How to Build Referral Partnerships as an Independent Notary
If you’re an independent notary looking to grow your business, referral partnerships are one of the most powerful—and most overlooked—strategies available. These relationships help you:
- Generate consistent leads
- Tap into trusted professional networks
- Spend less time chasing and more time serving
The goal is simple: get other professionals talking about you when you’re not in the room.
Step 1: Identify Your Ideal Client and Target Market
Who are you trying to work with? Title companies? Law firms? Once you know, look for non-competing businesses who serve the same clients:
- For law firms: Court reporters are a great option.
- For title companies: Surveyors, inspectors, or realtors can be valuable partners.
Think beyond your industry.
Step 2: Find Referral Partners
Places to look:
- Local Google searches
- Chamber of Commerce directories
- Networking events
- Real estate open houses
- Facebook groups (including local moms groups)
Pro tip: Don’t ignore free local events or mixers hosted by brokers, realtors, or legal professionals.
Step 3: Make the Ask (With Value First)
When you reach out:
- Introduce yourself clearly
- Offer value first — “I’d love to connect to see how I can send clients your way.”
- Position the relationship as mutually beneficial
People are far more likely to help you when they see you’re already helping them.
Step 4: Build Trust Over Time
Don’t expect immediate referrals. Partners need to trust your work first.
Ways to build trust:
- Follow up after your first meeting
- Refer someone to them first (and let them know you did)
- Stay visible on social media (Blink cards, business cards, omnichannel)
Step 5: Use the Omnichannel Method
After meeting someone, connect with them in multiple places:
- Facebook (business and personal, if appropriate)
Be top of mind without being pushy.
Step 6: Master the Soft Intro
When connecting two people, keep the introduction simple and respectful:
“Hi Jack, meet Joe. Jack works with title companies as an inspector, and Joe is a real estate attorney. Thought this might be a valuable intro. I’ll let you two take it from here.”
This builds your authority and your network. Bonus points if you screenshot the referral and send it to your partner as a reminder that you’re thinking of them.
Final Tips
- Vet your referral partners—if they drop the ball, it reflects on you.
- Keep showing up. Even one or two strong partnerships can transform your business.
- Keep giving. The law of reciprocity is real and incredibly effective.
