[sirI]

I thought we could start a thread about Marketing Ideas for the LNC.

I am sure that many of you have helpful information to offer each and everyone of us. I will start with some basics.

If you have not created a letter of introduction and mailed to many attorneys, you need to do this. Start off by sending at least 20 every week. Then follow up in a little less than two weeks after you send the letters. This will look very professional and gives the attorney one-on-one attention, not a blanket flyer. Be sure that when you create the letter you know the specialty of the attorney. Some do not do med-mal, PI, etc. I have examples if you need.

As for the attorney not being familiar with the role of an LNC, this gives you prime opportunity to set up an interview to discuss this. Just keep asking for an interview. Some really have no clue what we can do for their practice.

Do you make phone calls weekly? Try marketing outside your area by phoning?

As for the "cold calls", start doing those. Dress in your business suit and go to the building which houses those attorneys.......marketing pack in hand, business cards, letters of introduction, services provided, etc. You need several types of services provided that target their specialty area, too. Do not place a "case report" or your resume in the packet, however. This is for when you have your interview. And, do not place your fee schedule in the packet either. This is for the interview as well.

The RNs on staff, are they paralegal nurses or LNCs? You can still compliment the paralegal RN if they have one in employ. Besides, you are not seeking employment with them, just as a business associate.

I have found by marketing through emails, there is less response if any. And, I only market via email if I've first established some type of professional relationship with the attorney. Now, I have been contacted by attorneys by email to secure my services. They do look in the national registry for your name and speciality.

[ezells2]

I am also having difficulty with the marketing. I just finished the course approx. 2 months ago and attended the seminar 6 day in vegas as well. I was really ready to come back full force in marketing. I bought 5 dozen bagels and went to 5 med mal attorneys I had researched online. No interviews, I didn't even get past the secretary, but atleast they were happy I fed them and easily accepted my brochure! I am frustrated, I dont enjoy talking on the phone- I like visiting their office- but it is costly and time consuming as I work nights, full time still. I am frustrated and dissapointed that it isn't easier. I am really considering the private apprenticeship, anything to help me. Is it worth it? Jami in AZ

[sirI]

Originally Posted by ezells2

I am also having difficulty with the marketing. I just finished the course approx. 2 months ago and attended the seminar 6 day in vegas as well. I was really ready to come back full force in marketing. I bought 5 dozen bagels and went to 5 med mal attorneys I had researched online. No interviews, I didn't even get past the secretary, but atleast they were happy I fed them and easily accepted my brochure! I am frustrated, I dont enjoy talking on the phone- I like visiting their office- but it is costly and time consuming as I work nights, full time still. I am frustrated and dissapointed that it isn't easier. I am really considering the private apprenticeship, anything to help me. Is it worth it? Jami in AZ

Hello, ezells2,

I recognize that extreme desire to come back and get those cases. You are/were ready to burn the LNC world up and get as many cases as you could. Then, reality sets in and you realize that as a nurse, you don't have the first clue how to market yourself. The medical-legal part of the job, you know. It's how to make others know that and secure you as an associate. You get discouraged.

As I have said before, and, you can read any number of my posts in this forum, nurses just do not know how nor do they have to market themselves in order to get a clinical nursing position in a hospital/facility.

What we are doing as LNCs requires the mastery of theory, clinical and marketing knowlege in order to be successful as an LNC. Heavy emphasis on the marketing.

If you follow my plan as I outlined above, you should be able to secure at least your first case and get your feet wet. Believe me, you think you want all you can handle, but, you do not. You need that first one to boost your morale and give you experience. But, you do not want to overload yourself. That first case will literally scare you to death. It did me. Took me a while to realize I did know what I was doing.

But, before you get that first case, you need a good marketing package. You may pm me and I will assist you, too.

About the Apprenticeship... yes......I was able to literally walk away from that with 3 interviews and a knock 'em dead marketing package. All my creation and with my own personal touch, but, with assistance from the mentor. The fact you are working on an actual case during the apprenticeship is good, too. You need that first case report in your marketing package when you have the interviews. Believe me, the attorneys want to see what you can do. And, the apprenticeship prepares you in detail, how to answer the questions the attorney asks of you. Gets you past the gate keeper and teaches you how to do cold calls. I realize you don't have alot of time to do those, but, you will find out "cold calls" are a must.

Like I said, pm me if you want further details or just post here to assist others that are in the same boat. Remember, you are not alone. If I need to personalize anything for you, I will contact you by email, if you desire, or pm.

Good luck and don't give up. You can be successful, too.

[CM in SC]

Thanks so much for posting all these great ideas! I'm meeting with my first attorney this afternoon (flonight - I'm about 2 hours from you in Upstate SC) and am really nervous, although I know this is a job I can do and do well.

I havent' sent out any marketing packets yet - I have made a list of attys in my immediate area who do WC, PI and MM. I just happened to get really lucky with this attorney. So we'll see how it goes!

I'll be watching this thread for more info - thanks you guys for being so open, honest and helpful to us newbies!

[sirI]

Originally Posted by CM in SC

Thanks so much for posting all these great ideas! I'm meeting with my first attorney this afternoon (flonight - I'm about 2 hours from you in Upstate SC) and am really nervous, although I know this is a job I can do and do well.

I havent' sent out any marketing packets yet - I have made a list of attys in my immediate area who do WC, PI and MM. I just happened to get really lucky with this attorney. So we'll see how it goes!

I'll be watching this thread for more info - thanks you guys for being so open, honest and helpful to us newbies!

Good luck with your interview, CM in SC. Have you made a list of things to ask the attorney? Have you made a list of possible/probable questions the attorney will ask of you? If not, let me know......

Also, if you need help with the marketing package, let me know that, too. I have all kinds of ideas....

[NikkiS]

Originally Posted by ezells2

I am also having difficulty with the marketing. I just finished the course approx. 2 months ago and attended the seminar 6 day in vegas as well. I was really ready to come back full force in marketing. I bought 5 dozen bagels and went to 5 med mal attorneys I had researched online. No interviews, I didn't even get past the secretary, but atleast they were happy I fed them and easily accepted my brochure! I am frustrated, I dont enjoy talking on the phone- I like visiting their office- but it is costly and time consuming as I work nights, full time still. I am frustrated and dissapointed that it isn't easier. I am really considering the private apprenticeship, anything to help me. Is it worth it? Jami in AZ

Do you know any staff members in your organization's Risk Management department? That is the way my name was given to several law firms as a potential LNC. I received a call from one attorney, did a case for him, he in turn sent my name to another firm. I haven't done any marketing and although don't do enough cases for a full time job, I have plenty to keep me busy. Good luck!

[Loriilrn]

I too completed the Vicki Malazoo course. Now wondering if it is worth it to attend the apprenticeship. I refuse to upgrade to VIP

[starfrek1]

I did the Kaplan course, it was fun and exciting, and then I couldnt' find any attorney to let me work for them or any LNC to 'intern' me for a little while. I have 8 years of experience, mostly NICU, but LOVE legal stuff. Anyone have an ideas to get restarted and find work???

[sirI]

Originally Posted by starfrek1

I did the Kaplan course, it was fun and exciting, and then I couldnt' find any attorney to let me work for them or any LNC to 'intern' me for a little while. I have 8 years of experience, mostly NICU, but LOVE legal stuff. Anyone have an ideas to get restarted and find work???

Hello, starfrek1

Have you checked out all the posts in this thread? I try to address many of the issues we as legal nurses face especially marketing strategies. I will be happy to assist you. Just let me know here or send me a private message.

[esc_ernurse]

Siri,

Thank you so much for all of your advice about legal nurse consulting. I am thinking about taking Vicki M.'s course. I know you said that is where you got started. I am an Emergency Department nurse with TNCC (Trauma Cert.) and will have 3 years experience as an RN in May of this year. I have read in Vicki's info. she mailed you need at least 3 years experience. I know as nurses we learn something new everday but with a nurse who has almost 3 years experience I was worried about taking this step to become a Legal Nurse Consultant. I love law and have said since I was a child I think I want to be a lawyer but I also love nursing that is why I think this would be a very good fit for me. I also have experience with telemarketing and customer service which I know would help with marketing but I also know I still have a lot to learn. I am nervous and I am excited - I think I am about ready to go to one of Vicki's courses.
I again thank you for all of your kind and helpful posts to us who are new to this and getting ready to start. It made me feel a lot better and help my nerves to hear you say that you on your first case was nervous and that every one will be. I feel as I can do this. Please everyone say a prayer for me. I am in the Atlanta area and I see so many commercials from attorneys who could definately use the services of a legal nurse consultant. Thanks again to you Siri and good luck to all.
I also have a question for you Siri - you said you also consult out of your area - how do you do this - via mail - I think you said you don't travel except to testify? Thanks again for everything.

Sincerely,
esc_ernurse