Many legal nurse consultants ask how I established a thriving independent LNC business. Over time, I developed key principles that supported my success. While your vision for a successful LNC business may differ, these insights are valuable when you consider how to start an LNC business.
When I sold my LNC business, it generated over $1 million annually in its last five years.
Here’s what I learned along the way:
Launch Your Business with Patience
Ideally, launch your LNC business without the pressure to make a profit immediately. Building a solid client base takes time and patience.
When I started Med League, my husband’s income provided financial support, allowing me to grow my business sustainably. I began by teaching nurses, consulting with hospitals, and offering expert witness services. Gradually, I focused on working with attorneys, which became my primary source of revenue.
Master Marketing and Effective Copywriting
In the crowded market of legal nurse consulting, capturing attention is essential.
Invest in learning the nuances of marketing and creating compelling content for your brochures and website. I dedicated thousands of dollars to developing these skills through courses, mentors, and books.
A strong foundation in marketing will help you connect with potential clients confidently and effectively.
Focus on Services Aligned with Your Strengths
Choose services that match your expertise. A wide range of nursing experience can make you an asset in medical malpractice cases, while a specialization in critical care might suit you well for expert witness roles. Recognize where your skills shine and seek support for tasks outside your strengths.
My years in medical-surgical units were instrumental in my handling expert witness cases. Understanding hospital operations is invaluable for supporting attorneys effectively.
Assess the Pros and Cons of High-Volume Cases
Be cautious about handling cases or clients that could overwhelm your practice with volume.
Multidistrict litigation, for instance, can monopolize your time, affecting service to your regular clients. We experienced this when working on pedicle plates and screws cases.
While profitable, it disrupted timelines for other clients. Managing this balance is crucial to maintaining a high level of service.
Always Market and Diversify Your Client Base
Never depend on a single client for the bulk of your work.
A primary client’s sudden departure, shift in practice, or unexpected loss can devastate your business. I learned this lesson when my husband lost his business overnight due to dependency on one client.
In my practice, 30% of my income came from a significant personal injury law firm. While tempting to rely on this income, I continuously marketed, exhibited, and networked. This strategy protected my business from legal changes that later impacted personal injury cases in our state.
How to start an LNC business by building your path to success as an LNC
Establishing a successful LNC business is a journey that requires strategic planning, patience, and a commitment to growth.
By prioritizing a thoughtful business launch, investing in your marketing skills, and aligning your services with your strengths, you set a solid foundation for long-term success. Recognize the value of balancing client workloads and maintaining steady, diversified marketing efforts.