 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] |
AuthorKimberly is a retired CSEP (certified event professional), Archives
May 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed