Reflecting on 21 Years of Building a Successful Notary Business

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 best ally. Over time, I developed a meticulous intake process to ensure appointments ran smoothly. I asked the right questions, clarified expectations, and anticipated potential pitfalls.

Misrepresentation and Scope Creep

Hiring parties sometimes misstated the scope of work or left out key details. Witnesses were needed but not arranged, or signers required special accommodation for identification or signing by mark.

These moments taught me the importance of adaptability. I refined my expertise and became a problem-solver, earning trust and repeat clients by staying calm under pressure.

Profession Grows

As the notary profession grew, so did the challenge of marketing my services. Why would someone pay me to come to them when they could go to a bank or shipping depot for free or a minimal fee?

I realized I needed to stand out by offering value beyond the basics. Specializing in loan signings and trusts became a turning point. I leaned into professional development, learning to market myself and communicate the benefits of a mobile, expert notary service. This expertise came from Deliberate Practice, a planned approach to improvement rather than just doing the work repeatedly.

Expanding Through Trial and Error

As my workload grew, I saw the need for colleagues to handle overflow. However, finding notaries who met my standards was difficult. Many lacked the knowledge of alternate signing methods, identification rules, or the professionalism clients expected.

Rather than settle, I decided to bridge the gap myself. I began teaching the California-mandated training course and coaching notaries one-on-one. Building a network of confident and competent notaries became my mission.

Reaching More People

Teaching opened doors to presenting at notary events, where I could share my message with larger audiences. I also participated in and built notary communities, both in-person and online. These steps required me to learn new skills, take risks, and step outside my comfort zone.

Lessons in Grit for Notaries

1. Be Willing to Start Small
   I didn’t jump straight into loan signings or trust work—I built my expertise one document at a time. Every new assignment, even the difficult ones, became a learning opportunity.

2. Embrace the Long Game
   Success doesn’t happen overnight. I focused on controlling my effort, not the outcome, knowing consistency would eventually pay off.

3. Build a Support Network
   Surrounding myself with like-minded, gritty notaries made all the difference. I found and cultivated people willing to risk, learn, and grow alongside me.

4. Never Stop Learning
   Every stage of my business requires new skills, from marketing to teaching to public speaking. I learned to embrace being a beginner and overcame the discomfort of trying something new.

Celebrating a Sustainable Business

Today, I celebrate a business that has helped me achieve financial success, build time for my grandchildren, and foster a strong connection with a community of notaries who have steadfastly supported me along the way.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every setback, every risk, and every lesson learned. For those of you building your notary businesses, remember grit will get you through. Stay focused on your “why,” keep learning, and surround yourself with people who believe in the big picture.

You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

Laura