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THINKING BUSINESS
a blog by Chris Barrow
Writer's pictureChris Barrow

Adjusting to a new economy (notes from India #1)



Monday afternoon at the Doubletree Hilton in Goa, India (yes - we did get a cookie at check in).


My third trip to India and, once more, I am entranced by the magic of this country.


This morning, a two-hour meeting with my hosts to inspect the room, take a first look at the handouts and run though our agenda for the first two days.


We welcome 60 delegates for "Get Your Year In Gear 2025" and then a smaller group on Thursday for a Mastermind meeting.


It's back to basics first:


  • Financial Modelling for Profitability;

  • The Patient Experience;

  • Low-Cost Marketing;

  • Business Strategy for the next 3 years.


Although the majority of Indian dentists are running 2-chair clinics as lifestyle businesses, my delegates are predominantly those who have decided to grow beyond that model and are on the journey from Owner-Managed to Manager-Managed and , ultimately Golden Goose.


My title reflects the need to adjust to the differences in the Indian dental landscape.


  • Very little preventative maintenance;

  • Higher lab cost KPIs - as much as 20%;

  • Lower labour costs - maybe 8% (you wish eh?);

  • Very little marketing of any type;

  • IOS mainly used by the ortho community;

  • Alginate everywhere;

  • Endemic price-shopping by patients;

  • Zero (and I mean zero) acquisitions - dentists get to retirement and throw the keys down a grid;


But.......


A hunger to learn and grow - and open minds - what more can I ask?


As always, at the beginning of such a journey, the hope that a few members of the audience will recall in years to come that this week changed their lives.


But for now, my UK clients call - 6 hours on the laptop to follow...........







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