 As a funeral home or industry professional, your goal is to encourage community engagement to ensure families choose you when they need you. I often mention that you are the unsung heroes, but the public rarely sees the true you behind your doors. Building trust and support first is essential so that the community can see your compassion and purpose. This requires time and dedication, not necessarily money.
Let’s light that spark: 1. Connect your funeral home or funeral industry business with these platforms: - Facebook and Instagram (additional platforms are up to you). 2. Starting TODAY and every Tuesday after, ask one of the following questions to encourage engagement: - Who is someone you still carry in your heart today? - What special song reminds you of someone special? - What is something our funeral home does well? - What piece of advice did a loved one give you that you carry with you? - Describe your day in one emoji. 3. For the next few weeks, add fuel to the flame by being the first to answer in the comments, and encourage others in your business or personal life to do the same. This will help get the conversation started. Suggestions: - Read the public's comments and reply compassionately or with an emoji. This shows that you are actively listening. - If posting once a week feels overwhelming, consider asking an employee to serve as your social media director. This will not only build trust but also provide them with a sense of purpose. (Even a spouse may want to help, fostering a connection to your business life). In my upcoming weekly tips, I'll share another simple, cost-free method to make your social media more engaging. Remember, for funeral home or industry professionals, your social media page is an ongoing "event" to connect with your community! Have a question, or need more advice on this top? Always free, message me at [email protected] (response times may fluctuate due to frequent high volumes of messages.)  A Father’s Day Remembrance Gathering can help your funeral home deepen its ties to the community by giving families a meaningful way to remember and honor their fathers.
Some planning tips:
Program Suggestion:
Follow the program by providing a refreshment table. Encourage attendees to bring photos of their fathers to share during the event. This will be a great opportunity for your guests to socialize, share photos, and chat with you.
In short, A Father’s Day Remembrance Gathering will allow your funeral home to showcase its commitment to compassionate care while offering families a heartfelt way to honor the fathers they miss. Have a question, or need advice? Always free, message me anytime at [email protected]  Sadly, death is an unavoidable part of life—an unwelcome yet essential event. For many families, it is their first encounter with the funeral industry, which they often view as "dark with a hidden side". Therefore, it is crucial to proactively improve your image beforehand, creating a strong first impression that will guide families to you when they need your service and support.
Think about this: today you bump into an old classmate, and they ask you, "What do you do for a living"? You say, "I'm a funeral director" or "I am in the funeral industry". NO....STOP IT! STOP pushing them away with your words, build trust, reliability, and retention so they will run to you when they need your service. Your first words are the foundation for a lasting impression that will guide families to you. The next time and every time someone asks you what you do for a living, or you share what you do for a living, think about your words. Instead, use this sentence to describe what you do: "I AM WITH YOUR LOVED ONES ON THEIR FINAL DAY ON EARTH TO ENSURE THEY ARE CARED FOR". 1. You began the sentence with a value. 2. You revealed your true personality (your heart) to them. 3. Your words were timeless and dependable, aligning well with your brand. 4. By making eye contact and expressing your pride in helping those in need, you provided trust. As I mentioned in previous tips, you must start creating a community image much like today's firefighters (firefighters were once seen as scary people who ran towards fire; today, they are seen as heroes, adored by kids and adults alike). By establishing a foundation, you become the unsung heroes YOU ARE, who step in when others least expect it, often unaware that they will need you that day. I, for one, think you're remarkable. Help me prove it to them! Have a question, or need advice? Always free. Message me anytime at: [email protected]  Now is an ideal opportunity to establish exclusive partnerships with your community’s Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Hospice organizations. Why collaborate with them? Based on my experience in these settings, I’ve observed that when no funeral home is listed in a resident’s paperwork, the night shift often calls a random funeral home for pickup, while the day shift contacts the family, who often also choose randomly. Most senior care facilities focus on providing care until the moment of passing, but their role generally ends there, leaving staff and families without guidance. It's not a matter of not caring; rather, they care for the living and rely on professionals to take over seamlessly at the moment of passing, ensuring continuous care for the family. That’s where you come in. By partnering your funeral home with these facilities, you are offering the facility a service they can add to their portfolio, and you can manage the transition after death with professionalism, respect, and promptness, becoming a trusted partner for the facility. This partnership eases stress for staff and families, making the process compassionate and efficient.
Your partnership can offer: - Immediate response times - Smooth transitions, including transport - Prompt support for grieving families and staff - A presentation annually during the facilities 'state-mandated staff in-service meetings, introducing your services and answering questions All facilities need this: Consider providing each facility (partner or not) with a small bulletin board featuring a quick checklist for deathcare: 1. Check paperwork for a funeral home to call. 2. If none is listed, call your funeral home. 3. Inform the family of the funeral home’s name, location, and contact details (include yours). ETC. Don’t delay—call now to arrange a quick 10-minute meeting with the facility’s administrator. Become the missing piece they need to complete their community presence.  SET THE TONE FOR THE REST OF THE FUNERAL HOME
When you open the doors of a nursing home, visitors immediately notice a distinct smell. This same smell can also be present when you arrive at a home with pets, or an older building, often called a 'wall hit' odor. Could this be happening at your funeral home? It's time to pause and evaluate your visitors' experience at your funeral home. Visitors should be greeted with a pleasant scent that complements the environment. For a funeral home, this aroma should help reduce tension, promote comfort, and create a calming atmosphere. Suggested funeral home scents include chamomile, jasmine, sweet marjoram, and lavender. Avoid common funeral floral scents, such as lilac. My personal favorite aroma for a funeral home is "Snuggle," once only a dryer sheet, now available as a plug-in aroma and other options. This scent is perfect for a funeral home (I am not affiliated). This plug-in emits a fresh, calming, and comforting aroma without a floral undertone. Equally important is maintaining your aroma tone, subtle throughout the funeral home. Remember, the aroma upon entering your funeral home creates the first impression; it sets the tone for the entire funeral home. Reminder: A funeral, celebration of life, or memorial is an event that marks the final chapter in a person's life and the last memory for family and friends. This responsibility is significant—there are no second chances. As a retired CSEP (Certified Special Event Professional), Certified Senior Care Activity Enrichment Specialist, Dementia Practitioner, and creator of the trending funeral product Kin-Soul™, I offer free advice and insights from my expertise to help you craft personalized farewells for each individual and tips on collaborating with the community you serve. I am familiar with the event industry, senior lifestyle, and the significance of compassionate care for mourners. You understand the intricacies of the funeral industry. Together, we can ensure those you serve receive the compassion they need. Follow me for additional tips. Have a question, or need advice? Message me anytime at: [email protected]  BOOST YOUR VISABILITY...
The end of the school year means spring flings! A festive time for the school staff, students, and families to celebrate and come together as the year wraps up, and it's your turn to set aside the funeral side and embrace your community involvement. Below are the steps to engage grandparents, parents, students, staff, and the education community during a spring fling. All designed to help you gauge your success in enhancing school spirit, excitement, and enthusiasm, while also boosting interest and attention for your funeral home or funeral industry profession. 1st: Select your "Spring into Action" participation. Suggestions: Hole-in-One (golf club, ball, fake green with hole) or Cornhole (cornhole board, toss bags) (Keep it simple, all ages can play including adults, and a no-fuss setup.) 2nd: TODAY: Contact your local school's PTO or office, then ask: "I want to bring our 'Spring into Action' game to your spring fling. How do I sign up?" 3rd: Promo Strategy: Before the event, post on social media that your "Spring into Action" game is on the move and share details about where and when it will take place. 4th: Purchase a small banner or sign: Example: Jones Funeral Home presents "Spring into Action Hole-n-One" 5th: Basket of prizes: Keep it small so they can keep connecting with you as often as they wish, but don't make it about the prize. Suggestion: Suckers for all who participate (grandparents like this, too!) and, from the dollar store, a basket (or treasure chest) of prizes for each winner to choose one prize from. 6th: Event Day: Set up a small card table or other surface with your sign and the basket of prizes. Lay out your game. AND GET OUT THE CAMERA!!!!! Take photos of them playing your game and get permission to post their photo on your social media page (we just send them, their family, and friends to see their picture on your page... thus, they learn more about your involvement in the community). 7th: Engage! On event day, wear logo polo shirts or your name tag on casual clothes. Connect and engage without selling. 8th: Inform: After the event, announce on social media and issue a press release with photos and details, expressing your gratitude for the many joyful faces you encountered. Include photos. You got this! REPEAT EACH YEAR! Reminder: If you have any questions or need advice, simply email me at: [email protected]  COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY SERVICE
Once a month, host a “Widows Luncheon” at your location or a nearby restaurant. Offer this free lunch and social event to all widows in the community. Soon, you'll see these women look forward to gathering, and the lunch will grow as others join in. There is a shared bond—uplifting them through their struggles—and you will continue to demonstrate the compassion you hold for the community. Tips:
Feb: Valentine's Theme March: St. Patty’s Day Theme April: Spring Theme May: Mother's Day June: Beach Theme July: Tropical Theme August: Show-N-Tell Theme September: Floral Theme October: Fall Theme Nov.: Thanksgiving Theme Dec.: Christmas Theme
IMPORTANT: Post the luncheon's date, time, and title on your website and social media. Distribute a media press release about the event and send another one a week before each monthly gathering. Request RSVPs from attendees (call in rsvp). Take photos, lots of photos and post them that week on your social media, send to press or other. Families will soon value your support for their loved ones, including your willingness to help and your receptiveness to assistance when needed. Remember: If you have any questions about creating a tip, don't hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] — I believe in you and I'm here to help!  COLLABORATE WITH SENIOR FACILITIES
Gardening reminds seniors that growth persists despite aging or life's upheavals. The repetitive actions of digging, planting, and watering evoke memories and a sense of purpose. Engage with local seniors and reassure their families that you support memory care and an active senior lifestyle. Imagine how many seniors and their families you could serve by offering one or more “Raised Wheelchair-Accessible Garden Beds” to your local Assisted Living, Nursing Home, or Senior Center. It provides purpose and delicately highlights your continued dedication to the community. Who should you contact at each senior facility? Reach out to the Lifestyle Enrichment Director, Activity Director, or Facility Director. Inform them that you want to provide one or more Raised Wheelchair-accessible Garden Box. Try to narrow the arrival date to at least 45 days in advance to get the best attention. Also, request that they add this “COMING SOON" update to their upcoming family and resident calendars and newsletters. (Contact the media, newspaper reporter and send out a press release. Facility will also appreciate this as it gives them another marketing tool for their facility). To obtain the Raised Wheelchair-accessible Garden Bed, contact a scout troop (boys or girls) to see if they can build them, reminding them it’s a great opportunity to earn a badge. Alternatively, you can work with a local builder in exchange for their help or purchase one from Amazon or a big-box hardware store. Plaque: Install signs on each: PROVIDED BY (your facility name), a consistent reminder of your dedication. Option: Partner with a garden organization or nursery to supply soil, flowers, or seeds. While not mandatory—since the facility will provide these resources as part of the senior garden program—it’s a helpful one-time addition to consider. A bag of plastic spoons can be a fun tool for seniors to dig with! Keep showing your community you’re there for them, always. Reminder: If you have any questions or need advice, simple message me: [email protected]  Whats in you pocket and candy dish?Funeral professionals emerge as "lifesavers" through support and compassion, guiding an individual with loss through life’s most challenging time. It's time you never let them forget this!
The word "LIFESAVER" is generally associated with safety, protection, assistance, and acts of kindness. So, if a funeral home and staff are known for always providing "LIFESAVER" candy, this is the image you will project to your community and the families you serve. Begin by filling the candy dishes in the funeral home with individually wrapped, mint-flavored LIFESAVERS. Keep a supply of these individually wrapped variety flavored LIFESAVER candies in your pockets, purse, or vehicle, and encourage your staff to do the same. At any time and in any place, offer a LIFESAVER as a simple gesture of kindness to help spread goodwill and brighten someone’s day. Share them with your banker, drive-thru server, barista, cashier, during meetings, at church, or with friends and colleagues. Establish yourself as someone known for having a pocket full of LIFESAVERS. Your random acts of kindness will create a positive association with you, and without saying much, people will feel comfortable reaching out to you when they need assistance. You're silently conveying the message, "Allow us to be your Life Saver." Reminder: When offering a LIFESAVER, always ask, "Would you like a LIFESAVER?" or say, "LIFESAVER?" This will help their brain associate the word "LIFESAVER" with you. Additionally, grab a couple of LIFESAVERS to offer; this allows them to choose their flavor and adds a bit of interaction with you. FYI: Bulk individually wrapped Lifesavers can be purchased online from Oriental Trading, Candy Bulk, and Amazon, as well as in-store at Walgreens. Keep being remarkable you, they need you! Reminder: If you need additional suggestions or advice simple email at: [email protected]  LET THEM PICTURE YOU IN A NEW LIGHT
Today is the perfect day to see your community as the superheroes they truly are and to let the community know you as the trusted, warm-hearted people you are. Using visuals is a wonderful way to catch attention and make stories more memorable. Photos of community involvement can beautifully showcase the hearts and heroes behind your funeral home—like firefighters—and tell their inspiring stories. Sharing regular images, at least once a week, keeps everyone feeling connected and engaged. Before posting a photo, ask yourself: Do I want to see a firefighter carrying a burned body? My answer is no, then ensure the community members would be comfortable viewing the image you put out. Aim to share a community photo each week, accompanied by a sentence or two, including any visible business or individual names included and link to their pages when possible. This consistent sharing helps build a strong community presence and fosters meaningful connections. Consider spreading ongoing photos on social media, a dedicated "Community" page on your website, and through regular brief press releases. Begin by picking up your phone and heading outside with a staff member. Have them look up at the sky, point up, and take a photo. Share this moment on your funeral home's social media with a: "It's coming!" " Plant Parade is happening on February 28th... The parade features Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune (Google for details)." This little step is a wonderful way to begin to connect with your community! Plus, keep the momentum going by sending a message to the history teachers at the local schools, reminding them of the event on Feb. 28th. Are you excited for everyone to see your funeral home shining in the best light? I am excited for you! Keep being picture perfect! Reminder: If you need additional suggestions or advice, simple email me at: [email protected] |
AuthorKimberly is a retired CSEP (certified event professional), Archives
May 2026
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