Recently I read something that triggered an insight. In my Funeral Home Consulting practice it is clear that businesses don’t just suddenly spin out of control. Except in the rare case of disruptive innovation like an unconventional competitor, calamity does not occur overnight. ”Things” start happening well before the challenges are apparent. Almost all of… [Read More...]
Alan Creedy and The Arrangers Academy Announce Joint Initiative Aimed at Revitalizing Funeral Service
April 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Alan Creedy and The Arrangers Academy announced today that they have launched The 2020 Project, a joint initiative focused on reversing the declines that have negatively impacted the funeral industry for decades. Arrangers Academy CEO, Karl Jennings says, “Profitability in Funeral Service has declined for more than 25 consecutive years. In spite of some valiant… [Read More...]
He Is Risen
March 28, 2013 by 3 Comments
Here is a short video for Good Friday to remind us that Jesus lives. Watch it, you might be surprised where He lives. Have a wonderful Easter
Is this REALLY a Hill Worth Dying on?
March 25, 2013 by 4 Comments
I think I can make a very strong case that funeral service as a profession makes a vital social contribution to society. For me that makes it a noble profession. Unfortunately, the profession doesn’t act with nobility as often as so many of us would wish. Not long ago I spoke of Alpha Dogs and… [Read More...]
“If You Find You Are Riding A Dead Horse The Best Strategy is…
March 19, 2013 by 6 Comments
to dismount.” Archimedes once said, “Give me a lever long enough and I will move the world” For the last 30 years we have been pushing harder and harder on one and only one lever with diminishing results and it’s time we stopped. Many of you, dear readers, know that I have been a bible… [Read More...]
PTSD: The Slow Leak in Funeral Service’ Tire
March 5, 2013 by 11 Comments
As we enter our 3rd month following the Newtown disaster our nation has long since settled back into its routine fighting over symptoms and ignoring causes. I find myself reflecting on a hidden issue. A secret only occasionally mentioned and then quickly dismissed. No doubt those directly involved following this latest trauma are still affected… [Read More...]
Why The Answer Is Not Just Increasing Volume
February 25, 2013 by 7 Comments
I am a CPA. As I have watched the financial metrics of funeral service continue in their long slow decline over the past 30 years my natural response was “make it up in volume.” But then I had the good fortune to get my hands dirty. I actually managed a funeral home and worked along side… [Read More...]
Esse Quam Videri
February 12, 2013 by 1 Comment
I have to admit I tense up whenever someone begins using the Ritz Carlton as an example Funeral Service should use to fashion its own customer service profile. Not that we can’t learn some things from the Ritz. We most certainly can! But it is a dangerous recommendation when we fail to “Go Deep” on… [Read More...]
The Road To Reclaiming Our Future
February 4, 2013 by 2 Comments
There is a way to a better future for Funeral Service. In fact, for those who are willing to closely examine the Sacred Cows I truly believe we will rediscover that we make a vital contribution to society. I say that not only because I have believed it for more than 30 years but because… [Read More...]
Are You Too Necessary?
Saturday morning, January 7, 2012 my phone rings at home. “Al, this is Bob. Guess where I am?.” Bob Neiman is a successful internet entrepreneur who flies his own plane and dominates a narrow niche in the construction industry. Bob and his wife Amy have been friends of ours for many years now. Amy is… [Read More...]