Not every notary call should become a notary appointment.
Let that sink in.
In a world where mobile notaries are conditioned to hustle for every lead, it's easy to assume that every inquiry should result in booked business. But rushing to say yes can waste time, damage credibility, and ultimately create a frustrating experience for both you and the signer. Smart notaries know that before offering a price—or even agreeing to go—they need to check a few key things first.
Checking first isn't just professional. It’s smart business.
Whether you're new to mobile work or seasoned in specialty notary assignments, here’s why a careful screening process is one of the most important tools in your notary toolkit.
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t realize that their local private mailbox center or UPS store offers notary services.
Mobile notary work offers c...
When the Day Doesn't Go as Planned: Thriving as a Notary Anyway, Because Calm Is Part of the Toolkit.
The Obstacle Is the Way—Even in Notary Work
There's a well-known quote from the Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius that has gained renewed attention thanks to Ryan Holiday's book The Obstacle Is the Way:
"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."
It's a powerful concept, but what many don't realize is that Marcus wasn't talking about mountain climbs or military campaigns. He was talking about people. Challenging, frustrating, thoughtless people.
That co-worker who undermines you. The rude customer. The friend who disappoints you. These aren't just challenges to endure; they are opportunities to practice excellence. To cultivate patience, forgiveness, courage, self-control, and even good humor.
However, this wisdom extends far beyond dealing with difficult people. Every situation we face, positive or negative, easy or frustrating, is an invi...
National Preparedness Month: Why My Sons Have “Permission Slips” for Life
When my two sons turned 18, I made sure they each had a Power of Attorney and an Advance Health Care Directive in place. At that point, nothing happened—except life. One bought a house, the other got married and had two kids.
Along the way, I reminded them that their documents needed to be updated to reflect their new lives. But like many parents, I didn’t push too hard. After all, these are not easy conversations.
Then, last year, my son and his wife were preparing for their 5th wedding anniversary trip—their first time away from the kids. That’s when I finally spoke up firmly. I told them they needed the basics: updated Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives, and, most importantly, a Will that named guardians for the children.
I knew the guardianship decision was hard. To make it easier, I reassured my son that I supported whatever choice they made—even if it meant selecting her parents, who lived nearb...
“Can I Pick Your Brain?”—There is a better way to ask for guidance!
As a notary mentor and coach, I love helping others grow in their business. I’ve dedicated years to refining my skills, building my reputation, and creating educational tools for notaries like you. So when someone reaches out to ask for help, it’s an opportunity for connection—and I genuinely enjoy it. But there's a right way and a better way to approach someone when you're seeking guidance.
Let’s talk about the phrase:
“Can I pick your brain?”
You may not realize it, but this innocent question can carry some unintended weight. When someone says, “Can I pick your brain?”—especially with no context, no introduction, and no clear purpose—it can come across as if my decades of experience are being traded for a quick phone call or a cup of coffee. And I know I’m not alone. Many professionals in this industry feel the same way.
The truth is:
My brain is full of value—and yours should be too.
We’ve spent time, money, and en...
Are You Prepared?  What if...?
Life throws us curveballs. Whether it's a sudden change in plans, a new opportunity, or an unforeseen challenge, the question isn’t if it will happen—but when. The better question becomes: Are you prepared?
Preparation isn't just about supplies or skills—it’s a mindset. A mindset that says, “Whatever comes my way, I’ve already decided how I’ll handle it.” That may look like having a backup plan, a guiding philosophy, or a resilient attitude. Preparation minimizes the stress and struggle of decision fatigue when the unexpected hits.
Let’s explore how being prepared shows up in different areas of your work—and your life.
The way we begin our day shapes how we interact with the world.
I like to begin my mornings with a reading from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. One passage stands out:
“You will meet people who are meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous, and surly… But I have seen the beauty ...
The Hidden Cost That's Dragging Your Notary Business Down
Let's talk about a sneaky little cost stealing from your business — and you might not even realize it's happening.
There are some "costs" in life we have to pay if we want to get anywhere good:
Feeling awkward when you try something new? That's the tax on personal growth.
Struggling through tough client conversations? That's the tax on strong relationships.
Are you tired of marketing your business every week, even when it feels like no one's listening? That's the tax on building an honest reputation.
Do you feel like an imposter when you offer premium services? That's the tax on leveling up.
These taxes are part of the deal. You can't skip them if you want the rewards on the other side.
But there's one optional tax — and it's the most expensive one of all:
The Ignorance Tax.
Here's what I mean:
The Ignorance Tax is what you pay when you stay stuck — because you're avoiding learning, trying, or faci...
As notary entrepreneurs, it's natural to use our bank accounts as the scoreboard. We often track success by the dollars coming in, the profit we’re making, and how full our appointment book is. But while money is certainly one form of wealth—it’s not the only one.
In fact, some of the richest forms of wealth can’t be deposited in a bank. They show up in the way we feel, the time we control, the people we love, and the purpose that fuels us. So while you’re building your notary empire, don’t forget to build these seven other forms of wealth that will serve you now and when you decide to slow down.
Wealth starts with wellness.
When you have energy, you get to enjoy not just your clients—but your spouse, your kids, and if you’re like me, your grandkids. You can attend conferences, say yes to non-business trips, and have the stamina to write books, speak at seminars, host live events, an...
It's Not Enough to Have a Commission: Why Notary Skills and Deliberate Practice Matter More Than Ever .
Being a commissioned notary is just the starting point. You've got your stamp, journal, website, or a few directory ads, but you're still not getting steady calls or repeat clients. What gives?
The truth is, it's not enough to just "be available." In today's competitive market, skills pay the bills. Your ability to assess, adapt, and deliver sets you apart—not just your name on a list.
Here's a breakdown of the real-world skills that keep clients coming back:
🔍 1. Scope of the Job Assessment
Before you grab your keys and head out, you need to ask the right questions:
How far is the appointment?
How many signers and documents are involved?
Will printing or scanning be required?
Are all signers in the same location/time?
How will the documents be returned?
Are witnesses needed?
Knowing the scope helps you prepare properly and price the job fairly...
Everywhere we turn, something is trying to influence us.
From the moment we wake up, we’re inundated with messages telling us what to think, how to act, what to value, and even what success should look like. Social media algorithms curate our feeds based on what keeps us scrolling, not what serves our purpose. Advertisements whisper promises of happiness and worth—if only we’d buy this, wear that, or achieve more. Friends and family, with all good intentions, may push us toward their version of “the right path.”
The world is filled with noise, and the subtle pressure to conform is constant.
But here’s the powerful truth: you were never meant to be molded by external forces—you were meant to shape them.
As notary entrepreneurs—whether you’re doing mobile work, fingerprinting, Apostilles, living trust deliveries, officiating weddings, or serving in hospitals—you already live differently than most. You’ve chosen a path of self-direction. But even in the world of independent work, it's...
Stretch to Win or Refuse to Fail: Two Mindsets for Notary Success
We are in a turbulent time. Are you second-guessing yourself as to what mindset will work best now? As a notary entrepreneur, success often depends on your mindset. Are you stretching to win, pushing boundaries to achieve new levels of success? Or are you refusing to fail, doing everything possible to stay afloat and overcome obstacles? While both mindsets have their place, they require different strategies. Understanding when to apply each can be the key to long-term growth and stability in your business.
Stretching to Win: The Growth-Oriented Mindset
Stretching to win means going beyond your comfort zone, taking strategic risks, and actively seeking opportunities to expand your notary business. This mindset is about playing to win rather than playing not to lose. Here are strategies I employ to win.
Strategies for Stretching to Win:
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