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How to find a good Notary mentor

Updated 2-15-22. One of the first questions new Notaries ask is where they can find a Notary mentor. This is true both for mobile Notaries looking to start their business and office Notaries who need help understanding how to carry out their basic duties.

But what makes a good Notary mentor, and where are the best places to look? The National Notary Association reached out to a variety of mentors and mentees to ask about their experiences and get their recommendations. Here's what we learned.

Where can you find a Notary mentor?

One of the best places to find a mentor is on social media. It's a simple matter to check out online message boards as well as Notary groups on Facebook or professional networking sites such as LinkedIn. Facebook, for example, has a Notary Public Mentor group. Once you join these groups, engage with people and let them know you are looking for a mentor.

You may also search for websites and online forums for Notaries in your region, and message them directly to ask if they are willing and available to mentor.

Notary-regulating officials in some states periodically host conferences, which can be great ways to meet other Notaries. The biggest regular gathering is the NNA's Annual Conference, which many new mobile Notaries use to network and build connections.

Another alternative is to seek out a professional online mentor who offers full-time paid training programs and instruction to new Notaries. This requires a beginning Notary to budget for the costs of training, but also ensures you will have a dedicated, full-time instructor.

Carol Ray, owner of Notary2Pro, a training service for Notaries and Signing Agents that has been in operation since 2009, said it's important to do research, find out all you can about a particular mentor's style, and decide what kind of mentor suits you best.

"When you look for someone to train or mentor you, check for testimonials," she said. "Go to Google Business and see how long the mentor or instructor has been around. Join Facebook groups for Notaries and ask questions. Go with your gut. If you are making a big decision and something tells you that it's wrong, stay away from it."

What makes a good Notary mentor?

How can you tell if a Notary mentor will give you good guidance? Here are the most important things to look for:

1. Knowledge of your state's Notary laws. "The most common questions I get have to do with Notary laws because all 50 states are different," said Bill Soroka, Founder of NotaryCoach.com and the Sign & Thrive Notary Training Course and Community. "The law is often subject to interpretation, and this leads to a lot of gray areas."

2. Integrity and professionalism. Whether looking for business-building guidance or help with Notary questions, you want a mentor who is scrupulous about following proper procedures and ethical practices. A Notary who fails to ask signers for proper ID, who doesn't require personal appearance or keep required journal records is not the right person to mentor you.

3. Patience and availability. "You have to be sure that you are available for your students when they need you," said Carol Ray. "I answer my phone every time it rings when one of my students has a question. People who bug you with questions want to do things right."

When seeking out a mentor, remember that the mentor's role is to help you master the fundamentals of notarization. It's not appropriate to assume that they will provide you with free business contacts or arrange assignments for you — a mentor is a teacher, not a job placement agency for Notaries. Also, you should never make inappropriate Notary mentor requests that would breach the privacy of your mentor's customers.

Benefits of a Notary mentor

When Selecia Young-Jones of Jacksonville, Florida, was starting her Notary business, she understood the basics of her state Notary laws, but she wanted help from someone with practical experience when situations came up that weren't directly addressed by state law.

"The information I had was enough to pass my Notary commissioning exam," she said. "But just because you can drive doesn't mean you can win the Indy 500."

Young-Jones saw some posts online from Herb Guinup, a Notary in Tampa, Florida, with more than 30 years of experience. She took a chance and asked him for help, emphasizing that since she was in another city that he wouldn't have to worry they were competing.

Guinup agreed to be her volunteer mentor. He answered her questions and also suggested that she join the NNA so she could benefit from educational materials and the Notary Hotline.

"In today's world, there's zero reason for an inexperienced Notary to have to go it alone," said Notary educator Mark Wills of Loan Signing System. "The biggest benefit of working with a mentor or instructor is that it's a shortcut to success. You can teach yourself to play basketball, and it may take you three years to learn to shoot hoops, but if you find a coach, you'll learn faster. It's the same for Notaries."

Mentoring can help both mentees and mentors

One of the biggest challenges to finding a mentor is that experienced Notaries often fear they are training a potential competitor. But Notaries who do mentor find a different reality.

"In today's world, I believe mentoring new Notaries with real hands-on experience only helps strengthen the industry," said Herb Guinup. "My personal philosophy is that any Notary who is dedicated to learning and understanding their role is not a threat to me or my business. I find sharing my passion for serving the public and handling notarizations with care and integrity very rewarding."

Mentees who have been helped by a good teacher often seek to "pay it forward" by offering to assist others. Such was the case with Young-Jones.

After getting her own Notary business up and running, she started an information network for local Notaries who help each other if someone's not available for a notarization. "One gal called me for information on conducting a wedding while I was on vacation in Arizona, and I walked her through it," she said. "Another time when I was unavailable to perform a wedding, she returned the favor by covering the assignment for me."

Notary Mentors in the office

Most Notaries carry out their duties as part of their full-time jobs, and new Notaries often need guidance on the basic requirements of notarizing. That is especially true because bosses and co-workers often are not familiar with Notary laws, and they may request improper notarizations that the law does not allow. Having an experienced Notary on staff to provide proper guidance can be invaluable.

Joan Baffa worked for the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in New York for nearly five decades. She knew that proper notarial practices and procedures were of extreme importance, so she became an in-house trainer for the firm's 165 Notaries.

"I was the go-to person when it came to Notary Public questions," she said. "I would train the partners, lawyers and staff on the dos and don'ts of notarizing documents. It definitely reduced the chance of lawsuits or problems for the firm."

For co-workers like Dana Jones, Notary and Assistant Managing Clerk at Debevoise & Plimpton, having a resource like Baffa, one of the NNA's 2015 Notary of the Year Honorees, was invaluable. "From start to finish, she helped make sure our documents were notarized properly and kept us all up on Notary changes."

If you are asked to obtain a Notary commission as part of your job duties, ask your employer if there is a Notary trainer on staff or other experienced Notaries who can answer questions.

Don't be shy about asking questions

When you are looking for a mentor, Mark Wills says don't be afraid to give them a call to speak to them directly and ask questions. "Call them up directly, talk to them and see how you feel about them," he said. "Ask them to tell you a little about themselves and what makes them a good mentor. See how you feel about them. The easiest way to be successful is to copy someone who's already successful."

David Thun is the Assistant Managing Editor at the National Notary Association.


Related Articles:

4 Ways To Find A Mentor For Your Notary Business



Additional Resources:

Resources To Help New Notaries


40 Comments

Add your comment

dianna

13 Sep 2019

would like to get a mentor

Emily Perreault

16 Sep 2019

Thank you for the informative article. I was unaware of the privacy concerns in observing a loan signing with a mentor. I have reached out to two different signing agents who were open to being a mentor however, each one never called me back. Now, I understand why. So if you are approached by a new notary and signing agent- be upfront and let them know why you cannot have a shadow at a loan signing.

Michael Gilman

16 Sep 2019

Don't forget all across the US are your local SCORE agencies (a resource partner of the Small Business Administration which provide free business mentors. (many who happen to be Notaries)

Monica Hatcher

20 Sep 2019

Yes Michael you are right ,because I have a meeting with a score Mentor coming up soon. And also it's a free service. Thanks for the helpful article. And good luck everyone.

Shelly OSullivan

21 Sep 2019

Any mentors in SW Florida ? That would like to talk to me.

Fern Hines

14 Apr 2020

Your newsletters are valuable and helpful. Most of my questions are answered by reading the articles and Q&A. Thank you

National Notary Association

15 Apr 2020

You're welcome, Fern. We're glad you find them helpful!

Alma Crawford

24 May 2020

I want to be mentored. Also all the information I can receive. What all involved with being a notary. I am in the State of Texas. Also what is best area to work in to make the most income.

National Notary Association

27 May 2020

Hello. Please see this article for tips on finding a mentor: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2019/09/how-mentoring-strengthens-the-notary-community

Lynda Bohnett

27 Jul 2020

I live in Santa Barbara CA a,d would like to find a loan signing mentor and would gladly pay for it.

Yoki Collie

07 Sep 2020

Hello everyone .. this article was extremely helpful and informational I just received my Notary Certificate and I am looking forward to upgrade to a signing profession n increase my income as on. I would def like to have my own buisness I really enjoy serving g the public . I want a reptible mentor or and sign up for training g . Can any one recommend someone in GEORGI.

Christina I Goings

06 Feb 2021

Looking for a mentor before taking a loan signing assignment. Please and Thank you!

Luisa Cook

21 Apr 2021

Hello, is there any info of Can you charge for being a mentor or business advisor?

National Notary Association

26 May 2021

Hello. This is a decision that must be made by the person offering the mentoring services.

Judy McCarty

28 Apr 2021

I’m looking for a loan signing mentor. I would appreciate the help. Thank you!

Taylor Scrybe

14 Sep 2021

I ran a mentor session on this subject today via Lisnic.com! You raise some excellent points David Thun, such a good topic worthy of discussion.

Love

16 Sep 2021

Look for a mentor in Arizona 🌞

Kelly Okdie

20 Oct 2021

Hello, I am an online notary in Ohio. I am looking for a mentor in notarizing in Ohio. I need to find someone I can collaborate with. Thank You For Your Time,

Shirley tasayco

21 Feb 2022

Looking for a mentor in miami, florida

Geneve Collings

21 Feb 2022

I live in Palm Bay Florida and would like to find a Notary mentor

Costa Carrillo

21 Feb 2022

I recently became the protégé of a Notary Public who made one of the nations most used eJournal App. I’m not starstruck nor individuated, I just don’t know what topics I should or shouldn’t reach out to him? He’s a very busy man and I definitely do not want to waste his time… any idea?

Connie B Puryear

21 Feb 2022

Looking for a mentor

Angela Moore

21 Feb 2022

Hello, I am in Orlando Florida and I am looking for a mentor to guide me as a Notary/Notary Signing Agent. I need to find someone who is patient and don't mind sharing their knowledge and experience. Thank you for your selflessness

Tomica Rodriguez

21 Feb 2022

Just don't know where to start.

Kimberly Mcghie

28 Feb 2022

Looking for a mentor in nyc

Jamal Strickland

04 Mar 2022

Looking for Notary Mentor in Silver Spring, Maryland. To help guide/ teach me how to properly do my first signing.

colleenstringfellow@gmail.com

10 Aug 2022

Hello, I am looking for a notary/signing agent mentor in the Las Vegas area/Clark county. Please let me know if anyone is interested.

Grace

10 Oct 2022

I'm looking for a mentor in Fayetteville, NC. I obtain my notary last year and I looking for to receiving more knowledge to go further in this business.

Donna Griffin

24 Oct 2022

I recently became a license notary public and am looking for a volunteer mentor to help me connect the knowledge piece to the business arena.

Dee

01 Dec 2022

I'm looking for a mentor in Jacksonville, FL. I obtained my notary this year and I’m looking for a mentor to receive more knowledge in this growing business.

Beatrice Clancy

25 Feb 2023

I need to know if it is ok to use a color ink jet laser printer to print out print out black documents

National Notary Association

27 Feb 2023

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone and provided them with a more detailed description of the situation. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

Frankie Briscoe

27 Feb 2023

I'm looking for a mentor in San Antonio Tx. I'm just starting. Would like to grow my business.

sadia mohammad

12 May 2023

i live in dallas and need mentor to get started.

Ileana Solos

05 Aug 2023

I am looking for a loan signing agent mentor in TX. I already have my commission and I’m looking to get my business started.

Jada Crockett

01 Sep 2023

Hello, I am looking for a mentor in Orange County, CA. If anyone is willing and available please let me know. I appreciate the help.

Grace Ferguson-Lyon

10 Sep 2023

To Whom It May Concern: I'm new to notary services and being a notary I don't want to have any loopholes in my business to fail, that's not an option for me. The reason is that I have a spouse and sons who always heard that it's their responsibility to take care of the family. Why is that? Due to someone else yelping them, they aren't worthy of being a partner. I don't want my grandchildren, great-grandchildren and my children to think they don't have a purpose in this world and society. I have achieved most of the goals my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents didn't while they endured during their time here on earth. I apologize for my explanation of being good, not perfect.

Sarika Sandhu-Sethi

09 Dec 2023

Hi, I’m looking for a notary mentorship in NY.

Richard Alvarez

21 Feb 2024

I already have my commission, just a few things I am unsure off .

salone162001@yahoo.com

01 Jun 2024

I need a mentor!

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