Everything is "figureoutable": A Notary’s Guide to Problem-Solving and Success

Marie Forleo’s famous phrase, “Everything is figureoutable,” is more than just a catchy mantra—it’s a mindset shift that unlocks creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness.

Notaries often face unexpected challenges: last-minute signings, complex documents, demanding clients, or logistical hurdles. But when you genuinely believe that a solution exists, you activate a robust set of problem-solving skills that can set you apart in your business.

Instead of saying, “This is too hard” or “I don’t know what to do,” try reframing the challenge: “How can I figure this out?” That simple shift puts your brain to work, finding solutions instead of dwelling on obstacles. Let’s explore how to adopt this mindset in your notary business today.

1. Question Your Limiting Beliefs

Marie reminds us: “Everything is figureoutable, but first you have to believe it.” That starts with identifying and challenging the beliefs th...

When we ask better questions, we get better answers. We develop an ability to anticipate and pivot. And it starts on the inside.  Instead of asking what do I need to do first, I ask who do I need to be?  My answer is be brave, be a risk taker, lean into what is hard and when I fall, get back up!

Some of you may have read my 2024 email on GRIT. I shared my story of going into the Moaning Caverns.

It was 165 feet down, 235 steps, and back up. Long story short my worst fear happened when I took a fall and had to move out of the way to let others pass.   The last 65 feet up were slow and painful, pulling myself up with the handrail each step, but I made it to the surface and celebrated; I did it!!! It was hard, and I just took one step at a time.

I read an email from Tony Robbins recently that strikes me as appropriate to my topic. He is talking about the Olympians who went to Paris. He said:

“The world’s greatest athletes prepared for their big moment—the chance to represent their cou...

The Difference Between Repeat Business and Loyal Customers in Your Notary Business

Building a steady stream of clients is essential as a notary, but constantly chasing new business can be exhausting. Instead of spending every day searching for new leads, developing strong relationships with repeat and loyal customers allows your business to thrive with minimal marketing effort. The key is understanding the difference between repeat business and loyalty—and knowing how to move clients from simply using your services again to becoming true advocates for your business. 

Repeat Business vs. Loyal Customers: Understanding the Difference

• Repeat Business: Clients who return to you for notary services, often because of convenience, habit, or a lack of alternatives. They may not be emotionally connected to your business and could switch to another notary if the situation requires it.

• Loyal Customers: These clients actively choose you over others, even when alternatives exist. They s

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Paying It Forward: A Legacy of Freedom, Sacrifice, and Service

As I reflect on my life and the journey that has led me to where I am today, I can't help but think about the generations that came before me—the sacrifices they made, the hardships they endured, and the freedom they provided for me to live the life I have today. Their struggles were not just their own, but a legacy of perseverance and determination passed down to me, and I must honor it by paying it forward.

The Immigrant Story: My Grandparents' Sacrifice

I am deeply indebted to my grandparents, who came to this country with little more than hope and a dream. Leaving their respective countries, they crossed the ocean to America without financial backing, no friends or family to help them, and no language skills. Many immigrants faced isolation and discrimination when they arrived in this country, and my grandparents were no exception. They worked tirelessly, often in sweatshops, to make ends meet and to provide for thei...

It is 2025, and you may have felt an uptick in Loan Signings at the end of 2024! As a Notary entrepreneur, I have many specialties, including Loan Signings. I always keep my credentials current for real estate loan signings as they are part of a stable and sustainable business.

I hope this message finds you well! We are crucial in ensuring smooth and successful loan signing transactions. To help you navigate the process from acceptance to invoicing, I've compiled 10 key steps to enhance your efficiency and professionalism in managing loan signings.

1. Accept the Right Assignments

• Fit Your Business Plan: Only take on assignments that align with your skills and availability.

• Undisclosed Work: Be clear on additional tasks like scanning back or same-day drops.

• Safety First: Choose locations that are safe and accessible.

It is important to remember not every assignment is your assignment.  Be sure you understand the scope of work required vs. the payment agreed to. Onc...

Celebrating 21 Years of Grit: Lessons from Building a Notary Business

This January marks 21 years since I began my journey as a notary public. Mobile notaries were a small profession when I started, and the road to building a sustainable business was far from clear. Looking back, I can see that grit—the passion and perseverance to keep going despite setbacks—was the key ingredient that got me here.

From assignments that went sideways to uncooperative facilities and misinformed signers, I’ve faced more challenges than I can count. Yet, each one taught me invaluable lessons and helped shape the business I proudly celebrate today.

The Challenges That Built My Grit

Unpredictable Assignments

Early on, I took on signings in assisted living facilities and hospitals. These settings often came with complications—unprepared signers, misunderstandings about what notaries can and cannot do, and the occasional attempt to renegotiate fees after I’d arrived.

I learned that preparation was my ...

Reintroducing TNT: Where It Began and Where It’s Headed

Have you ever wondered how Tuesday Notary Titans (TNT) got started or how it’s evolved over the years? As we prepare to relaunch for 2025, I wanted to share its journey, its impact, and what exciting updates you can expect moving forward.

How It All Began

Almost seven years ago, TNT started as a collaboration between Carol Ray, and Bill Soroka. Back then, it was called the Breakfast Club, and I was relatively unknown outside of California and the National Notary Association (NNA). The opportunity to co-host this call, answer notary questions from across the country, and provide micro-lessons helped me grow alongside the audience.

Working with Carol Ray was a turning point in my career. She was the first speaker at my in-person Notary Symposium in Modesto, CA, and she encouraged me to formalize my coaching practice. It was her invitation to join the Breakfast Club that truly expanded my reach and impact in the notary world.  It...

The Duty of a Notary: More Than Just a Job—It's a Responsibility that takes grit and Integrity.

As notaries public, we hold a unique and vital position in the legal and business world. Our role, often perceived as straightforward-witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and verifying completeness, is, in fact, a complex and crucial duty. We meet our mission each time we execute our notary certificates correctly and fully complete the task of verifying that the right person is signing the documents. It's about fulfilling a fiduciary duty to the people we serve.

Duty: Not What Everyone Else Does, But What We Are Obligated to Do

Our duty as notaries is to adhere to our professional and legal obligations. This sets us apart from the average person—it's our commitment to a higher standard of Integrity and responsibility. Being a notary means stepping up to a level of responsibility beyond simple honesty. It requires us to act with Integrity, fairness, and transparency, not just when i...

I am back, with what I hope are helpful steps to confirm with your signer either after you accepted the job from the hiring company or when it is direct with the signer.

Last week I gave you a list of questions I suggested you use before saying yes to the job to ensure it is the right one for you.  You cannot rely that the Title Co or Signing Service has already asked and verified everything is good for you to notarize.  So, when you make your confirmation call with the signer consider the following questions.

Questions for the Signers:

1. Do they have valid ID?
   It's crucial to ensure compliance with state requirements. Be specific—ask for a state driver's license, non-driver ID, or US passport or whatever is on your list of acceptable IDs.

2. Will all required signers be present?
   This prevents unnecessary second trips.

3. Are witnesses needed?
   In states like Florida or Georgia, witnesses are required on Deeds, so if witnesses are required, can the signers arrange them? If not, yo

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Let's talk about being confident before you go to the job site.  I mean "Know Before You Go"

There has been a small uptick in Loan Signing appointments and for some of us, it has been a minute since we got these calls.  It is not enough to get the call, we need to accept the right jobs for our business, and feel confident we will get paid after it is completed. 

As a notary, I thrive on handling assignments that are efficient and lead to successful outcomes. One of the keys to achieving this is knowing potential pitfalls before I even step out the door. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the essential questions to ask before your notary signing, tailored to different types of services.  If you have others, I would love you to share with me!

Real Estate Closings: The Essential Questions

When it comes to real estate closings, I typically ask a series of questions twice—first for the hiring party and then for the signers.

Questions for the Hiring Party:

1. When is the appointment?
   Knowin
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