Training Separates the Pros from the Pretenders

Over the last several months, I’ve focused this newsletter, and several YouTube training sessions, on one primary goal: making the phone ring.

We’ve covered how to boost your online visibility. We’ve explored outreach strategies that connect you with new prospects. All with one goal in mind-getting more clients.

But then what?

When those strategies work, and they will, you’ll be faced with a new challenge: What do you do when the phone rings?

That’s why I introduced the Top of Mind Method, a framework to help you confidently navigate every step of the client experience. It’s simple, but powerful. Just remember to S.M.I.L.E.:

• Solve Their Problem

• Masterfully Deliver Your Services

• Implement Ironclad Button-Up

• Leverage Long-Term Connection Strategies

• Expand Your Learning and Your Network

We just wrapped up the “Solve Their Problem” series. If you missed it, here’s what we covered:

• Why answering your phone is the highest form of marketing.

• What to do when you can’t answer the phone.

• How to control the conversation (without being controlling).

• What questions to ask to show professionalism and confidence.

• How to stack your value before you quote a price.

• And finally, how to ask for the sale and confidently set the appointment.

Now we move to the second piece of the puzzle: Masterfully Deliver Your Services.

This part isn’t as flashy as landing new clients, but it’s what separates the amateurs from the pros. It's where reputations are made, referrals are born, and relationships are built.

Masterful service requires:

• Proper and ongoing training, this isn't a one-and-done kind of deal.

• Professional supplies that elevate the client experience (yes, even your clipboard says something about you).

• The ability to lay the foundation for a long-term relationship, not just a single transaction.

• A plan for what to do when you're unsure or need support.

• And the confidence and systems in place to stay in touch without being weird about it.

This week, let’s zero in on the foundation of it all: Training.

If you want to be the go-to notary in your city, and build a business that thrives even when the market dips, your training can’t stop where your commission started.

In many states, the required training (if there’s any at all) is...bare minimum. And bare minimum won’t build the business you’re dreaming of.

So, what should training look like for a notary who’s serious about their craft?

Here are some key steps to elevate your skills and confidence:

Start with the Basics

• Become a member of the National Notary Association (NNA) It’s not perfect, but it’s foundational. Membership includes a wide range of resources, like state-specific notarial certificates and the NNA Hotline, a literal lifeline when you’re in the field and unsure what to do. Judi Lawrence calls it a “national treasure,” and she’s not wrong.

• Take the Notary Essentials course from NNA Every notary should take this. It breaks down the role you play in preventing fraud and what your duties actually are. It's clear, concise, and essential training.

• Study your state’s laws and handbook If your state offers one, get the handbook. If not, look for your statutes online. The NNA also has state law primers that help you understand how the rules translate into real-world action.

Expand Your Skill Set

Once you have your foundation, it’s time to branch out. Here’s where you really start to create a career instead of a side hustle:

• Specialty Notary Work training with Laura Biewer Presents From jail signings to adoption papers to medical facilities, this is where you discover the niches that make your business stand out.

• Loan Signing Agent training I’m obviously biased, but Sign & Thrive is the course I built from scratch to help people succeed in the loan signing world, without the hype and false promises.

• Estate Planning Document Certification If you want to work with attorneys and high-value clients, this is a must.

• Reverse Mortgage Signings These are delicate, often emotional appointments. The right training helps you serve with compassion and confidence.

• Cannabis Compliance Notarizations A growing niche with unique needs and massive opportunity.

• Apostilles & Embassy Legalization Training Get paid to navigate the complexities of international document authentication.

There’s too much to learn, and too much opportunity, to ever sit still in this business. And yes, I’m highlighting my own training-this is my newsletter and I get to do that. But more than anything, I know the training is excellent. I’ve collaborated with the best in the business to create resources that will help you grow your business and your expertise. These are already proven-thousands of notaries have taken them and implemented the wisdom and strategies. 

But if you don’t want my training, or you don’t appreciate my style, or you just don’t click with me, please don’t use that to stop training or learning. Learn from someone that you like, trust and respect, and most importantly, has the results you want. 

And here’s the deeper reality we have to embrace...

We’re not just stamping paper.

We’re public servants.

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

It’s not just a job. It’s a responsibility. An honor.

So ask yourself:

Are you honoring the office you hold?

If not, that’s okay. You don’t need shame. You just need training. You just need guidance. You just need a system to grow within.

And that’s exactly what we’ve built inside High Performance Notary.

Every week, our members meet for accountability, planning, and growth.

We implement the Top of Mind Method.

 We hold each other to a higher standard.

 And we help each other win.

Want to see what it's like?

Try High Performance Notary FREE for one week

You’ll get immediate access to training, a supportive community, and the systems that create consistent success, even when your schedule isn’t.