Herbalists & Nutritionists: In the Clinic with Camille

Testimonials can be powerful marketing tools.
When I was doing research for my recent webinar on how to find clients without using social media, I kept running across the recommendation to use testimonials.
Sometimes known as "social proof," they can reassure potential clients that you're a legitimate practitioner and that others have benefited from working with you. 
Almost all online marketing/business-building courses and gurus will tell you to include testimonials on your sales pages and in your marketing materials if you have them.
When clients are singing your praises, it does seem like a good idea to build on that enthusiasm so that future clients can see they'd be in good hands.
Not so fast.
As healthcare practitioners, we are automatically in an uneven relationship with our clients in terms of power dynamics.
Their care is our first priority.
We have to ask ourselves if there are any possible risks to our clients or to our relationship with our clients when we ask for or use a testimonial or review for self-promotion.
Could doing so affect your work together? Might the client feel compelled to oblige? Are there any risks to the client if their testimonial is published online or in other marketing materials?
Most organizations for counselors and therapists prohibit the solicitation of testimonials for these reasons. Rob Reinhardt (2015) has written about the Ethical pitfalls of online testimonials and reviews from a counseling perspective, but I think these are relevant considerations for integrative practitioners as well.
What about if your work with a client is complete? What if they sent you an unsolicited testimonial? Thes are mitigating factors that may change your willingness to use them. 
There isn't a single correct answer here. 
I urge you to think about these issues and decide what feels comfortable and right for you. I share what I've decided for myself at the end of the episode.
I hope you find it helpful.
If you decide to use testimonials:
Give your client the option to stay anonymous, use a pseudonym, or use initials only
Be sure you have your client's permission and that they understand what will be posted online and any possible negative repercussions
Make sure the content is true (both what is implied and what is explicitly said) so that you don't run afoul of the FTC
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How to Make Violet Syrup
 
Harvest 2-3 cups of violet flowers.
 
Remove calyces (green part at base of flower) and stems and put flowers in a glass jar
 
Bring 2-3 cups of filtered or distilled water to a boil. Allow to cool slightly before covering violet flowers. Fill jar until flowers are covered with 1-2 inches to spare (they float so the inches will be at the bottom)
 
Cover with  something non-metallic and non-plastic and allow to sit overnight or for 24 hours
 
Strain flowers out  of water and admire the beautiful color/scent.
 
Measure how much liquid you have now. Add it to a pot. Add double that amount (or 1.5x) of white sugar into the pot as well.
 
Heat VERY gently until all of the sugar has dissolved. Give ti a few more stirs adn remove from heat.  
 
If desired, add a few drops of lemon juice and/or a single frozen blueberry to deepen the color. (If using blueberry, strain out after mixture cools.)
 
Allow to cool, add a lid and store in the fridge for 3-6 months
What to do with Violet Syrup
 
Use it like regular syrup (pancakes, waffles, etc)
 
Use as a topping for vanilla ice cream
 
Add to baked goods for flavor
 
Make fancy drinks out of it (see below)
 
Add to whipped cream for trifles or dipping fruit/chocolate
 
Mix into icing for cake or cookies
 
Add to hot or iced teas in place of honey
Image by Camille Freeman
Fancy Violet Beverage
I don't have a cute name for this, but I'm open to ideas!
Ingredients
 
1-2 ounces gin (vodka works, too)
 
Juice of 1/4 - 1/2 lemon 
 
1-2 TBSP violet syrup
 
6-7 ounces sparkling water
 
spring of mint or lemon balm for garnish
Directions:
Pour all ingredients over ice, stir or shake, and enjoy. 
 
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If you're moving away from face-to-face consultations due to the coronavirus, here are some quick tips for working with clients from a distance.
Resources mentioned:
How to set up a Google Voice number
Practice Better (referral link)
Five Flavors Herbs Custom formulations
SendInc for sending secure emails
Fullscript
Have a question or need help getting started with your virtual clinic? Please reach out.
--- Send in a voice message: https://www.intheclinic.com 

Welcome to episode 1! Today, I discussed whether fennel is safe to use during pregnancy & some of the evidence that informs my opinion. For a list of references, please visit www.intheclinic.com/1  
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Look for the first episode in March, 2020. Until then, check out this short trailer to find out what you can expect from this podcast. My hope is that the podcast will provide support, encouragement, food for thought, and ongoing education for herbalists and nutritionists. If you have feedback, topic requests, or questions, please submit them: https://intheclinic.com 
 
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