The start of a new year brings the chance to start fresh…But are you ready to shake things up?!

We get it – being a funeral professional can be emotionally taxing… Pair that with an unpredictable, ever-changing schedule and it’s the perfect recipe to slip into the comfort zone of the familiar. 

But, in a world increasingly seeking connection and personalization, the funeral profession stands at a pivotal moment. Families are no longer satisfied with traditional, one-size-fits-all services. 

Let these quotes be your fuel as we trade tradition for transformation, routine for resonance, and predictable goodbyes for meaningful experiences that stay with families long after the service ends.

1. “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

Fuel your passion by creating meaningful experiences for the families you serve.

As a funeral professional, you have the unique ability to help people during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Let this year be a reminder that every arrangement, every service, and every comforting word you offer makes a profound difference. Focus on the impact you’re making in the lives of others and let that be your driving force.

Put it to use: Close your eyes for a moment. Recall a funeral service you directed that truly resonated with the family. Remember the details: the way they laughed through tears, the heartfelt tributes, the unexpected moment of connection that brought them comfort. What specific elements made that service impactful? Was it the personalized music playlist you curated? The handwritten poem? The nature-inspired ceremony hosted under a favorite tree?

Ask yourself: How can I replicate the impact of that moment, and amplify it in future services?

2. “If I had asked my customers what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse.” – Henry Ford

Listen to unspoken needs. Craft personalized experiences that transcend tradition.

Don’t get stuck offering the same old casket-and-eulogy combo. Families may not know exactly what they need during a time of grief and may express a desire for the familiar – the “faster horse”. 

Like Henry Ford’s revolutionary approach to automobiles, as a funeral professional you can transform customary practices into more personalized, meaningful experiences. 

How? By listening to families’ unspoken needs and  using your expertise and compassion to lead them towards more fitting tributes and healing experiences.

Maybe they truly crave a confetti-filled celebration of life or a quiet nature walk in remembrance. 

Put it to use: During your next arrangement conference, don’t just ask families what they “want.” Dig deeper with open-ended questions like “What made your loved one’s heart sing?” or “What memory makes you smile the most?” These answers will ignite the spark for crafting a uniquely personal service.

3. “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

Embrace innovation and dream big. Make goodbyes truly unforgettable.

Dreaming of a better way to serve families? Or of transforming the way society approaches end-of-life celebrations? Don’t let fear clip your wings! Disney dared to imagine talking mice and flying elephants – and look where it got him. 

Your dreams might seem daunting, but they’re within reach if you dare to chase them. Embrace the challenge, knowing your work holds profound importance. Like Walt Disney, who transformed the realm of entertainment, your courage can impact and transform funerals in ways yet unimagined.

Put it to use: Get in the habit of writing down your ideas – no matter how outlandish they seem and encourage your team to do the same. Then, gather your team, swap ideas, and brainstorm ways to make goodbyes truly meaningful.  Remember, even the smallest spark can ignite a brighter future of meaningful farewells. So, share your ideas, collaborate, and put your ideas into action.

4. “The comfort zone is nothing else but a graveyard for your dreams & ideas.” – Anonymous

Step outside your comfort zone. Create experiences that resonate and heal.

Comfort zones are limiting…The moment you take a step out of your comfort zone, is the moment things will shift for you. 

As you navigate your daily role as a funeral professional, challenge yourself to step beyond the familiar. It might be adopting a new technology, exploring innovative ways to conduct services, or engaging in community outreach. Your growth will not only enrich your services but will also deeply impact the families you serve.

So take the leap, break the mold and get uncomfortable. 

Put it to use: Pick one thing that scares you (whether it’s incorporating a new form of personalization or hosting a public grief workshop). Set a goal to try it this quarter – and let’s see what magic you can make.

5. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Empathy, compassion, and genuine connection are paramount in funeral service.

Words often fall short in the face of grief. But the solace you offer, the empathy you radiate, the genuine connection you build – those stay etched in hearts forever. So, this year, focus on being present, on listening without judgment, on offering a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold. Let your compassion be your guiding star, and watch as you leave an indelible mark on the families you serve.

Put it to use: Write down one specific way you can show more empathy during your next service. Maybe it’s offering a private moment of reflection or creating a space for sharing personal stories.

6. “Experiences are the new currency. People pay for experiences, not products.” – Anonymous

As a funeral professional, you’re not just offering services, you’re crafting memories that last a lifetime.

In today’s world, people value experiences over material possessions.  People crave meaningful moments, and as a funeral professional, you’re not just offering services, you’re crafting memories that last a lifetime. It’s about going beyond expectations and designing experiences that truly honor the deceased while mending hearts in the process. This is about more than fulfilling expectations; it’s about creating unforgettable healing experiences.

This shift from product to experience, from commodity to emotion, is what sets you apart. Embrace this change and elevate your services, remembering that emotion is the true currency of value. 

Put it to use: Challenge yourself to create one “experience-over-product” element for your next service. Brainstorm with your team and share your ideas in the comments below and let’s inspire each other to make every goodbye a meaningful masterpiece!

Beyond the Quotes: Take Action

Let these quotes be your catalyst… Experiment, brainstorm, and most importantly, connect with the families you serve. Let this be a year of innovation, excellence, and compassion. 

What are you committed to revolutionizing this year? Tell us in the comments below…

Rochelle Rietow

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