Author: Chris Barrow

Chris Barrow has been active as a consultant, trainer and coach to the UK dental profession for over 20 years. As a writer, his blog enjoys a strong following and he is a regular contributor to the dental press. Naturally direct, assertive and determined, he has the ability to reach conclusions quickly, as well as the sharp reflexes and lightness of touch to innovate, change tack and push boundaries. In 2014 he appeared as a “castaway” in the first season of the popular reality TV show “The Island with Bear Grylls”. His main professional focus is as Coach Barrow, providing coaching and mentorship to independent dentistry.

The direct route isn’t always the quickest

Tuesday’s marketing workshop in Edinburgh was a quiet affair – fewer delegates than usual because some clients have completed a year of coaching – and a rather ominous silence during parts of my presentation. I can recall the days when that silence unnerved me – “do they like me?” stuff. But I’ve realised over the
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A walk around historic Edinburgh

Cold though the day was, my afternoon walk around the Old Town and along The Royal Mile was a good chance to clear the cobwebs and enjoy the architecture of the city (apart from the horrendous Scottish Parliament building).It’s strange to hear the sound of real bagpipes played from the door of the real bagpipe
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A freezing start in Edinburgh

Saturday 360 miles from Cornwall to Milton Keynes.Sunday 360 miles from Milton Keynes to Edinburgh.Please don’t even mention the outrage that Strictly Come Dancing revealed on Sunday evening – I can hardly think about it without my maraccas getting in a twist….I enjoy the upgraded room at my hotel but not the 3.00am alarm call
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A month of travel begins

It’s rather daunting to realise that I’ll be leaving Falmouth at lunchtime today (Saturday) and will spend perhaps 3 or 4 days here in the next month if I’m lucky. It’s conference season and, as well as the BADN tomorrow morning, I’ll be co-presenting with Simon at the BACD in London next weekend; It’s harvest
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Ashley Latter in hospital

What a night! After a superb working day with Simon in his lovely Devon home, I race back to attend an informal dinner with Ashley and the delegates on his 2-day sales course. At Ash’s request we are back at 5 degrees west – and enjoying a few beers and lots of laughs – when
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The best dental web site in the UK?

Having spent such a good day with James Goolnik (pictured above) and his team on Friday, I cannot resist reminding you that his web site for Bow Lane Dental Group is, in my opinion, one of the best I have seen. I’m not recommending that you copy it – I am observing that the site
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Real life is so much better than fiction

It’s been a call-in day today – back to back calls with my clients – 15 minute catch ups. Again I am tired but inspired by their stories and amused by some of the dafter events of the day. Dafter event winners today were: the orthodontic practice owner who couldn’t be found in the building
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Boutique retailers can make it work

I live in what would be called a student quarter. Falmouth is well known for it’s Art College and has a sizeable arty population of both students and oldies. The area of the town in which I live is predominantly Regency and Victorian – lots of old houses – and the shops and restuarants are
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Somewhat better

Well I wasn’t inundated with emails and calls all day – which means that either nobody is reading this or you are just getting used to my occasional wailing, gnashing of teeth and renting of garments. What’s a boy to do when his cry for help goes unnoticed? The day has steadily improved My attitude
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