In this month's episode of The Two Reds are Better than One Podcast, we're tackling what's on everyone's mind right now — the economy.

With the UK budget announcement just around the corner and practice owners already seeing more white space in their diaries, it's clear things are tightening up out there. Patients are thinking twice, delaying treatment, and it's becoming harder to keep things moving at the same pace as before.

But it's not all doom and gloom.

In this episode, we share some practical strategies to help you not just survive, but thrive through the months ahead.

Here's an overview of what we cover:

• Presenting treatment plans that convert – Chris talks about how the way you present treatment matters just as much as the treatment itself, including one great example from a mutual client using new technology to boost acceptance rates.

• Conviction in communication – Ashley digs into the importance of speaking with confidence and belief when discussing treatment that truly benefits your patients.

• Targeting the right demographic – We discuss where the spending power really lies right now (hint: it's the over-60s) and how to align your marketing accordingly.

• Meaningful conversations – There's huge value in going deeper with your existing patients. Chris calls this "low-hanging fruit" — the opportunities that are already right in front of you.

• Keeping perspective – Finally, we talk about leadership mindset. Because when times are tough, your team will take their cue from you. Staying calm, confident, and focused makes all the difference.

In this episode of "Two Reds are Better than One" podcast, Chris and Ashley explore a variety of customer service experiences from their travels, highlighting both excellent and poor examples. These stories offer valuable lessons for dentists and practice owners.

The insights shared in this episode are so impactful that everyone in the practice should listen.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Chris's Experience at Bupa: Chris recounts his experience when attending a health screening at Bupa, where the response was less than satisfactory. This underscores the critical role of the 'Front of House' in your dental practice, often referred to as the 'Managing Director of First Impressions.'

• Ashley's Chicago Story: Ashley shares a story from his recent trip to Chicago, illustrating a conversation with a hotel employee that emphasises the importance of teamwork.

• Ashley's Three Lessons: Ashley offers three key lessons on navigating a challenging economy while maintaining a positive mindset.

• Chris's Treatment Coordinator Experience: Chris describes how an Optician's Treatment Coordinator delivered exceptional customer service, which led him to invest over £1000 on glasses. Chris and Ashley analyse this consultation.

• Chris and Ashley's final recommendations on how to prosper in a challenging economy

Listen via your favourite podcast streaming service or via the player below.

In this month's episode of The Two Reds are Better than One podcast, Ashley and I take a rare opportunity to record without a guest. Instead, we open the doors to a candid conversation about two themes that sit at the heart of every successful dental practice: building teams and conducting consultations.

We begin with a brief detour into football – reflecting on Manchester United's opening game of the season and drawing parallels between rebuilding a football squad and rebuilding a dental team. The lesson? Culture eats strategy for breakfast, whether you're on the pitch or in the practice.

The centrepiece of our discussion is Ashley's brand-new book, The Perfect Dental Consultation: The Eight Essential Steps to Increasing Treatment Plan Acceptance. I make no apology for saying it is his best work in print to date. The book is not only a step-by-step guide to consultation success but also a manual on mindset, success habits and the importance of team involvement.

We unpack the eight stages of a perfect consultation, from rapport-building and asking the right questions, through to discussing fees with confidence, handling objections and ensuring follow-up that inspires referrals. Along the way, we explore how case studies and real-world stories make the material accessible, practical, and highly relevant to today's dentist.

Our conversation also touches on treatment plan presentation, the role of AI in communication, and why the human touch remains irreplaceable. We finish with some personal reflections on August downtime, family, cycling, and the importance of creating space to work on the business rather than just in it.

If you haven't already secured your copy of Ashley's new book, now is the time. Visit his website, order copies for your team, and give your practice the competitive edge it deserves.