Earning $150/hr. as a CLNC^® Is Simple and Real

by Margot G. Lintner, RN, CLNC



After 16 years of med-surg and 17 years of psych ER, I still love nursing. I wasn't desperate for a change, but I could tell in my gut something wasn't quite right. I was beginning to look for my next challenge. Nursing had changed and working at the hospital was becoming less desirable. I knew I had to protect myself from burning out.

Vickie's Photo Was Asking "What Are You Waiting For?"

During a midnight break while reading the northern California nursing journal, I saw an advertisement for Vickie Milazzo Institute's CLNC^® Certification Program. The more I looked at Vickie's smiling, determined expression and chic, take-charge style, the more intrigued I became.

A few months later I awoke in the middle of the night. Flipping through my trade journals again, I saw Vickie's picture staring back at me as if to say, "Well, what are you waiting for?"

I woke my husband and showed him the ad, telling him I was really interested in Vickie's CLNC^® Certification Program. To my surprise, rather than rolling over with a half-hearted, "That's nice, dear," he sat up in bed. Before I knew it, still in our pajamas, we were on the computer visiting LegalNurse.com.

An hour later we were still discussing Vickie's program. By the wee hours I had decided to purchase the VIP CLNC^® Success System. "You'll be great at this," my husband declared. "You're going first class, all the way." And so I set my course.

The next day I called Vickie Milazzo Institute and enrolled. Within a few days the VIP package arrived. I was more excited than Imelda Marcos in a shoe store.

The day before my 52nd birthday, I left for the CLNC^® 6-Day Certification Seminar. What a great gift to give myself, my career, my future and my family. I studied passionately and with pride earned my CLNC^® Certification.

Following Vickie's 25 Success Steps Created Instant Results

When I returned home, I immediately practiced the "25 Steps to CLNC^® Success" just as Vickie taught. I followed the suggestions in my Advanced CLNC^® Toolkit – I created my slogan, got a business phone, put my promotional packet together and went into downtown San Francisco to be fitted for my first-ever business suit. I was ready to go.

The results were immediate. I mailed out seven promotional packets, and two attorneys called back. Thrilled and terrified at the same time, I practiced my attorney-client interview with my husband so often he should have earned an honorary law degree.

I believed I was ready to meet with my first attorney-client. Before leaving for that appointment, I put on my CLNC^® pin. I confidently carried my brand new briefcase and my sample work products, affirming I would bring home my first case.

In that first interview my unique touch was to be 100% me. I come from a long line of Irish lawyers and French restaurateurs, and my grandmother gave me a way to make myself memorable to prospects. I walked in with a pound cake and a "thank you in advance" note.

I left an hour later with the case, a retainer and three referrals. I couldn't believe it. I got in my car, drove a few blocks, took off my shiny new shoes and screamed with delight. In my thoughts I thanked Vickie, the Institute's CLNC^® Mentors and my grandmother Marguerite. I couldn't wait to tell my family.

I Expect to Walk Out of the Attorney's Office with a Case

My good fortune has continued growing steadily. I keep sending out my mailings and keep riding my horse forward. Using Vickie's three-foot rule, I've passed out more cards than a dealer in Vegas.

My next stop was the NACLNC^® Conference, which gave me some great ideas. I came home with a fire inside. I'm now preparing three cases for a new attorney-client. My fee is $150.00/hr. and I received a $2,000.00 retainer for each case.

This is turning out to be a great year. In the words of my youngest daughter, I love being a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant "more than a fat boy loves chocolate cake." My success is based on Vickie's basic principles:

• I keep it simple. When I meet with an attorney-prospect, I am just "myself."
  
  
• I make it a point to reflect the attorney. If I can tell he's a little playful, I make a joke or two. If he's all business, so am I. If I see pictures of kids on the desk, they become a brief topic of conversation. I never push it, but I'm very aware of how the attorney presents himself.
  
  
• I always bring a small baked good and a "thank you in advance" note. Even before our interview I decide to believe she will give me cases. I also have my paperwork in order with a prepared contract ready to be signed.
  
  
• Finally, I stay humble and grateful for my beginning successes. To the entire team at Vickie Milazzo Institute, "Thank you." To the CLNC^® Mentors, "Thank you." To Vickie, a special "Thank you."
  
  

Yes, Vickie, you were right from day one. I can do this. We can all do this. We can be successful CLNC^®s if we remember to keep it real, keep it humble and keep it successful.

Here's to your success as a CLNC^®!

Margot G. Lintner, RN, CLNC owns Pacific Medical Legal Consultancy in California. She has 33 years of nursing experience and currently works part time in a local psychiatric emergency service.

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