Chris Barrow’s Blog

Take a look at this video – it only lasts a couple of minutes:

Click here

and shows a modest North American practice that is introducing CNE’s.

Alex Jones sent me an email yesterday, passing on the news that a dental rep had told him, that a dentist had told him/her – that Chris Barrow has had a nervous breakdown!

Trouble is – nobody has bothered to tell me.

It’s not very nice you know.

You’ve been letting me drive 3000 miles a month around the UK, meeting with over 70 dental principals to discuss potential practice sales, working with my buddy Matt Jackson to develop the Private and Specialist Division of IDH, offering help and advice to independents, writing blogs and articles, speaking at conferences.

And all this time I was suffering from a nervous breakdown.

My MUM had one of those in the late 60’s – I was there as a teenager – she wandered around the house in a dressing gown for 12 months and didn’t recognise me when I got home from school.

Eventually they carted her off to Prestwich Hospital in North Manchester for electric shock treatment.

How times have changed – I’m not getting any treatment at all – just more and more requests for information, inspiration and help and some of the best professional days I’ve had for years.

Funny old things, nervous breakdowns….

There’s a van parked outside….

They are coming to get me….

Bloody dentists and reps – nothing better to do with their time.

Ah well – at least they ARE talking about me.

Probably that blog post about Mr Tengu that started it.

And I did leave my glasses at Reading services last night – does that count?

Nurse!

I’m very sorry Mr Barrow but the computers are down and I’m unable to check you in to a room at the moment.

I can see that you are tired. Is there anything I can get you to eat or drink whilst you wait – on the house?

This photograph from Justin Neubronner, who writes:

 

If you want good teeth, come to Essex, I have found another “Street Dentist” this one is outside PC World. As you will see from the picture this one is half the size and I didn’t see a single person go into the tent. I guess they need some cool marketing posters like the one outside Tesco.

 

This time Tesco are showing the bag of goodies that you get free (look in top left corner of sign). I did look into the tent/portable surgery but I wasn’t allowed to take a photo. As you would expect from a high quality outfit like this the decor was 100% on brand. Inside was garden furniture, not even nice teak stuff. If you have a check up then you sit in a white plastic garden chair (the sort that always tip over). Quality pure quality.

 

Enjoy (in four instalments) a visual record of my practice visit last Friday.

A beautiful private squat in the centre of Liverpool and a story of confidence in a world of negativity.

Part 1 is the initial tour of the practice – length 10 minutes:

Part 2 (7 minutes) is and the start of a discussion on how they have branded the clinic to provide preventative dentistry and attracted 70 patients in 9 weeks – all signed in to their membership scheme:

Part 3 a quick look at the sterilisation area (because its lovely)

Part 4 (7 minutes) is an explanation of the new patient consultation.

What’s the catch?, originally uploaded by coachbarrow.

It’s fascinating to watch this poor chap at Strensham Services on the
M5.

He’s trying to give away vouchers for free coffee.

No strings attached, no salesman will call, no new credit card or
utility provider.

But 80% of the people he approaches say "no thanks" – and then buy
coffee.

What’s that about?

He looks so dispirited.

Here it is – you were there at the birth…

Nice job by the team at S10 in Sheffield and added instantly to my favourites list.

Click here

He is speaking in London on 17th February 2009 – and I’ve just bought my ticket!

Click here for booking details.

Even though I’m a great fan of Paddi, I don’t expect a range of dental buns – but I do expect a concierge environment – and if you give me that, it makes me feel very confident around your price list.

£3.70 for filter coffee and stale toast in a scruffy transport cafe staffed by chavs and managed by a tired and indolent owner – and I start wondering what game you are playing.

So let’s end on a positive.

Make your patient lounge a Third Place.

Post Script – a message about effective branding and giving customers what they really want:

Apple today reported the best quarterly revenue and earning in its history, ”surpassing $10 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time ever,” according to Steve Jobs. Announcing results for its fiscal 2009 first quarter, Apple posted record revenue of $10.17 billion and record net quarterly profit of $1.61 billion, or $1.78 per diluted share. During the quarter, Apple sold 2,524,000 Mac computers, a record 22,727,000 iPods, and 4,363,000 iPhones.

Here are my 5 top tips for quick improvements in the cash flow through the door of your dental practice:

1. Credit Crunch Cheap as Chips Check-ups – it’s working for Sainsbury, so why not you? £17 check ups just to get people in the door;
2. The Amnesty – not seen a dentist for years? Scared that they will shout at you and/or hurt you? We are declaring an amnesty - no matter how neglected your teeth and gums, our dentists, hygienists and team will handle you with care;
3. 24-hour Emergency Cover – see Winning Smiles – click here;
4. Free for Kids – we will see your children (under 18) for check ups on our children’s days, free of charge – any treatment will be offered at 50% of the adult fee per item price list;
5. Free Home Tooth Whitening – if you become a member of the practice and sign our direct debit for membership.