Navigating Different Parties and Understanding Scope

In the world of notary work, successful negotiation is often the key to turning an assignment into a win-win. Whether you're dealing with third-party signing services, title or escrow companies, attorneys, or the signers themselves, each party may approach you with different expectations, fee structures, and priorities. Understanding these differences—and how to negotiate effectively—can make all the difference in building a sustainable business as a notary.

Understanding the Scope: The Key to Accurate Pricing

One of the most helpful strategies when negotiating fees and terms is to ask questions to understand what's required for each assignment fully. This can include simple details such as travel time and location. Still, it should also account for additional tasks, such as printing, collecting unnotarized signatures, scanning, or dropping off the package at a shipping depot like FedEx or UPS.

For example:

• Travel: Is the si

  ...

“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...