From Underwriter to Writer

My Journey into the Wonderful World of Blogging

When I dedicated 2023 to building my personal brand, this experience opened up brand-new opportunities in digital marketing for me.

My company had in fact laid me off after I spent 20 years devoted to the mortgage industry; no pity party was needed for this turn of events, something that impacted both myself and many others last year. It had to happen, and it forced me to adopt a fresh approach to life.

Turns out, I had been doing it all wrong: depending on someone else to dictate my future, that is. My commitment and devotion meant little in a market where 100s of candidates were vying for that one (!) job opening.

So, what exactly did I do? To stay optimistic, I threw myself into any and all activities geared toward building a new career and tested out lots of different things—ranging from Etsy and YouTube to delivering groceries. I faced some serious learning curves in the process, but going back to school at Otis College of Art and Design helped to an incredible degree. Binge-watching YouTube videos on topics I found exciting and having the courage to reach out to YouTubers who had found success helped motivate me as I continued down the path of content creation.

Here are some notable opportunities I’ve tested out (and plan to continue!):

• Writing articles for LinkedIn, Medium, and my websites
• Affiliated marketing
• Building websites for both myself and my family
• Launching my notary business
• Posting videos on my YouTube Channel
• Heading back to school to earn my UX certification
• Making notebooks with KDP/Book Bolt and selling them on Amazon

What really stuck?

I can say now—with a deep sense of accomplishment—that I’ve found my passion in creating and nurturing my business, Lee’s OC Notary. This venture is a direct result of everything I learned and experienced in 2023.

In doing all of this and at the core of it all, however, is writing—which saved my soul.

Putting pen to paper (or I guess I should say fingers to keyboard) helped me process my thoughts, clarify my business strategies, and communicate more effectively with my audience. It rescued me.

Having a channel to express myself and communicate my worth to the world also flooded me with hope. Composing articles that were engaging enough to attract followers became my solace, and the more I shared my thoughts online, the more other people discovered my work. On challenging days, my spirits were brightened whenever I’d glance at my LinkedIn impressions, likes, claps, and encouraging comments.

Embarking on this new journey at age 47 was certainly daunting, but it pushed me to adapt and grow. Each step—from diversifying my skills to launching my business—was chock-full of learning curves. Facing rejection, mastering new technologies, and navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship were challenging, yet these experiences were crucial for my growth. They taught me resilience and the importance of self-reliance, and despite some initial setbacks, I learned to embrace each mistake as a valuable lesson: gradually building a future on my own terms.

Turning Points

On Medium, strangers followed me and even commented on my stories. The joy I experienced after earning my first $.10 on the platform may seem silly to some, but to me, it filled my heart: juxtaposed against all those rejections I received from employers who’d decided to “go in a different direction” after reviewing my resume. I believed on those days that no matter how many resumes I sent out or friends I networked with, the mortgage industry would remain bleak in the days and months to come.

Another significant milestone came after I learned how to use Adobe Photoshop and made artwork for a notebook to sell through KDP. Someone in the Netherlands—thousands of miles away from California—decided to purchase the notebook, and I made $6 dollars. A sense of triumph ensued.

Now in 2024, I’m drawing from everything I’ve learned and developing my notary business.

I encourage everyone—young, old, in a similar predicament as me, or simply wanting something more—to test out the waters and take one tiny step forward at a time. You will get better.

Navigating through these experiences, I’ve accumulated a wealth of knowledge and skills that now feed the next (super-important) aspect of my journey as I share my practical know-how with you.

How about some WordPress tips to get you going? Without future ado…

How I Publish Articles Using WordPress

Let’s dive into some specifics surrounding how I use WordPress to publish my articles, an instrumental process for establishing one’s online footprint. I’m excited to walk you through it!

If you don’t have a website yet, no worries! Check out my article, “Business Owner Essential – Build Your Website,” a step-by-step guide on how to do just what the title says. You can also glean the same information by heading to my YouTube channel (channel name: Phuong TL).

Follow these steps to publish an article on WordPress:

STEPS 1-4:

1. Write your article 😊 (I normally do so in Microsoft Word).
2. Find a relevant image or two to drop into the article.
3. Compress your image(s) on this website (for free!): https://www.iloveimg.com/compress-image
4. Head to “Posts” from your WordPress dashboard.

5. Click “Add New Post.”

Step 6 - This is Where You Add Your Post Title

On the next screen, add the title of your post. See “Yoast SEO” below? These items are RED because nothing is posted yet. I use this plugin to aid my search engine optimization (SEO) efforts, and you can too! I consider it a MUST for my website

Step 7- Clicking on “Edit with Elementor” Will Bring You to the Page Below.

Then, click on the nine-dot box (as pictured) and select an option to form the structure of your article (e.g., selecting “Title Heading” to initiate your new post). Each time you click on the box, the structure will begin forming on the right-hand side.

Note: I perform these steps AFTER writing my article so I’m familiar with the structure I need with respect to my headlines (H1), subheadings (H2, H3, H4), images, and content.

As for Steps 8, 9, 10, etc., these will add more structure to your post.

For myself, they typically include an H1 title, image, text editor(content), H2 subheading, test editor (content), and so on.

I’ll continue to click the box until I’ve fully built my post and then transfer over my article from Word, cutting and pasting the text on the left-hand side. Moving down, I’ll then upload any images in the designated space.

As for the final step?

That’s right, friends. It’s time to publish. Congrats on creating your very first WordPress article! 🎉

Thanks for reading!

Author Bio:

Hi! I’m Phuong Lee. After experiencing two layoffs in 2023, I decided to take control of my future and launch Lee’s OC Notary. This period in my life highlighted the importance of having multiple streams of income, and owning my own business has provided a unique opportunity to grow and shape my company in accordance with my business aspirations. With Lee’s OC Notary, I’m committed to providing excellent service while continuously adapting to the evolving needs of my clients.

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Business Owner Essential- Build Your Website

How To Build a Notary Website with Limited Tech Skills Using Bluehost & WordPress

I remember staring at my computer screen, feeling overwhelmed. With minimal technical skills, the thought of building a website for my notary business seemed like a mountain too high to climb.

But then came the turning point. Launching my notary website with Bluehost and WordPress wasn’t just a step forward; it was a leap into a world I never thought I could enter. To my surprise, it led to the landing of my first client almost immediately—a moment of triumph and disbelief.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

The Bluehost & WordPress Combo for Notary Website Success

I came across an analogy: the Internet is like the real estate market. In real estate you purchase a plot of land, hire an architect/construction company to build your house, and then pay maintenance fees to maintain your home. For the Internet, you need to purchase a domain name which is your URL (your address) on the Internet, then you need to hire a web designer/developer to build your website (your house), and you need to pay a monthly fee to a hosting company to maintain the site (let’s call it HOA/taxes/Insurance fees).

To break it down a bit further:

• Domain Name (Your Internet Address):
  1. In this analogy, a domain name is like the physical address of a house in the real estate market.
  2. Bluehost comes into play here as a domain registrar. You can purchase and register your domain name (like www.leesocnotary.com) through Bluehost. This is like acquiring the land where you’ll build your house.
• Web Designer/Developer (Building Your House):
  1. In the world of websites, WordPress acts like the architect and construction company. It’s the platform where you ‘build’ your website.
  2. WordPress provides the tools and materials (like themes and plugins) to construct your website. This is like designing the layout of your house and deciding on the construction materials. You can do it yourself with WordPress’s user-friendly interface.
• Hosting Company (Maintenance Fees/HOA/Taxes/Insurance):
  1. After building your website, it needs a place to ‘live’ on the Internet. This is where web hosting services like Bluehost come in.
  2. Bluehost is like the housing community or the entity you pay maintenance fees to. They provide the server space where your website data is stored and ensure that your website is accessible to visitors 24/7, much like paying for utilities, HOA, taxes, or insurance to maintain your house.

In this analogy, WordPress is the tool you use to build your website (the house), while Bluehost provides the land and ongoing maintenance services necessary to keep your website (house) live and accessible on the Internet.

Why WordPress?

When I first started, I compared WordPress to Adobe Dreamweaver. I researched and decided WordPress would be the best option for me. According to W3Techs.com, WordPress software powers 40% of the top 10 million websites in the world. Discovering this made sense since I know there will be a lot of information I can find on WordPress. I opted for WordPress for these additional reasons: 

1. Ease of Use: No coding required because you can select themes and it is a drag and insert option as you customize your website.
2. Flexibility: A great number of themes and plugins.
3. SEO-Friendly: I ensured as much consideration for SEO on my website and used the Yoast plugins to monitor my System Engine Optimization.
4. Community Support: Access to tutorials and forums. You can find so much on Pinterest, You Tube, ChatGPT, and so much more.
5. Responsive Design: Mobile-ready themes. My desktop and my mobile app are slightly different in look and WordPress has features to help customize this for me.
6. Regular Updates: Keeping your site secure. There are different plugins to help keep your website secure.
7. E-Commerce Integration: WooCommerce. There are theme templates that have commerce feature so you can sell your products on your website.

Why Bluehost?

Choosing Bluehost started with asking friends and family about who they used. My sister has built a few websites previously and recommended Bluehost. After some research I did decide on Bluehost for these reasons:

1. Beginner-Friendly: Intuitive interface. The home screen is easy for me to navigate through.
2. WordPress Integration: Seamless and efficient. This was a big deal because I followed a few steps and WordPress downloaded and my website was set.
3. Affordable: Cost-effective hosting plans. There are different plans.
4. Free Domain: Included in the first year.
5. Online Support: This was crucial for me when I had questions on my website. I was able to reach out to their customer service via a phone call or their live Chat.

 

After understanding the roles of WordPress and Bluehost in creating and maintaining a website, I chose this powerful combination.

Now, let’s build your website.  

I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to build your website using WordPress and Bluehost.

This is a step-by-step guide, ensuring that even those with limited technical skills can create a professional-looking website.

So, grab your digital tools, and let’s start building your online presence!” You’ve got this! 🙂

Ready to begin?

Step 1: Simply Click Here And Then Hit The ‘Get Started Now’ Button to Embark On Your Journey!

Step 2: Select A Plan

I initially selected the basic plan for my notary website. However, as I got more comfortable with building websites, I upgraded to the Choice Plus plan, which allowed me to create and manage additional websites.

Step 3: Create a Domain Name

This is where you choose a name for your website. Some tips on a domain name are 1) something easy to remember and resonates with you, 2) incorporate keywords to reflect your business and 3) the extension that is recognizable such as .com, .org, etc.

Step 4: Create your Hosting Account

Once you finalize your domain name you will click next, and it will take you to the screen to create your hosting account.

Step 5: Choose A Package

When selecting your hosting plan, I suggest starting with the 12-month option, which costs $2.95 per month, amounting to $35.40 annually.  With this this promotion you can get 75% off.

Regarding additional features, Bluehost offers various paid services such as eCommerce, Yoast, and SEO tools. In my experience, many of these functionalities can be added with free WordPress plugins.

The one extra I do recommend is Domain Privacy Protection, which I’ve consistently used for my websites to safeguard personal information. This feature is explained if you click on ‘more information’.

Step 6: Complete Your Purchase and Submit

Step 7: You're Done!

Once you complete these steps, you’re fully equipped to begin your online journey.

Bluehost simplifies the process by automatically installing WordPress for you.

With this setup complete, you can now access your WordPress dashboard. This is where the real fun begins – customizing your website to match your vision and style!

Congratulations!

Author Bio:

After experiencing two layoffs in 2023, I, Phuong Lee, decided to take control of my future and opened Lee’s OC Notary. This period in my life highlighted the importance of having multiple streams of income. Owning my own business has given me the unique opportunity to grow and shape the company according to my business aspirations. At Lee’s OC Notary, I am committed to providing excellent services while continuously expanding and adapting to the evolving needs of our clients.

 

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Unlock 2024's Top Side Hustle: Your Guide to Becoming a Mobile Notary

Have you ever considered starting your own business, but worry about balancing it with your 9 to 5 job?

My journey into becoming a mobile notary in Orange County began in 2023, after facing job uncertainty. Here, I share insights into how becoming a mobile notary offers stability and growth in an active job market.

Life is a Journey

I found myself faced with a sudden career shift in January 2023 after two decades as a mortgage underwriter. My journey took me through digital art, affiliate marketing, Shipt (delivering groceries), and finally to notary services in California.

My first notarization was eye-opening. The process was straightforward and gratifying, and I received immediate payment. In California, the maximum you can charge for notarizing each signature is $15. If you’re working with clients who require a document signed by two people, you can charge up to $30. Additionally, as a mobile notary, I can include a travel fee to client locations.

In California, a notary public is an official appointed by the Secretary of State, tasked with important responsibilities. For those starting in this field, General Notary Work (GNW) is a common entry point. This involves witnessing the signing of various documents like contracts, deeds, affidavits, and medical directives, among others. As a notary, you also have the authority to administer oaths and affirmations, such as the Attorney’s Oath – a particularly rewarding experience for me as I was part of a new attorney’s career.

Another specialized role within the notary field is that of a Loan Signing Agent. This position focuses on notarizing mortgage loan documents and requires additional steps, including certification and often registration with signing service companies. Signing agents play a critical role in real estate transactions and the proper execution of loan documents. You can earn up to $130 per assignment, typically requiring 1 to 2 hours of your time, depending on the complexity of the loan documents.

Flexibility in the work environment is another advantage of being a notary. You can choose to operate from an office, or as a mobile notary, traveling to clients’ locations-– homes, offices, or even hospitals.

Whether you’re considering becoming a notary or seeking notary services, here are some insights into how Lee’s OC Notary addresses these needs:

1. Understanding State Regulations: At Lee’s OC Notary, we stay updated with California’s notary laws, ensuring compliance and informed service.
2. Organization and Record-Keeping: We prioritize meticulous record-keeping, which not only reflects our professionalism but is a cornerstone of our reliable service.
3. Continuous Training and Education: We’re committed to ongoing education. This keeps us ahead in understanding the latest notarization practices and laws, ensuring top-notch service.
4. Networking for Success: We’ve built strong connections with local professionals like real estate agents and lawyers, ensuring a broad and reliable network for diverse notarial needs.
5. Exceptional Customer Service: Our focus is on being accessible, efficient, and personable. This approach has helped us build a loyal client base and gain positive referrals.
6. Specialization in Mobile Notarization: Recognizing the need for convenience, we offer mobile notary services, bringing notarization to your doorstep, be it your home, office, or any other location.

By following these practices, at Lee’s OC Notary, we not only thrive as a business but we ensure that clients receive the most reliable, efficient, and convenient notary services available.

Conclusion:

Embarking on a journey as a notary offers a unique blend of flexibility, practicality, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful work. It’s an ideal side hustle for those seeking a balance between personal and professional lives, while also providing a valuable service to the community.

If you’re intrigued by the prospect of becoming a notary or require notarial services, Lee’s OC Notary is here to assist. We pride ourselves on providing professional, reliable, and convenient notary solutions tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, start a new career path, or need trusted notarial services, Lee’s OC Notary is just a click away. Visit us at www.leesocnotary.com to learn more about our services and how we can help you navigate your notarial requirements.

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Becoming a Notary Public in California: A Rewarding Opportunity

Introduction:

Becoming a Notary Public in California: A Rewarding Opportunity

Embarking on the journey to become a notary public in California is not just about starting a business; it’s about providing essential and convenient notary services in your community. Whether you’re aiming to offer traditional notary services in a fixed location or become a mobile notary, bringing your services directly to clients, understanding the process is crucial. Here’s my journey, packed with insights for those looking to follow a similar path.

Overview of Steps:

1. Complete the Approved Education
2. Register for the Exam
3. Take the Exam
4. Submit Fingerprints via Live Scan
5. Await Commission Packet
6. Purchase Notary Public Materials
7. File Notary Public Oath & Bond

Detailed Steps:

My journey to becoming a certified notary public in California began with a mandatory six-hour course from an approved vendor. This crucial step is your gateway into the world of notary services, laying the foundation for your future as a notary. Once you complete the course, you’ll receive a Proof of Completion certificate, allowing you to register for the notary exam through CPS HR Consulting.

For a comprehensive list of approved education vendors and additional steps after obtaining your Proof of Completion certificate, please refer to the Secretary of State’s website.

I opted for National Notary Association for my 6-hour class. They had an option that I could register to take the exam on the same day. I took this option since it worked best for me since the material I learned would be fresh on my mind. 

Post-exam, typically, results are communicated within 14 business days. For instance, after taking my exam on March 2, 2023, I eagerly awaited and finally received my positive results on March 22, 2023.

Meanwhile, acquiring your fingerprints via Live Scan is an essential step, to becoming a notary in California. Though the National Notary Association (NNA) offers convenient packages for photos and fingerprinting, I found that getting my photos at CVS and completing the Live Scan at a nearby location to my home worked best for me.

After passing the notary exam, regularly check the Secretary of State’s website for current processing times for applications and when you will get your commission package, which can take about 60 days.

I remember the excitement when I received my commission package in the mail. It marked a significant milestone in my journey to offering notary public services. I received my commission package on May 27, 2023.

Purchasing Notary Materials:

Upon receiving your commission package, it’s time to purchase essential materials for your notary public role. These include:

1. Notary Journal (I recommend the National Notary Association journal, available on Amazon). Link
2. Stamp from an approved vendor (consider getting two for convenience). You can find a list of approved vendors in your commission package.
3. Ink pad for thumbprints (available on Amazon). Link
4. Wipes to remove thumbprint ink for clients (also available on Amazon). Link
5. Black pens (available on Amazon). Link
6. A lockable bag for notary supplies (find one on Amazon). Link

 

Finalizing Your Notary Public Role:

The final step is to file your oath and secure your surety bond within 30 days of receiving your commission packet. You worked so hard to get to this point, make sure to follow all the requirements stated in your commission package. For my surety bond, I turned to the National Notary Association. For those in Orange County, CA, you can file your oath and surety bond at the Laguna Hills County Clerk’s office. 

Conclusion:

My journey to becoming a notary public in California has been incredibly fulfilling. If you need notary services or a mobile notary in the area, please feel free to reach out. 

Phuong Lee

Email: ptranlee@gmail.com

Lee’s OC Notary

Website: https://leesocnotary.com

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Embarking on a journey into the vast digital universe was never in my plans. As a 48-year-old mom of two with no prior IT experience, I found myself at a crossroads after my layoff in February 2023.

Join me as I navigated the complexities of WordPress Web Design and the intricacies of digital marketing, transforming my career and, more importantly, my self-belief.

To my surprise, my YouTube video on Blink by Malcolm Gladwell attracted 73 views from strangers in just 10 days of posting, and my Medium account grew to 46 followers since October 10th, 2023. This growth, surprisingly, came with minimal promotion on my part.

This success led me to ponder: How could I apply these insights to my public notary business? I challenged myself and this was what I learned.

After my layoff in February 2023, I realized having multiple backup income streams would keep my family secure. Navigating through this time of uncertainty, I wanted to find stability in different ways to earn income.

Obtaining my public notary license proved to be a successful step. The first day I posted Lee’s OC Notary on Google Business Profile, I got a call from my first client. It was an incredible feeling! I will forever remember this family, and I hope they will use me for all their notarial needs from here on out. At least that was the impression I hoped I left with them. 

If I can get one client, I know I can get my next one, and my next 100. It is a matter of getting more visibility for my business. Excited by this newfound success, I turned my attention to a strong digital presence.

I discovered this personal evolution does mirror broader workforce trends. According to Statista Research Department, experts estimate that by 2027, freelancers will comprise 50.9% of the U.S. workforce. While the rise of freelancing is evident, I have seen a shift in the mortgage industry towards a digital media presence as well.

Don’t get me wrong, if you have read any of my prior articles you know I love mortgage underwriting and anything residential real estate related. I have been a mortgage underwriter for the past 23 years, in fact, I am still actively looking for a job in the mortgage industry. But when you apply for a job and there are over 100 other applicants for that one spot, well, it is quite daunting.

I came across an analogy: the Internet is like the real estate market. In real estate you purchase a plot of land, hire an architect/construction company to build your house, and then pay maintenance fees to maintain your home. For the Internet, you need to purchase a domain name which is your URL (your address) on the Internet, then you need to hire a web designer/developer to build your website (your house), and you need to pay a monthly fee to a hosting company to maintain the site (let’s call it HOA/taxes/Insurance fees). While it may be oversimplifying this complex topic in both real estate and website design, it was encouraging enough to start.

After researching various hosting companies, I chose one (Bluehost) that seemed user-friendly for beginners; however, there are many reputable options available, and I recommend you find one that aligns with your specific needs.

I found Bluehost’s integrated domain feature, and their robust customer support help desk made sense to me. When I first signed into Bluehost, I felt overwhelmed, but here’s how I navigated it. There are a couple of screenshots from my Bluehost webpage below. The simplicity of the website made it easier for me to understand my next steps.

First, you will want to choose a domain name and then purchase it. The day I bought my first domain name ( www.phuonglee.com), I felt like I claimed a little piece of the Internet for myself.

On the left side of the webpage, there are only a few tabs to start.

Now starts the challenge of building your website. By taking it one step at a time, I assure you, you will get there. 

The website building starts with the tab above.

I found so much information to help me along the way.

• There are many YouTube Videos to help you get started.
• Coursera.org is an online learning platform. I was able to find a free course on how to build a website using WordPress.
• What also worked for me was paying for a subscription through Bluehost Live Pro where I could speak to a customer service agent. In the beginning, I was calling them on a regular basis. The questions became less frequent when I ventured onto building my next website.
• The library was another resource. There are so many books. And it’s free!
• Venturing into the digital world, I quickly learned that creating a website was just the beginning. The real magic lies in making it visible to others. This is where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes into play. When I launched my first website ( www.phuonglee.com), I realized it was not enough. “Build it and they will come,” is not true here. I am competing in an ocean of online content. My aim? To be among the top 5 companies that pop up when potential clients search, “Notary Near Me”. One resource that became my compass was the book: SEO 2024 by Adam Clarke. Adam Clarke offers a clear step-by-step approach suitable for any business.
•  I signed up for ChatGPT 4.0. It is truly my virtual personal assistant. It has been another vital key in helping me build my websites.

Reflecting on where I started, I realize that I’ve achieved more than I could have initially imagined.

Conclusion

From learning SEO to building websites, it has been a journey of learning, and at the core of it, it’s never too late to embrace the hustle culture and create new opportunities. Starting a YouTube Channel or writing articles was not something I planned but it happened along the way.

Since I started, I have finished building 3 websites and am now in the process of building the 4th one for my sister.

I joined the hustle culture, and I am a bit hooked. So can you. It is within your reach if you so choose. Just move towards it and you will get better, little by little. I encourage you to explore and find what works for you. Don’t let the naysayer tell you otherwise.

Thank you for reading. Until my next article!

If you found this article helpful please subscribe to my YouTube Channel Link.   

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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/phuonglee

Book Recommendation:

SEO 2024 by Adam Clarke

You can go directly to Amazon or use my Link.

(Please note: This is an affiliated link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to find and share more gems like these. Thank you in advance!)

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