Arkansas Funeral Directors Association https://www.arfda.com RSS feeds for Arkansas Funeral Directors Association 60 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/328/A-Century-of-Caring-Navigating-Family-Dynamics-Grief-Marketing-in-the-Death-Care-Industry.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=328 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=328&PortalID=0&TabID=95 A Century of Caring: Navigating Family Dynamics, Grief & Marketing in the Death Care Industry https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/328/A-Century-of-Caring-Navigating-Family-Dynamics-Grief-Marketing-in-the-Death-Care-Industry.aspx  WilbertEDU will be presenting on February 8: "A Century of Caring: Navigating Family Dynamics, Grief & Marketing in the Death Care Industry", hosted by author and speaker Kevin O'Conner. You can register at www.wilbert.com/wilbertedu. This webinar explores historical and modern challenges in the death care industry, drawing lessons from funeral directors. Reflecting on my experiences as the son and nephew of funeral directors from the 1930s to the 80s, I delve into the intersection of partner relationships/family life and the death care profession. Topics include: Enriching professional interactions through family relationships Community engagement and marketing strategies Addressing funeral directors' interactions with grief The presentation is based in part on Kevin's book Two Floors Above Grief. The book is available at Amazon in Paperback, Kindle, and Audio formats. To support your local communities, the book is also available in bookstores or for ordering. Learn more about what Kevin can offer to improve your businesses and profession. Go to his website (https://www.kevinoconnorauthor.com/) for additional information via my newsletter, to find the media section to listen to podcast guest appearances, and to learn more about the content of the book. Keep on engaging and collaborating!   David Jamell (su) Fri, 19 Jan 2024 22:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:328 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/327/What-Small-Businesses-Should-Watch-Out-For-with-AI.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=327 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=327&PortalID=0&TabID=95 What Small Businesses Should Watch Out For with AI https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/327/What-Small-Businesses-Should-Watch-Out-For-with-AI.aspx Artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool in your toolbox for business needs. However, businesses using or contemplating the use of AI should be mindful of its risks and limitations. This technology is still in its early stages of use and development. Before using generative AI for small business, there are a few things to consider. Read more here. David Jamell (su) Wed, 10 Jan 2024 21:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:327 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/326/Addiction-Treatment-Help.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=326 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=326&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Addiction Treatment Help https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/326/Addiction-Treatment-Help.aspx Addiction Help is the only addiction and mental health website founded by a board-certified addiction specialist, a long-time recovering addict, and the spouse of an addict. They provide reliable information about addiction and recovery to guide addicts and their loved ones to a happier, healthier life. "We understand that everyone’s addiction journey is unique. We aim to present you with the best information available to help you get the right addiction treatment for you and your unique needs. We are not only here when you’re seeking rehab but to walk with you every day of your life as a partner in long-term recovery. "Our team of advocates is committed to providing the most up-to-date addiction information and resources tailored toward each person’s specific needs. We want to help you find the best care possible. "Whether the addiction is impacting you, a family member, or a friend, we are here to help you every step of the way. You are not alone in your struggle. "We are a diverse team of recovering addicts, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates. We created AddictionHelp.com to provide the most comprehensive information on addiction and treatment. Our team has helped people battling a wide array of addiction and behavioral health issues." Chris Carberg and Kent Hoffman, D.O.   David Jamell (su) Thu, 04 Jan 2024 20:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:326 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/325/Pay-Per-Click-Worth-the-Ad-Spend.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=325 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=325&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Pay-Per-Click: Worth the Ad Spend? https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/325/Pay-Per-Click-Worth-the-Ad-Spend.aspx By Faith Bennett “Should I run Google Ads this year?” As you begin creating your 2024 marketing plan, you may find yourself asking this question. While Google Ads can help some businesses, they’re not always the right investment for everyone. But first, let’s back up a bit. Because Google Ads technically has another name: PPC ads. Let’s talk about what PPC means before you decide to add it to your marketing strategy or forgo it altogether. What Is PPC? Perhaps someone brought up PPC in a recent meeting, or you came across a marketing agency attempting to push you in the PPC direction. If you felt unsure about whether to commit to this tactic, you’re not alone. PPC, SEO—OMG, there are a lot of acronyms in the world of marketing. Industry lingo aside, the concept of PPC is actually very simple and something you’re likely already familiar with. PPC stands for pay-per-click. It’s a method of advertising where you only pay money when someone clicks on your ad. Like a Google Ad. You might also hear PPC referred to as paid search. When someone tries to sell you on PPC, they might bring up Google Ad statistics, such as that businesses typically make an average of $2 in revenue for every $1 spent. Sounds good, right? Maybe a little too good? While many businesses do see such returns, we’ve come to learn that not all companies will see such success, especially in the case of the funeral profession. So, let’s get into whether your funeral home should invest in PPC. When Should You Include PPC Ads in Your Marketing? Say your funeral home is in a large town or city. Perhaps Boston, Massachusetts. If you were to search for “funeral home in Boston,” you would be inundated with results from many, many funeral homes. No matter how much you work on building up your search engine optimization (SEO), you’re always going to have to contend with tons of competitors trying to climb their way to the top of the search results, too. But PPC ads can help you rocket your way to the top. Similarly, you’ll likely want to use paid search if you only have a few competitors but they’re using PPC. A Google Ad will always come at the top of the search results. No matter how much you finagle your SEO, you can’t climb higher than a result that’s been paid for. Another reason you might want to use PPC is if you’re working to expand into serving families in a new market that might not be in your immediate area. With SEO alone, you may struggle because you don’t have an address in that new city. If you’re a Boston company trying to gain traction in Salem, Massachusetts, your SEO will have to compete with every company that is actually based in Salem. That’s just the way Google’s cookies crumble. When Should You Skip PPC Ads? Okay, so now you know when to say, “Sign me up!” when someone says to give PPC a try. But how about when to say, “Thanks, but no thanks”? Perhaps you live in a smaller town with fewer competitors. If your market share is already at or above 80%, you really don’t need PPC. If you want to dip into another market in a different city, you may want to consider adding PPC to your strategy. Maybe you live in a small town outside of a major city and want to suggest that families come to your funeral home from that city. PPC could be beneficial since you’ll now be competing in a market with more competition. But if you’re busy enough with the families in your own community, PPC is just not necessary. Speaking of being busy, how much attention are you getting organically online? If it’s quite a bit, maybe don’t mess with a good thing, especially if none of your competitors are doing PPC. You may accidentally create a bidding war. You could have avoided using PPC, but now you’re writing checks to Google that you might never have needed to in the first place. You know how the song goes: “War — what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!” What to Know to Create and Analyze Your PPC Ads So, let’s say you’ve decided PPC is a good fit for your business. The next step is understanding what makes up paid search. We’ve already discussed what PPC means, but here are a few other terms you should know: SEO: Search engine optimization, or a variety of tactics that aim to have your website ranked as No. 1 without using PPC. ESV: Estimated search volume, or an estimate of the number of times per month a keyword is searched, according to Google’s historical data. Keyword: A suggestion to Google of what you would like your ad to appear for when someone searches this phrase. Search term: The actual phrase that someone searched that resulted in your ad appearing. Keyword research: A process of brainstorming phrases that people may search in a search engine and checking those phrases for ESV to find those that are relevant and have a high ESV. Is It Time to Add PPC to Your Strategy? Adding PPC to your marketing strategy can cost thousands per month. And in some cases, it’s worth it. But not always. Carefully consider whether PPC is right for your funeral home before making this investment. And if PPC isn’t the best move for you, then you know you’re doing right by your funeral home. David Jamell (su) Thu, 21 Dec 2023 20:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:325 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/324/Front-and-Center.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=324 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=324&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Front and Center https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/324/Front-and-Center.aspx The market for preneed trust services is changing, currently being affected by two trends: more families seeking unique end-of-life celebrations but also families that are more budget conscious after two years of surging inflation. It’s those two things – sustaining sales momentum, especially preneed, and blunting the impact of inflation – that need to be front and center in your planning and budgeting for 2024. In our conversations with funeral home and cemetery owners, most felt good about their businesses heading into the new year. Revenue pressure, rising costs and finding workers tend to be at the top of the concerns list. Here’s the big picture: When planning for 2024, you need a strategic approach to navigate stubborn inflation and low sales volume. Here is how you do it. Read the rest at FSI Trust.   David Jamell (su) Fri, 15 Dec 2023 14:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:324 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/323/Respectful-Rest--Protecting-Sensitive-Client-Data-in-Funeral-Home-Services.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=323 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=323&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Respectful Rest - Protecting Sensitive Client Data in Funeral Home Services https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/323/Respectful-Rest--Protecting-Sensitive-Client-Data-in-Funeral-Home-Services.aspx Keeping clients’ information safe and private is a major responsibility for funeral home service providers. Funeral homes handle sensitive client data – such as financial information and the circumstances surrounding their demise – as a matter of course. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it could cause many problems. Arkansas Funeral Directors Association covers the importance of safeguarding sensitive client data and offers suggestions on how to go about doing so: Why should you prioritize safeguarding client data? Funeral homes carry data that is of interest to people with ill intent, such as hackers, identity thieves, and, sometimes, the deceased’s family members. Protecting this information is an ethical as well as legal (when applicable) responsibility: Ethical responsibility: Keeping your client’s information safe is a moral obligation and the hallmark of a good business. Most funeral homes in Arkansas operate under their own ethical guidelines. Retaining client trust: Your clients rely on you to keep their and their loved ones’ information safe. A funeral home that breaks this trust is likely to lose its reputation quickly. Relevant laws: Client data may fall under a variety of state and federal regulations. Some examples include the Arkansas Personal Information Protection Act (APIPA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, common law privacy, and health information privacy (like HIPAA). Safeguarding On-Site Records Funeral homes have to maintain a variety of records – such as contracts, the client’s death certificate, health information, embalming or cremation information, and similar – for several years (up to 7). This is often done without good safety measures. Here are some suggestions to up your security: 1. Implement secure storage Keep paper records under lock and key away from your regular area of operations. You can lock drawers and cabinets, for example, and keep them in a private room. Only keep the records you need for current operations at hand and keep long-term records separately. Be conscientious about how you store paper documents. 2. Add access restrictions Implementing access restrictions is essential even if you trust employees – people make mistakes and can be careless. With access restriction, you ensure only the people who need the information can get to it. Also, implement guidelines for safe retrieval and storage of records. 3. Use smart tech protection and monitoring Smart tech is a fantastic way of automating much of your on-site security. You can have cameras and other gadgets to monitor critical areas remotely and inform you of unauthorized access. Also, you can use smart tech to implement automatic access control. Installation is straightforward – you could do it yourself by following online guides. It’s equally easy to troubleshoot problems, if any. Safeguarding Electronic Records Not all funeral homes follow electronic data storage and safety best practices, making them vulnerable to phishing and other forms of hacking. Here are some e-data safety suggestions: 1. Encryption and other safety best practices Make sure to encrypt (and/or password lock) any electronic information you store. Use anti-virus software and firewalls to protect your network. Keep your hardware devices locked, limit Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and be careful with portable storage devices. 2. Regular updates Hackers are constantly attempting to find security holes in software, and developers are constantly patching these holes up. Not updating the software you use for internal or external operations frequently allows hackers to exploit known vulnerabilities. 3. Cybersecurity training The easiest way for funeral directors to have secure processes is to outsource to a cybersecurity expert. This isn’t always feasible though. You could pursue a cybersecurity training program if you’re computer-savvy. Knowing the ins and outs of cybersecurity is important in this digital age. Online certificate programs are an option – they’re remote and convenient. This may be worth reviewing. Employee training Human error is the number one reason data breaches happen. Training your employees is arguably the best way to keep your client’s data safe. Some suggestions are covering common hacking methods, providing operating guidelines, and having your own organizational data privacy regulations. Here are some other worthwhile training suggestions from eWeek. Conclusion You don’t necessarily have to move the earth to keep your client’s information safe; it is more simple than that. Being aware of data safety best practices and training your employees on the same will go a long way toward safeguarding client data and, also, cementing the reputation of your funeral home as a business that’s both confidential and trustworthy. Image via Unsplash David Jamell (su) Fri, 24 Nov 2023 13:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:323 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/322/What-Happens-During-the-Loan-Application-Process.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=322 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=322&PortalID=0&TabID=95 What Happens During the Loan Application Process? https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/322/What-Happens-During-the-Loan-Application-Process.aspx Written by Live Oak Bank  Small business owners often ask us about the loan application process. What is required to apply for financing and successfully complete the process? How long will it take to receive funds? Whether you need financing today or are hoping to gain a better understanding of the loan process to plan for future needs, it is important to know what to expect from application to closing. Depending on the financial institution you choose, the process and the time it takes to receive funding may vary. Generally, once the loan application and all related documents are submitted to the bank, the rest of the process can take anywhere from two weeks to six months. The timing may vary based on the bank’s experience with lending to the borrower’s industry, the borrower’s responsiveness in submitting the necessary documents and the accuracy and completeness of information collected. At Live Oak Bank, our lending team specializes in various industries and understands the intricacies of those business models, which can make the process smoother. During each phase of the loan process, a borrower will work with different members of the loan team. The three stages of every loan are the application, underwriting and closing. To read the full article, visit Live Oak Bank's website. David Jamell (su) Tue, 21 Nov 2023 17:08:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:322 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/321/Set-Your-Marketing-Budget-for-Success-not-Failure.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=321 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=321&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Set Your Marketing Budget for Success, not Failure! https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/321/Set-Your-Marketing-Budget-for-Success-not-Failure.aspx I talk to a fair number of funeral home, cemetery and B2B decision makers responsible for their firm’s marketing activities and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard these same folks say: “We tried doing _(fill in the blank)______, and it doesn’t work.” Well, In my experience, the source of the problem is the result of two things: 1. The message is boring/vanilla/ uninteresting and, 2. The firms haven’t put enough fuel in the marketing engine; and by fuel, I mean funding. In short, the budget just doesn’t allow for their marketing/advertising goals and activities to be realized. Too frequently, companies save themselves into problems rather than overspend themselves there. A weak marketing budget may save you bucks, but more importantly, it will cost you business. Instead of standing out to be noticed these firms do almost the opposite by running almost unnoticeable small-space print ads; developing the marketing message in-house or (maybe worse) have their marketing creative developed by the local publication/tv/radio station/direct mail firm who have no real funeral experience; relying solely on social media and other related ways of doing things. I’ve done this for a number of years and so I’m going to share a marketing truth with you: Marketing is a self-fulfilling prophecy: If you believe in it, you’ll commit to it, invest in it, and give it time to work and with the right strategy and messaging, it will. Or, if you don’t really believe in what the right messaging and spending can do to create a “better tomorrow” for you and your firm, you’ll hold back, and guess what? It won’t work, and you’ll be right as well. Either way, it’s what you choose to invest in that makes the difference. Establishing a Marketing Budget Developing a marketing budget as part of your strategic planning is one of the most challenging, and at the same time, most important aspects of a successful marketing campaign. Truthfully, to get the marketing budget dialed in takes time, patience, and experience. There are generally held rules of thumb on the amount you should spend on marketing per year, but it really does depend on a number of factors, some of which you can control and some that come as a result of the marketplace. These include (along with some very initial thought starters): How recognized is your business in the marketplace? i.e. Are you the most well known in your business footprint or seen as “one of the others”? How is your visibility compared with that of your competition? i.e. Is the competitor involved in more community activities or do they advertise with more frequency, consistency, and more impact? Do your customers perceive your business the way you want them to? I.e., You may be surprised how people think of you – i.e., seen as really “old school,” catering only to a certain audience. Does there need to be a change to how you speak with your customers…some who may be new to the area or if you’re a B2B company, new to the buying role? i.e. Do they know what you offer; how you’re what they’re really looking for; how you help them plan for the future. What are some projects that you’ve put off but now need to invest in, i.e., website, advertising, tradeshows/event involvement, market/customer research, etc.? Is there a specific audience that you need to speak with? i.e., hospice, cremation-oriented families, religious or cultural groups or as a B2B firm are their new buyers to reach? Can you benefit from using professional marketing help? This depends on your expertise in saying and doing things that has your audience see you as a more interesting firm with whom they want to do business with. This option could be the right answer for many firms. Are there new channels in which to promote your business or products? i.e., YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, outdoor, TV/cable, radio, onsite or community events, church bulletins. What is the scope of marketing materials and programs that will be required? i.e., Is there a need to create a smart social media program; is the collateral seen as tired or in need of facelift? How you answer these questions can help you determine how much you dedicate to your marketing budget. And your marketing needs to look like you believe in your firm and products because if what you create looks cheap, then cheap will definitely be the takeaway by your customers and prospect. Budgeting for Change Nobody wants to spend any more money than they absolutely have too. Nobody has unlimited funds. But even the smallest business can’t grow without committing to a reasonable marketing budget. When we talk with our clients about budgeting for their marketing, especially when it’s recognized that the firm has been underspending in the past, we ask them to consider what budget amount would make them comfortable. (That’s the ante.) Then we talk about what the “gets you noticed and gets you more business” number looks like. The point we want to make clear is that a “comfortable” budget puts them only on the same level as their competitors, and often below that level, so truly little if any change can be affected. Change only happens when the commitment requires working up a sweat, emotionally and financially. If you’re not budgeting for change, then it’s unrealistic to believe that change will occur, right? Four Methods to Setting a Budget So, getting down to business, how can an effective budget be established? Here are the top four methods for setting a marketing/advertising budget used by the most successful businesses in the funeral profession: A. Fixed percentage of sales. Start with last year’s total gross sales, or average sales for the past few years, and then allocate a specific percentage of that figure for marketing. Obviously, there is not a “one size fits all” rule for how much you should spend on marketing. That’s because the amount that is “just right” for one business may not be a perfect fit for another. So much depends on the kind of business you have, your business objectives and revenue. While we cannot always isolate a single number, we can look at averages. With that in mind, startups spend generally in the 12-18% of annual revenues for marketing while established firms are in the 6-10%. Pros: It’s easy to understand and safe: Rather than predict the future, you’re dealing with a known amount. If you’re in a stable, predictable marketplace or business segment, this method is fairly sound. This strategy keeps your budget in relation to sales volume – the very thing marketing and advertising are attempting to affect. Cons: The budget is based on past performance. You may lose the opportunity to capitalize on shifts in the business climate, market demographics and growth opportunities that weren’t previously considered. B. Comparable to the competition. Matching what your competitors are spending is another way of developing your marketing budget. The assumption here is that if you want to remain competitive you have to spend as much as them. Pros: This is an easy approach for companies whose competitors' marketing efforts are highly visible, just as long as they can accurately estimate what the competitors are actually spending. Cons: Companies may only see the most visible of their competitors' marketing efforts and aren't aware of other programs below the surface that could affect their sales. This method also doesn’t take into consideration any changes in the market (i.e., competitive mergers/ acquisitions or a philosophical change by the competitor to boost their own marketing activities and budget, etc.) If a competitor decides to become more marketing oriented, this approach could be problematic as your firm will be falling behind rather than keeping pace. C. Objective based. Begin by setting specific marketing objectives and decide on the ways/things that need to be done to meet those objectives. Then, determine your budget by doing your homework and getting a good idea of the cost to carry out those tasks. If you can't afford to fund all your ideas, rank them, and focus on the top few. Pros: It's an accurate method. It ties the use of funds directly to the tasks you want to accomplish. If properly executed, the marketing becomes an investment, not an expense. By spending whatever is needed, the company may grow at a faster rate. Cons: Obtaining an accurate cost from various vendors in advance might be challenging especially if you’ve not figured out the specifics with each program, initiative, or idea. Another downside is that this method does not offer much room for adjustments in the strategy during the year. It also doesn’t allow for a “pad” to offset any increased costs on activities; new opportunities that present themselves during the year; or to address competitive marketing that could eat into your revenue or prospective client base. D. A Hybrid Method The first thing is to decide on the need to create change. As I said before, change doesn't happen unless the commitment is there. So, looking back at the fixed percentage of sales as a basis, rather than budget close to 6 percent of previous year’s gross revenue, consider significantly increasing that amount. And rather than basing it on last year's sales, base it on the sales you could expect if the marketing program is successful. That's budgeting for success. If last year's sales were $900,000, but a good year ahead could mean a ¬¬¬¬¬¬10% percent increase, in other words nearly $1,000,000, your marketing budget should reflect that anticipated increase. Does that approach make you sweat? If you look at successful marketers in about any category, be it food, fashion or the deathcare profession, they're the ones who approach their efforts optimistically and with a purpose to create a brighter future for themselves. We've long observed that more companies save themselves into an uncertain future than spend themselves there. If you're not happy with the results you've been getting, consider that at the source may be a reticence to think of your marketing dollars as a capital investment rather than an expense. While there's much to be done between approving your budget and executing the plan, it's the best first step. Think about it another way: You've probably never heard anyone point to a successful firm/advertiser and say, "I can't believe those idiots are spending that kind of money!" Rolf Gutknecht is President and CEO of LA ads, a full-service marketing firm specializing in helping success-oriented funeral homes, cemeteries, manufacturers, and service providers develop impactful marketing programs and create compelling marketing messaging to grow their business. Rolf can be reached at rolfg@laadsmarketing.com or 800-991-0625 ext. 2 and at www.laadsmarketing.com. David Jamell (su) Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:26:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:321 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/320/Demystifying-AI-and-Its-Role-in-Funeral-Service.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=320 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=320&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Demystifying AI and Its Role in Funeral Service https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/320/Demystifying-AI-and-Its-Role-in-Funeral-Service.aspx Because artificial intelligence has a broad range of practical applications – from automation and data analysis to customer service and gaming – the topic often triggers different responses in different people. AI continues to advance and evolve, driving innovation in numerous applications and impacting our daily lives in various ways, so at his keynote session on the final day of the NFDA International Convention & Expo, Dennis Yu, CEO of BlitzMetrics, attempted to demystify AI and discuss its role in the future of funeral service. Yu enlisted the assistance of three funeral directors to show how AI can help funeral homes expand their marketing capabilities and drive their business. “What if we took funeral home owners from small to large and demonstrated what we could practically do with AI, so that you could walk away with the action guide of the work being done by these young adults,” Yu queried attendees. Yu asked his funeral director panel what people were saying about AI. “Well, I know there are the avatars, and that can be a little frightening to people,” said Prout.” There has been a lot of talk about recreating a deceased loved one and interacting with them. And one of the questions the industry would face is – is that really helping someone or are they prolonging their grief?” Yu shared the number-one tip that silicon-valley had about the people who are winning in AI. “It’s that they are human,” Yu said. “They start from the humanity. It’s not technology and engineering, it’s whoever is the most human.” To make that point, he demonstrated some AI functions. In one clip, it was Yu’s face wishing someone a happy birthday – but nobody believed it was really him. “It’s my face, the lips are moving, but the AI is not ready,” he said. “What you really need to do to succeed with AI is start with things that are real now. Do you really want to have an AI-generated avatar representing you in your community? [That technology] is not ready. Some people are afraid of video, and we’re going to talk about how to overcome that,” Yu continued. “When you share your stories and put them out there, you show the humanity. People have this preconception of what funeral homes are, and we’re going to change that by using social media and digital AI to increase our humanity.” Yu described this as generative AI, which is about taking what you have, the seed of something real, and being able to modify it in different ways. The mechanism of how AI can practically work in funeral service is a four-stage model Yu called the “content factory”: Produce: Zoom calls, podcasts, social media posts, speaking, iCloud photos, design style guide Process: Description, social snippets, content library Publish: YouTube, Facebook, company website, social channels Promote: Thank-you machine, dollar-a-day ads. “You’re producing content; this is the reality,” stated Yu. “When you have all this stuff, now you have the raw ingredients. The raw ingredients can then be processed, and this is where AI tools come in. AI tools being used by young adults in a smart process will overturn most people in the world of marketing who think they’re professionals in digital marketing,” Yu continued. “When the videos get processed, then they can be published to your Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, LinkedIn – all these places,” he added. “And that’s how you dominate in digital marketing. You send that signal to Google so that you can rank on whatever keywords you want. The work is being done by those networks. That’s the future of marketing. It’s not about social media and influencers and singing and dancing – it’s about getting your stories out there.” As for the last part – promoting – it’s investing a dollar a day on Facebook or YouTube. “Every single social channel has got AI built into it,” he said. Yu next presented videos by three funeral director panelists to illustrate his point. The video produced at Mickens’ funeral home describes how to present a life celebration for a loved one. As for the tech crew and equipment, Mickens’ son, Skylar, filmed his mother using an iPhone. “Capture moments – short little cellphone videos – and post them on the ultimate AI tool – Google,” said Yu. “AI is not this futuristic robot; it is right here, it is practical. You are using it every day when you Google something. That’s the AI. It’s not the scary thing.” Yu reminded attendees that it makes a difference with consumers when a third party is recommending a business rather than the business talking about itself. “We take these videos and create articles,” Yu said. “It’s also a big thing to be able to promote articles and different things because the articles are a little bit more in-depth. Articles send more signals to Google for these different things to be picked up and ranked.” One Funeral Director pointed out that the videos taken with her dad in front of the sustainable options in the funeral home’s showroom were shot on one of their busiest days. “We had people coming in, walk-ins, funerals, we had construction going on,” she shared. “And I said to my dad, let’s just do one video, we have to get them something, and we just got on a roll and in 15 minutes, we had maybe 10 videos to send.” One-minute videos are the optimal length. “I think you can definitely get the message across in a one-minute video,” said Prout. “You’re going to lose people [if it’s too long]. But it definitely grabs people’s attention.” AI is coming. It’s also helping to make our businesses a lot more efficient and effective. Another benefit of producing these videos is the outtakes and how the staff was getting nervous that they were flubbing their words. “But the team kind of came together during the video sessions,” one Funeral Director said. “We were laughing and joking, we did do a quick coffee break, came back and everyone’s taking pictures, and it was just really neat to see the team come together, and then they were encouraging the speaker. It could be a really neat team project for your staff to come together on something that’s ultimately helping your firm.” David Jamell (su) Fri, 03 Nov 2023 21:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:320 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/319/How-could-a-Small-Business-Loan-Help-your-Funeral-Home.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=319 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=319&PortalID=0&TabID=95 How could a Small Business Loan Help your Funeral Home? https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/319/How-could-a-Small-Business-Loan-Help-your-Funeral-Home.aspx If you have ever considered taking out a small loan, you are aware of the potential challenges and complexities that can befall you. To help guide you through this, read this breakdown of common loans and the preparation process for this. Live Oak Bank is an experienced company and can confidently guide you through the lending process. But first, download their guide with essential details about the basics of small business loans. Download Small Business Loan Guide David Jamell (su) Thu, 12 Oct 2023 21:28:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:319 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/318/Death-and-Social-Media.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=318 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=318&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Death and Social Media https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/318/Death-and-Social-Media.aspx What the families you serve need to know. By Jessica A. Koth Since Elon Musk took the helm of the social media platform. Recently, he made headlines again, but this time, his actions may be impacting the families you serve. In May, Musk announced that Twitter would be purging accounts that have had no activity for several years. In some ways, that’s a great thing – bots and inactive or bogus accounts can throw off metrics and are ripe for scammers to take over and use for nefarious purposes. Some of the dormant accounts that were deleted, however, belonged to individuals who have died, causing pain for some families and sparking some public outcry. The Associated Press published an article (https://rb.gy/ly8id) that subsequently appeared in newspapers nationwide about one such individual who saw her loved one’s account deleted. The article read: “Emily Reed lost her younger sister Jessica more than 10 years ago. For much of the last decade, she’s visited Jessica’s Twitter page to help ‘keep her memory alive.’ Twitter became one of the places where Emily processed her grief and reconnected with a sister she describes as almost like a twin. But Jessica’s account is now gone. Last week, owner Elon Musk announced Twitter would be purging accounts that have had no activity for several years. That decision has been met by an outcry from those who have lost, or who fear losing, the thoughts and words of deceased loved ones linked to now-inactive accounts. Reed immediately returned to Jessica’s page as she had done a day or two earlier after learning of the purge. In place of Jessica’s page was an ‘account suspended’ message that suggested it may be in violation of Twitter rules. Reed’s tweet recounting her shock over the loss of the account has received tens of thousands of responses. Others shared similar experiences of pain upon learning that the account of a deceased loved one had vanished. ‘Having these digital footprints… is super important to me,’ Reed, 43, told The Associated Press… Reed talks about the importance of Jessica’s Twitter and Facebook pages during her journey with grief — from following her sister’s difficult journey with cystic fibrosis, a progressive genetic disorder Reed also has, to cherishing tweets that showed ‘the joy and… the vibrancy that came out of her words.’ Over time, the image and memories of someone who has passed away can slowly change in your mind, ‘like a fading photograph,’ Reed said. Having online resources, she added, can help keep a ‘person’s memory alive in a way that just your own personal memory can’t.’ ” Reed is not alone. Many people take great comfort in looking up a deceased loved one’s social media profile and viewing their posts and photos. Some even write messages to their loved ones – even years after their death. Most of the major social platforms – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn – have formal processes for memorializing the account of a loved one. The process usually requires next of kin to provide proof that they have the right to memorialize the account, as well as their loved one’s death certificate. Facebook also enables users to designate a “Legacy Contact” – a person who, once an account is memorialized, can serve as a digital executor and look after the profile. Twitter, on the other hand, has never had such a process for memorializing – or preserving – the account of someone who has died. Its website states: In the event of the death of a Twitter user, we can work with a person authorized to act on behalf of the estate or with a verified immediate family member of the deceased to have an account deactivated. Request the removal of a deceased user’s account. After you submit your request, we will email you with instructions for providing more details, including information about the deceased, a copy of your ID and a copy of the deceased’s death certificate. This is a necessary step to prevent false and/or unauthorized reports. Be assured that this information will remain confidential and will be removed once we’ve reviewed it. Note: We are unable to provide account access to anyone regardless of their relationship to the deceased. Read more information about media on Twitter concerning a deceased family member. Not all that long ago, issues like this were unimaginable. But with so many people using social media they can access with an device they hold in the palms of their hands, it’s a critical question everyone must think about. Many of you regularly provide individuals and families with a checklist of organizations and companies families should notify when a loved one dies to prevent identity theft. Are you also sharing information about how to handle a loved one’s social media account? As part of its array of free-to-members legal forms, NFDA has an informational handout you can share with families during an arrangement conference or meeting to preplan a service. It includes information about how social media accounts can be memorialized after the death of a loved one. Download it at nfda.org/legalforms (member login required). The form, titled “Information on Reporting a Death to a Social Media Site,” can be found in the Miscellaneous Forms section. These days, protecting your personal information online is just as important as protecting it offline. The families you serve would likely be very grateful that you took the time to share information about this critical step they need to take after the death of a loved one. Jessica Koth is NFDA director of public relations. She can be reached at jkoth@nfda.org or 800-228-6332. Reprinted with permission from the July 2023 edition of The Director, a National Funeral Directors Association publication. David Jamell (su) Tue, 03 Oct 2023 20:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:318 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/317/Positive-Business-Leadership-Roles-Of-The-Leader.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=317 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=317&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Positive Business Leadership: Roles Of The Leader https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/317/Positive-Business-Leadership-Roles-Of-The-Leader.aspx Written by Live Oak Bank Small businesses with positive leadership roles are more likely to have effective management, rewarding cultures and productive teams. Although some individuals have natural talent and excellent leadership skills, all business owners and managers can learn to become better leaders. In order to drive the success of your business, make sure you fulfill the following critical roles of a leader. Provide a Vision Providing a vision for the team is the single most important role of the small business owner. Employees cannot be expected to participate in a common effort if they don’t know the goals of the business. When team members understand the vision and goals, they are more focused and understand how their individual role helps to drive the success of the business. Establish Effective Organizational Structure and Communication Protocols Set up a clearly defined organizational structure which includes an organizational chart outlining the chain of command and protocols for effective communication. Employees need to understand who they report to when they have questions or concerns. To facilitate effective communication and efficiency, develop communication protocols. It can be helpful to use multiple channels like email and teams chat groups to augment one-on-one communication and staff meeting interactions. The type of communication method utilized should be appropriate for the content of the message. Memos are fine to convey announcements and information on minor issues. Face-to-face meetings are necessary to discuss important issues or convey information that is sensitive or may result in questions. Be an Effective Role Model Demonstrate the behavior desired from the rest of the team. Business owners that display outbursts of anger, make snap decisions with no regard to the potential outcome for the staff, demonstrate uncaring attitudes, show favoritism for some employees, withhold information from the staff, procrastinate on important decisions, tolerate lack of accountability, demonstrate inconsistencies in client service or fail to listen to their employees will not be as respected by the team and likely will not be as successful in achieving their business goals. Inspire and Motivate One definition of leadership is to “inspire, influence and guide others to participate in a common effort.” Good leaders don’t just bark orders or hand out directives with no explanation. Instead, they use effective communication and motivation techniques to facilitate action by their teams. Leaders that inspire and motivate their teams solicit input from employees, keep team members informed, give timely and specific feedback regarding job performance, ensure training needs are met and hold employees accountable. Delegate and Empower Good leaders surround themselves with the right people in the right jobs. This facilitates being able to lead rather than manage. A small business owner can begin the process of effective delegation and empowerment with their management level team. As a leader, you can focus on the strategic vision of your business. When you’re able to delegate tasks to those who are best aligned to that specific skillset, you’re creating an environment conducive to learning and growth. Effective Time Management Part of being an effective leader includes time management. If you spend most of your time fielding complaints and reacting to problems, this may be a sign that you are not delegating effectively or empowering team members. Explore resources on time management and create action steps to improve. Some attributes of efficient time management include eliminating distractions, prioritizing tasks with a to-do list, holding effective meetings, including breaks to re-fuel your brain and body and outsourcing tasks that others can help with. Small businesses require great leadership. As a small business owner, focus on these best practices to improve employee retention and drive long-term success. Set the right tone with your actions and lead by example – your business will be better for it. David Jamell (su) Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:317 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/316/Fight-Fire-with-Fire-Prevention.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=316 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=316&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Fight Fire with Fire... Prevention! https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/316/Fight-Fire-with-Fire-Prevention.aspx Three steps — Let this be a guide in helping prevent a dangerous or deadly fire at your business. Take a look at the following to see how these action items could be applied today. 1. Educate your employees on the consequences of a potential fire at your business. The impact of a fire can be: Deadly Expensive Time-consuming Overwhelming It doesn’t just affect you. Your employees, their families, and their livelihoods are also at stake. 2. Implement a fire prevention plan at your business. Your plan should include: Designating a person who is responsible for fire prevention at your business Conducting a regular fire safety walkthrough Completing the fire safety checklist (below) to identify sources of fire at your business Fires are avoidable. Make it your responsibility to educate and equip your employees with the knowledge on how to prevent fires at your workplace. 3. Repeat steps one and two. Take the time to focus on: Using the checklist frequently Evaluating fire hazards continuously Training your employees on an ongoing basis Fire prevention is an everyday practice. It could be the difference between a successful business and one that is gone the next day.   Download Safety Checklist David Jamell (su) Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:47:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:316 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/315/Your-Winning-Team-Hourly-Part-Timers-As-A-Foundation.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=315 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=315&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Your Winning Team: Hourly & Part-Timers As A Foundation https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/315/Your-Winning-Team-Hourly-Part-Timers-As-A-Foundation.aspx By Gabriel Ngo “Culture is defined and created from the top down, but it comes to life from the bottom up” – Mike Smith, former NFL head coach (Atlanta Falcons), 2008 Coach of the Year You are probably already thinking that this quotation is all well and good, but who has time for culture when your business is short a licensed staff (or two if you operate a larger business) and the other licensed staff is on vacation this week? I get it. Businesses across all professions and industries have been battling staffing shortages and talent retention challenges. To that extent, funeral home businesses are no exception…and not only part of the rule, but has licensing (and in some states, dual licensing) requirement issues to have to contend with when attracting, hiring, and retaining talent. Hopefully by the end of this article, I can get you to see how this quotation not only applies to you, but that you can strategically focus on developing hourly and/or part-time staff to fulfill your staffing challenges and bring your culture to “life from the bottom up.” So, what has led us to where we are today in 2023 where finding and keeping qualified licensed staff is such a challenge? Was it Covid/Pandemic? Is it these “younger generations” just not wanting to work as hard or work as long? Or was it because of the Pandemic that forced companies in general to allow work-from-home arrangements and now none of us can put the “genie back in the bottle?” Perhaps, it was all of the above and then some other issues not listed. The funeral profession has always had to contend with finding and keeping good licensed folks for adequate staffing requirements—it is just worse now with the influence from all of the above. What we do is truly noble, invocational work that is intrinsically rooted in serving others. But it certainly is not glamourous in any way, and the rest of the world sees it as such a niche trade that most people do not think about (unless called upon in some way) when contemplating a career (or career change). The two main areas that have always been real issues for the funeral profession include: Sourcing quality candidates leading to hiring challenges, and Increasing skill gaps driving hiring challenges. Let’s face it: sourcing and hiring qualified, licensed candidate in the funeral profession is a zero-sum game that has almost been on par with competing for calls—the licensed funeral director you hire is one less licensed director that I (or another competitor) can hire in any particular market or community. And with the limited “headcount” of qualified candidates, this zero-sum hiring game acts as a “double-whammy” for businesses missing out on hiring of that one candidate. With respect to the increasing skills gap/skills shortage within the profession, this only further compounds the challenge. For example, the high-value licensing requirements in the state of Ohio (where in addition to mortuary school and the licensing requirements there is also the four-year college degree requirement) has had the unintended consequence of stringently excluding possible service talent from other service-based work from entering the profession—and thus, making sourcing and hiring qualified candidates with the necessary licensing and skills extremely difficult. In states like Arkansas, there has been a reduction of apprenticeship time requirements (from twenty-fours months down to eighteen months) in an attempt to help alleviate licensed staffing challenges for funeral businesses. So, what are some ways that you can think differently, approach things differently, and then act differently in order to overcome these two main challenges when it comes to sourcing and hiring qualified, licensed candidates? After all, you cannot expect a different outcome if you just continue doing the same things. Here are three keys that we will subsequently explore a little more in depth: Focus more on soft skills and attention to service ethos Employ employee development and long-term strategies Streamline your hiring process Soft Skills Focus In Sourcing & Hiring While this is not necessarily a new idea, identifying potentials locally and outside of the profession that you might have interacted with on more than one occasion who demonstrate thoughtful, caring, and service-oriented characteristics that perhaps are aligned with your own service ethos could truly be a great external pool for sourcing and recruiting candidates. This person could be someone at the car dealership, automotive parts store, hospital/doctor’s office, and/or restaurant. Coming from that idea rooted in mantra of hiring for attitude and training for skill, the biggest investment here for funeral home owners is one of shifting one’s paradigm to, not just actively, but proactively recruiting for your business’ needs and wants. Despite the growing sentiment that folks nowadays just do not want to work as hard, there are quality people and talent across all lines of work that may very well align with your excellence in service and care beliefs—you just have to hunt to find them these days, now more than ever. And this takes re-disciplining your own thoughts, beliefs, and actions in order to make it happen successfully. Besides, the current model in finding qualified, licensed candidates is not widely or successfully working, so what do you have to lose in changing your approach or changing how you do things? Furthermore, being consistent with your own behaviors of proactively recruiting and making constant sourcing efforts is also very key to how successful you will be at sourcing and hiring based on a candidate’s soft skills. Employ Employee Development & Long-Term Strategies And so deliberately and consistently being “on the hunt” for candidates with soft skills fit for your business opens up the “talent pool” for you and may address a wider source of candidates, but what about the licensing requirements? This is where the “brave new world” that we live in requires you to have to be more strategic in how you properly incorporate your human resources. Hiring qualified, non-licensed hourly or part-time staff offers greater flexibility for you to cover hours and manpower, but now you should also have a plan for developing the staff (at least particular members) by encouraging them to obtain the requisite licensing (either funeral director’s license, embalming license, or both). Budget and build room into your expenses the necessary employee developments costs, such as offering to pay for their mortuary school (or partially) with some exchange in terms of their employment commitment to you and your business. So for example (because I am in and out of automotive parts stores on multiple occasions), if I identify an Auto Zone representative who has on a number of occasion helped me and impressed me with their customer service, level of care/attention to detail, or background (former military for example), I would casually educate this person on what I or my funeral business does and the functions of service we provide to the community. Let’s say that I succeed in persuading this John Doe from Auto Zone to join my staff as a full-time, hourly funeral assistant/ambassador. The next step in my strategic plan is to encourage and develop John to further his education and skills towards becoming licensed. If John accepts, he signs a contract with me (you can always have your attorney draft a simple agreement) where I offer to pay for his mortuary school related expenses in exchange for a mutually acceptable employment commitment (two or three years) in return. From a contractual standpoint, there would be “clawback” provisions where John would have to pay me back a pro-rated amount for every year that he might not fulfill as a licensed funeral director with my business (i.e. 33% of the total mortuary school related expenses for each year he does not fulfill in a three year commitment). Sure, you will have to involve an attorney to draft such an agreement as well as possibly enforce its breach if an employee leaves before their commitment time is satisfied. But there are a few huge advantages as well. Firstly, you are providing development for your staff, and that makes you very possibly stand out from your competition—not to mention that many people still do value and appreciate your willingness to continue investing in them. Secondly, you will have a strong influence on how this employee learns and develops under your tutelage and in your methodology or culture. And lastly, you are directly addressing a huge area of need related to staffing shortages in a two-pronged approach: first by opening up and widening the source of qualified candidates, and next by developing them over a mid-to-longer term when building your licensed staff needs. There are a few funeral home operations in Texas where I have seen them be wildly successful at executing this, and they do not have the same work shortage issues once they have committed to and invested in strategically sourcing, hiring, and developing staff in this manner that the majority of other operators still face across the nation. Streamline Your Hiring Process This last section may not be connected to the two strategies above in that you can execute this one independent of whether you employ the two strategies above or not, but it is still important on its own because it may help you not miss out on a qualified candidate by simply having time be on your side. However, streamlining your hiring process still takes deliberate purpose and focus, just as hunting for soft skill candidates and strategically developing your staff both require. How many times has this happened to you over the past two or three years? By the time you are ready to make an offer to a licensed candidate that you liked, this candidate informs you that he/she has already accepted a similar role at one of your competitors. Therefore, the purpose to streamlining your hiring process is to remove bottlenecks in your current hiring process, speed up the process, and decrease the time period between when you (and/or possibly another one of your key person[s]) interview this candidate and when you make an offer of employment. There is a saying when working on buy/sell transactions, that “time kills all deals.” Well, the focus here, in what is essentially a transaction to hire a new employee, is to shorten time by streamlining your process so that time does not kill your deal for a new hire. In today’s environment, you truly do risk losing out on a qualified candidate if your hiring process is too long. Here are a few things you can deliberately do to streamline your hiring process: Reduce the hurdles for interviewing candidates – this involves streamlining potential multi one-on-one interviews into panel interviews for your main stakeholders so that the candidate(s) is not having to come back a second or third time. Less hurdles for the candidate also reduce time for you in having to schedule different rounds of interviews. Remove/reduce bottlenecks on your end – if you have one or two other partners or stakeholders, actively ensure that everyone is committing to what is now a must in recruiting differently and hiring quickly. Families come first in what we do, but even if you have to reschedule, ensure that your other stakeholders/interviewers can commit to the rescheduled time so that you have removed any bottlenecks on time for you and hurdles for the candidate(s). Standardize your background checks and reference checks – if you have historically done this yourself in-house, perhaps it is time to outsource this to a third-party who specializes in this function. Sure, it might be an added expense but if it reduces your process timeline and improves your hiring because you no longer lose out on qualified candidates due to the time it takes, then consider this expense well-spent. While these things may sound simple to do, it takes focus and purpose to deliberately change behavior, and we all know how our schedules can sometimes feel like we are herding cats. So, even the three aforementioned bullets take commitment and dedication in adherence. In summary, the combination of focusing on soft skills for your recruiting, employing strategic employee development and training to bridge any gaps between non-licensed and licensed staff, as well as streamlining your hiring process will help you build a new but solid foundation for you to continue to build upon for the future. It is this foundation which you have achieved in building that will allow and nurture your culture that will be driven from the bottom up for your team and business to thrive for many years to come. David Jamell (su) Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:315 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/313/Guiding-Through-Grief-Practical-Tips-for-Cleaning-Out-a-Loved-Ones-Home.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=313 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=313&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Guiding Through Grief: Practical Tips for Cleaning Out a Loved One's Home https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/313/Guiding-Through-Grief-Practical-Tips-for-Cleaning-Out-a-Loved-Ones-Home.aspx Cleaning out the home of a recently deceased loved one can be an emotionally challenging task. It involves navigating through a sea of memories and making tough decisions about what to keep and what to let go. However, with the right approach, it's possible to navigate this process in a way that honors your loved one and helps you move forward. Here are some tips to guide you, shared below by Arkansas Funeral Directors Association. Preserve Cherished Personal Keepsakes Preserving keepsakes can be a powerful tool in navigating your grief journey. These cherished items serve as physical connections to your departed loved one, offering solace during periods of sorrow. Your emotional reaction should ideally steer your selection of these remembrances. The true value of a memento lies in the joy it evokes or the precious memories it revives in your heart. As such, any item that triggers such profound emotions carries immense worth and is worthy of preservation as a comforting reminder of your beloved. And if your keepsakes involve artwork, journals, hand-written letters or the like, you could always utilize a PDF scanner to make a digital version that you can make prints from or save to your online collections. You can also share them with loved ones and post them online. Incidentally, digitizing important keepsakes can reduce the worry over losing them, and also makes it easier to stay organized and reduce clutter. Seek Support From Loved Ones and Friends Drawing on the strength and support of friends and family during trying times can substantially ease your emotional burden. It's crucial to remember that journeying through such challenges alone can be profoundly emotionally draining, and distributing this weight among others frequently provides profound relief. It's also worth considering the enlistment of professional services to facilitate this process if required. In undertaking these steps, you not only diminish your strain but also construct a nurturing atmosphere to guide you along your path. Devise a Plan For Tasks Crafting a thoughtful strategy for your responsibilities can dramatically simplify the process and decrease stress. This strategy should incorporate the classification of items into clear categories: those you desire to keep, sell, donate, or eliminate. An extensive estate cleanout guide can be an invaluable resource, providing explicit instructions such as gathering all critical documents. It's vital to establish a forwarding address for upcoming mail to avoid missing any important communications. This organized method not only eases the task but guarantees thorough attention to every detail. Contact a Professional Waste Disposal Service Provider Engaging the services of a professional waste disposal company for items you intend to discard is a wise decision. Such a move can significantly conserve your time and energy, freeing you from the burden of handling the task yourself. This way, you can channel your focus and resources toward managing the emotional facets of the process. Opting for expert assistance in this area ensures an efficient and stress-free disposal process. Ensure Ample Supply Resources are Available A highly effective strategy when undertaking such an endeavor is ensuring a sufficient stockpile of necessary supplies like boxes, packing tape, and garbage bags. The availability of these items can considerably enhance the organization and effectiveness of the process. Moreover, contemplating a change of all door locks in the house would bolster the security of the premises. This protective measure not only safeguards the property but also provides peace of mind during this challenging time. Tackling the challenge of decluttering a departed loved one's home demands not just physical strength, but emotional resilience as well. Yet, armed with the correct strategy and bolstered by a supportive network, this task can transform into a therapeutic journey. It becomes a beautiful opportunity to cherish and respect the memory of your beloved, making their spirit a permanent part of your life. Arkansas Funeral Directors Association is here to provide guidance and support for funeral directors. Call 501.246.8842. David Jamell (su) Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:56:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:313 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/312/2023-Consumer-Information-and-Preferences.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=312 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=312&PortalID=0&TabID=95 2023 Consumer Information and Preferences https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/312/2023-Consumer-Information-and-Preferences.aspx Making a connection with consumers is key to sustainability for funeral directors. Download NFDA Statistics David Jamell (su) Thu, 03 Aug 2023 20:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:312 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/311/The-Road-to-Recovery-Coping-with-the-Loss-of-a-Loved-One-to-Overdose.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=311 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=311&PortalID=0&TabID=95 The Road to Recovery: Coping with the Loss of a Loved One to Overdose https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/311/The-Road-to-Recovery-Coping-with-the-Loss-of-a-Loved-One-to-Overdose.aspx Losing a friend or loved one to an overdose is a deeply painful experience, leaving you grappling with a storm of emotions. It's a unique form of grief that can be difficult to navigate, often compounded by stigma and judgement. The following strategies, courtesy of the Arkansas Funeral Directors Association, are intended to help you cope with such a loss, bringing solace and support during this challenging time. Give Yourself Room to Grieve Grieving is a natural response to loss. It's okay to feel angry, guilty, confused, or numb. Understand that there's no right or wrong way to grieve, and each person's journey is unique. Don't rush the process. Allow yourself to feel the pain, and gradually, you'll begin to heal. Reach Out for Support You don't have to go through this alone. Reach out to friends, family members, or join support groups where people share similar experiences. If you're comfortable, consider seeking help from a therapist who specializes in grief and addiction. They can provide tools and strategies to manage your emotions effectively. Make Time for Self-Care During this time, it's vital to take care of your physical and emotional health. Eat nutritious meals, get plenty of sleep, and try to maintain a routine. It's easy to neglect your well-being while grieving, but remember, healing requires strength, and strength comes from taking care of oneself. Move Your Body Physical activity can be therapeutic when grieving. Regular exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters, which can help combat feelings of sadness and depression. Walking also provides an opportunity to connect with nature, offering a sense of peace and tranquility. Start with short walks and gradually increase your distance as your strength and stamina improve. Do Something to Honor Your Loved One Remembering your loved one can be a source of comfort. You can honor their memory in various ways: writing a letter, creating a scrapbook, planting a tree in their name, or simply sharing stories about them. This process can provide closure and keep their spirit alive in your heart. Recognize When You Need Help When the loss of a loved one becomes a catalyst for reflecting on your own substance use, it becomes imperative to actively seek professional assistance. It's essential to recognize that addiction is a disease, not a moral failing, and therefore demands proper medical attention. Take the initiative to reach out to addiction specialists or drug rehabilitation centers, as they possess the expertise to offer guidance and a range of treatment options. These facilities are staffed with compassionate professionals who comprehend the challenges you face and can provide comprehensive care. Remember, seeking help is not indicative of weakness; rather, it signifies a courageous stride towards reclaiming your life. Volunteer or Donate Getting involved in volunteering or donating to organizations that support addiction recovery can be immensely meaningful for individuals who have recently lost a loved one to overdose. It offers an opportunity to transform grief into positive action, finding purpose and healing in the process. Through volunteering, one can actively contribute to the recovery community, fostering connections with others who understand their experiences. Donations, whether financial or otherwise, provide crucial resources to fund programs and services that aid in addiction recovery efforts. By engaging with these organizations, individuals can honor the memory of their loved ones while actively participating in the ongoing battle against addiction. The journey through grief is a personal one, marked by moments of despair and hope, tears and smiles, loss and love. Remember, it's okay to feel overwhelmed. Be patient with yourself, seek support when needed, and honor your feelings. In doing so, you will find the strength to navigate this path and emerge stronger. The memory of your loved one will live on, not just in the sorrow of their loss, but in the resilience of your spirit, the love in your heart, and the hope for a better tomorrow. David Jamell (su) Fri, 28 Jul 2023 21:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:311 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/310/Protecting-Your-Funeral-Home-from-Natural-Disasters.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=310 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=310&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Protecting Your Funeral Home from Natural Disasters https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/310/Protecting-Your-Funeral-Home-from-Natural-Disasters.aspx When it comes to weather and climate disasters, the clock is ticking. As the likelihood of a major climate event impacting your business surges higher each year, disaster recovery planning is critical. Should a climate or weather disaster strike, your employees and customers rely on you as a viable employer and community partner. You are essential to your community’s recovery efforts, so take action now. AFDA members are encouraged to leverage these disaster planning and recovery resources from Federated Insurance for hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, natural disasters. These can be printed off and displayed in your offices and used as tools to inform how your businesses prepare for natural disasters. David Jamell (su) Tue, 25 Jul 2023 19:43:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:310 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/309/Determining-your-Funeral-Homes-Market-Value.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=309 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=309&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Determining your Funeral Home's Market Value https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/309/Determining-your-Funeral-Homes-Market-Value.aspx You’re ready to sell your business and use the proceeds to help finance your retirement or your next venture. There are a number of ways to determine the market value of your business. Tally the value of assets. Base it on revenue. Use earnings multiples. Do a discounted cash-flow analysis using a “net present value” calculation. Go beyond financial formulas. --- Read more at The Hartford. David Jamell (su) Mon, 03 Jul 2023 05:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:309 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/308/Why-Well-Still-Need-Funeral-Directors-100-Years-from-Now.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=308 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=308&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Why We'll Still Need Funeral Directors 100 Years from Now https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/308/Why-Well-Still-Need-Funeral-Directors-100-Years-from-Now.aspx Technology disrupts every industry, and we’ve all been witnesses to it — old GPS systems, replaced by Apple Maps and Google Maps. Production and fulfillment workers, replaced by robotic systems. Old cameras, replaced by iPhones. Blockbuster, replaced by streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Taxis, replaced by Uber. The golden question stands — will funeral directors ever be replaced? No, and we’ll explain to you why. Read the full article on the Gather website David Jamell (su) Mon, 26 Jun 2023 05:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:308 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/307/Grow-Time-Make-a-Plan-to-Grow-Your-Business.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=307 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=307&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Grow Time: Make a Plan to Grow Your Business https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/307/Grow-Time-Make-a-Plan-to-Grow-Your-Business.aspx We plan everything in our lives, and growing a business should be no different. Planning for smart growth can increase your chances of success. Humans have a natural tendency to focus on our strengths and what we enjoy, then avoid the rest. The business planning process makes sure that you are considering ALL the aspects vital to success – not just the ones you find interesting or are good at. What exactly is a business plan? It defines, in a clear and systematic manner, why a company exists, what it intends to achieve, and how it intends to achieve it... --- Read the full article on the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center website. David Jamell (su) Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:307 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/306/Grief-Brief-Loneliness.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=306 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=306&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Grief Brief: Loneliness https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/306/Grief-Brief-Loneliness.aspx Yesterday my brother came to dinner, and our topic of conversation drifted to his recent loss. During our conversation, he said he could handle the loneliness but couldn’t handle being without his wife. I thought our conversation would be an excellent introduction to understanding the loneliness imposed by losing a significant loved one. There is a difference between loneliness and missing someone in particular. A lonely person lacks physical or mental stimulation. Thus, this person feels lonely. In other words, they are alone by lack of social stimulation. In contrast, a person who is missing someone specifically is more than lonely. Not only do they find themselves without physical or mental stimulation, but they carry the additional pain of emotional isolation. The loss of emotional fulfillment brings on an entirely different level of loneliness. It is a space of total and complete aloneness. This type of aloneness can induce emotional upheaval. Consider the following examples to demonstrate the difference between these two types of loneliness. Example One Suppose you have a general feeling of loneliness. In that case, it helps to do something with a group of friends or to get together with your family. You might go to a party and surround yourself with a lot of interesting people, or you might go to dinner with family members. Example Two On the other hand, if you were to do the same thing but could not shake that yearning for someone specific, you are not merely lonely. In this scenario, you are suffering from an emotional deficit. Not only are you lacking social stimulation, but you are lacking emotional stimulation or fulfillment tied to your specific person. GRIEF BRIEF 27 LONELINESS Loneliness is frequently expressed by the bereaved, especially those who have lost their spouses. Social loneliness may be curbed through social support. Emotional loneliness, however, is brought on by a broken attachment. With such, a new attachment is the only remedy. Certain survivors are unwilling to form new attachments and thereby endure severe loneliness indefinitely. This behavior is more common among the elderly. (Mourning Lights, 2022) New attachments can come in various forms. After a while, if one is willing, one might find a new love interest. In cases where the survivor is not interested in a new love interest, they might redirect their attachments to new friendships or more intense relationships with those already within their circle of close friends, family, and associates. For instance, when I was younger, my grandfather was murdered. My grandmother dedicated herself to her grandchildren. She would visit us for extended periods and be completely engrossed in our lives. She was our champion in all aspects. She was a wonderful grandmother and spread her love evenly between all of her grandchildren. Both of my grandmothers were utterly dedicated to their grandchildren, sacrificing their interests for ours, joining us for all special occasions, and living for our success and happiness. At times they would reminisce about their past lives with wonderful husbands. Still, they immersed themselves in our lives and were fulfilled until death took them from us. My brother misses his wife and is having a sad go of it. His grief is evident through his demeanor. His general carefree and fun attitude toward everything is dampened. I pray he will find a new attachment to pull him out of his desolation. If you are suffering the loss of a loved one and are consumed with loneliness and grief, I pray that you will find emotional support and recover as soon as possible. Grief is a wild beast that desires to suffocate the life right out of us. If we are not proactive, its goals may overtake us. If you are suffering more than you can bear, please reach out to others. There are support groups, clergy members, grief counselors, and licensed therapists who can help. You do not have to suffer this alone. Although you may feel as though no one can understand what you are suffering, others have lost their spouses, children, parents, pets, friends, and associates too. They are willing to be with you and help you through this dark path that you are walking. Reach out, and others will answer your call for help. My name is Tracy Renee Lee. I am a Certified Grief Counselor (GC-C), Funeral Director (FDIC), published author, syndicated columnist, Podcaster, and founder of the “Mikey Joe Children’s Memorial” and Heaven Sent, Corp. I write books, weekly bereavement articles, Podcasts, and Grief BRIEFs related to understanding and coping with grief. I am the American Funeral Director of the Year Runner-Up and recipient of the BBB’s Integrity Award. It is my life’s work to comfort the bereaved and help them live on. David Jamell (su) Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:306 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/305/4-Things-You-Need-to-Know-About-Planning-Your-Own-Funeral.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=305 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=305&PortalID=0&TabID=95 4 Things You Need to Know About Planning Your Own Funeral https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/305/4-Things-You-Need-to-Know-About-Planning-Your-Own-Funeral.aspx Photo via Pexels At the Arkansas Funeral Directors Association, we know that funeral planning is the last thing people want to do when grieving the loss of a loved one. As such, planning your own funeral is one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones. By planning your funeral in advance, you can alleviate this burden for your loved ones, make proactive financial arrangements, and reduce the likelihood of family conflict, all while ensuring your wishes are respected. Of course, planning a funeral can be daunting, especially when it’s your own! Keep reading to learn a few helpful tips from the experts. Organize Your Funeral Planning Documents As you navigate the process of planning your funeral, you’ll collect a number of important documents that detail your wishes. These documents may include your will, life insurance policies, financial account details, advance healthcare directives, and documents that specify your funeral-related requests. Make sure your loved ones will be able to access these documents in your absence. Digitizing your funeral planning documents will allow for efficient and secure storage and sharing. Physical documents can be lost, damaged, or destroyed, but digital files can be encrypted and protected with passwords, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. You can also make backup copies of your digital files to ensure their preservation. To digitize your documents, simply scan your paper records to your computer and use an online tool in order to combine PDF files into single documents. This will ensure the records you need are all in one place! Familiarize Yourself with Your Funeral Options When you’re ready to start planning your funeral, research the various funeral options available and understand the associated costs and legal requirements. Keep in mind that funerals can be expensive, costing between $7,000 and $9,000 in the US. For those looking for more affordable options, Better Place Forests lists several funeral alternatives, including direct cremation, cremation with a service, ash scattering, or celebrations of life held at home. You should also consider whether you want a traditional burial, cremation, or an alternative, eco-friendly method such as human composting or aqua cremation. Consider How You’ll Pay for Your Funeral When it comes to funding your own funeral, you have a few basic options. For example, you could make a lump sum payment to your chosen funeral home to lock in the current pricing. However, this will limit you and your family in the event that your wishes change or you move out of state in the future. There is also the possibility that a funeral home might go out of business, taking your money with it. Other options include setting up a designated savings account, a Payable on Death (POD) account, or purchasing life insurance. Just make sure you understand any waiting periods that may apply before your loved ones can access your funeral funds. Appoint a Representative Even with your funeral wishes documented in writing, consider appointing someone to be in charge of arranging your funeral. Appointing a funeral agent trumps the normal next-of-kin rules This representative could be anyone, from your spouse to your estate executor. You might want to appoint a representative if you think your relatives may not honor your wishes or you’re estranged from your next of kin. Funerals360 stresses that your funeral agent is not obligated to carry out your wishes if they are impractical, illegal, or financially burdensome, so make sure you plan and budget accordingly. Planning your own funeral is a gift that can bring immense relief to your loved ones during a challenging time. By organizing your funeral planning documents and digitizing them for easy access and secure storage, you ensure that your wishes are readily available and protected. Additionally, exploring your various funeral options and their associated expenses will help you make informed decisions and plan a personalized send-off that aligns with your preferences and values. Are you a funeral director? Consider becoming a member of the Arkansas Funeral Directors Association for exclusive benefits, support, networking opportunities, and public confidence. Contact us today to learn more! David Jamell (su) Tue, 13 Jun 2023 14:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:305 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/303/Selected-Leadership-Academy-Celebrates-Graduating-Class.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=303 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=303&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Selected Leadership Academy Celebrates Graduating Class https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/303/Selected-Leadership-Academy-Celebrates-Graduating-Class.aspx 2021-2023 Graduating Class Honored as New Participants Welcomed CHICAGO, Ill. – May 10, 2023 — Members of Selected Independent Funeral Homes’ Leadership Academy created another memorable Leadership Conference in Chicago, April 25-28. The event kicked off with orientation for the Academy's new 2023-2025 class, Second Wind, on April 25. The conference continued April 26-28 with a variety of events and activities, including members of the graduating class, Unmasking Potential, giving their individual Capstone presentations prior to their graduation ceremony. This year’s graduates are: Wes Daniels, Daniels Chapel of the Roses Funeral Home & Crematory, Calif. Steve Fisher, Flanner Buchanan-Market Street, Ind. Susan Gill, Welch & Cornett Funeral Home, Ind. Cora Gray, McComas Funeral Home, P.A.; Md. Sarah Hamlin Kuchenbrod, Stith Funeral Home, Ky. Karle Freeland, Simply Cremation and Funeral Arrangements, Ariz. DeWayne Hughes, Hughes Family Tribute Center, Texas Jamie Locke, Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Iowa Kathleen Morton-Jones, Holloway Funeral Home, PA; Md. Mackenzie Rediske, Uht Funeral Home, Mich. “It was exciting to celebrate the Academy’s tenth graduating class,” said Amy Hunt, Director of Meetings and Education. “When developing this program more than a decade ago, it was built on the mission to teach principles of leadership to current and emerging leaders within Selected member firms. Today we have more than 100 members who have experienced this meaningful and impactful program. It’s a testament to how Selected members truly are committed to life-long learning and being leaders, no matter position or title.” Selected is grateful for ASD, the Academy’s Official Partner. ### About the Selected Leadership Academy: The Selected Leadership Academy is a personalized journey for those, no matter title or position, who believe their leadership matters and choose to become better. It is open to anyone actively engaged in the daily operations of a Selected member firm who is inspired to expand their leadership skills. For more than a decade, the Academy has focused on building and supporting leaders because leadership is so deeply woven into the fabric of Selected’s culture. About Selected Independent Funeral Homes: Selected Independent Funeral Homes delivers innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and ongoing support necessary for enduring excellence to its international network of independently owned death-care providers who aspire to be the very best in their profession. Members of Selected operate according to specific standards and best practices to provide the public with reliable, high-quality service and funeral-related information. David Jamell (su) Mon, 15 May 2023 19:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:303 https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/302/Pushing-Up-Daisies-Videos-v-Journaling.aspx#Comments 0 https://www.arfda.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=95&ModuleID=466&ArticleID=302 https://www.arfda.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=302&PortalID=0&TabID=95 Pushing Up Daisies: Videos v. Journaling https://www.arfda.com/Resources/NewsAnnouncements/tabid/95/ID/302/Pushing-Up-Daisies-Videos-v-Journaling.aspx I often write about the healing power of journaling when it comes to grief recovery. When my grandson died, I found that writing and prayer were the most successful recovery techniques that I practiced. They not only brought me comfort, but they also helped me heal. As I wrote and as I prayed, I could actually feel the healing occur. It was amazing. Although the subject of this article is not prayer, because of its superior healing power, it bears mentioning. My brother recently lost his wife due to breast cancer. Upon her death, I suggested to my brother that he start keeping a grief journal. My brother is a writer, so I thought a grief journal would be a natural thing for him. In his journal, he could be creative, write his woes and step forwards, write lyrics, and work out his road to recovery. He didn’t do it. He completely ignored my advice. I would remind him on occasion, yet he resisted my suggestions. Week after week, I would see him sliding into his abyss of loneliness and sadness rather than climbing out and back into the light of living. My brother is multi-talented. Not only does he write, but he composes, plays multiple musical instruments, acts, and directs, and his list of creative accomplishments continues. Finally, my husband suggested to my brother that he begin recording videos for YouTube for easy guitar playing. My brother took my husband’s suggestion that very day. He produced and uploaded his first guitar video “Six Days on the Road,” before nightfall. His video can be viewed on his website, www.EZ3ChordCountry.com. He called and told us about his video, so we immediately looked it up on YouTube. Although for people who do not know my brother, the video seems like a fun video of a man singing a great song; to those of us who know him, we knew immediately that it was a tribute to his recently deceased wife. He begins by talking about some software that his wife purchased for him before her death that he will be using in the making of his video. He also mentions that it is her birthday. A dead giveaway that this is going to be an emotional tribute. Then he begins the song. The video was a hit with all of our family and several viewers. My brother was encouraged by our reactions to his video and realized that my husband had suggested something fun for him to focus on. He accepted my husband’s suggestion to record and produce easy guitar-playing videos and began recording a video a day for his YouTube channel, “EZ3ChordCountry.” As my brother labored over his new project, my husband decided to go out and buy my brother a new guitar. My brother was very touched by my husband’s love and concern for him, and he produced a video about retiring his guitar in exchange for his new one. The song is “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” which also can be seen on his website “EZ3ChordCountry.com.” As the video begins, there is no mistaking that this was a production showcasing the life and loss of his wife. The retiring guitar was a gift from his wife, so as he puts it to rest, he introduces the story of my husband giving him his new guitar. As soon as the video was loaded, my brother had two men (who had also lost their wives) comment on the video and offer him words of comfort. It was very touching and very appreciated. I thought it was wonderful that people were reaching out to my brother to help him. Then, after we read the comments together, my brother said something to me that I had not thought of before. He said that those two videos had helped him heal immensely and that he felt the healing powers of music lighten his burden and lift his spirits. He was describing the exact experience that I had had with writing and prayer. It took me a moment, but in connecting the dots, I realized that although my brother is a great writer, writing was too laborious for him. Writing dragged things out and made it more difficult for him to cast off his grief, whereas music instantly released his burdens and set him free. I hope that if you are grieving, or know someone who is, that you will watch and share my brother’s videos so that you and others can benefit from his discovery. Additionally, I hope that you (or others who are grieving) will think of something that will help you experience immediate progress on your grief recovery journey. Music and writing are unique talents of expression and so are art and dance. I have realized that whatever your mode of creative expression is could mark your pathway to personalized recovery. Please find your healing mode of expression, your place for creativity, joy, and happiness, and use it to heal. ### My name is Tracy Renee Lee. I am a Certified Grief Counselor (GC-C), Funeral Director (FDIC), published author, syndicated columnist, Podcaster, and founder of the “Mikey Joe Children’s Memorial” and Heaven Sent, Corp. I write books, weekly bereavement articles, Podcasts, and Grief BRIEFs related to understanding and coping with grief. I am the American Funeral Director of the Year Runner-Up and recipient of the BBB’s Integrity Award. It is my life's work to comfort the bereaved and help them live on. For additional encouragement, please visit my podcast “Deadline” at https://open.spotify.com/show/7MHPy4ctu9OLvdp2JzQsAA or at https://anchor.fm/tracy874 and follow me on Instagram at @Deadline_TracyLee David Jamell (su) Mon, 15 May 2023 19:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:302