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You may or not be aware, but August is National Friendship Month and yesterday I celebrated by asking my Notary Business Builder friends to invite their notary bestie to my monthly Building Authentic Relationships (BAR) call.  We had a great group on the call and spent time saying how we honestly feel about our meaningful connections. There was a lot of love on the call and if I’m being honest, there were a few moments that left me a bit choked up.  As humans, we don’t always remember the power of gratitude toward our friends and family.  As entrepreneurs, we understand that gratitude is extremely important in business, but it’s also equally as important to let our friends know how much we love, respect and appreciate them!  Today’s call had loads of gratitude and appreciation flowing and I wanted to share with you some of the practical items we discussed for ways to help support your notary friendships. First things first though…low level thinking involves the belief that other notaries are your competition. That’s a bunch of b.s.!! Once you start operating on a higher plane, you realize that other notaries are not only a source for referrals when you’re not able to service your clients, but also a source for friendship. As Matt Miller, the President of the California League of Independent Notaries said on today’s call, “when I let go of thinking other notaries in my area were my competition and opened up to the idea of collaboration, my stress level went way down.  I wasn’t constantly worried and I was able to put more energy toward my business.”  Let me share this 5 star review I received on my Google Business Profile on Feb 3, 2023 “I desperately needed same day service, and she had no appointments left. But she went above and beyond to help me find a qualified notary who could! So grateful for this professionalism” 😊 Linda I got a review from a customer I didn’t serve because I referred her to someone who could help when I wasn’t available.  Consider how impactful that is for a moment…We always talk about making things easy for people and one of the very best things we can do for our clients who we can’t help is to send them to someone who can help them!  What are some other ways you can help your notary besties?  Here are just a few tips to help you forge relationships with notaries in your area: Remember we’re not just notaries, we are notary entrepreneurs with all of the stress that comes along with owning your own business.  Don’t assume just because you feel someone is “ahead” of you or “more experienced” than you that they don’t need someone they trust to share their feelings.  We all need someone who understands the pains of entrepreneurship and allows us to vent, cry, laugh or just listen when it’s necessary. Show up!  Help them stuff their PopIn bags, plot out their marketing route, find networking events (or introduce them to the events you attend), swap ideas for follow up emails or blog content, attend the community fair where they’re hosting a table, offer a character review on Google Business Profile, share info about the latest training you received, engage with their content on social media or their blog posts, subscribe to their YouTube channel and share any valuable posts with your audience Share your strengths!  Are you really good at direct marketing?  Do you have excellent writing skills?  Maybe you’re a wiz at bookkeeping?  Or perhaps you are a Canva pro creating flyers or business cards. We all have talents and strengths we can share with each other!  I’m a big believer in karma/the golden rule/reciprocity in the universe or whatever you want to call it and I know from my own experiences that if I lend my talents to friends, they will in turn do the same for me when I need their help!   Offer honest feedback.  This one can be tough because it can be difficult to tell someone your truthful opinion. We feel we’re making that person feel rejected or that we want to be encouraging and telling the truth would be too hurtful.  Stop!  We’re adults. We’re business owners and because we work in a solo capacity we need people we can trust to tell us the truth.  Be fair, be kind, but be honest when they ask your opinion.  You’re not helping anyone if you never give them your truthful opinion.  Show your gratitude!  Tell your friends you love and appreciate them.  Show your gratitude in words (written or verbal).  Treat them to lunch or a special outing.  Send a card in the mail just to say, “I’m thinking of you.” Take the time to appreciate the people or persons who love and support you. The good you put out into the world in the form of appreciation will come back to you! I would love to hear how you support your notary bestie! Comment below and be sure to share this blog post with your notary groups! Let's spread some love around for National Friendship Month!

Over the last month, I’ve been slowly announcing some BIG changes to the Marketing4Notaries program to celebrate our 5th anniversary of helping notaries build authentic relationships with local business owners. I know our Exclusive 5 Point Marketing System works, and so do the notaries who have implemented it into their business.  Now, it's time for me to help even more notaries across the country! My mission is to provide opportunities for notaries to build the skills necessary to build the business of their dreams! In recent weeks we’ve announced the sale of our exclusive 6 month marketing calendar that is packed with ideas for your social media posts, blogs, follow-up emails, gratitude gifts for existing clients and direct marketing efforts. With this calendar, you never have to worry about getting into the "creative zone" to think of ways to make yourself stand out because we've done it for you! We’ve launched video learning modules that you can stream individually instead of purchasing the monthly subscription to Marketing4Notaries (which is still the only way to access the 5 Point Marketing System).  You can stream them forever or just rent them for 24 hours to save even more money! Another piece of being a successful entrepreneur is having guidance and coaching from someone who has gone before you and created a successful business.  Find someone who's ahead of you and repeat their steps instead of reinventing the wheel. On this second to last Monday in July, I am pleased to announce Marketing4Notaries new coaching program for small business owners like you...Coaching4Notaries!  Imagine having me in your corner knowing I am dedicated to helping you succeed. That’s what one-on-one coaching is all about. It’s like having a personal cheerleader, mentor, and strategist all rolled into one. Why personalized one-on-one coaching? Investing in personal coaching is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your personal and professional growth. Here's the value personal coaching offers: 1. Customized Solutions: Personal coaching with me provides tailored strategies and solutions designed specifically for your unique challenges and goals. You get a customized experience that directly addresses your needs, so you make the most out of every session. 2. Accelerated Progress: With me as your coach, you can achieve your goals faster than you would on your own. What might take years to figure out on your own can often be accomplished in months with expert guidance. 3. Sustainable Results: The skills, strategies, and mindset shifts you gain from coaching are not just quick fixes—they are tools that will benefit you for a lifetime. This means you continue to reap the benefits of your investment well beyond the duration of the coaching program. Here’s what Holly Alexander in California said about her coaching sessions with me, “Jen Neitzel is a "Notary Whisperer."  I am a brand new Notary Public and I feel overwhelmed by establishing the business and the practice of a notary.  Jen has calmed my spirit through her laser focused and wise approach to coaching in tandem with sterling recommendations from website development to payment methods to marketing.  I experience a genuine sense of care from her personally and professionally.  My 25 minute sessions are a gold mine of keen insights and needed strategies.  My launch is going well and with Jen's coaching, I feel hopeful about my future success as a Notary Public.  How can I say thanks to this insightful, caring and laser focused coach?  Keep whispering Jen.  We need you!” 4. Enhanced Performance: The increased efficiency and effectiveness you gain can lead to significant financial and personal rewards. Think of it as a return on investment; better performance often leads to better opportunities and greater earning potential. 5. Reduced Costs of Mistakes: Making uninformed decisions can be costly. As your coach I help you avoid pitfalls and mistakes by providing expert advice and a fresh perspective, ultimately saving you money that might have been lost through trial and error. 6. Increased Confidence and Well-being: The confidence and clarity you gain from coaching can lead to better decision-making, improved relationships, and a more fulfilling life. These intangible benefits can greatly enhance your quality of life, making every dollar spent on coaching well worth it.  Here’s what another coaching client, Christa Gill from California has to say, “My experience working with Jen Neitzel has been a game changer for me.  First, let me say she is gracious and kind and I look forward to meeting with her for each session. Initially, she started with finding out who I am and what are my strengths and goals.  From there, we talked about how to achieve those.  She provided an assignment for that week that has kept me accountable and moving forward.  I call her my "beacon.” Each week I can feel the momentum of my character building because of this accountability and I feel hopeful and accomplished.  She makes me feel good about myself.” 7. Accountability and Motivation: Having someone to keep you accountable ensures you stay on track with your goals. This consistent progress prevents the stagnation that can come from procrastination or lack of direction, making your investment in coaching even more valuable. 8. Access to Expertise: A coach brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Their insights, strategies, and feedback are drawn from years of experience and training, giving you access to a level of expertise that can significantly amplify your success. Here’s what Carol Ringwald in Florida said, “One big hurdle I faced in the past was marketing, but then I found Jen Neitzel and her 5-point marketing system. Working with her has been a game-changer! She helped me develop a solid marketing plan for 2024 and I've already started to see results. Jen's expertise and programs have truly propelled my business forward, and I am so grateful to her. It's safe to say that Jen is not just a marketing guru to me, but also a dear friend. Thank you, Jen!” When you invest in personal coaching, you’re not just paying for sessions; you’re investing in a comprehensive, transformative experience that delivers lasting value. The benefits you receive extend far beyond the time you spend with your coach, making it one of the most valuable investments you can make in yourself. Beginning August 5th, I am opening a new schedule of one-on-one coaching sessions to help you achieve your dreams!  Twenty five minute private sessions with me are only $75 and I've expanded the days and time slots available to all notaries. If you’re a member of Marketing4Notaries or Notary Business Builder, you’ll receive $25 off your coaching sessions (you will receive a separate email with the $25 discount code)!  I am are offering bundled packages of 6 or 10 sessions with even bigger discounts to help you manage your costs and keep the momentum going! We all have moments of doubt and discouragement. As your coach, I am there to lift you up during those times, reminding you of your strengths and helping you navigate through challenges. In a nutshell, one-on-one coaching is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It’s a partnership that helps you tap into your potential, overcome obstacles, and achieve your dreams. So, if you’re ready to take your business to the next level, click here to book your session today. Let's build the business of your dreams!

I remember so clearly starting out as a new business owner and spending hours upon hours trying to think of creative ways to win the business of local real estate professionals.  And you name it, I tried every kind of PopIn out there! I made homemade pumpkin muffins (that I didn’t cook all the way through) I gave away Starbucks gift cards (but not for long, that angle is expensive) I gave away a free loan closing I brought donuts and sausage rolls (a Texas favorite) to my clients and prospects I delivered holiday ornaments for their seasonal office tree I sponsored events by providing a food tray I hosted “lunch an learns” at local real estate offices I visited open houses You name it, I did it. It was exhausting thinking of new ways to be creative, but it was a treasure trove of data on what marketing strategies work and which ones don’t (plus a few lessons about myself along the way). Now, since July is Marketing4Notaries' 5th birthday month (and I love to celebrate as long as possible, LOL), I’m doing something special for notaries who aren’t yet M4N members. We’re now offering solutions for every notary entrepreneur! Here’s the best part: if you’re hesitant about joining a subscription community, you can now purchase the 6-month calendar bundle individually! I know subscriptions can feel overwhelming—I've heard that from the notary community and experienced it myself with my own subscriptions. So, I wanted to give you the flexibility to buy what you need without committing to a monthly plan. If you’re already a paid Marketing4Notaries member (including all Notary Business Builders), you’ve got access to these calendars as part of your monthly subscription. Just pull them up and start planning your PopIn visits, blogs, social media posts and gratitude gifts for this month, next month, and the one after that! Marketing4Notaries.com recommends at least 3 marketing periods each month. But if you’re not a member yet (why aren’t you??), and you love the idea of having 6 months of marketing ideas ready to go, created by someone who’s tried it all and knows what works! No subscription necessary. And if this news excites you, just wait until you see what we’ve got launching next week! It’s a biggie, and you’re going to want it. You definitely need it! P.S. Please feel free to pass this message along to your notary friends, share on social media or LinkedIn!  Sharing is caring!

Today is a big day for me!  I am celebrating five incredible years of having an online presence coaching notary entrepreneurs and teaching The 5 Point Marketing System.  It's Marketing4Notaries 5 year birthday celebration! It’s hard for me to believe because it feels like yesterday that I was tooling around trying to figure out how to create a website to share what I’d learned with the wider notary community. I had dreams of longevity, but never in my wildest dreams did I think my little idea of a system to simplify marketing for notaries would be the catalyst for me to meet so many wonderful people and launch a career in business coaching!  The ride has been full of ups and downs, but as I reflect over the last five years one thing sticks out to me…the incredible people (many of whom have become friends).  I’m one lucky lady! It all started as a way to help others find a system to help them market their notary businesses.  I found something that worked for me (and worked really well) even though it required me to move out of my comfort zone.  At that point, I hadn’t yet dove into personal development, but I did know if I was feeling uncomfortable it meant I was growing. I figured if the steps worked for me, then they would work for others, too.  So, I took a leap and with absolutely no experience building a website or working a web based business, began to build a simple platform to share what I had learned along my journey as a very busy loan signing agent. I remember the passion I felt about sharing what I’d learned (and that passion is even stronger today). I knew deep down that this system I developed worked, and the Escrow Officers I asked to review it had adamantly agreed:  it’s a great way to begin building relationships! They told me they were tired of getting flyers in the mail from notaries or having them stop by and just drop their business card and leave. They knew they needed mobile notaries, but the majority of them didn’t want a nameless, faceless one…they wanted someone they could trust to call them if they found an issue at the table.  They wanted someone who they didn't have to worry about skipping town with very large cashier’s checks, and who would represent them well at the table. Title offices know that the final moments of the transaction are where good referrals are made (and they live off of referrals). All the members on the Escrow Officer advisory board I assembled told me they prefer hiring notaries who are professional representatives of their office, but had been burned in the past by notaries who didn’t take the job seriously or just looked at mobile closings as a way to make a quick buck. They were craving trustworthiness and that requires time to build. For purposes of accuracy, I actually got out my old notes from these meetings in 2018 and referred back to their comments Escrow Officers made about mobile notaries.  See if any of these ring a bell: They don’t dress professionally They seem shy and unable to control a signing They often smelled like cigarette smoke (yes, this was mentioned by 4 of the 8 Escrow Officer’s I questioned) They didn’t provide a sense of professionalism to forward a referral for future business They rushed through the documents and couldn’t answer basic questions They weren’t nice when visiting offices.  Most would just drop a card at reception or send a flyer in the mail or via email (and they were rolling their eyes at how many of those fliers had spelling or grammatical errors) The EOs worried during the entire mobile signing that something might go wrong because trust hadn't been established so they figured they’d just do it themselves instead of wasting an hour feeling stressed Notaries tried to answer questions and invariably gave out bad information Notaries crossed over into the unauthorized practice of law by trying to explain the proration of property taxes (this is a TX specific thing) The underlying theme to all of these issues presented to me was TRUST.  They were looking for someone they could trust when they needed to hire someone outside their office for a mobile signing.  And that makes sense…this is their bread and butter and their reputation in the real estate community. I deeply understood the comments about wasting an hour or more worrying during the mobile signing so they felt it better to just do it themselves. Control issues are something I can relate to! The key to creating a partnership with title offices was building trust, but you can’t just meet someone once and instantly trust them.  It takes time and consistent effort. I had the green light from my advisory board that the 5 steps I laid out made sense, and as I continued to refine the steps, I started researching the basic principles of sales to be sure I was creating something that will last.  I realized that all of their concerns could be erased by authenticity (and not smoking…LOL)!  If they trusted their mobile notaries, they would be more likely to hire them when needed. If they trusted mobile notaries they wouldn’t view them as being a bother when they followed up each month with a value-added email to stay top of mind.  They wouldn’t mind a visit…in fact, they might even look forward to it because who doesn't like to spend some time with the people they know, like and trust? Over the years, the system has been fine tuned and refined. As I learned new skills, I added them to the system, but the basic principles remain: PopIn (Introduction/first meeting in person) Follow Up (with an invitation to stay in touch and so they have your email address in their contacts) Shout Out (monthly email with value based information) Social Media (leveraging free advertising and communication away from email to reinforce relationships and learn more about each other) Networking (mixing and mingling in a social setting) When I launched on July 1, 2019 the website was named Signing Agent Marketing, but  I rebranded in 2023 to Marketing4Notaries. I realized as we were dealing with the fall-out from the mortgage crisis post-covid (and from doing regular research on sales techniques) that the system I created wasn’t groundbreaking. I had collected basic sales strategies that had been around for decades because they worked, but nothing is as easy as it seems. Plus, I had done what so many notaries had done through the "refinance boom," I put all my eggs into one basket by focusing only on loan signing agents instead of all specialties under the notary umbrella. The biggest obstacle I’ve had is helping notaries overcome their own fears that box them in to believing that they hate sales and are too embarrassed to market their own business. I completely understand that feeling that runs deep in all of us:  sales sucks and I didn't want to feel like a used car salesperson either. I knew that wasn't something that could be resolved by only watching a video module, so I added one-on-one coaching to Marketing4Notaries for those that needed the extra push to feel proud of their decision to be a business owner and spread the word to their communities. And the coaching is what really brought a smile to my heart because I was watching notaries grow and learn in real time.  I was helping guide them through their fear and celebrating their successes. What a thrill! Along the way, I’ve learned that the notary community has its own pulse, its own way of doing things. The messaging at the very beginning of our notary journey is clear:  Sign up for 100 to 150 signing services and you’ll have all the business you’ll need coming to you from assignment requests via text or email. Sounds easy, right?  And that plan worked until mortgage interest rates began to increase in the fall of 2022. Those notaries that depended only on the signing services were left wondering where all the “rings and dings” had gone, but those notaries that built relationships didn’t seem to be suffering as much. That’s when I realized that it’s undeniable:  we are in a relationship business and we needed to start looking at ourselves as notary entrepreneurs, not just notaries. We have to do things differently than what we’ve been told on YouTube or Facebook. We had to control our own destinies by building relationships with the people who could bring us business. I know it’s hard to bust out of your own box and start the process.  I experienced all of those feelings, too! “I don’t WANT to take cupcakes to an office to introduce myself” “I don’t WANT to go to the networking meeting because I’m tired and not feeling like meeting new people” “I don’t want to engage with people on Facebook or Instagram because it feels inauthentic” “I don’t WANT to have to think of valuable information to add to a monthly email” “I don’t WANT to follow up with an email after meeting someone new” BUT at the same time…. I WANT to make a living being a mobile notary I WANT to provide for my family I WANT to be able to pay down debt I WANT to be the first notary people call in my town I WANT to feel accepted by my local business community I WANT to travel and have great experiences I WANT to be able to visit my kids who live out of town (these were all my actual WANTS in the beginning, by the way) The struggle between what you WANT and what you HAVE is where the magic happens.  It’s where I grew as a person, a parent, a wife and a friend.  It’s where I realized the confidence and power I have within me to make things happen.  It’s where I fully understood that the journey, the struggle to push past your own personal barriers IS the destination. Today, as Marketing4Notaries.com celebrates its 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY I am even more convinced that we are in the relationship and personal growth business.  Every challenge we overcome brings new value and opportunity.  And every time we engage in building authentic relationships with people in our communities we learn the value of these relationships in business.  We learn to trust the process instead of questioning it.  We learn that there isn’t a finish line, but rather a path we follow that allows us to twist and bend and turn and grow until we begin to have new dreams.  We stop worrying about extending our hand to a new person at a networking event and start focusing on the bigger picture like creating something sustainable for the long haul.  We stop worrying about the possibility of having to go back to the W2 world! Stay with it. Don’t give up. Celebrate your wins (like a 5 year anniversary) and find the support you need to build your dreams. Work on overcoming your personal obstacles. It doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistency, repetition and support it will happen! I am living, breathing proof of that! Marketing4Notaries will continue to evolve.  I can’t wait to see how, but I know the growth will be because I’ve learned something new and that’s what keeps me excited about my business. Every mountain I climb is reflected in my work, and it’s an absolute honor and privilege to pass that along to the wider notary community that I love so much. Thank you for five years of learning, growth, laughs, tears, vulnerable conversations and friendship.  It has meant more to me than I will ever be able to express with words. P.S. To celebrate Marketing4Notaries birthday, I want to give you a gift:  Click here to get my chart of value-added topics to use for monthly shout outs to your contact list.  Now, you’ll never worry about what to say in a follow up email again!

Do these lyrics ring a bell? “A gathering of angels appeared above my head They sang to me this song of hope, and this is what they said They said come sail away, come sail away Come sail away with me now Come sail away, come sail away Come sail away with me” I might be dating myself sharing these lyrics to the Styx classic, “Come Sail Away,” but it’s the song that runs through my head every time I think about the 3 upcoming notary cruises. A few years ago, no one was talking about gathering the notary community for workshops and networking on a cruise, but 2024 has ushered in this new era of notary events, and I am here for it! In case you’re not aware, cruising is the newest way for notaries to network and get in a bit of fun and relaxation! Here I highlight the 3 different upcoming cruises and provide you with the information you need to be a part of these incredible opportunities. Embark on a Notary Adventure with 2024 Level Up Notary Cruise! Brought to you by Lori Morgan with Sign Here and There Notary in Indiana. Set sail on a transformative journey from Orlando, Florida, to the captivating shores of Nassau, Bahamas, on our 3 nights, 4 days on the Inaugural 2024 Level Up Notary Cruise, departing on September 6-9, 2024. This is an exclusive opportunity to network with fellow Notaries and receive top-notch training from some of the best Notary Trainers from across the USA. The theme is "Level Up and Change Your Life," and the cruise is hosted by the dynamic Level Up Team. If you're interested in joining us on the cruise for the 2024 Level Up Notary Summit, it's a 2-step process. A. To secure your spot on this unforgettable cruise, contact Carnival Cruise at 1-866-721- 3225, mention Group Reference Number D5HQ98. Carnival Group Booking is open Mon - Fri. Full payment is due by June 21, so time is of the essence if you want to attend this cruise. All room quotes are based on double occupancy. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to elevate your notary skills while enjoying the beauty of the Bahamas! B. For those eager to participate in the Notary Summit aboard the cruise, register on Eventbrite. (Link below).  Booking the cruise does NOT give you entrance to the on-board notary summit.  You must register for that here: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../the-level-up-notary-cruise. What you will learn on the cruise:  APOSTILLE, LOAN SIGNING, MARKETING, REMOTE ONLINE NOTARIZATION (RON), MOCKING SIGNING, GENERAL NOTARY WORK (GNW), WEDDING OFFICIATIANT AND BEST PRACTICES. Total cost for cruise and conference is approximately $475 per person, based on double occupancy. A very special THANK YOU to the cruise event sponsors: CYBERIZEIT INTEGRITY JOURNAL NOTARY ASSIST Up next, we have an event on a Royal Caribbean Notary Mastermind cruise, hosted by Daniel C. Lewis, also from Indiana and a former National Notary Association Notary of the Year and current podcast host of The Notary Podcast (click the link to see my presentation on Daniel’s podcast and to subscribe to his YouTube channel). I’m also preparing a workshop for this cruise and am thrilled to be attending! This exclusive and educational experience departs from New Orleans and sails to the stunning destinations of Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico and Georgetown, Grand Cayman. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with training workshops, networking, and adventure! Cruise Details: Departure Date from New Orleans, LA: November 2, 2024 Return Date to New Orleans, LA: November 9, 2024 During our cruise, you'll have the opportunity to enhance your notary skills through a series of comprehensive training workshops. The knowledgeable instructors, Daniel Lewis and Laura Jones, will lead these sessions on the days we're at sea, ensuring that you leave the cruise with valuable insights and new expertise. Itinerary: Day 1: Departure from New Orleans Day 2: At Sea - Training Workshops Day 3: Cozumel, Mexico Day 4: Costa Maya, Mexico Day 5: Georgetown, Grand Cayman Day 6: At Sea - Training Workshops Day 7: At Sea - Training Workshops Day 8: Return to New Orleans Our Travel Agent Host, Dennis Tooley of Fun Cruise and Travel, will ensure your cruise experience is seamless and enjoyable. If you have any questions or want to book your room, please contact Dennis at 317-430-7455. Why Attend: Expand your notary knowledge and skills with expert-led workshops. Network with fellow notary professionals in a relaxed and picturesque setting. Explore stunning destinations and create lasting memories. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to combine professional growth with a fantastic vacation experience. Space is limited, so secure your spot today and take advantage of early booking benefits! Inside Cabins start at $576 per person (based on double occupancy), Ocean View Cabins start at $613 per person (based on double occupancy) and Balcony Cabins start at $745 per person (based on double occupancy).  A Deposit of $500 per Cabin is required.  Payments can be set up after the deposit is secured. To book your spot or get more information, contact Dennis Tooley at 317-430-7455 (Call or Text) or via email at dennistooley@gmail.com. And last, but certainly not least is the Notary Business Builder Celebrity Cruise to Alaska in September, 2025.  Vacation to Alaska from September 5-12, 2025 (16 months from now). It's a popular time and a popular destination, so this cruise is selling out fast (and the ship will completely sell out well before the departure date)!  If you want to join Bill, Laura, myself and the rest of the faculty of Notary Business Builder, I encourage you to book it now (and set up a payment plan like I did)!  There are currently 45 people already booked! We've put together a great group of notaries, trainers, and influencers that will join us for a shared experience that you'll remember for the rest of your life. So if Alaska is on your bucket list, click here to Join us! And yes, friends and family are welcome to join us too! My husband is coming with me. This is not necessarily a "seminar at sea." Sure, we'll have some programming, but most of this cruise is networking and connection-based. If you want to join us on this adventure, you need to make a deposit on your cabin now. In most cases, there is a $500 deposit per cabin. And here’s the amazing news:  You can make ANY payment plan you want, as long as your final payment is received by June 1, 2025 (a year from now). Our amazing travel agent, Jennifer Myers, of Expedia CruiseShipCenters Scottsdale, will handle all your reservations and payments, assuring you get the best price available. Connect with her here. Wow!  That is a lot to look forward to for notaries!  And you know what?  After the last two years of struggling to pivot and learn new skills to bolster our businesses beyond loan signings, we deserve to treat ourselves to a tax-deductible cruise while learning new things and meeting new people.  Remember, I recommend attending at least 3 notary-centered events a year! I’m curious…which cruise interests you the most?  Are you attending any of them?  Comment below so I know to look for you on the Mexico and Alaska cruises!

Sales. Marketing. These are usually two words that send notaries running for cover! At the very least it prompts them to tell me during my one-on-one coaching calls, “I’m an introvert, so I’m scared to death to promote my business.”  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that! In an effort to support national “Entrepreneurs Do It Yourself Marketing,” month in June, I wanted to share the framework I used to build my business. I speak to very few notaries who actually enjoy the process of building their know, like and trust factor in their communities, but the truth is you’re the only one who is going to do that! Unless you hire someone, of course. Let’s look at that scenario for a moment. Pretend, if you will, that you’re an “introvert” who is too shy to attend networking meetings, do any direct marketing or make phone calls to local businesses. You’re convinced that you just want to be a notary, not a salesperson.  Besides, no one wants to feel like a used car salesman!  What if you started calling around to find someone to do it for you? I mean, let’s be honest; I say it all the time, “hire your weaknesses.” In fact, I tried to hire someone to do my marketing for me.  I was feeling very overwhelmed with all the tasks I needed to complete in a day, so I sat down one afternoon to give thought to what I could hire out.  I picked up the phone and started calling marketing firms in my hometown of Dallas.  I talked to the big marketing firms, the mid-size ones and a guy who handles it all himself.  In the end, the cheapest quote I got for a monthly fee was $5,000! $5,000?? And that didn’t include any social media posts beyond Facebook.  I was floored!  The bigger firm wanted $10,500 a month which was the discount for a year-long contract. Both were a “bit” out of my budget! So, next time you’re telling yourself you “can’t” lead the sales and marketing efforts of your small business, just remember you can hire someone to do it for you!  It’ll just cost you a pretty penny…. OR you can take the more economical route and do it yourself. And as it turns out, I happen to have a whole framework that will help you market your business around town.  I call it The 5 Point Marketing System and it’s available to Marketing4Notaries.com members and Notary Business Builders, too.  This program isn’t revolutionary or mind-blowing, but it is ridiculously effective.  I took the steps I used to increase my business revenue by 75% and put it on a website to share with notaries around the country. And it’s been hugely successful!  So many people have told me how much they appreciate having a step-by-step system to help them be the “go-to” notary in their community. The simple, but time-honored steps are: PopIns! This is when you visit businesses and introduce yourself and your business Follow up:  The truth is, lots of people will work up the courage to PopIn, but then they drop the ball and forget to follow up!  In my opinion, it’s the most important step in the 5 Point System. Monthly Shout Outs:  You followed up, now you need to stay in touch once a month with value-added information. Social Media:  Yes, it’s a pain in the a$$, but it’s also free advertising. If you use social media anyway, you should absolutely leverage its power to promote your business and grow relationships. Networking:  Perhaps the most powerful step in the system, networking with the right groups will speed-up the growth of your “know, like and trust” factor and expand your referral network. When I write these steps down, they seem so clear and easy to understand.  Upon execution, I know it requires additional information, training and support.  Especially if you’ve never PoppedIn before or been to a networking meeting. That’s why I go beyond the basic steps and really dig deep discussing the fear and resistance we all experience when it comes to building our businesses.  With the proper coaching that comes along with membership for each program, you can begin to do the internal work it takes to be a marketing pro! If you’re a Marketing4Notaries member or Notary Business Builder, I’d love to see your comments below about The 5 Point Marketing System and how it’s helped your business! Who knows…you might even see your review on my social media accounts! P.S. If you’d like to see a comparison between memberships at Marketing4Notaries.com and Notary Business Builder, click here!

Oversaturation. I hear this word often when I am reading notary-specific Facebook posts or comments on Instagram.  I have heard notaries from all different walks of life, living in vastly different parts of the country tell me the notary business is oversaturated. “There are too many Loan Signing Agents in this city.  You’ll never find work.” “This business is dead.  Too many notaries means too little work.” “Signing services aren’t paying me what I’m worth because there are too many notaries desperate for business and they will take anything.” “Title companies already have their preferred notaries, so if you’re not on the list then you can forget getting direct business from them.” Do any of these sound familiar to you?  If so, listen up!  I have one word to describe all of these statements and the idea that the market is oversaturated:  Bullsh*t! The notary business is anything but dead! And if you’re still clinging to the idea of only being a loan signing agent, then you’re not paying attention to what’s happening in the market! YOU MUST DIVERSIFY YOUR NOTARY BUSINESS IF YOU WANT TO STAY IN BUSINESS FOR THE LONG HAUL. That means, you need to let go of the idea that you can sit on your sofa waiting for signing services to do the marketing work for you and send you assignments. I mean, if you want to do that then great, but we’ve proven over the last 2 years that it doesn’t provide a sustainable income (and if you need more proof than that I’m afraid I can’t help you). The idea of “oversaturation in the notary business” is actually your resistance.  That resistance is holding you back from doing what you know needs to be done:  diversifying your skills and building your "know, like & trust" factor in your community. That resistance is your brain protecting you from stepping outside of your comfort zone, and it’s perfectly normal to feel that way. When I say “resistance” I’m referring to the stories we tell ourselves to keep us safe from doing scary things like going to a networking meeting or directly marketing your business. Admit it….you’ve talked yourself out of going to a networking meeting or from direct marketing.  I know I did when I started my notary business in 2017!  I had all kinds of excuses, too. I’m not feeling my best, or I don’t have my elevator pitch perfected, or it’s raining and I don’t want to drive in the traffic across town, or my business cards aren’t back from the printer yet.  Blah, blah, blah…they were all resistant excuses! For far too long, notaries all over the country (myself included) believed that we could rely on signing services sending out mortgage closing assignments to make a living.  I know I personally justified receiving only a portion of the notary fee on the closing disclosure as a marketing fee.  It helped me feel less guilty about not spreading the word about my business myself. Did you know you can hire someone to market your business for you?  For a cool $5-10k per month you can sit back and have someone else market your business for you.  On the off chance that isn’t in your budget, I have some good news! I created a 5 Point Marketing System that will help you better understand why you’re scared to market your business in your community! I know when you start to understand the “why,” you will begin to incorporate techniques to help you get out of your own way. The 5 Point Marketing System will also help you build your confidence in yourself and your business, teach you how to market without feeling like a used car salesman, and how to follow-up and stay in touch with your prospects.  You will learn you proper networking techniques so you’re armed and ready to network (a very powerful business building tool), and it will teach you how to use social media as free advertising for your business.  Here’s the coolest part….the 5 Point Marketing System does all of this for $20 per month! I've coached so many notaries through the 5 Point Marketing System and watched their businesses thrive. If you're looking for a proven system to help your business that includes free one-on-one coaching with me then look no further! You can find the 5 Point Marketing System at www.Marketing4Notaries.com. All my best, Jen P.S. If you’re looking for a training platform to help you build additional skills as a notary entrepreneur, I highly recommend Notary Business Builder because it offers multiple subject matter experts to help you dial in on the exact training you need for the specialities that interest you the most.  It’s widely considered the one-stop-shop for everything a notary entrepreneur needs to run a successful business! P.S.S.  Marketing4Notaries.com will increase monthly subscription pricing to $24.99/month effective May 17, 2024.  Keep your $20 fee for a lifetime by signing up today!

If you’ve been a notary entrepreneur for any length of time, you already know Notary Business Builder is the one-stop-shop to build a successful business that lasts in any economy.  I am thrilled to announce an exclusive new benefit for Notary Business Builders; The Innovator Spotlight. This labor of love started at the National Notary Association conference in 2023.  Bill, Laura and I had been speaking about the amazing offerings several Notary Business Builders (NBB) had available.  There were notary journals, intake forms and courses, but there were also more creative products like tshirts, mugs and social media templates.  We were determined to show off the NBB group’s creative pursuits, so I created a powerpoint presentation of the incredible innovators that were a part of NBB.  We played it before each of our 3 different presentations last year as a way to honor members' creativity and help support their businesses.  As founders of Notary Business Builder, we want nothing more than to see you succeed and we will support that any way we can. So many attendees at the National Notary Association conference thought it was a great idea! From this, we decided to create an entire website devoted to highlighting the offerings of NBB members.  Zion Brock (the genius who brought you gotary.com) got to work developing an application process and website that features your genius and leverages our resources to be your promotional partner. And it’s FREE for our NBB family! You're a creative person…I know this because all entrepreneurs find creative ways to solve problems.  It’s what we do, and that’s creativity at work.  And if you've taken the extra step to innovate or create something beautiful for the world, Notary Business Builder (NBB) wants to help spread the word. We want to help you promote and sell your products and services, even if they're not necessarily under the "notary umbrella." That's another step in our mission to help you serve more customers, make more money, and build a business that will thrive no matter what mortgage interest rates are doing. We want to be your promotional partner! What have you created? Notary journal? Recission calendar? Templates? Sweaters? Books? Courses? Non-profit organizations? The Innovator Spotlight helps you answer the question we love to ask: How can I support your business? When you're approved as an Innovator, you'll be included in the NBB Innovator Marketplace, where you'll be shared across platforms with thousands of potential customers. You'll be highlighted on shows, be given interviews on YouTube, broadcasted on social media channels, and so much more. Have you ever been supported like that before? I know you've poured your heart and resources into your dream. I know you're more than "just" a notary. Let us help the WHOLE you come alive. It doesn't matter that your product is “Magnetic Mantras” (an actual product featured on www.NBBSpotlight.com) It's okay if your handmade sweaters are made of Alpaca and designed for expectant mothers. Your Italian cooking course is welcome here. We want to support all of who you are and what you're doing to make an impact on the world. The Innovator Spotlight application is available only to members of Notary Business Builder. We want to support your idea. More than that, we want to support you. NBB is far more than Innovator Spotlight too. Yes, you get access to the Innovator Spotlight application, but did you know that some of the industry's most popular courses are also included in NBB? Check out these NBB inclusions: A $70 discount for the hottest new training & certification available for notaries: Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent program Laura Biewer Presents...Specialty Training and Replay Library Marketing4Notaries 5 Point Marketing System framework Notary Coach’s Sign & Thrive Notary Training Course Government Affairs and Advocacy The World of Apostille Course and Certification program LinkedIn training and branding Google Business Profile training Reverse Mortgage certification Search Engine Optimization training Content creation for blogs and social media posts Morning Mastery for Notaries The Five Star Notary Course But did you know... There are two major tech platforms included in NBB too: NotaryAssist bookkeeping software membership My Life & Wishes Legacy Vault (Lifetime membership to protect your family's most valuable information- a $697 VALUE!) And, there are ELEVEN faculty members that hold regular LIVE virtual training events that give you the most current and relevant training in the industry.  We built Notary Business Builder to be your one-stop-shop for everything you need to succeed as a notary entrepreneur. And it's all just $58 per month. Everything! $58 per month... We can't do that price forever. There's just too much value in here. But that's the price right now. And it will stay $58 per month for you as long as you're a member. We'll never raise it up on you. There's no risk. If you join and hate it, cancel within thirty days and we'll give your money back. Plus, there is no contract or minimum term. You can cancel anytime. And, we don't make you jump through hoops to cancel. You can do it yourself in your account. I even made a video to show you how to cancel in the NBB Dashboard. Or, if you prefer, you can send an email to my team at orders@notarycoach.com and they'll help you cancel. It's easy. We want you to succeed. All the way. To soar in '24 and beyond.

As the creator of The 5 Point Marketing System featured at Marketing4Notaries.com and co-creator of Notary Business Builder, I take my commitment to the notary community very seriously.  It’s my goal to provide a safe place for notary entrepreneurs to learn the skills necessary to build a successful business no matter what the economy is doing.  Part of that commitment is meeting with my co-founders, Bill Soroka and Laura Biewer at least 3 times a year to evaluate our systems, plan for the future and dream big!  We also like to have a little fun along the way.  And as  Bill always says, “there’s no better way to build a deeper relationship than shared experiences!” We kicked off 2024 with a week-long planning retreat in beautiful Monterey, CA.  I’ve never been to that area of California before, but I assure you I will be back.  I loved everything about it.  The breathtaking scenery, the food, the activities…honestly, I felt like I was born to be a California girl, and I’d move there in a heartbeat if I could convince my husband and kids to move, too! As we drove around the area taking in the gorgeous scenery, I found myself wondering if the people who live there and see the stunning views every single day take it for granted.  I hope they don’t. While in Monterey, we worked hard building out new tools for notaries during the first part of the day gathered in the communal lodge of Asilomar Conference Center.  When afternoon hit,  we had so much fun together experiencing all the best that this part of California offers. That includes an awesome dinner with several Notary Business Builders (a few who drove for hours) to meet us for dinner one evening. It was so wonderful spending quality time together! We had such a good time at dinner, we decided to meet for breakfast the next morning before everyone left for home. There was a whale watching tour where we followed a pack of Orcas, shopping and eating our way around Cannery Row, finding a small area winery with the BEST Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio ever (Bargetto Winery - check it out if you find yourself on Cannery Row and hopefully Tiffany, an aspiring author will be your server, too). We traveled the 17 mile drive in Pebble Beach not once, but twice because we loved it so much - and we may have even stopped at an Open House in Pebble Beach to be “lookie-lou’s”, but no photographic evidence exists!  The drive out to Big Sur and back was so peaceful and the afternoon spent wandering in and out of the shops and restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea was the perfect place to celebrate the launch of Bill’s first non-notary book, Dandelions. There are so many lessons I take away from these meetings with my colleagues-turned-friends.  The first of which is always GRATITUDE.  I still have to pinch myself that I get to sit around a table and create with Bill and Laura!  Like the beautiful views in Monterey, I hope I never take that for granted.  Their partnership has given me so much more than a spot in time as a “notary influencer.”  It’s given me confidence in my abilities to lead, to create and to dream big.  Really big!  I am confident that what we’ve already provided the notary community like Notary Business Builder and the Certified Trust Delivery Agent program are changing the entire landscape of our industry.  I also know there are some big things coming, and I can’t wait for you to see what’s in store. The second lesson I learned while at our leadership retreat is ABUNDANCE. Everything we do, we approach with the mindset of abundance.  There is no limit to what we can do when the three of us work together, and it will always start with bringing notaries what they need to succeed.  It’s remarkable to me that the three of us, despite any successes we’ve had, can agree that providing notaries with the best opportunities for growth is our top priority.  It’s never been about money or influence.  It’s about a love of the notary community and the amazing people that make it up. We are constantly looking for opportunities to share with notaries and there is nothing we love more than experiencing your wins!  In fact, my favorite part of the week is listening to notaries share their professional and personal wins on our Tuesday afternoon accountability call inside Notary Business Builder. Finally, the lesson of SYNCHRONICITY always follows the 3 of us when we are together.  There is a sort of “magic” that happens when we’re in a room together and it’s definitely noticeable by anyone who is nearby.  If you don’t know, here is a lovely definition of synchronicity: “it is a phenomenon in which people interpret two separate—and seemingly unrelated—experiences as being meaningfully intertwined, even though there is no evidence that one led to the other or that the two events are linked in any other causal way.”  I think that’s a perfect way to describe the three of us.  Just a few short years ago we didn’t even know each other.  Now, we’ve created a safe place for notaries to gather, learn and grow as professionals and individuals. We were also lucky enough along our notary journey together to become supportive friends who genuinely care about each other.  Both Bill and Laura have been not only professional influences in my life, but they have each provided me with the inspiration to grow as an individual. It’s one of the greatest gifts of my life, and I will do my best to never take either of them for granted!!

What’s the one thing everyone asks at the start of a new year?  WHAT’S YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION?? The question is actually asking, “What are the things in your life you want to change (usually improve)”?  For me, like so many others, it’s about continuing to improve my physical and mental health by eating whole foods and increasing my exercise routine.  This year is a bit different though. I actually feel confident in my ability to achieve my resolution. What is it about a new year that makes people think they’re going to magically change overnight?  They rush to the gym every morning with gusto, only to burn themselves out quickly. Yes, it’s a new year and therefore we can consider it a new beginning, but isn’t that the truth at the beginning of every month, week or day?  We spend time relaxing and overindulging during the holiday season then WHAM!  We’re expected to suddenly wake up at 6am and go to the gym for an hour? It’s madness to expect such significant changes to happen overnight! I see no reason why my resolutions can’t begin on January 15th or May 2nd or October 26th.  Just because it’s what’s considered “normal” to set a new year’s resolution on January 1st, doesn’t mean it makes sense.  Every day is a chance to start fresh, and on days that are particularly stressful I often remind myself that every hour is a chance to start fresh. The truth is, human beings aren’t the best with change.  According to research from Columbia University, our brains don’t like change (this is also why it can be so difficult to begin direct marketing - our brains will resist the changes in mindset you need to make to get out and meet new business owners). Routine is our friend and most of us (all of us) are resistant to change.  Have you noticed that in your life or business?  I know I have!  It’s becoming clear to me as so many notaries across the country are re-entering hustle mode to build relationships with estate planning attorneys how resistant we are to change.  They’ve forgotten the effort it takes to build authentic relationships with new people, and how exhausting significant change is (and therefore, quit their efforts before making any real progress). Still, we pressure ourselves to change overnight because the calendar changes from December 31st to January 1st.  Then, we beat ourselves up when we fall short of our resolution. It seems so ridiculous to me! I’ve fallen into the resolution trap for as long as I can remember, but this year I am feeling more confident about my ability to stick to new routines after spending the last year working on improving my health (both physically and mentally).  My “resolution” includes adding meditation to my daily health routine, but guess what?  I’m not starting until January 15th (edited to February 1st because the gym is still too crowded for my liking).  I will be waking up at 6:30am and will start my day in meditation, then hit the gym for 45 minutes on the treadmill with weight training 2 times a week…working up to 3 times per week.  I knew if I started on January 1st I’d be setting myself up for failure.  I’d wake up early and try to meditate all the while thinking about how crowded the gym will be because of all the “resolutioners,” and how I should probably leave NOW instead of working through my meditation practice. Then, I’d get to the gym and be mad that there is no treadmill or row machine available, and I’d have to settle for a bike or elliptical (I hate both of those things).  Then, I’d have to fight for a spot on the weight machines to complete my strength training. Why set myself up to start my year/my day feeling frustrated?  That’s no way to begin a day, and it’s a surefire path to failure.  So, I’m going to let everyone else peter themselves out and THEN I’ll start. I’m looking for longevity with my new routines and I know myself well enough to know that it doesn’t matter when I start new routines, it’s about starting in an environment that will support my goals. I want to hear from you…Did you start your resolutions on January 1st and if so, are they still in place? P.S. I know many notaries are considering adding new revenue streams to their business as their resolution, and I encourage you to check out the Trust Delivery Agent Certification program. It’s the perfect addition to your business that will allow you to earn as much or more than loan signings (and not be dependent on mortgage interest rates and signing services for business)!