Sign & Thrive

Bill Soroka
  • 5.0 (25)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Sign & Thrive: A Podcast for Notaries. Did you know you can build an entire business and additional revenue stream with your Notary commission? The Sign & Thrive podcast helps mobile notaries and loan signing agents serve their customers and build a business that lasts, no matter what the economy is doing. This work matters! Fortunes are transfered, and rights are granted & revoked, with the swipe of our pen and the stamp of our seal. Meet your fellow Notaries Public from around the country who have answered the call to defend integrity AND build a business that they can be proud of, while reclaiming their schedule, and generating unlimited income.

  1. Expand Your Brand as a Legacy Notary

    6d ago

    Expand Your Brand as a Legacy Notary

    Send us Fan Mail You're already invited to the kitchen table. It's time to claim your seat. Bill Soroka makes the case that notaries are the missing fourth corner of the Quadrangle of Trust, and shows how to help families and earn a new income stream doing it. 👉 Watch the 2-minute video and get certified: https://www.notarycoach.com/partner Most estate plans transfer wealth, but almost none of them transfer clarity. A family can do everything right, set up the will, fund the trust, check every box, and still leave their loved ones lost when the day comes. No idea which accounts exist, what the passwords are, who to call, or what their loved one actually wanted. Jon Braddock calls it the Morbid Scavenger Hunt, and it happens every single day. There's over a billion dollars in unclaimed life insurance sitting in state treasuries right now, and an estimated $70 billion in unclaimed assets overall, much of it simply because families never knew it existed. Notaries are uniquely positioned to close that gap, with the proximity, the trust, the volume, and the timing other professionals spend years trying to earn. In this episode: Why the Triangle of Trust is really a Quadrangle, and where the notary fitsThe hidden gap in nearly every estate planWhy notaries reach the families attorneys and advisors never willWhat the Certified Legacy Vault Advisor program actually isHow to spark the conversation without ever feeling like a salespersonWhy you know far more people than you thinkHow notaries keep 100% of every $495 Lifetime Membership saleAbout the program: The Certified Legacy Vault Advisor program trains and certifies notaries to bring the Legacy Vault to the families they serve. It's four things working together: a live and on-demand bootcamp, a real CLVA certification and digital badge, a private community of 100+ partners with twice-monthly live calls, and exclusive access to offer the Legacy Vault Lifetime Membership, available nowhere else, where you keep 100% of every sale with total pricing freedom. 🔗 Learn more and get certified: https://www.notarycoach.com/partner 📘 Mentioned in this episode: Rethinking the Notary by Bill Soroka, written for the attorneys, legal document preparers, and firms who hire notaries, and for the notaries who want to know the standard being set for this industry: https://www.notarycoach.com/rethinkingthenotary About the host: Bill Soroka is the founder of Notary Coach and the author of 8 bestselling books helping notaries serve more clients, earn more income, and build businesses that thrive beyond loan signings. Learn more at https://www.notarycoach.com Chapters  (00:00) The Quadrangle of Trust  (02:30) The problem hiding in every estate plan  (05:00) The Morbid Scavenger Hunt  (07:00) A billion dollars in unclaimed policies  (09:00) Why notaries reach the families nobody else can  (12:00) Proximity, trust, volume, and timing  (15:00) What the CLVA program is  (18:00) The Lifetime Membership and keeping 100%  (21:00) "But I'm not a salesperson"  (23:00) You know more people than you think  (26:00) The conversation and the Tammy video  (28:00) A turning point for the profession  (31:00) The mission to protect one million families  (33:00) Rethinking the Notary, and claiming your seat

    30 min
  2. What Is an Apostille? How Notaries Can Build a Location-Free Income Stream

    May 12

    What Is an Apostille? How Notaries Can Build a Location-Free Income Stream

    Send us Fan Mail What do 33–55 million documents a year have in common? They all need an apostille. If you're a notary wondering how to grow your income without being chained to your state's borders—this episode is your roadmap. Bill Soroka is joined by Judi Lawrence, widely known as the Queen of Apostilles, to break down one of the most underutilized (and lucrative) opportunities in the notary profession: becoming an apostille agent. Judi is the founder of Center City Notary & Apostille in Philadelphia and co-creator of the World of Apostilles course. Together, Bill and Judi are also co-authors of the Amazon bestselling book, "Your Passport to Apostilles: 116 Tips to Build a Thriving Business as an Apostille Agent." IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ What an apostille actually is—and how to pronounce it (APPLE STEEL, anyone?) ✅ The history behind the 1961 Hague Convention and why countries are still signing it in 2024, 2025, and beyond ✅ Why Canada, China, Vietnam, Algeria, Bangladesh, and Egypt joining the treaty is a massive opportunity for apostille agents right now ✅ What a Competent Authority is and how apostilles are officially issued ✅ Why 50% of apostille rejections are caused by notarial error—and how being a notary gives you a serious edge ✅ How e-apostilles are changing everything (and why Montana is the one state leading the charge) ✅ The difference between apostilles for Hague countries vs. embassy legalization for non-Hague countries ✅ Why apostille agents can work from literally anywhere in the world—the beach, an RV, mid-flight ✅ How to build a nationwide network of couriers so you can serve clients in all 50 states ✅ The 3 biggest misconceptions stopping notaries from pursuing apostilles—and why every single one is wrong ✅ How to price your services WITHOUT a legislated fee cap WHO NEEDS APOSTILLES? The answer might surprise you. People need apostilles for destination weddings, international adoptions, studying abroad, relocating to another country, powers of attorney, real estate transactions, business formation in foreign countries, FBI background checks, inheritance claims, and more. The demand is enormous—and most of the public has no idea where to start. That's where you come in. RESOURCES MENTIONED: 📘 Book: "Your Passport to Apostilles" — available in paperback, audiobook, and Kindle on Amazon or at NotaryCoach.com 🎓 World of Apostilles Course: NotaryCoach.com/apostille 👥 High Performance Notary Community on Skool: skool.com/notary Whether you're brand new to apostilles or looking to sharpen your expertise, this episode gives you a real foundation—and a clear path forward. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow notary who's ready to grow.

    43 min
  3. How to Talk About Estate Planning Without Sounding Salesy

    May 5

    How to Talk About Estate Planning Without Sounding Salesy

    Send us Fan Mail Most notaries know estate planning is important… But when the moment comes, they freeze. What do you actually say?  How do you bring it up without sounding awkward… or worse, salesy? In this episode of the Sign & Thrive Podcast, we’re breaking that down in a practical, real-world way. Because estate planning isn’t just about documents. It’s about protecting families.  Avoiding costly probate.  And making life easier for loved ones during some of the hardest moments they’ll ever face. And here’s the part most notaries overlook: You are already in the room when these conversations matter most. Home purchases.  Refinances.  Power of attorney signings.  Trust documents.  Major life transitions. You’re not just witnessing these moments…  You’re part of them. Which means you have a unique opportunity. Not to sell.  But to help. In this conversation, I’m joined by John Knickerbocker of AmeriEstate, who shares a simple framework that makes estate planning conversations feel natural and professional: Identify → Qualify → Tee-Up This isn’t about becoming an estate planning expert or stepping outside your role. It’s about recognizing the moment, asking the right questions, and connecting people with the help they need. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: • Why most people delay estate planning (and what it really costs families)  • What happens when there’s no plan in place  • The emotional impact on families — and the relief when a plan exists  • Why notaries are uniquely positioned to help  • The mindset shift from “salesperson” to “trusted resource”  • How to identify when someone may need an estate plan  • How to qualify the opportunity without being intrusive  • How to “tee up” a referral so the client is ready and open  • How to avoid the common mistake of “lazy referrals”  • Why having a go-to referral partner changes everything We also introduce a simple, practical system you can start using immediately: The 3-Tier Estate Planning Referral Approach • Tier 1: Local estate planning attorneys and professionals you trust  • Tier 2: Nationwide or multi-state referral partners like AmeriEstate  • Tier 3: Do-it-yourself options for clients who want to get started on their own When you combine this system with the Identify, Qualify, Tee-Up framework, you’re no longer guessing what to say. You’re showing up prepared. And when you consistently help people in this way, something powerful happens: You build trust.  You stay top of mind.  You create more opportunities to be hired and referred. This episode is about more than estate planning. It’s about becoming the kind of notary people rely on when it matters most. Want access to the full 3-Tier Referral System and additional resources? Join High Performance Notary (HPN) for FREE and explore the Prosperity Hub: https://www.skool.com/notary/about Inside, you’ll find referral partners, tools, and training designed to help you grow your business and expand the value you bring to your clients.

    45 min

  4. Apr 28

    Stop Marketing To Attorneys and Do THIS First!

    Send us Fan Mail Most notaries who want to break into trust and estate work focus on one thing: getting estate planning attorneys to hire them. They send emails. They drop off business cards. They wait for the phone to ring. What they're missing is the strategy that changes everything — becoming a resource before they ever ask for anything in return. In this episode, Bill Soroka breaks down the Three-Tier Estate Planning Referral System, a simple but powerful framework that transforms notaries from vendors into valued partners. This isn't about collecting names. It's about building a curated ecosystem of trusted professionals at every level so that no matter who asks you for an estate planning referral, you have a thoughtful, genuine answer. You'll learn why having a referral list isn't just a nice-to-have — it's one of the most effective marketing tools in this specialty. When you lead with referrals instead of services, the entire dynamic of your outreach changes. The subject line "A referral for you" gets opened. The conversation that follows feels like a partnership, not a pitch. And the attorneys and professionals who receive your referrals start sending work back in return. That's the referral loop. And this episode shows you exactly how to build your end of it. Here's what we cover: The three tiers of estate planning referrals — your personal network, budget-friendly options, and vetted DIY solutions — and why having all three makes you a genuine resource instead of a one-trick referral machine. Why passing along a name is a tip, not a referral, and how to make warm introductions that actually open doors and create relationships that last for years. The double opt-in approach to introductions — a strategy Bill learned from the book SuperConnector — and why it changes how both parties show up to the relationship. How to edify the people you're introducing so the connection starts on a foundation of genuine trust rather than a cold exchange of contact information. The five steps to building your referral list starting today, even if you're brand new to this specialty or feel like you don't know enough people yet. Why the three-tier system isn't just a business strategy — it's what builds the reputation of being the go-to resource in your community, the person who always has an answer, and the professional that estate planning firms protect and keep calling. Whether you're just getting started in trust and estate work or you've been building your practice for a while and want to deepen your referral relationships, this episode will give you a concrete framework and immediate action steps you can put to work today. Because the notaries who thrive in this niche aren't the ones who market the hardest. They're the ones who bring the most value before they ever ask for anything back. Ready to be that notary? Join our free community of notary entrepreneurs at www.Skool.com/notary/about Check out the books Bill has written to help notary entrepreneurs grow their businesses at www.notarycoach.com/books

    33 min
  5. Phantom Notaries: Ghost Listings, Missed Calls, and the Exit Problem No One Talks About

    Apr 14

    Phantom Notaries: Ghost Listings, Missed Calls, and the Exit Problem No One Talks About

    Send us Fan Mail I called over 200 notaries listed on my own platform about paid estate signing jobs. Two called back. That experience — and the painful decision it led to — is at the heart of this episode. For years I ran Gotary.com, a premium notary directory I personally built, marketed, and stood behind. I put my name, my face, and my phone number on it because I believed in the professionals listed there. And when hiring parties started telling me they couldn't reach those notaries, I tested it myself. The pattern was the same every time. Calls unanswered. Voicemails unprofessional or missing entirely. Texts and follow-ups ignored. For paid jobs. That's when I made the decision to shut Gotary down. But here's what that experience revealed that goes far beyond one directory: Most of those notaries didn't ghost hiring parties because they were careless. They ghosted them because they had quietly stepped away from the business — and never properly closed it. Ghost listings. Phantom profiles. Phone numbers that ring into the void. And hiring parties who find those listings, make those calls, and hear nothing — they don't know the person quit. They just know they got ghosted by someone who called themselves a professional notary. Multiply that across thousands of inactive notaries who never closed properly, and you start to understand where the responsiveness crisis in this industry is actually coming from. This episode is about that problem. And the solution. Whether you're thinking about closing your notary business, already stepping away, or still actively building — this one is for you. What we cover: — Why quiet, graceless exits are fueling the notary responsiveness crisis — The real cost of ghost listings, dead profiles, and inactive voicemails — A complete step-by-step checklist for closing a notary business with integrity — How to protect your reputation, your relationships, and the profession on your way out — The one question worth asking before you close the door for good This episode is for you if you're: — Searching for how to close a notary business the right way — Wondering what to do with your notary seal, journal, or commission — Feeling burned out, discouraged, or ready for a different season — An active notary questioning why responsiveness in this industry is broken — A mobile notary, signing agent, or loan signing agent wondering whether to continue Resources mentioned: — Join the free community: skool.com/notary/about The Sign & Thrive Podcast is hosted by Bill Soroka, founder of NotaryCoach.com and the High Performance Notary community — helping notaries build sustainable, professional businesses through relationship-based marketing, better systems, and a higher standard of service.

    23 min
  6. Bartenders Get More ID Training Than Notaries

    Apr 7

    Bartenders Get More ID Training Than Notaries

    Send us Fan Mail Most notaries are commissioned… But very few are truly prepared for the responsibility that comes with the role. In this episode of the Sign & Thrive Podcast for Notaries, Bill Soroka sits down with Lori Hamm—former notary administrator for the Montana Secretary of State’s office—for a candid conversation about the gap between what notaries are expected to do and how they’re actually trained. This isn’t a conversation about how to stamp documents. It’s about what’s really at stake when a notary verifies identity—and what happens when the system assumes competency that may not exist. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing this “right,” or felt like there’s a deeper level to this profession that no one is talking about, this episode will give you a new perspective. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why being commissioned as a notary does not automatically mean you’re qualified  The real role notaries play in preventing fraud and protecting the public  What state oversight actually covers—and where it falls short  Common misconceptions about notarization and identity verification  The risks notaries face when operating without deeper training  Why the notary profession is evolving—and what that means for your future This conversation is especially important for notaries who want to:  Build a credible, professional reputation  Work with higher-value clients like attorneys and institutions  Reduce risk and operate with greater confidence  Understand the bigger picture of the role they play Because the truth is— Notaries are often the last line of defense in critical transactions. And the world is starting to expect more from those in this role. If this episode resonated with you and you’re ready to step into a higher standard of professionalism, you can learn more about the national credentialing movement here: www.americannotaryguild.com And if you want to build a real business around your notary commission—with consistent clients, proven systems, and a community of notaries doing the work alongside you— Join the High Performance Notary community: https://www.skool.com/notary Listen to more episodes of the Sign & Thrive Podcast for Notaries for practical strategies, real conversations, and the mindset shifts you need to grow a thriving notary business. If you found value in this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with another notary who’s ready to level up.

    1h 13m
  7. I Shut Down a Profitable Notary Platform and Here’s Why

    Mar 31

    I Shut Down a Profitable Notary Platform and Here’s Why

    Send us Fan Mail I shut down a platform I built to raise the standard of this industry.  Not because it failed… but because I couldn’t stand behind it anymore. There’s a moment every business owner faces eventually. When the data doesn’t just disappoint you…  It forces a decision. In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind why I made the call to shut down Gotary — a directory I built differently on purpose. Not faceless.  Not automated.  Not “set it and forget it.” I put my own name, my own reputation, and my own confirmation on the line for every notary listed. And that’s exactly why I couldn’t ignore what kept happening. Repeated complaints.  Missed calls.  Unreturned voicemails.  Inconsistent professionalism. This wasn’t one-off noise.  It became a pattern. And at some point, you have to ask yourself: Would I trust this… if I were the client? In this episode, we talk about:  Why I built Gotary the way I did  What I heard over and over again from hiring parties  The difference between systems and behavior  Why some problems can’t be solved with better tools  The line every business owner eventually has to draw  What this means for your own reputation and growth This isn’t about calling anyone out. It’s about ownership. Because at the end of the day: A system can create opportunity.  But only behavior earns trust. And if you’re serious about building something that lasts…  that’s the part you can’t outsource. You can join the conversation and get the support you need to grow a truly professional notary business in my free community on Skool here: https://www.skool.com/notary/about

    12 min
  8. Stop Chasing Your Own Reviews (Do This Instead & Make More Money)

    Mar 29

    Stop Chasing Your Own Reviews (Do This Instead & Make More Money)

    Send us Fan Mail Most notaries are taught to build their business one review at a time. Build your Google Business Profile.  Ask every client for five stars.  Stay visible. And that advice works… to a point. But if you’ve ever felt like you’re still chasing the next appointment, still wondering where the next opportunity is coming from, there’s a reason. You’re playing a transaction-based game. In this episode, Bill Soroka introduces a different approach—one that shifts your focus from individual appointments to long-term, high-value relationships. It’s called The Review Flip. Instead of focusing only on getting your own reviews, you begin helping your attorney clients (especially estate planning firms) strengthen their online visibility and client feedback systems. Why does that matter? Because many small law firms:  • Were never taught how to market their business  • Don’t have a structured review-getting strategy  • Rely heavily on referrals and inconsistent visibility That gap creates an opportunity for you. Not to sell.  To help. And when you help the firm grow, something powerful happens: More visibility → more clients → more estate plans → more signing appointments → more consistent income for you. That’s leverage. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why focusing only on your own reviews limits your long-term growth  • The hidden opportunity inside small estate planning firms  • How to introduce yourself to attorneys without sounding salesy  • How to support a law firm’s review strategy during your appointments  • The simple language that makes this feel natural and professional  • How this shifts you from “vendor” to “trusted partner” This isn’t about becoming a marketing expert. It’s about recognizing the value you already bring—and applying it in a way that creates stronger relationships, better positioning, and more predictable business. If you’re ready to stop chasing individual appointments and start building partnerships that generate consistent work, this episode will change how you think about reviews, visibility, and your role as a notary. Take the next step: Inside the free High Performance Notary community, you’ll find a fully customizable, one-page Review Visibility Framework you can share with attorney clients and prospects. It’s designed to help law firms:  • Make review requests part of their workflow  • Remove friction for clients  • Build trust and visibility consistently  • And integrate a notary partner into that process Join the community here:  https://www.skool.com/notary You are more than a notary with a stamp. Step into a role where you help your clients grow—and your business grows with them. That’s The Review Flip.

    13 min
See All (47)

5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Welcome to Sign & Thrive: A Podcast for Notaries. Did you know you can build an entire business and additional revenue stream with your Notary commission? The Sign & Thrive podcast helps mobile notaries and loan signing agents serve their customers and build a business that lasts, no matter what the economy is doing. This work matters! Fortunes are transfered, and rights are granted & revoked, with the swipe of our pen and the stamp of our seal. Meet your fellow Notaries Public from around the country who have answered the call to defend integrity AND build a business that they can be proud of, while reclaiming their schedule, and generating unlimited income.

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Soroka
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sign & Thrive
  • Show Website
    Sign & Thrive

You Might Also Like