stamps.

Let’s change that.

How to Create Your Note Sending Kit (And Stick With It)

Here’s what you need to make note-writing effortless:

• Stationary or Cards – Plain and simple. No brandin

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Here’s my (perhaps unpopular) take on social media for notaries:

While social media can help with branding and reminding your network you exist, and can even help with search engine optimization if done correctly, for most mobile notaries, posting on social media platforms won’t actually make the phone ring. And that is for three main reasons:

• Your customers aren’t shopping for notary services on social media;

• You’re probably doing social media “wrong” anyway (Sorry!);

• And you might be using it as a distraction to avoid revenue-producing activity.

A social media presence is a “nice to have,” not a “must have.” So, if it is jamming you up right now, overwhelming you, taking up too much of your precious time & energy, or if you just plain hate it, STOP doing it. 

Let me qualify this before you go crazy on me. 

I’m specifically speaking to notary entrepreneurs who DO NOT HAVE THE RESULTS THEY WANT in their business. 

Frankly, that’s most notaries right now, especia...

Have you ever felt the power of a great review? Whether you're looking for the best steak in town or trying to find a reliable notary, reviews often guide the way.

Here’s the kicker: only 10% of consumers actually take the time to write a review, yet nearly 90% of people trust them when making decisions. Imagine the ripple effect you could have by simply sharing a few kind words about your experiences.

Now, let’s flip this for a second. What if your notary business thrived because people took the time to leave you a glowing review? What if one heartfelt comment nudged someone to choose you over the competition?

That’s exactly why today’s challenge from The Notary Business Building Challenge is all about spreading some joy by leaving a positive review for a local business.

Why This Matters (To More Than Just Restaurants)

When you leave a positive review, you’re not just supporting a business, you’re helping build the foundation for trust. Every entrepreneur (including you) knows ho...

Watch the YouTube training on this topic here

For mobile notaries, the ringing phone is more than a convenience, it’s a lifeline. I like to say that every time the phone rings, your cash register dings.

In last week's edition of Notary Business Tips, I talked about how to answer the phone professionally. Now, let's get to the next phase of the phone call.

Each call represents an opportunity to connect with a client, offer guidance, and secure a new appointment. But here’s the challenge: many prospects aren’t sure what they need, how the process works, or even how to articulate their concerns. That’s where your ability to take gentle control comes into play.

What does that mean? It’s about leading the conversation with professionalism, empathy, and clarity, without overwhelming or alienating your client.

Let’s break down how to transform these calls into smooth, productive interactions.

Gentle Guidance

When a prospect calls, they’re often feeling one of two things: urgency or con...

In the specialized world of apostille services, your technical expertise is undeniably crucial, but the real differentiator that can elevate your business lies in how you communicate with clients.

Whether you’re demystifying the apostille process, managing client expectations, or responding to their concerns, effective communication fosters trust, builds loyalty, and sets the stage for repeat business and referrals.

Why Communication is Your Superpower

Clients seeking apostille services are often treading unfamiliar territory. They may be dealing with urgent personal, business, or legal matters that require international authentication of vital documents.

In such a high-stakes environment, uncertainty breeds anxiety. Your role isn’t just to provide a service, it’s to guide them through the journey with clarity, empathy, and professionalism.

Consider this:

• A client calls with a birth certificate or legal document that must be authenticated for use overseas. They might not even

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Watch the training on this topic on YouTube here

When was the last time you called a business and were greeted by an actual human being within the first few rings?

If you had to think about it for more than a few seconds, that’s exactly the point.

In an age where automated systems and IGNORED calls are the norm, answering the phone promptly and professionally is a superpower in the notary business.

Prospects aren’t calling to chit-chat. They have a document in hand and (usually) an urgent need to get it notarized. If you’re the one who picks up, guess who gets the business?

The Reality of "Notary Near Me" Searches

A typical prospect searches for "notary near me" and then starts dialing, looking for a soltuion to their "problem."

What they encounter is often a frustrating loop of unanswered calls, voicemail greetings that haven’t been updated since 2015, and impersonal automated responses.

But when you actually answer the phone? Game over for your competition.

It’s that simple....

Want more referrals, higher-paying clients, and a business that thrives even when the market slows down? It starts with personal branding. In the notary world, trust and integrity drive every transaction. But how do you show that to potential clients who haven’t met you yet?

Here’s the answer: LinkedIn.

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a digital resume, it’s your virtual storefront. It’s where your reputation gets validated, and it’s often the first impression potential clients or referral partners will have of you. If you’re not showing up on LinkedIn (or if your profile is collecting dust), you’re missing out on the easiest way to attract new business.

That’s exactly why I wrote Supercharge Your Notary Business with LinkedIn with Sandra Long to help notaries like you build a powerful personal brand that brings clients to your inbox.

Why Personal Branding Matters for Notaries: Referrals don’t just come from handing out business cards or hoping someone remembers you. They come from...