I have searched similar topics inside this forum from 2018 about training and I’m still very uncertain but committed to making decision within the next days.
I “think” I am definitely going to start with NNA’s training programs, but I’m also considering supplementing this with one of the other educators, mainly Carol Ray’s Notary2Pro, Mark Wills’ LLS. Laura Biewer and Bill Soroka’s Sign & Thrive. And then, there are several others I’ve found on YouTube with their super-duper, turbo “expert” courses and it all just becomes a bit confusing.
There are things I definitely like with Mark Wills’ curriculum, however, my cautious antenna goes up with his testimonials, income claims and I’m not sure if I’m buying his sincerity…just uncomfortable vibes. Carol Ray seems to be quite respected and her course seems to get rave reviews, but somehow when I watch her videos, I don’t feel particularly confident with her style. That said, what do I know, I’m a newbie so I’m in no position to judge. The others I feel neutral. I actually like Laura Biewer the best, but I’m not sure she offers a comprehensive LSA training course. I wish most of them had a more detailed overview of what will be covered. (Sigh)
Any 2020 thoughts and/or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
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I can only speak about Mark Willis. I think he is very smart but my antenna also went up. He seems a bit pushy with his clients. This is great if you are trying to work in 6 to 10 signings a day and make a lot of money. I have a different client base in Bremerton, Kitsap County, WA. Lot of seniors and military personnel active and retired. Trust me Mark would not be a good fit here with his city boy demeanor. Nice guy and may work in his area. I have a good following and people even request me because they like my demeanor. I don’t advertise myself and Google just told 1,200 people have searched for me last month. Other people have posted me on Google and Yelp. I work part-time and my income is $2K to $3K per month and works for me because just want to supplement my income. I’m well known in the community and run into my signers in the store, bank, etc. and they treat me like a friend. My suggestion is go with your gut and what feels good for you.
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Thank you very much Alice. I appreciate it. Yes, you’re probably right. It seems I’m just going to have to use my instincts on this one.
Be well and continued success in WA!
I can’t speak for Mark Wills course because my antenna went up as well, but I think Alice’s point on style difference is relevant. As for the other three, it depends on what you want because they have different target markets for their training.
-Carol Ray focuses on the brand new notary/signing agent, she clarifies things and gives examples not in your state handbook.
-Laura Biewer focuses on General Notary work and all the specialties that are not loan related. So the question is do you want to do loans or General work. Many notaries do both, but if your brand new trying to learn both well at the same time might be overwhelming, your call.
-Bill Soroka’s training focuses on loan signing, but he includes a lot more on how to build a business which I appreciated.
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Hi there! I actually have the same feelings about Mark. He is definitely a salesman but great at teaching marketing. Unfortunately, his signing process is subpar compared to Notary2Pro. I’ve grown up in escrow, 3rd generation actually, lol. I have not taken any of the courses because I learned everything OJT. Back then in escrow, we did our own signings. That being said, if you want to learn the docs and how to conduct a signing, I would do N2P first. I have talked to Carol on many occasions since we are both from the escrow world and I know, she knows what she is doing. Her teaching may not be as spiffy, but you will learn the docs and always have her to go back to. She also has lists of SS’s who will give her graduates signings, even if they are “newbies”. From everything I’ve heard about NNA, you need it to work with Signing Services but you won’t learn as much. So that’s just my .02 cents worth, lol.
Oh and Alice, I have cousins in Bremerton! A whole boat load of them, lol. Their last name is Calnan. Hopefully I will be able to visit them next summer. I haven’t seen them since the 1980’s.
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I did the NNA training but felt more was needed so I came across LLS and signed up. The training is great yet I saw a signing company state that they wouldn’t give assignments if we took the six figures class and I’m sure it was Mark Wills class they were referring to. The assignment also said that they preferred Notary2Pro graduates so I’m taking the class and this class is also great. Learning different things. Plus Carol is very helpful when you have a question with an assignment.
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Thank you very much for your input!
Thank you very much. Judging from the replies here and other research, it seems I should give Carole Ray a try – I get nothing but strong feedback. Plus, since I originally posted, I’ve discovered some unsettling things about Mark’s past. At the very least, my instincts were valid. Doesn’t mean the content of his course or knowledge is terrible, but…no thanks.
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Hello, I can speak for Sign and Thrive Bill Soroka, he has a great program, it’s broken down for anyone to understand. He is always available for you to call him (scheduled of course). The Facebook group is awesome, you can always go there and get answers for just about anything you need. I would say try it. I hope this helps.
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Thanks so much for your input. Ironically, I just connected and exchanged some messages with him about 30 minutes ago.
Thank you. You also provide good information. Since I’ve first posted my view, my business has increased to craziness! I always leave my card at signings and people are actually sharing my information with others and saying they want to use me as their Notary. Shockingly surprised when Title, Escrow, and others are contacting to me because their clients want to use me for their Notary. My goal is to help people through the signing process and guess it shows. 
If you haven’t been to Bremerton since the 80’s be ready for growth shock. Area has changed so much and is still growing. One of the last projects I worked on prior to retiring from day job in marine construction is the Manette Bridge - view from bridge is spectacular. New condos are being built surrounding the Sinclair Inlet. New restaurants so far have survived pandemic in Silverdale. We still have good air quality, good water and very thankful. Love Pacific Northwest.
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Alice, the cousins actually came to Hemet, CA and I have never been to Bremerton. I’m much looking forward to it. I just moved to the Eugene, Oregon area a couple of weeks ago. Hopefully next summer would be a good time to visit.
I used to live in Bremerton and truly loved it. Pacific Northwest is just beautiful…
