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...]
“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...]
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...]
EXPERT OPINION: 5 Tips for Positioning Your Funeral Home for Success in the New Year
January 21, 2013 by 1 Comment
Did your funeral home achieve all of its goals for 2012? Does the increasing number of families selecting cremation with no services have you concerned? 2013 is a new year that brings a new set of goals to help reboot you business and your team. The New Year is the perfect time to create new… [Read More...]
Doing Nothing Costs Too Much
January 14, 2013 by 5 Comments
On my office wall I have framed photos of three men. If I asked you what they have in common I anticipate I would get many different answers but, for me, there is only one answer. Each, in his own way, despite significant personal tragedy and unimaginable public pressure and emotional stress understood the importance… [Read More...]
PREDICTIONS FOR 2013
December 30, 2012 by 4 Comments
It is customary, I think, to make year end predictions. Here are mine broken down into two categories: Bad and Good. I would be interested in yours. Personally, I am optimistic about the coming year. I think the wind is changing and, for those that are willing, it just might be at our back for… [Read More...]
REINVENTION: THE ARRANGEMENTS CONFERENCE–ENTERING THE “HOLY OF HOLIES”
November 19, 2012 by 16 Comments
In Old Testament Days the Hebrew Temple contained the “Holy of Holies” behind the “Veil of The Temple”. The Ark of The Covenant which, in turn, held the stone tablets on which were written the Ten Commandments and Moses’ rod was inside this area. So sacred was it that only one priest was allowed to… [Read More...]
REINVENTION: PROFIT CLINICS
November 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
There is a level of neglect in our profession that will (and is) causing too many to approach the end of their careers facing great disappointment, forcing the postponement of retirement or spending retirement much more humbly than anticipated. It is too dangerous to be considered benign. Dangerous, certainly, at the individual firm level. … [Read More...]
On Becoming Unnecessary
Funeral Service is simultaneously over managed and under led. The key to overcoming the “Being Necessary” complex is to recognize the difference between management and leadership. It is the overmanagement that creates all the physical and emotional stress in this profession. More to the point the current trends in misapplying management data is turning professionals… [Read More...]