A new month is a good time for a reminder that applies not only to notaries, but to anyone building a business:

Be careful who you compare yourself to online.

Social media can be an incredible place to learn, connect, ask questions, and build community. In the notary world, many of us have found valuable relationships, resources, and opportunities through Facebook groups, LinkedIn, online forums, and professional communities.

But social media can also create a distorted picture of success.

It is easy to look at someone else’s posts and believe they have it all figured out. It is easy to assume that because someone comments often, gives strong opinions, or speaks with confidence, they must be doing everything exactly as they say they are.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

The Online Persona

For years, I have “known” a notary through social media.

This person has been active in many notary groups, frequently commenting, giving advice, and sharing strong opinions about how notaries should run their businesses.

They have always been very clear about what they claim they will and will not do.

They have said they do not do general notary work.

They have said they do not do reverse mortgages and are strongly against them.

They have said they would never do RON.

They have said they only work with direct clients.

They have said they would never work for a signing company.

They have said they would never be on a platform.

They have also claimed that every signing they accept is $200 or more, that seller-side signings are $300 or more, and that they pay witnesses $100 each.

Over time, the tone often felt like a one-up situation. No matter what someone else was doing, this person seemed to be doing something bigger, better, or more profitable.

They also claimed they had never taken any training and had simply figured things out on their own.

And because they only used a first name online, most people had no way of knowing much more.

The Impact on Other Notaries

Over the years, I watched newer notaries respond to this person with admiration.

Comments like:

“Someday I want to be just like you.”

“I hope my business looks like yours one day.”

“You are goals.”

And I understand why.

When you are new, it is natural to look for people who appear successful. It is natural to want guidance. It is natural to compare your beginning to someone else’s polished online presentation.

But that comparison can be dangerous.

A newer notary may see someone claiming they never accept less than $200 and immediately feel discouraged.

They may feel embarrassed that they are accepting signing company work.

They may think they are doing something wrong because they are using platforms to get started.

They may question whether they should be doing general notary work.

They may feel like they are behind because their business does not look like the business someone else is describing online.

And that is why honesty matters.

What I Found

Recently, I inadvertently came across this notary’s full name.

That caused me to think back on many of the things this person had said over the years, so I did a little research.

What I found did not match the online persona.

This notary is on platforms.

This notary’s platform profile says they do reverse mortgages.

This notary also does RON.

And based on information this person had posted about certain assignments and fees, many of those signings appeared to pay far less than $200.

To be clear, the issue is not that this person does reverse mortgages.

The issue is not that this person does RON.

The issue is not that this person uses platforms.

The issue is not that this person may accept assignments under $200.

There is nothing inherently wrong with any of those things.

The issue is presenting one version of your business publicly while doing something completely different privately, especially when other notaries are relying on your words, your advice, and your example.

Why This Matters

I am not sharing this story to call anyone out by name.

I am sharing it because comparison is already hard enough when everyone is telling the truth.

It becomes even more harmful when the person you are comparing yourself to may not be accurately representing their own business.

Social media can make you feel like you are not doing enough.

It can make you feel like your fees are too low.

It can make you feel like your client base is not good enough.

It can make you feel like you are not successful because you are still learning, still growing, still using platforms, still accepting signing company work, or still doing general notary work.

But your real business should never be compared to someone else’s carefully crafted online persona.

You do not know what is happening behind the scenes.

You do not know what work they are actually accepting.

You do not know what fees they are actually being paid.

You do not know what struggles they are not sharing.

And sometimes, you may not even know whether what they are saying is true.

There Is No Shame in Building

There is nothing wrong with doing general notary work.

There is nothing wrong with doing loan signings.

There is nothing wrong with accepting assignments from signing companies while you build your direct business.

There is nothing wrong with using platforms if they are part of your business plan.

There is nothing wrong with taking training.

There is nothing wrong with asking questions.

There is nothing wrong with growing at your own pace.

Every business develops differently. Some notaries start with loan signings. Some start with general notary work. Some build relationships with attorneys, title companies, hospitals, nursing homes, estate planners, or local businesses. Some use platforms as a stepping stone. Some choose not to. Some specialize. Some diversify.

There is no single path that every notary must follow.

What matters is that you are honest, ethical, properly prepared, and committed to doing good work.

Use Discernment Online

Online communities can be helpful, but they should not replace your own judgment.

Learn from others, but use discernment.

Ask questions, but consider the source.

Notice whether someone offers practical guidance or simply uses every conversation to elevate themselves.

Pay attention to whether their advice is consistent, realistic, and grounded in actual experience.

Be cautious of anyone who makes you feel small in order to make themselves look bigger.

And remember that confidence online is not the same as credibility.

The loudest voice in the room is not always the most truthful one.

Focus on Your Own Business

As we begin a new month, this is your reminder to stay focused on your own business.

Keep learning.

Keep improving.

Keep serving your clients well.

Keep building relationships.

Keep showing up with integrity.

Do not let someone else’s online performance make you question your progress.

Your business does not need to look like anyone else’s to be successful. Your path does not need to match someone else’s claims. Your growth does not need to be measured against a version of success that may not even be real.

Build honestly.

Grow steadily.

Protect your mindset.

And never forget that integrity will always matter more than appearances.