Ep 138: How to Use Business Cards to Get More Referrals in Private Practice
Mon Feb 02 2026
Business Cards for Therapists: Private Practice Marketing Strategies That Actually WorkThis episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is all about business cards—and before you roll your eyes or think this is just another surface-level marketing chat, stay with me. If you’ve found yourself stalled at the beginning stages of setting up your private practice, wondering if business cards are truly necessary—or maybe you’ve invested in a shiny stack that just sits untouched—this episode has your name all over it.
As someone who’s been building a private practice since 2015 (and made every “rookie marketing mistake” along the way), I know that it’s often those subtle, strategic tweaks—like how and when we use our business cards—that lead to meaningful referrals and real growth. In this episode, I share my own missteps (like leaving random stacks at doctor’s offices and hearing crickets) as well as the practical strategies that actually work for therapist moms who are juggling business-building with, you know, real life.
Whether you’re just starting your practice, trying to build local referral relationships, or feeling awkward about “putting yourself out there” as a mom and clinician, this episode will help you reframe how you think about business cards—and give you concrete steps for making them a referral powerhouse instead of a dusty afterthought.
What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Business Cards Aren’t a Marketing Strategy (But Can Be a Powerful Tool):
Understand the real job of a business card and why leaving stacks at offices doesn’t lead to calls.
How to Design a Business Card That Gets Referrals:
Tips on what to include (and what to leave out) so your card becomes a true relationship-builder—not just another piece of paper.
Using Referral-Friendly Assets for Better Networking:
How to pair your business card with a helpful resource to make it easier for referral sources to send you ideal clients.
Episode Timestamps[00:00:02]: Introduction to The Therapist Mom Podcast and today’s topic—Business Cards in Private Practice[00:01:55]: The real job of a business card: why it’s about relationships, not marketing[00:06:38]: What to put on your business card (and why the first line matters most)[00:12:28]: How to create referral-friendly assets and use them to build lasting networking relationships[00:18:37]: Why referrals are built on trust (not the fanciest flyer) and how to nurture those relationships long-term
Top Takeaways on Therapist Business Cards & Private Practice Marketing1. Business Cards Are Relationship Reminders, Not Solo Marketing ToolsLet’s break this down: Your card isn’t a silver bullet. It’s meant to reinforce a real-world relationship, helping someone remember who you are (and how to explain you to someone else!). When I started, I’d leave cards on end tables at doctor’s offices, hoping magic would happen. Spoiler: it didn’t. If there’s no genuine relationship or context, the card won’t spark referrals.
2. Design Matters: Make It Easy To Remember You & What You DoHere’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:
Step 1: Put a clear, specific statement about who you help and what...
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Business Cards for Therapists: Private Practice Marketing Strategies That Actually WorkThis episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is all about business cards—and before you roll your eyes or think this is just another surface-level marketing chat, stay with me. If you’ve found yourself stalled at the beginning stages of setting up your private practice, wondering if business cards are truly necessary—or maybe you’ve invested in a shiny stack that just sits untouched—this episode has your name all over it. As someone who’s been building a private practice since 2015 (and made every “rookie marketing mistake” along the way), I know that it’s often those subtle, strategic tweaks—like how and when we use our business cards—that lead to meaningful referrals and real growth. In this episode, I share my own missteps (like leaving random stacks at doctor’s offices and hearing crickets) as well as the practical strategies that actually work for therapist moms who are juggling business-building with, you know, real life. Whether you’re just starting your practice, trying to build local referral relationships, or feeling awkward about “putting yourself out there” as a mom and clinician, this episode will help you reframe how you think about business cards—and give you concrete steps for making them a referral powerhouse instead of a dusty afterthought. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Business Cards Aren’t a Marketing Strategy (But Can Be a Powerful Tool): Understand the real job of a business card and why leaving stacks at offices doesn’t lead to calls. How to Design a Business Card That Gets Referrals: Tips on what to include (and what to leave out) so your card becomes a true relationship-builder—not just another piece of paper. Using Referral-Friendly Assets for Better Networking: How to pair your business card with a helpful resource to make it easier for referral sources to send you ideal clients. Episode Timestamps[00:00:02]: Introduction to The Therapist Mom Podcast and today’s topic—Business Cards in Private Practice[00:01:55]: The real job of a business card: why it’s about relationships, not marketing[00:06:38]: What to put on your business card (and why the first line matters most)[00:12:28]: How to create referral-friendly assets and use them to build lasting networking relationships[00:18:37]: Why referrals are built on trust (not the fanciest flyer) and how to nurture those relationships long-term Top Takeaways on Therapist Business Cards & Private Practice Marketing1. Business Cards Are Relationship Reminders, Not Solo Marketing ToolsLet’s break this down: Your card isn’t a silver bullet. It’s meant to reinforce a real-world relationship, helping someone remember who you are (and how to explain you to someone else!). When I started, I’d leave cards on end tables at doctor’s offices, hoping magic would happen. Spoiler: it didn’t. If there’s no genuine relationship or context, the card won’t spark referrals. 2. Design Matters: Make It Easy To Remember You & What You DoHere’s how you can start implementing this TODAY: Step 1: Put a clear, specific statement about who you help and what...