The Creedy Commentary
The “Retailization” of Funeral Service
How “The Hawthorne Effect” got us off focus The formal casket and vault merchandising systems so common today in funeral homes are a relatively new innovation. But their impact is disproportionate to their value. The industry began experimenting with formal merchandising systems sometime in the late 1960’s. I don’t know whether it was Buddy Hunter […]
How Do You Handle Price Shoppers?
As I was preparing this week’s article my friend, Dale Clock, posted this question and a followup on his blog Dale Time. (please click on the highlighted words and read his full comments) This is a phenomenon that has become all too familiar and one that deserves discussion and feedback. How do you handle price shoppers? […]
The Perils of Group Think
Why it is so important that you practice Critical Thinking I am concerned that we, as a profession, are making vital decisions about our future largely on the basis of opinion and conjecture. Worse, we are allowing ourselves to be influenced by strong personalities or companies who have a need to fit their product into our solution. […]
How I Learned To Stop Pushing Strings Uphill
Breaking The Cycle DeathCare is in its 13th year of declining profitability. Last year is reported as our worst year ever and it’s beginning to tell. Answer these questions: ___Do you sometimes feel trapped? ___Do you sometimes dread going to work? ___Is it easier to do it yourself than tell someone how to do it? […]
How “Best Purpose” Trumps “Best Practice”
How a part time hostess taught me the most valuable lesson. It was late 1989. Rachel was then in her mid 70’s. A retired school teacher, she had worked for us for about 6 or 7 years. She was a quiet, unassuming and gracious woman who had that gift of always making you feel welcome. […]
Why Are We Here?
An Easy, Practical Way to Engage Staff In an aprocryphal story a “burned out” Russian Priest takes a sabbatical in a wilderness retreat hoping for renewal and reenergizing. Depressed and discouraged, he takes a walk in the nearby woods and stumbles on a military encampment. Immediately, he is challenged by the sentry: “Halt, who are […]
The Warning Signs of Becoming Irrelevant
Wise words from Coach Nick Saban, Football Coach, University of Alabama Are you in danger of becoming irrelevant? It’s easy, you know? Countless organizations have achieved this dubious distinction. Here are the warning signs: Facilities are outdated and tired looking Staff are disengaged, marking time and unmotivated More time is spent whining than doing Customers […]
Should Packages Be Discounted?
5 insights to packaging funerals Numerous funeral homes are implementing and experimenting with package pricing with excellent success. But little is known about the principles of packaging (elsewhere known as bundling) outside of the fact that fast food and car dealerships have been doing it for years. Those that have adopted package plans find it has helped them […]
To Guarantee or Not Guarantee
To Guarantee or Not Guarantee That is the question Pardon my poetic license with Shakespeare. It is morning and I am feeling a little perkier than usual. And, no, I am not going to address the nobility of preneed. The question of guaranteeing or “freezing” the price has always been a concern among DeathCare professionals. […]
The One Question You Need To Ask
Is it too much to ask for a simple, easy to understand customer survey that is accurate and corresponds directly with repeat business and profitability? Something you can understand and follow through on at a glance? Turns out it is not. A few years ago a Bain and Company Executive published a book entitled “The […]
Let’s Collaborate:
At Creedy & Company, we’re more than just a consultant – I am your dedicated partner in driving business success.
With a deep understanding of your industry and unique needs, we collaborate with you to develop innovative strategies that enhance growth and achieve measurable results.
By combining my expertise with your vision, I can ensure that every step I take is aligned with your long-term goals. Let’s collaborate to unlock new opportunities and achieve success, together.