NNA 2024: Transformative trends and tips for working with signing services

Dive into our recap of the 2024 NNA conference and learn what the Jot team shared about how to work with signing services in today’s market.

The National Notary Association Conference, held in the vibrant city of Orlando, has once again proven to be the must-attend event for notaries nationwide. With its rich history of 46 years, the NNA Conference stands as a beacon of knowledge, networking, and professional growth. This year was no exception, as hundreds of notaries from across the country gathered to gain invaluable insights, discover the latest advancements in signing services, and connect with industry leaders and peers.

Key highlights from NNA 2024

The unforgettable NNA 2024 experience

At the Rosen Centre, in the heart of Orlando's entertainment district, NNA 2024 offered more than just educational content. It allowed notaries to connect in person, socialize and swap ideas, enjoy a wonderful gala, and so much more!

Testimonials from attendees like Carol Salter, Suzanne Salamy, and Richard Burton echoed the sentiment that the NNA Conference was an invaluable experience. The learning opportunities were unparalleled, with over 30 industry experts under one roof.

Memorable insights from esteemed speakers

The keynote address by Kim Coles, renowned for her vibrant energy and talent, underscored the significance of personal and professional development in the notary field. Attendees left inspired and ready to apply newfound knowledge and insights into their practices.

Signing services: the path to success

On the last day of the conference, Jot General Manager Jaclyn Fox and Lead Project Manager Meagan Garrow led a workshop titled “Signing Services: Friend or Foe?” to address common sentiments among the notary community about signing services and share how notaries can incorporate signing services into their business plans to maximize their success.

Garrow kicked off the presentation by asking over 50 notaries in attendance what comes to mind when they think of signing services. Their responses reflected a range of experiences and a few common themes:

Lower pay: Many session attendees mentioned notoriously low fees and payouts. While the pay may be less, other notaries noted these services offer a great starting point for gaining experience.

Late documents and unclear instructions: Some attendees said they have struggled with getting documents promptly or having unclear instructions on what to do.

Potential for great rapport: One of the more positive comments was that signing services allow you to build great rapport. Garrow mentioned how signing services can create direct relationships with title and escrow companies, leading to more signings and potentially higher earnings.

After hearing the audience’s experiences, Garrow acknowledged that the notary experience with different signing services can vary. She also noted that it’s important to recognize that the industry has and continues to evolve. Technological advancements and improved practices have greatly enhanced the efficiency and reliability of some signing services.

A new kind of signing service

Garrow was very open about sharing her story as a former notary, emphasizing why she was drawn to help establish a signing service with a different approach, like Jot.

“When I was a signing agent, I struggled,” Garrow shared. “I didn't feel appreciated. I was lonely, to be honest; my car was my office, and podcasters were my friends. The people I delivered docs to didn't care that I existed, and I just wished someone saw me. And I wished someone appreciated what I did to help close their loan.”

This led Garrow, Fox, and the Jot team to create a community where notaries can thrive. A community where they can feel supported and appreciated with fair pay and resources for success.

By focusing on continuous improvement and leveraging modern tools, signing services like Jot aim to provide a more streamlined and satisfactory experience for all parties involved and ultimately provide notaries with another pathway to secure signing opportunities.

Expert advice for working with signing services

To maximize success in the signing service arena, Garrow emphasized the following tips:

Be a good friend: Patience, respect, positive attitude, and trust are paramount.

Stay in the game: Continuous training, keeping your credentials up to date, and sharpening your skills are crucial. Utilizing resources like the National Notary Association and the Jot Notary Guide can provide substantial support.

Furthering this point, Garrow noted that you should ensure your certifications are current because Jot notaries are ineligible to receive signing offers if their credentials have expired. When interest rates drop and orders pick up, you’ll want to be ready, she explained.

Get involved in the community: Aligning with a service that values community and actively participating can greatly enhance your reputation and business prospects.

“If you’re not supporting fellow notaries, are you even a notary?” Garrow asked playfully. “At Jot, we do that by hosting webinars and in-person events. We want to connect with you, it’s very important to us.”

She further emphasized how integral the sense of community is to Jot’s ethos, underscoring that fostering strong relationships and providing ongoing support to notaries is a core element of Jot’s mission. By creating opportunities for networking and professional development, Jot aims to build a collaborative and supportive environment where notaries can thrive together.

The Jot approach to signing

Notaries’ shared experiences with signing services also highlighted the importance of an easy-to-use platform, community support, and hassle-free payment processes. This is why Jot developed a platform optimized for phones and desktops, so notaries can complete tasks on the go and expect weekly automatic payments for completed signings without needing invoices.

To conclude the session, Fox demonstrated Jot leadership's commitment to strategizing with notaries by sharing new features that are being rolled out based on notary feedback.

She also informed the audience that Jot will soon expand to several new markets and thus allow a new batch of notaries to join the service. Expanded markets bring more signings and a larger notary community, aligning with Fox's core vision for the company.

“My vision when I came to Jot was to centralize all signings,” recounted Fox. “Whatever one may need a notary for – we want to centralize that signing experience into one platform. That platform is Jot.”

Bringing it all together

The National Notary Association Conference remains the premier event for notaries seeking to enhance their careers. Through its blend of educational sessions, networking opportunities, and industry insights, NNA 2024 has set the stage for notaries to thrive in an evolving marketplace. Whether you're new to the profession or a seasoned veteran, the NNA Conference is a pivotal investment in your professional development. Join us next year in Las Vegas to participate in this extraordinary notary event.

To keep up with all the latest Jot updates, follow Jot on Facebook and Instagram at @signwithjot.