Archive for the tag 'Media'

Getting Testimonials From Your Clients And Colleagues

Published under Advertising & Publicity, Marketing Kit, Technology, To-Do's

Unlike many professionals, those in mental health cannot ethically ask therapy clients / ex-clients for testamonials.  Nor can you use your client’s written expressions of gratitude without their permission.  However, there are other ways to ethically gather testamonials about your quality of work and your clients’ satisfaction.

Remember that you cannot ask your therapy clients for a testamonial. And, you cannot use your client’s actual words without their permission.

  • Always gather feedback when you present to your peers in educational setting – then paraphrase their comments;
  • Gather cheers (and jeers) when you offer psycho-educational workshops;
  • Collect clippings from the media (including print, video, and online sources) that include impressions of your work;
  • Consider asking for letters of reference from practice allies who know the caliber of your work;
  • If you have a web presence, and these days every private practitioner needs one, ask referral sources to write a brief statement for your website highlighting one of your strengths.

Check back in on Thursday and I’ll give you some ideas about how to use the comments that you collect.

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October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Published under Advertising & Publicity, Marketing, Money Matters, Referrals, Time, To-Do's, Write / Writing

If you are looking at your marketing calendar and trying to decide where to focus your energy for the month of October, how about Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

According to the American Cancer Society, almost 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2009.  Over 40,000 women are expected to die from this disease this year.  It is the second leading cause of death (lung cancer is the first) in women in the United States so you have plenty of good reasons to get involved.

Here are some ways to make a difference

Ducks for the Cure by Kim Baker

"Ducks for the Cure" by Kim Baker

AND get your practice noticed . . . .

  • Invite a physician into your practice to discuss breast cancer with your clients.
  • Send a letter to health care providers letting them know that you will be providing extended hours or reduced fees for referrals breast cancer patients during the month of October.
  • Provide a free breast cancer support group.  Hold it at the local library and let the local newspaper know the details.
  • Join one of the many fund raising opportunities like the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in New York.
  • If you’ve had a personal experience with breast cancer, consider writing / speaking about the experience to women’s groups around your area.
  • Create your own fundraiser.  Ask other therapists to help you.  Get the media involved.

You can find a list of additional ways to help promote National Breast Cancer Awareness Month here.

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