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The Missing Piece of a Complete Estate Plan: How Notaries Are Building Legacy-Focused Businesses
with Bill Soroka and Jon Braddock

Are you a mobile notary public looking for new ways to increase your income, diversify your services, and offer something that truly matters?

In this episode of the Sign & Thrive Podcast for Notaries, host Bill Soroka is joined by Jon Braddock, the CEO of My Life & Wishes and creator of the Legacy Vault, to explore one of the most meaningful and profitable opportunities in the notary business today.

Together, they break down how the Legacy Vault is solving one of the most heartbreaking problems families face—disorganization and confusion after the death or incapacitation of a loved one—and how notaries are uniquely positioned to deliver the solution.

You’ll learn how this tool fits naturally into what notaries already do, how it elevates your professional value, and how it can help you build a purpose-driven business that stands out in a crowded market.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why most estate plans are incomplete—and how the Legacy Vault solves that problem
• How notaries are helping protect families by offering the missing piece of a complete estate plan
• How to create additional income streams as a notary using digital tools like the Legacy Vault
• Why notaries are trusted advisors in key life moments—and how to leverage that trust
• The business model behind the Notary-Partner Program (keep 100% of sales revenue, total pricing freedom, and no geographic limitations)
• How to position yourself as a trusted resource for attorneys, financial advisors, and families
• How to add value without sounding salesy—and why this service often “sells itself”

Who This Episode Is For:

• Mobile notaries looking to increase income outside of loan signings
• Notary signing agents who want to diversify their services and stand out
• Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agents (CNTDAs) looking to expand their estate planning offerings
• Apostille agents, fingerprinting professionals, and wedding officiants wanting to build long-term client relationships
• Notaries who want to get off the hamster wheel of low-fee appointments and inconsistent income

Why This Matters:

82% of Americans say estate planning is important. But only 31% have a will, and just 11% have a trust. Even fewer have all their vital information organized, stored securely, and accessible when it matters most. The result? Expensive court delays, family conflicts, and emotional chaos—at the worst possible time.

The Legacy Vault is a simple, secure platform that helps families organize documents, passwords, healthcare directives, final instructions, and even personal legacy messages. It’s peace of mind in a digital box—and it’s now available exclusively through trained notary partners.

As a notary, you already serve at the frontlines of life’s most important transitions. The Notary-Partner Program gives you a way to deepen those relationships, elevate your role, and build a recurring revenue stream that fits naturally into your business.

Whether you want to earn more per appointment, create passive income, or bring more purpose to your work, this episode will inspire new ways to grow your notary business with heart—and strategy.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more or become a Notary Partner: https://www.notarycoach.com/partner
  
  
• Explore the Legacy Vault: https://www.mylifeandwishes.com/
  
  
• Read Click Here When I Die by Jon Braddock on Amazon

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The mobile notary and loan signing industry is filled with opinions, misinformation, and yes, a whole lot of noise. Some say you need certification to succeed. Others say you’re being scammed if you even consider paying for education. So what’s the truth?

I’m here to tell you straight: Certifications are 100% voluntary—but for the right notary, they can be a total game-changer.

In this episode, I pull back the curtain on what certifications actually do (and what they don’t), why haters love to hate, and how to navigate the noise with integrity, strategy, and confidence. You’ll hear:

• Why certification is NOT required—but often helpful
• What continuing education actually does for your business (think: confidence, credibility, and conversations)
• How to spot toxic energy and hypocrisy in the industry
• The crabs-in-a-bucket mindset and why it’s holding good notaries back
• How to stop collecting certifications and start putting them to work
• Why implementation is the missing link in most notaries' growth

We’ve got notaries from all walks of life joining this industry—white-collar professionals, single parents, career switchers, retirees, and people starting over. So when someone says “You don’t need that,” they’re often speaking from their place of privilege and experience—not yours.

Education is how we shine the light back on the path we’ve walked so others can find their way, too.

Mentioned in This Episode:

💼 High Performance Notary (HPN)
Join our results-driven notary entrepreneur community and build the business—and habits—that get you clients.
Try it FREE for 7 days → https://www.notarycoach.com/hpn

📘 Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent
Want to work directly with estate planning attorneys and help families with one of life’s most important documents?
Become a Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent

🌎 Certified Apostille Agent
Want to help people navigate international document authentication? This is a high-value, low-competition niche.
Get certified as an Apostille Agent

🏡 Reverse Mortgage Signing Professional
Love working with seniors? Learn how to guide them through reverse mortgage transactions with confidence and compassion.
Become a Certified Reverse Mortgage Signing Professional

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why certifications are tools—not trophies
• How to think critically about who you’re following online
• What “crab in a bucket” energy looks like (and how to escape it)
• The difference between having knowledge and using knowledge
• Why investing in yourself scares some people—and why you should do it anyway
• How certification sparked new revenue and opportunities in my business
• What makes a program legit (and how to tell when it’s not)
• How to build a notary business that reflects your values, skills, and goals

And if you’ve got a certification (or five) sitting on your desk that you haven’t put into action yet… consider this your nudge to DO something with it.

Want my personal blueprint for consistency, growth, and getting in front of more clients?

It’s called the Daily Do’s, and I teach them inside High Performance Notary. You’ll build the habits, systems, and mindset that create lasting success in this business—and I’ll guide you every step of the way.

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Are you a notary who cringes at the idea of networking mixers, small talk, or cold outreach? Same.

I’m Bill Soroka, and in this episode of the Sign & Thrive Podcast, I peel back the curtain on how I built a multiple six-figure notary business—as a hardcore introvert. I’m not the “hide under the table” kind of introvert (okay, sometimes I am), but I am someone who needs a nap and some Golden Girls after too much peopling.

If the idea of marketing yourself to estate planning attorneys makes you want to melt into your couch cushions, this episode is for you. And good news: your introversion isn’t a problem—it’s your unfair advantage.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why introverts make exceptional notary entrepreneurs—and how to use your quiet strengths to win;
• How Warren Buffett and Bill Gates used their introversion to quietly dominate their industries;
• The three V’s that define your dream attorney clients: Vision, Value, and Volume;
• The exact email strategy I used to start 98 real conversations with attorneys (that turned into 16 paying clients);
• Why you need a referral list before you ask for a referral—and how to build one using my free template;
• Where to find estate planning attorneys (hint: LinkedIn, bar association directories, Google, and more);
• My proven follow-up sequence that converts silence into opportunity;
• What to say in that first meeting—without pitching, posturing, or panic attacks;
• And how to clearly and confidently explain your services using John Ruhlin’s “Big 4” Clarity Statement.

This episode is part pep talk, part how-to guide, and 100% permission for you to market your notary business without pretending to be an extrovert.

You don’t have to be loud to build a thriving notary business—you just have to be thoughtful, consistent, and willing to send that first message.

If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’m too introverted to market my business,” I challenge you to listen to this episode all the way through. Then, send one email. That’s all.

You’ll be amazed what happens when you show up—not as someone else—but as you.

Episode Resources:

• 📝 Referral List Template
  Download the exact referral list template I recommend you build before reaching out to estate planning attorneys:
  https://www.notarycoach.com/blog/the-3-lists-that-will-transform-your-notary-business-and-how-to-build-them
• 📖 Blog Article: The Introverted Notary’s Guide to Marketing to Estate Planning Professionals
  Missed the original article this episode is based on? You can read the full blog here (Releases 4/4/25):
  https://www.notarycoach.com/blog/the-introverted-notary-s-guide-for-marketing-to-estate-planning-professionals
• 💡 Learn More About High Performance Notary
  Join a community of thoughtful, motivated notary entrepreneurs building profitable businesses on their own terms:
  https://www.notarycoach.com/hpn

Key words and phrases: introverted notary marketing strategies, mobile notary marketing plan, how to get estate planning attorney clients, notary referral list template, email marketing for notaries, notary cold outreach examples, how to get more notary clients, how to be a successful notary without networking, notary prospecting email script, trust delivery agent training, local notary marketing tips, LinkedIn for notaries, how to find attorney clients as a notary, introvert business success story

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Are you showing up in local search, or are you invisible online? In this episode of The Sign & Thrive Podcast for Notaries, Bill Soroka breaks down the critical mistakes most notaries make on directory profiles, and how to fix them using today’s SEO and AI-driven search best practices. Whether you’re listed on Google, Yelp, or a notary-specific directory like Gotary.com, these tips will help you attract more clients and make your profile work for you 24/7.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why most notary directory profiles are failing to show up in search
• How AI and local SEO are changing the game for mobile notaries
• Five simple, powerful tweaks to boost your visibility (without hiring a copywriter)
• Why your headshot and headline matter more than you think
• How to write an “About” section that speaks to both clients and search engines
• The truth about keyword stuffing and how to use natural language instead
• How reviews, certifications, and up-to-date contact info build trust fast
• What to do today to make your listings stand out from the sea of sameness

Who This Episode Is For:

• Mobile notaries and loan signing agents who rely on local SEO to attract clients
• Apostille agents, trust delivery notaries, and general notary work pros
• Notaries listed on Gotary.com, Google Business Profile, Yelp, or other directories
• Any notary entrepreneur who wants to future-proof their visibility in an AI-first world

Your Profile Might Be Costing You Business

Most clients won’t search for you by name. They’ll type in things like:

• “Mobile notary near me”
• “Apostille service in [City]”
• “Notary for trust documents in [State]”

If your listing doesn’t clearly communicate what you do, where you do it, and who you help, you’re missing out on leads that should’ve been yours.

This episode helps you fix that, fast.

Why Gotary.com Is Different

Bill also shares how Gotary.com, the directory he founded, is specifically designed to feature the most reliable, professionally trained notaries—and how he actively promotes it to estate planning attorneys, law firms, and title companies nationwide.

Unlike other passive directories, Gotary.com is proactively marketed to decision-makers—the actual people hiring notaries for trust deliveries, apostilles, real estate closings, and more.

You’ll also learn about:

• The Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent (CNTDA) credential and how it positions you as a premium notary for estate planning pros
• The benefits of Gold and Platinum Gotary listings (like client reviews, custom links, priority placement, and outreach inclusion)
• Why it’s not too early to get listed—especially with a free Basic profile available for notaries just getting started
• How to take advantage of limited-time upgrade deals for more visibility, trust, and leads

Ready to Get Found by the Right People?

Claim your free listing and start optimizing your online presence today:
https://www.gotary.com/join

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Referrals are the secret weapon of business growth, but not in the way most people think. In this episode of The Sign & Thrive Podcast for Notaries, host Bill Soroka reveals the power of smart referrals—not just getting them, but giving them.

When you become the person who connects people, solves problems, and makes life easier for others, you don’t just get referrals—you build a reputation that brings opportunities you never saw coming.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why giving referrals is the fastest way to get them
✔️ How to position yourself as a trusted resource in any network
✔️ The Trust Triangle—why strategic introductions lead to more business
✔️ The 3-Tier Estate Planning Referral System that sets you apart
✔️ How to avoid common networking mistakes that sabotage relationships

Why This Matters for Notaries

Loan signings aren’t falling from the sky like they used to, but billions of documents still need notarization every year. By leveraging referrals, you can build a sustainable business that thrives no matter what’s happening in the market.

Bill shares real-life stories of how simple introductions have led to high-value clients, unexpected income streams, and long-term partnerships. Whether you're an introvert or a natural networker, these insights will help you become the notary everyone remembers.

The 3-Tier Estate Planning Referral System

Want to break into the lucrative world of estate planning notarizations? This framework helps you create easy referral pathways for clients and professionals:

🟢 Tier 1: Estate Planning Attorneys – Find and build relationships with multiple attorneys to match clients with the right fit.

🟢 Tier 2: Legal Document Preparers – Offer a budget-friendly alternative for clients who don’t need an attorney.

🟢 Tier 3: DIY Estate Planning Platforms – Provide resources for self-directed clients while earning passive referral income.

Common Networking Mistakes to Avoid:

🚫 The Transactional Tactician – Only reaching out when you need something
🚫 The Referral Hoarder – Afraid to share contacts, thinking it reduces your own business
🚫 The Lazy Connector – Saying, "Just Google them" instead of making a warm introduction

Your Homework: Start Giving Referrals Today

1️⃣ Pay attention to conversations – Listen for phrases like “I need a good [attorney, CPA, real estate agent]”
2️⃣ Make thoughtful introductions – A quick email or text can set the foundation for lasting business relationships
3️⃣ Give first, receive later – Build your social capital, and the referrals will come back like a boomerang

Resources & Next Steps

Download Bill’s Free Referral List Template – Stay organized and make better referrals effortlessly

Learn More About Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agents – The most profitable niche for mobile notaries

Join High Performance Notary – Get access to Bill’s personal referral network inside the Prosperity Hub

Gotary.com

Article: How to Make Memorable Introductions in Your Network

Art

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If someone in your city asks ChatGPT for a notary recommendation, would your name come up? If not, you could be losing business without even knowing it.

AI-driven search is changing the way people find local services, including mobile notaries, loan signing agents, and apostille professionals. While most businesses are still focused on Google SEO, the real game-changer is understanding how AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity decide which businesses to recommend.

AI search doesn’t work like Google. Instead of relying solely on keywords and business listings, it scans the internet for businesses that have:
✅ Consistent business information across multiple platforms
✅ Strong, recent reviews on multiple sites, not just Google Business Profile
✅ Mentions in blogs, articles, and “best of” lists
✅ A conversational, well-structured website optimized for AI search queries

🚀 6 Ways to Get AI to Recommend Your Notary Business:

📌 1. Optimize for Conversational AI Search
AI responds to full, natural language queries—not just keywords. Instead of stuffing your website with “mobile notary [city],” optimize for real questions.

✔ Write FAQ-style content on your website
✔ Create blog posts that answer common notary questions
✔ Structure your site with clear headings and easy-to-read sections

📌 2. Keep Your Google Business Profile Updated
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is still critical—but AI looks beyond just Google.

✔ Ensure your business name, address, and phone (NAP) are 100% consistent across Google, Yelp, and business directories
✔ Use the Q&A feature in GBP to add relevant, AI-friendly questions and answers
✔ Regularly post updates and service highlights

📌 3. Get Reviews on Multiple Platforms
AI trusts businesses that have strong, recent reviews across multiple sources.

✔ Get reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Thumbtack
✔ Encourage clients to leave detailed, natural-sounding reviews (not just “Great service!” but full sentences about their experience)
✔ Respond to every review—AI values businesses that engage with their customers

📌 4. Get Featured on “Best Notary” Lists
AI loves “best of” lists. If someone searches “best mobile notary in [city],” AI will likely recommend whoever appears on these lists.

✔ Apply to be listed on local business ranking sites
✔ If no list exists—create your own blog post on your website!

📌 5. Get Mentioned in Blogs & Online Articles
AI pulls from news articles, blogs, and business directories to determine credibility. The more mentions you have online, the higher you’ll rank.

✔ Get featured in local blogs, news articles, or business spotlights
✔ Contribute guest posts to local business websites
✔ Engage in LinkedIn and Alignable discussions where professionals recommend notaries

📌 6. Ask AI Why You’re Not Ranking & Fix It
Here’s the ultimate AI SEO hack—just ask ChatGPT why your business isn’t ranking.

🛠 Try this prompt:
“If I were looking for a mobile notary in [city], which businesses would you recommend and why?”

AI will tell you exactly who is ranking and what they’re doing right. Then use that information to optimize your business and outrank competitors.

AI search isn’t coming—it’s already here. The notaries who start optimizing for AI-driven local search today will be the ones dominating the market in the next 3-5 years.

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Struggling to get more notary clients? Wondering why your phone isn’t ringing, even though you’ve got the website, the business cards, and the professional setup?

The missing piece is consistent prospect outreach—and in this episode, I’m breaking down the exact strategies that took my notary business from $1,000 a month to $20,000+ a month in just 90 days.

Here’s the truth: Most notary entrepreneurs don’t do enough outreach. Whether it’s fear of rejection, not knowing what to say, or just plain avoidance, many notaries leave money on the table by not following up with warm leads or by never reaching out to cold prospects at all.

But when you commit to a simple, repeatable outreach system, your entire business changes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The biggest mistake notaries make with outreach—and how to fix it

✅ The two types of outreach you need to master: Warm and Cold (and how to do both without feeling awkward or pushy)

✅ How I turned 26 failed businesses into a thriving notary business—by making outreach a daily habit

✅ The Daily Do’s—eight simple prospecting actions that keep clients coming to you

✅ The 2-in-5 Strategy for researching cold prospects in just five minutes before reaching out

✅ Warm outreach scripts that make it easy to follow up with past clients, referral partners, and even friends and family

✅ Cold outreach strategies that don’t feel “cold”—including personalized emails, LinkedIn messages, and in-person visits

✅ How to overcome fear and resistance to outreach so you can start getting real results

Why Outreach is a Game-Changer for Notaries

Too many notary entrepreneurs think marketing is just setting up a website and waiting for clients to find them. But that’s not how thriving businesses work. Outreach—done consistently and strategically—is the difference between struggling for clients and having a steady stream of work.

I learned this lesson the hard way. After failing in 26 businesses, I was ready to throw in the towel again—until I finally got serious about prospecting. I committed to daily outreach, built a habit around it, and completely transformed my business. Now, I’m sharing everything I learned so you don’t have to waste time making the same mistakes.

Make Outreach a Habit—Not a Hail Mary

The biggest mistake I see notaries make? Inconsistency.
Sending one or two outreach messages and then giving up when there’s no instant result. Outreach isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a daily commitment. And when you stick with it for 90 days, you will not recognize your business.

Take Action & Join the High Performance Notary Community

If today’s episode gave you the wake-up call you needed, let’s take it even further. Inside High Performance Notary, we put these strategies into action together. I’ll walk you through my 9-Step High Performance Notary Action Plan, give you scripts and worksheets, and help you turn outreach into an effortless habit.

🔗 Join the community here → NotaryCoach.com

💡 Next Episode: I’ll break down my complete Daily Do’s framework, so you can build the prospecting engine that keeps your business thriving. Don’t miss it!

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In this jam-packed episode, your host Bill Soroka reveals the two key sources of customers for your notary business and explains how mastering them can transform your career.

Bill starts by explaining that every successful notary business is powered by two “twin engines”: online visibility and your personal network. In today’s digital and convenience-driven world, prospects need not only to find you quickly but also to trust that you’re the expert they can count on. As a mobile notary, your role is vital in keeping commerce moving while protecting against mortgage fraud and identity theft. This episode dives deep into how to make your online presence work for you, ensuring that when someone searches for “notary near me” or similar phrases, you’re among the top choices.

Episode Highlights:

• Google Business Profile (GBP):
Bill reveals why GBP is the ultimate lead generation tool for mobile notaries. He debunks common myths – it’s completely free, you don’t need a website to get started, and you can keep your home address private. Learn how to set up, optimize, and maintain your profile so that every detail—from listing all your services to garnering positive reviews—helps you rank higher in search results. (Be sure to check the show notes for exclusive links to GBP Free & GBP Mastery resources!)

• LinkedIn Profile Optimization:
A professionally crafted LinkedIn profile is essential for credibility and online discoverability. Bill shares his top tips on creating a standout headline that includes your commission state and specialty services, using engaging cover images, and optimizing the “About” section. He also emphasizes the importance of engaging with posts through thoughtful comments and contextual shares to build lasting relationships and boost your personal brand.

• Professional Directory Profiles:
With numerous notary directories available, having an optimized presence on both free and paid platforms can greatly increase your visibility. Bill outlines key strategies—such as including a professional headshot, highlighting certifications, and adding a personable narrative—to ensure you stand out in a crowded market. He even names a few popular directories like SigningAgent.com and NotaryCafe.com.

• Social Media Strategy:
Although social media may not directly generate sales, it plays a crucial role in keeping you top-of-mind. Bill advises focusing on one platform at a time—using your personal feed or a business page—to share valuable content that reflects your passion and expertise, rather than overwhelming your followers with constant ads. Consistency and authenticity in your posts will help prospects remember you when they need notary services.

• Website Optimization:
Your website is more than a digital brochure—it’s a powerful tool designed to convert visitors into paying customers. Bill explains why it’s essential to invest time, money, and energy into creating a site that is optimized for search engines and user experience. Key elements include keyword-rich content, a clear call to action above the fold, integration of chatbots for instant communication, and the display of customer testimonials for social proof.

• Bonus Strategy – Google Ads:
For those ready to take their online visibility to the next level, Bill introduces Google Ads. Although this tool requires a willingness to learn about bidding strategies, keyword targeting, and campaign management, it offers the potential to dominate local search results. With an optimized landing page and a modest daily budget, Google Ads can serve as a powerful pipeline for attracting high-intent clients.

Check out these website and marketing solutions mentioned in the episode:

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