Blogs

As the Marketing Coordinator for The Nearby Notary, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that networking is everything in this industry. The notary world is small and very niche, and because of that, relationships matter more than anything. The connections you build can open doors to new opportunities with title and escrow companies, real estate agents, law firms, and financial professionals. Over the past few months, I’ve attended all kinds of networking events — from FinTech meetups and Chamber of Commerce gatherings to BNI meetings and casual happy hours. My goal has always been to meet people, learn about their industries, and find ways The Nearby Notary can support their work. Here’s what I’ve learned so far. 1. Body Language and Approachability Matter Networking can be intimidating, especially when you walk into a room full of people who all seem to know each other. Your body language can make a huge difference. Keep your arms relaxed, smile, and make eye contact when you can. If your arms are crossed or you’re staring at your phone, people might think you don’t want to be approached. I used to coach cheer and tumbling, so bringing energy and friendliness comes naturally to me. But even if that’s not your personality, try to stay open and approachable. You don’t have to be loud or outgoing to make an impression. Just be kind, interested, and genuine when talking to others. 2. Don’t Be Afraid to Start the Conversation The first few events I went to were nerve-wracking. I wasn’t sure what to say or how to jump into a conversation. But I’ve realized most people at networking events are there for the same reason — they want to meet others and make connections too. A simple question like “What do you do?” or “Have you been to this event before?” is usually enough to start a friendly chat. Try to focus on having a real conversation rather than jumping straight into talking about business. People remember how you made them feel more than what you handed them. Be yourself and talk about what you do naturally, like you would with a friend. 3. Not Every Group Is the Right Fit Some networking groups are easier to connect with than others. For example, BNI groups can be great, but they’re often very structured and close-knit. If your service doesn’t directly benefit the members there, it can be harder to build real connections. And that’s okay. You don’t need to force it. Networking works best when you’re surrounded by people who understand or can benefit from what you do. The notary industry connects to so many different fields, including real estate, title, escrow, finance, and legal. The goal is to find the spaces where your services make sense and people are open to learning more. 4. Show How You Can Help When I meet someone new, I always try to show that I understand their line of work. If I’m speaking with someone in real estate or escrow, I’ll mention how our team helps with loan packages and closing documents. If I meet a lawyer, I’ll share that we handle notarizations for wills, trusts, adoptions, and powers of attorney. When people see that you understand their field, they realize you’re not just another notary. You’re someone who can make their job easier. Always have a business card ready or share your LinkedIn profile. And don’t forget to follow up afterward with a short message thanking them for the conversation. It’s a small step that helps people remember you. 5. Keep Showing Up Networking isn’t a one-time thing. It’s about showing up consistently so people start to recognize you and trust you. If you found an event where you met some great people, go back again. Reconnect with those same contacts, check in on their business, and let them see that you’re serious about building relationships. For example, our team went to an event called “Donuts with David” at a local law firm here in Arizona. We met one of the lawyers, connected on LinkedIn, and followed up afterward. That one meeting turned into a great ongoing connection that we’ll continue to nurture. 6. Keep Learning and Stay Involved There’s always something happening in the business community. From coffee meetups to happy hours, you never know who you’ll meet or what opportunities might come your way. At The Nearby Notary , we try to help notaries and small businesses grow through community and education. We’ve created several guides that show how to connect with industries like adoption agencies, real estate, and law firms. You can also find more tips on our TikTok and Instagram, where we share ideas, behind-the-scenes stories, and practical advice for notaries who want to grow their business. And if you ever have questions or want to see specific types of content, send us a DM. Our social media team loves hearing from you and helping create videos that answer real questions from the community. Final Thoughts Networking takes time, consistency, and courage, but it’s one of the best ways to grow your notary business. Show up, be yourself, follow up, and stay connected. You never know when a simple conversation could lead to your next great partnership.

Why Mistakes Aren’t the End of the World

Remote Online Notarization (RON) is legal in most states. Learn where it’s allowed, what rules apply, and how businesses can stay compliant in 2025.

Find out when a notary can refuse to notarize, the legal reasons behind it, and how to avoid common issues during signings.

See how Remote Online Notarization (RON) works, what you need, and why it’s more popular than ever in 2025.

Get clear answers on when immigration documents need to be notarized and how to handle them properly in 2025.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a notary signing agent focused on real estate closings and mortgage documents.

Learn why notaries can't offer legal advice and how to stay compliant while helping clients with their documents.