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.

IGU’s

A surgery in a dental practice is an income generation unit (IGU).In a taxi firm an IGU is a taxi. In a train company an IGU is a train. In a restaurant an IGU is a table. In a cinema an IGU is a seat. In a serviced office centre, an IGU is an office.
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Masterminders on finance and team-building

I just wanted to say thank you for a great day, I’ve come home with the sort of buzz that I had after the 4 workshops of the core programmes but better because not only have I had some inspirational coaching from you both, I’ve also had some great conversationslast night and – during the
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Travel, coaching and mates

Friday is my quarterly day with The Strategic Coach, this time at The Savoy Hotel in Central London. We are a group of 30 but I’m especially pleased to be with some of my best mates: Simon Hocken Tim Thackrah (who celebrates his birthday with us) Guy Levine. The day is a personal revelation for
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You have to be visible

Ashley Watson from Canterbury has recently invested in new signage for his building – an investment which, he tells me, has paid for itself in a matter of weeks. Paid for by new patients who have called in – just because they noticed his practice for the first time. I still see dental practices “advertising”
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More receptionists

Dreadful check-in experience at the Hilton Watford yesterday. I hand over my Diamond VIP card, expecting a brass band and fireworks – what I get is a confused male receptionist punching buttons on a computer keyboard and telling me there is no reservation in my name. Now I know the reservation was made weeks ago
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Back on the road this week

Starting my day in Manchester but this week I’ll be in: Watford Cobham Central London So no doubt there will be some customer service experiences to share with you – as well as stories from the client base as I deliver 2 Dental Business School workshops. We start a new quarter in Watford tomorrow –
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Practice valuations are increasing – the goose is getting fatter

If you had asked me to value a UK dental practice anytime from 1997 to 2005 I would have answered: “35% of gross revenues plus £10,000 per dental surgery.” If you had asked me in January 2007, I would have answered: “NHS practice – zero. Private practice 35% plus £10k per surgery.” If you had
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Receptionist

a person who works in a place such as a hotel, office or hospital, who welcomes and helps visitors and answers the telephone Or at least, that’s how the word “receptionist” is defined in the Cambridge English Dictionary. I had occasion to check after my experience yesterday. Visiting the offices of a professional service firm
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