The TCM Teach Podcast

Matthew Sabey Smith
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    Episode 46: Online Herbal Stores, How To Get Started

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach   Summary This episode explores how acupuncturists and herbalists can expand their practice by selling herbal products online legally and effectively. It covers legal considerations, platform options, product selection, and building trust with customers. Key  Topics Legal considerations for online herbal sales Platform options for e-commerce Product selection and liability Building trust and education online Marketing and launching your store Sound Bites "Taking your herbal practice online can extend your reach and revenue" "Always consult with a legal team before selling across state lines" "Be aware of sales tax obligations in multiple states" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to online herbal sales and practice expansion 02:24 Why take your herbal products online? 04:52 Legal and licensing considerations across states 07:35 Passive income and client retention through online sales 11:02 Scope of practice and product liability issues 16:29 FDA and labeling regulations for dietary supplements 17:58 Sales tax nexus and compliance in multiple states 20:55 Choosing the right e-commerce platform 23:44 Deciding what products to sell online 28:43 Building trust with online customers 34:05 Marketing strategies for your online store 36:36 Next steps and legal review before launch

  2. Sep 8

    Episode 45: Managing Inventory Without Wasting Money

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach Summary This episode provides practical strategies for managing inventory effectively in herbal medicine and dispensary businesses. It covers how to optimize storage, reduce waste, and streamline operations to improve profitability and patient satisfaction.   Key  Topics  Importance of inventory management in herbal medicine Strategies for estimating and tracking usage Storage best practices and organization Digital tools for inventory tracking Waste reduction techniques and FIFO approach Staff training and delegation for inventory tasks Adjusting practices based on usage data  Sound bites "Proper inventory management improves workflow and reduces stress" "Estimate your weekly or monthly usage for each item" "Avoid overpurchasing to prevent waste and loss" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Inventory Management in Herbal Business 01:56 Why Proper Inventory Management Matters 03:20 Understanding Your Inventory Needs 05:10 Storage and Organization Best Practices 07:08 Reducing Waste and Managing Expiry 09:06 Budgeting and Cost Control Strategies 11:13 Staff Workflow and Delegation 13:07 Implementing an Effective Inventory System 14:07 Actionable Steps to Reduce Waste 14:55 Conclusion and Next Steps

  3. Sep 1

    Episode 44: How To Price Herbal Formulas for Profit

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach   Summary   In this episode, Matt shares comprehensive strategies for herbal formula pricing, emphasizing value, costs, and perceived worth to build a sustainable and profitable clinic. Key  topics   Pricing communicates value and trust Cost components of herbal formulas Pricing models: cost-plus, value-based, tiered, bundled Importance of transparency and storytelling in pricing Common mistakes: underpricing, overpricing, inconsistency Strategies to optimize profit without sacrificing care Sound bites   "Pricing communicates value and trust." "Be transparent about what goes into your formulas." "Always explain why your formulas are priced the way they are." Chapters   00:00 Introduction to herbal formula pricing importance 02:00 Why pricing reflects value and trust 03:00 Legal considerations and patient safety 03:56 Cost components: herbs, preparation, overhead 05:52 Calculating direct costs and custom formulas 07:47 Packaging, storage, and space considerations 10:14 Overhead costs and profit margins 12:07 Pricing models: cost-plus, value, tiered, bundled 14:58 Communicating pricing and perceived value 17:52 Avoiding common pricing mistakes 22:09 Strategies to optimize profit and patient engagement 32:59 Next steps for implementing effective pricing

  4. Aug 25

    Episode 43: Setting Up an Herbal Dispensary in Your Practice

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach   Summary   In this episode, Matthew Sabi Smith shares a comprehensive guide on setting up and managing an herbal dispensary within a Chinese medicine practice. He covers everything from layout and inventory to quality control and patient communication, emphasizing the importance of quality, organization, and legal compliance.   Key  topics   Dispensary layout and space assessment Herb quality and sourcing from reliable suppliers Inventory management and reordering systems Labeling, patient instructions, and legal compliance Staff training and workflow optimization Sound bites   "Choose herb sources with third-party testing" "Always vet your herbal suppliers carefully" "Build credibility by understanding herbs deeply" Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Herbal Dispensary Setup 02:23 Why a Dispensary Matters in Your Practice 04:21 Choosing Quality Herbs and Reliable Sources 07:37 Pricing, Ethics, and Patient Trust 15:15 Dispensary Layout and Space Considerations 20:53 Inventory Management and Stocking Strategies 23:36 Labeling, Patient Communication, and Education 26:55 Legal and Regulatory Compliance 28:26 Workflow, Staffing, and Efficiency 32:15 Conclusion: Building a Thriving Herbal Practice

  5. Aug 19

    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

  6. Aug 11

    Episode 41: How to Successfully Sell Herbs & Products in Your Clinic

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach   Summary   This episode explores how acupuncturists and herbalists can effectively incorporate herbs and products into their clinics to enhance patient care and create reliable revenue streams. Learn strategies for pricing, packaging, and educating patients about herbal and product sales.     key  topics   Herbal sales as a revenue stream Packaging and pricing strategies for herbs and products Patient education and ethical sales practices Types of herbs and supplements to offer Inventory management and quality standards Community partnerships and local sourcing Enhancing patient experience through products  sound  bites   "Herbs provide clinical support beyond acupuncture treatments" "Partner with local farms for high-quality, local products" "Present herbs as part of a holistic treatment plan" Chapters   00:00 Introduction to selling herbs and products in clinics 02:16 Why herbs and products matter for clinic revenue 04:11 Types of herbal products and their effectiveness 08:28 Incorporating supplements and local crafts into your practice 11:29 Strategies for pricing, packaging, and labeling 15:50 Ethical considerations and patient education 17:38 Using samples, handouts, and trial packs 20:00 Creating a unique clinic experience to stand out 21:28 Summary: Enhancing patient outcomes and practice sustainability

  7. Aug 4

    Episode 40: Avoiding Marketing Burnout: Systems To Keep It Simple

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/theTCMTeach   Summary   In this episode of the TCM Teach Podcast, Matt shares practical strategies to avoid marketing burnout for acupuncturists and herbalists. Learn how to create sustainable, simple marketing systems that keep your practice visible and thriving without overwhelm. Key  topics   Why marketing burnout happens Focusing on one platform at a time The importance of consistency over volume Using paid promotion effectively Batching and scheduling content Building simple, repeatable systems Aligning marketing with your energy and values Using automation tools to save time Community-based marketing strategies Next steps for sustainable growth   "Focus on one platform at a time." "Consistency beats volume every time." "A good video with promotion beats many mediocre ones." Chapters   00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:31 Why marketing burnout occurs 01:57 Focusing on one platform at a time 03:53 The importance of consistency over volume 05:50 Using paid promotion to boost content 08:13 Batching and scheduling for efficiency 10:06 Old school marketing methods still work 11:58 Principles for sustainable marketing 13:51 Creating simple, repeatable systems 15:59 Managing mindset and energy for marketing 17:54 Building predictable marketing workflows 20:14 Tools and tips for automation 21:14 Next steps and upcoming episode

  8. 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

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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!

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Sabey Smith
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The TCM Teach Podcast