From Lurker to Leader

Most people are watching.

They’re reading, learning, absorbing… but rarely speaking up.

If that sounds like you, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.

In fact, research on online communities shows that nearly 90% of people are “lurkers.” They observe, they learn quietly, and they stay on the sidelines while a small percentage of members drive most of the conversation.

But here’s the question this episode explores:

Is staying quiet neutral… or is it quietly costing you more than you realize?

In this episode of the Sign & Thrive Podcast, Bill Soroka takes a deeper look at the psychology behind lurking, why it’s such a common behavior across platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, Skool communities, training programs, and Zoom calls—and when it’s time to move beyond it.

This isn’t about posting more for the sake of being visible.

It’s about developing the skill of contribution.

Because the professionals who grow the fastest aren’t the ones consuming the most information… they’re the ones learning how to bring value in the rooms they’re already in.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why lurking is completely normal—and why it still has a ceiling
 • The 90–9–1 rule and how it shows up in real communities like High Performance Notary
 • What actually counts as an “online community” (hint: it’s more than social media)
 • The hidden cost of staying silent in your industry
 • The difference between low-impact and high-impact engagement
 • How to contribute in a way that builds trust, visibility, and real relationships
 • Five practical ways to bring value without being an “expert”
 • Why gratitude is participation—and how it strengthens your network

The Shift: From Consuming to Contributing

Most notaries (and entrepreneurs in general) are trained in skills—but not in how to show up in a room.

They know how to do the work.

But they don’t always know how to:

Articulate what they know
 Ask better questions
 Engage in meaningful conversations
 Support others publicly
 Build trust through presence

This episode reframes every online space you’re in as a training ground—not for content, but for leadership.

Whether it’s LinkedIn, a Facebook group, a Skool community, or a weekly Zoom call… these are all opportunities to practice becoming someone who brings value.

The 7-Day Contribution Challenge (Simplified)

Instead of overwhelming you with a checklist, Bill shares a simple approach you can apply immediately:

• Add real value to one conversation per day
 • Share one lesson you learned the hard way
 • Help one person publicly—with detail and intention

These small, intentional actions can shift how you’re seen, how you feel, and how you grow.

Want a place to practice this?

Join High Performance Notary, a free community of 2,000+ notaries who are building real businesses, supporting each other, and learning how to show up with confidence.

This isn’t a place to scroll and disappear.

It’s a place to practice.

Join here: https://www.skool.com/notary

Key Takeaway:

You don’t need a bigger audience.

You need to bring more value to the room you’re already in.

Your next level won’t be built in silence.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with another notary or entrepreneur who’s ready to step out of the shadows and into the conversation.

And if you’re ready… we’ll see you inside.