What would you do? I’m hoping to get back to Altrincham from the North East tonight (by train) – tomorrow I am due to travel from there to Cornwall for the weekend – due in London next Tuesday. dig car out of apartment in Altrincham and attempt to drive M3 to Falmouth – more snow
Read More

Looks like I won’t be going very far today. If your surgery day falls apart because of the weather and cancellations, use the opportunity to call a team meeting. Agenda items: what do you like best about working here? what do you like least about working here? what would you most like to change? what
Read More

Marmite, liver and onions, Jed-ward. There is a “love it” camp and a “hate it” camp – there is no “on the fence” camp. And that’s why somebody gave me a nickname last year – “as a public speaker Chris Barrow is like Marmite – you either love or hate the man and the message.”
Read More

What’s your offer? As I mention in this morning’s ezine, there is likely to be a consumer spending cut over the first quarter of 2010. Many people will have “maxed out” on their credit cards before Christmas and during the January sales. Monday – back to work. Last week of January – credit card statement
Read More

I’m in Altrincham at the moment, having travelled here yesterday to celebrate my daughter’s birthday (17, going on 25). Last night we had a meal at her favourite restaurant, Danilo’s in Hale (again) and, after driving 327 miles to get there in awful traffic, I left my car parked at Hale Station overnight and walked
Read More

That’s speechless admiration for every house-wife and house-husband. The last three days I have been based at home in Falmouth whilst Annie has been working – and so the place has been mine. I first of all acknowledge that there haven’t been any children in sight (apart from the students who live above us) –
Read More

I dislike discos at the best of times – call me a Grinch (I am) but the thought of standing in a dark, noisy, crowded room full of smelly people and trying to hold down a conversation? Not my idea of fun. OK for dancing, drinking and acting daft for Facebook photos. So why have
Read More

“Dear Chris, I’ve been running my bonus scheme as you suggested, but I am considering a change for 2010. There are pros and cons and I welcome your thoughts. I remember a long time back you asked dentists for questions and I sent you in one “how can you make staff feel the same way
Read More

Last night I walked past Century House in St Peters Square Manchester on my way to dinner and the game. I arrived here for my first day at work in September 1970, just a few days before my 16th birthday. It amazes me how fate can affect our lives. There were two school leavers starting
Read More

Luck has been defined as the “meeting place of opportunity and preparation”. Last night 20 million people (myself included I don’t mind saying) saw the X-Factor final. It interests me to reflect on the moment that Joe’s life changed forever – because he was prepared – and because the opportunity came along. For Joe it
Read More