Why Funeral Service Should Celebrate This Thanksgiving
November 21st, 2012
Don’t be like grumpy cat, let’s celebrate this Thanksgiving!
Sure, there are plenty of things you might not be thankful for this Thanksgiving…
… like declining revenues, rising cremation rates, and (most importantly) families not valuing your services like they used to.
And it can seem overwhelming at times. I hear the same question everyday from funeral homes big and small… it’s usually along the lines of “so what do we do now?”
My answer? Let’s be thankful.
I know, I know, it’s Thanksgiving and that’s what we’re “supposed” to do.
But think about… a time of change and opportunity is here. Let’s grab it by the horns, and be thankful for everything – good and bad – that’s brought us to where we are today.
Need a kick start? Here are a few ways you can celebrate:
Say thank you.
It sounds so simple and overrated, but simply telling your funeral home employees “thank you for doing (insert task here)” goes a long way. They’ll remember your appreciation, and in turn, be thankful for your gratitude towards them. There are so many opportunities for your staff to go above and beyond for families, so recognize them!
Make a “Happy” file.
Whenever something happens at your funeral home that deserves appreciation or celebration, store it in a box or folder. Then, at the end of the year, look through it with your funeral home staff. Spend a little bit of time celebrate things like the awesome personalized service you offered or the successful community event you pulled off with your staff!
Transform the negative into a positive.
For everything bad that happens to you or your funeral business, something good will (or may have already) come out of it. Take this opportunity to list a few ways something bad has helped you for the good.
For example, if you have been experiencing rising cremation rates, you could write that it has taught you to focus more on service value than merchandise (which is where the profession is headed, indeed).
Smile!
Think about it…if you walked around your funeral home and saw everyone in your staff frowning or looking distressed, that would probably make you feel worried or concerned.
The same goes for you – if other funeral home employees, or even worse, families see you looking frazzled, the mood will linger on to them. Smiling is contagious, and if you can keep a smile on your face, you’ll inspire your families and funeral home staff to think of a reason to smile as well.
While you’re eating your turkey and mashed potatoes…
Take a moment to soak it all in and remember that our profession is really one of the best profession’s in the world!
What other industries can you think of who specialize in being caring, empathetic and supportive during people’s time of need?
Realize your role in this world, because its important. Besides, who doesn’t need a good pat on the back from time to time?
What does your funeral home have to be thankful for this year? Any questions or comments? Let us know below!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joe Joachim is the CEO and Founder of funeralOne, the first global solutions firm leading a movement of change for the funeral profession. For the past 10 years, he’s developed game-changing solutions that help funeral professionals increase the value of their service offerings, connect with the families of today, and become more profitable. funeralOne’s solutions include: website design, aftercare, funeral eCommerce, and personalization software.
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