How to Build Referral Partnerships as an Independent Notary
Why Referral Partners Matter
If you’re an independent notary looking to grow your business, referral partnerships are one of the most powerful (and overlooked) strategies available. These relationships help you:
- Get consistent leads
- Tap into established trust networks
- Spend less time chasing and more time serving
The goal? 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 even realtors can be valuable partners.
Think beyond your industry. One of Katie’s best referral partners is a local inflatable rental company owner who’s active in local moms groups.
Step 2: Find Referral Partners
Places to look:
- Local Google searches
- Chamber of Commerce directories
- Networking events
- Real estate open houses
- Facebook groups (especially 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 something first: “I’d love to connect to see how I can send clients your way.”
- Position the relationship as mutually beneficial
Remember: People are more likely to help you when they see you’re already helping them.
Step 4: Build Trust Over Time
Don’t expect immediate referrals. Referral partners need to trust how you work before sending clients your way.
Ways to build trust:
- Follow up after your first meeting
- Refer someone to them first (and let them know you did)
- Stay visible via social media (use Blink cards, business cards, and the omnichannel method)
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 it simple and respectful:
“Hi Jack, meet Joe. Jack works with title companies as an inspector, Joe’s 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 your referral and send it to the partner. It’s a reminder you’re thinking of them.
Final Tips
- Vet your referral partners. If someone you refer drops the ball, it reflects on you.
- Keep showing up. Even just one or two solid partnerships can change your business.
- Keep giving. The law of reciprocity is real, and it works.
