The TCM Teach Podcast

Matthew Sabey Smith

The TCM Teach Podcast is designed specifically to help acupuncturists and chinese medicine herbalists to build thriving, sustainable businesses. The TCM Teach is created and hosted by practitioner, professor and business entrepreneur Matthew Sabey Smith, DACM, MSOM, Dipl.Ac., LAc. Thank for listening!

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 42: Patent Formulas vs. Raw Herbs vs. Granules- What To Offer

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach Summary Discover the secrets to stocking your clinic with the right herbal inventory that not only meets patient needs but also boosts your revenue! In this episode of the TCM Teach Podcast, Matthew Sabey Smith, a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, dives deep into the art and science of choosing the best herbal formats for your practice. Whether you're overwhelmed by options or unsure which herbs will resonate with your patients, this episode is your guide to making informed and profitable decisions.  Matthew explores the pros and cons of various herbal forms, including raw herbs, granules, patent formulas, and tinctures. You'll discover:  The unique benefits of raw herbs and how they can provide personalized care for your patients.  Why granules might be the convenient solution you've been looking for, without compromising on efficacy.  How to navigate the complexities of patent formulas and ensure your patients receive the best treatment possible.  Insightful anecdotes from Matthew's own practice that will inspire you to think creatively about your offerings.  As an acupuncturist or herbalist, understanding these options can significantly impact your clinic's workflow and patient satisfaction. Not only will you enhance your service quality, but you'll also position yourself as a go-to expert in herbal care within your community. With the right strategies, you can create a sustainable revenue stream while providing exceptional patient care.  Tune in for essential insights that will empower you to elevate your practice and meet the growing demand for herbal medicine. Perfect for acupuncturists and herbalists alike, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to integrate high-quality herbal care into their clinic. Get ready to transform your approach to herbal inventory management and make a lasting impact on your patients' health! Key  topics   Different forms of herbal medicine: raw herbs, granules, patent formulas, tinctures Pros and cons of each herbal form How to decide which herbal forms fit your practice Strategies for presenting and educating patients about herbs Inventory management and legal considerations Integrating herbal products into clinic workflow

  2. Jul 29

    Episode 39: Building Authority with Public Speaking & Teaching

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach   Summary   In this episode, Matthew Sabey Smith explores how public speaking and teaching can elevate your credibility, attract ideal patients, and expand your practice beyond the clinic. Learn practical strategies for structuring talks, engaging audiences, and leveraging opportunities to grow your authority in Chinese medicine.    key  topics   The importance of public speaking and teaching in building authority Strategies for structuring effective talks and presentations Engaging your audience with questions, stories, and visuals Using online platforms like webinars and podcasts to expand reach Leveraging speaking opportunities for practice growth and networking The role of authenticity and confidence in public speaking How to prepare and plan impactful presentations Using content repurposing to maximize exposure    Sound Bites   "Your voice can elevate your credibility." "Structure your talk with clear takeaways." "Use your voice to grow your practice organically." Chapters   00:00 Introduction to the importance of speaking and teaching 00:29 Why public speaking builds credibility and authority 02:25 The gap in Chinese medicine business education 03:53 Increasing trust through community engagement 05:22 Using your voice to expand your reach 06:47 Opportunities for speaking and teaching 08:13 Online courses, webinars, and collaborative events 10:12 Preparing and structuring your talks 11:41 Engaging your audience effectively 13:31 Using stories and visuals to illustrate points 16:00 Ending with a clear call to action 18:52 Promoting your speaking engagements 19:23 Tracking leads and inquiries from events 20:22 The mindset for confident public speaking 21:20 Building credibility without ego 22:18 Next steps and upcoming topics

  3. Jul 21

    Episode 38: Creating Referral Programs That Work

    TCM Teach Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach   Summary In this episode of the TCM Teach podcast, Matt discusses how to effectively encourage referrals in a way that feels natural and ethical. He outlines the importance of word of mouth in attracting new patients and provides a clear framework for implementing referral programs. The conversation covers different types of referral strategies, how to structure a referral program, ethical considerations, and ways to promote the program without feeling salesy. Matt emphasizes the significance of maintaining patient confidentiality and integrity throughout the process, ultimately aiming to create a welcoming environment for both existing and new patients.   Takeaways Referral programs can encourage patient advocacy without being pushy. Word of mouth remains a powerful tool for attracting new patients. Different types of referral programs include patient-to-patient, professional, and event-based. It's essential to structure your referral program clearly and simply. Maintain ethical standards and patient confidentiality in all referral practices. Small tokens of appreciation can enhance patient loyalty and satisfaction. Promote your referral program gently during patient interactions. Creating a welcoming environment is key to successful referrals. Referral programs should align with your clinic's values and services. Engaging with community events can foster organic referrals. 00:00 "Event-based referrals can get really creative." 09:10 "Keep it simple, clear, and trackable." 12:06 "Maintain patient confidentiality at all times."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Referral Programs 02:52 The Power of Word of Mouth 05:48 Types of Referral Programs 09:10 Structuring Your Referral Program 12:06 Ethical Considerations in Referrals 15:06 Promoting Your Referral Program 17:54 Conclusion and Next Steps

  4. Jul 14

    Episode 37 How to Network With Other Practitioners & Doctors

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach Summary In this episode, Matt shares practical strategies for building meaningful professional networks among healthcare practitioners to enhance patient care and grow your practice. Learn how to approach networking with integrity, foster long-term relationships, and leverage collaborations for mutual benefit.   Key  topics   Importance of trust and credibility in healthcare networking Strategies for identifying and connecting with local practitioners Building long-term, reciprocal relationships Ethical considerations and maintaining integrity Using networking to increase patient referrals and practice visibility Takeaways   Networking is a strategic long-term investment that benefits your practice and patient care. Focus on quality over quantity when building professional relationships. Approach networking with authenticity, passion, and a clear purpose. Regular follow-up and genuine interest foster meaningful collaborations. Leverage relationships for mutual referrals and community engagement. Sound Bites   "Networking is a strategic long-term investment." "Focus on quality over quantity." "Be excited about what you do." Chapters   00:00 Introduction: Why networking matters for healthcare practitioners 00:31 Building trust and credibility with other practitioners 01:01 Creating opportunities for patient referrals 01:30 The importance of collaboration and community in healthcare 01:58 How to identify and connect with local practitioners 02:25 Finding complementary specialties for referrals 02:54 Maintaining ethical standards and respecting clinical philosophies 03:24 Focusing on quality over quantity in relationships 03:52 Approaching practitioners professionally and passionately 04:20 Using resources and sharing knowledge to build rapport 04:49 Scheduling meetings and nurturing relationships 05:41 The value of regular follow-ups and updates 06:08 Inviting practitioners to events and workshops 06:37 Recognizing and referring patients appropriately 07:06 The reciprocity and trust in professional networking 07:35 Leveraging networking for practice growth and visibility 08:03 Building authentic relationships and maintaining integrity 08:31 Overcoming the challenge of initiating conversations 09:00 Using curiosity and genuine interest to connect 09:29 Getting others to talk about themselves first 09:59 Creating a two-way, mutually beneficial relationship 10:28 The long-term benefits of consistent networking 11:05 Practical tips for in-person and virtual networking 11:34 The importance of enthusiasm and professionalism 12:04 Building your referral network through shared events 12:32 Co-authoring content and cross-promotion 13:01 Maintaining ethical standards and patient confidentiality 13:26 The impact of authentic energy and passion 13:56 Final thoughts: Networking as a practice growth tool

About

The TCM Teach Podcast is designed specifically to help acupuncturists and chinese medicine herbalists to build thriving, sustainable businesses. The TCM Teach is created and hosted by practitioner, professor and business entrepreneur Matthew Sabey Smith, DACM, MSOM, Dipl.Ac., LAc. Thank for listening!