Ask the Owners: This is Not a Dress Rehearsal! You Are Meant for More!

Written by Diann Anderson, formerly of Anderson Funeral & Cremation Services

Why Momentum Matters: Transforming Your Funeral Home from Stagnation to Success and Making a Lasting Impact

As the saying goes, a picture paints a thousand words, and the best way to illustrate a point is by telling a story.  I would like to tell you the story of two different funeral home businesses.  I cannot think of a more engaging way to stress the importance of your business having momentum than painting the picture representing the difference between two different business models – one that has it and pursues keeping it and one that doesn’t care.  In this article I am going to tell you exactly why your business must have momentum for you to realize success. I am opening up my vault of experience and will be sharing our funeral home’s journey to achieving momentum and the icing on the cake is that I am also giving you the proverbial game plan for you to achieve momentum.

The Tale of Two Funeral Homes

Imagine two funeral homes: one is like The Salton Sea in California; a giant 343 square miles of stagnant pond, murky and lifeless, while the other funeral home is like the mighty Colorado River, carving its path through the Grand Canyon with unstoppable force.

The majestic Colorado River is a dynamic force of nature approximately 1,450 miles long originating in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado flowing southwest through the Colorado Plateau and the Grand Canyon, eventually reaching the Gulf of California in Mexico.

In contrast, the Salton Sea in California is the largest lake in the state of California.  It covers approximately 343 square miles, is about thirty-five miles long and fifteen miles wide, with a maximum depth of around fifty-two feet. The Salton Sea is the unfortunate result of human error.  It was inadvertently created in 1905 when the Colorado River breached a canal during an irrigation project designed to transform the Imperial Valley into fertile farmland. Heavy rainfall and snowmelt caused the river to overflow, breaking through poorly constructed irrigation channels and flooding the Salton Basin. For nearly two years, the Colorado River flowed unchecked into the basin, creating the Salton Sea. However, this accidental lake, with no natural outlet, trapped the once vibrant and healthy Colorado River water.  Over time, the water became increasingly saline and polluted from agricultural runoff, leading to a lifeless and stagnant environment.

Both bodies of water are impressive in size but differ greatly in their vitality, much like our two funeral homes. The stagnant, murky, and lifeless Salton Sea funeral home has a long history in its community and has seen many generations pass through its doors. Once it was thriving, much like the initial inflow of water, but now it struggles to attract new clients, staff morale is low, and there’s a noticeable lack of energy. Services are adequate but lack innovation, and community engagement is minimal. Algae blooms cloud the water, representing outdated practices and a lack of fresh ideas. The air feels heavy, a metaphor for the low energy and lack of motivation among staff. This funeral home is caught in a cycle of doing just enough to get by, without making any real progress.

All Funeral Homes are in the Same Profession but There’s a Stark Difference Among Funeral Homes that Have Momentum

In stark contrast, the Colorado River funeral home is vibrant and full of life, continually shaping and transforming its environment. Just as the momentum of the river carves through rock, creating the magnificent Grand Canyon, this funeral home harnesses its forward momentum to drive growth and innovation.  The Colorado River is known for having sections with Class V rapids, among the most difficult and challenging rapids for whitewater rafting and kayaking.

The Colorado River, with its wild rapids, symbolizes the bursts of intense activity and progress within this thriving funeral home. These rapids, full of energy and excitement, represent periods of rapid growth, new service offerings, and community engagement. Yet, the river also ebbs and flows into gentler areas, symbolizing the more stable periods where the business consolidates its gains, refines its operations, and strengthens its relationships with clients.

This funeral home attracts new clients, motivates and inspires staff, and constantly improves its services. By embracing new technologies, offering personalized services, and maintaining strong community ties, this funeral home ensures it remains relevant and respected. The difference is clear: the former is stuck in place, like the stagnant Salton Sea, while the latter is propelled forward by the unstoppable momentum it has built, much like the dynamic and powerful Colorado River.

Words Hold Great Weight and so does Momentum

A few articles ago I wrote about how the words we use matter. Momentum is one of those words that is so important but seems to be missing in our profession. The idea of having momentum, keeping it, and regaining it when it wanes is crucial to your mission. Yes, owning a funeral home should be mission-oriented because we are in the business of helping people, specifically the griever as they navigate the loss of their loved one. If you are only in our profession because of the earning potential, then you are one of the reasons our profession has become stagnant.

Momentum IS the Positive Driving Force for Your Funeral Home

Much like the powerful flow of the Colorado River, momentum is a driving force in both nature and business. To understand how momentum can transform your funeral home, let’s first look at the concept in simple scientific terms. In physics, momentum is the product of mass and velocity. An object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force. Similarly, in the context of business and personal growth, maintaining forward motion requires continuous effort and energy. When we stall or move backwards, it becomes exponentially harder to regain lost ground, much like trying to push a stationary car versus one that is already rolling forward. Momentum builds on itself, making progress easier as you go.

Common Traits, Practices, and Ideals of Successful Mission Driven Business Owners That Cause Momentum

Momentum happens only because something causes it to happen.  You cannot simply wish for it to happen, and it magically does.  Momentum takes intentional effort.  Studies show that successful mission-driven business owners often exhibit certain traits and practices that contribute to building and maintaining momentum. Below is a list of the major areas that these businesses have in common:

1. They start small with intentionality and direction to grow their presence in their market.

Significant change often starts with small, actionable steps. By focusing on manageable tasks, you can gradually build toward larger goals. Any improvement you make even it it’s painting or changing flooring in your public space give start to give you a boost of momentum.  The focus is on “improvement”.

2. They embrace the journey they’re on because they fully believe in what they’re producing.

Embracing both the highs and lows of your entrepreneurial journey is crucial. Each challenge and setback are learning opportunities that will lead to growth and success. Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Successful entrepreneurs don’t allow setbacks to have the final say. Instead, they view them as essential learning experiences that contribute to their overall progress.  The key is to learn from the setbacks and understand why they happened.  If you don’t take the time to understand the how and why of setbacks, you may have the propensity to keep doing it repeatedly.  Conversely, it’s essential that you understand why and how your business has achieved momentum.  With that understanding, you will have a greater ability to keep momentum.

3. They have a very defined passion and vision for what they want to achieve.

Discover what you are passionate about and use that passion as a driving force to create meaningful change in your funeral home and the quality of ceremonies you are providing for your community.  Having a clear, compelling vision is crucial for inspiring yourself and staying focused on your goals.

4. They build the “right” team to achieve their mission.

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision.  The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives.  It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”  – Andrew Carnegie

Building a strong, dedicated team that shares your vision and values is key. Collaboration and support from within your team are essential for achieving significant impact. Placing the right people in the right positions, based on their unique gifts, ensures that your business operates effectively and efficiently.

5. They continually innovate and adapt their businesses to keep their momentum going.

Innovation and adaptability are essential for overcoming obstacles and staying relevant. Many funeral home owners struggle with this because it often requires substantial investment and the willingness to step out of comfort zones.

The analogy of a Flat Tire: Imagine your removal van or hearse has a small, unnoticed puncture in one of its tires. This puncture causes a slow but steady loss of air. Initially, the difference in tire pressure is hardly noticeable, and the vehicle continues to run smoothly. However, over time, the tire gradually loses more air, and the car’s performance begins to suffer. Eventually, the tire becomes completely flat right when you need it the most, leaving you stranded and unable to respond to a death call, which you then lose to your nearest competitor.

The next day, while conducting a funeral, as you process from the funeral home carrying the lovingly chosen casket holding the family’s precious loved one to the waiting hearse, a pallbearer suddenly speaks up and says, “Hey, you have a flat tire!” Both situations are catastrophic and entirely avoidable if someone had been paying attention to the small changes in the tires.

This analogy applies to many funeral homes that fail to notice and react to gradual but significant changes occurring around them. If you wish to maintain momentum, you must innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of your consumers and employees. Like the slow puncture in the tire, failing to innovate and adapt can lead to gradual decline. Keeping an eye on changes and being proactive in addressing them can prevent stagnation.

6. They give back to their communities or to society.

Giving back to the community is a crucial aspect of running a successful funeral home.  Funeral home owners are quite often known for their community generosity.  However, being strategic in your community generosity is crucial to your organization.  It is wise to plan out how you will give back to your community.  Planning and intentionality are two of the ingredients to having and maintaining momentum.

7. They foster employee growth and empowerment.

This seems like common sense, but there are many funeral home owners who do not focus attention, or resources to foster their employee’s professional growth.  A supportive and empowering work environment not only enhances employee morale but also improves the quality of service provided to grieving families.

Funeral home owners who neglect the importance of providing career enrichment and training opportunities to their employees are akin to “cutting off their nose to spite their face.” If you’re avoiding staff development to mitigate the risk of losing them to competitors, you might be inadvertently causing that very outcome. By not investing in their growth, your business suffers from a lack of skilled and motivated employees, leading to stagnation, lower employee satisfaction, and poor overall performance. This approach ultimately harms your business more than the potential risk of employee turnover.

• Servant Leadership – the most Effective Form of Leadership Style: The concept of servant leadership is deeply rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, who emphasized serving others as a fundamental principle of leadership. In the Bible, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate Servant Leader. This idea goes against our human nature to put ourselves first.

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy where the leader’s primary goal is to serve others. Instead of focusing on their own power and authority, servant leaders prioritize the needs, growth, and well-being of their team members and community. This approach emphasizes empathy, listening, stewardship, and a commitment to helping others develop and perform at their best.  This approach enhances employee morale and job satisfaction, improving the quality of service provided to grieving families. Employees who feel valued and supported are motivated and committed to delivering compassionate and exceptional care, positively reflecting on your funeral home’s reputation and success

Two of the trademarks of a Servant Leader are:

• Empowerment and Growth: Servant Leaders prioritize the development and well-being of team members, fostering an environment where individuals can grow, learn, and achieve their full potential. This approach encourages leaders to support, mentor, and empower their team, ultimately leading to a more motivated and engagement.
• Positive and Inclusive Culture: Servant Leaders emphasize the importance of building a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture. By putting the needs of others first and promoting a sense of community and belonging, Servant Leaders create a work environment that values diversity, encourages open communication, and enhances overall team cohesion and morale.

8. They live a life of purpose.

Mission-driven entrepreneurs often describe their work as if they were destined to do it. They frequently express a profound sense of “calling” and use adjectives such as “energizing,” “fulfilling,” “grateful,” “committed,” and “devoted” to convey their passion and dedication.

You have an innate desire within yourself to live a purposeful life. Every person harbors an innate desire to live a purposeful life, a yearning rooted in our creation by God to fulfill His divine purposes.

Ours is a Profession Filled with Purpose to Embrace

To be fully engaged in our profession, you must feel a deeper calling to a mission with a bigger purpose. Funeral Directors have the unique role of providing compassionate care and support to grieving families while respectfully handling arrangements for their deceased loved ones. This dual role requires dedication, an understanding of the sanctity of life, and a commitment to providing life-giving support to the bereaved.  Your commitment to this purpose not only enhances the quality of service your funeral home provides but also strengthens its reputation as a professional and trusted community expert resource.

Funeral Directors have a dual role providing compassionate care and support to grieving families while respectfully handling the arrangements for their deceased loved one requires a unique understanding of the mystery of death.  It requires dedication and an awareness of the sanctity of life.  Yes, we are in the business of providing life giving triage and support to the bereft.

No One Wants to be at Your Funeral Home –   Every person who enters your funeral home after the death of a loved one is there out of sheer necessity. They don’t want to be there—they need to be there. They did not choose to have the experience they are experiencing. They are NOT doing you a favor; instead, they are entrusting you with a profound responsibility. It is your great honor and duty to serve them in their darkest hour.

You have a sacred fiduciary role to advise and help point people to a future hope. It’s your special calling to give them wise counsel and support so they can and will be able to navigate their loss with a sense of hope as they begin their new life living without the physical presence of their loved one with them.  The griever is looking to you to help them take their very first baby steps of integrating back into the world that has not stopped since their loved one died.  Their life completely stopped but the world is still spinning, and the griever needs your assistance to initiate their integration process by providing a meaningful funeral ceremony.

It’s All About Meaningful Ceremony – It’s through a meaningful ceremony that the griever is reintroduced to the public as a changed person because of their loss.  It provides the community the opportunity to embrace the griever and let them know they are not alone.  It is the crucial symbolism from the community that communicates “We are here for you.  We accept you as you are.  You are loved and we care about your wellbeing.”

How Can Your Funeral Home Gain Momentum? …. Figure Out What’s Missing in Your Market

The easiest and most effective way to gain momentum is by differentiating your funeral home from all the other providers in your region.  There are many ways to differentiate and taking just a few small steps will move your funeral home away from the pack.

What’s Missing?  – One of the ways to differentiate your business is by figuring out what’s missing in your market that consumers need and want and take steps to fill that void.

When Steve and I owned our funeral home, we intentionally worked on our business.  Below are listed some of the things Steve and I did to figure out what direction to move our business and how to improve our position in our market.    In was extra work, but the information we gained gave us the necessary understanding of what was missing in our service area and how we could serve families much better.

The Steps We Took – Looking at Quantitative and Empirical Data to Find Answers:

1. We examined our competition by analyzing as best as we could how they operated their business (the state of their facilities, the makeup of their staff, their call volume and their mix of ceremonies).
2. We paid extremely close attention to every detail of every ceremony we conducted.
3. Steve and I attended a lot of professional development seminars and actually went to every session to learn. These professional development sessions fostered a lot of creative ideas that we brought home with us and we trained our staff on best practices and developed new processes and procedures.  We also brought in outside trainers to train specific skills like how to effectively take a phone shopper call and developed processes and procedures specifically for those calls.   We also brought NFDA Arranger Training certification in-house so all of our Funeral Directors had the opportunity to participate.
4. We analyzed the makeup of the different kinds of ceremonies our Funeral Directors       arranged with families to find out where we were failing and where we were succeeding.
5. We kept statistics on what kind of services families who had used hospice organizations tended to choose. When we did this, we noticed a trend for hospice families to choose little or no ceremony.   To counter that trend, we developed training and educational presentations for hospice organizations that educated them on the importance of funeral ceremony and how a meaningful ceremony is one of the key steps for a griever in having a positive outcome in their grieving process.

As we analyzed all the quantitative data we were collecting, it was extremely easy to see empirical patterns emerge that pointed to many missed opportunities to serve grieving families effectively.  We were noticing a very distinct pattern happening.  We noticed a big upswing in families choosing cremation with no service.  We noticed that families who had a long-standing relationship with our funeral home and had always chosen a funeral ceremony had shifted their choice.  Why was this happening?

A Lot Has Changed in the Past Fifteen Years and Especially the Past Five Years

The saying goes “The numbers don’t lie.”  The quantitative data we gathered aligned with the trends we were experiencing in real time.   We were experiencing a devasting shift in the quality of ceremonies being conducted by celebrants chosen by our clients.  There was a rapidly growing trend that was almost predictable at most Arrangement Conferences.  Families were no longer tied to a body of Faith; however, it was very common for families to choose specific scripture and worship music for their loved one’s funeral ceremony.  They would say “I’m spiritual but I’m not religious.” They would explain the reasons for their decision and give a variety of reasons why they no longer attended church services.  They would request a specific church pastor to conduct their loved one’s funeral because they had heard good things about that pastor.  The Funeral Director would excuse themselves from the conference and slip away to call the church the family picked to arrange for that pastor to conduct the funeral.  Very often we were told that the pastor wasn’t available due to various other commitments.  The family’s response to that news was usually picking a celebrant who was a friend of a friend or a celebrant who someone they know recommended without knowing if the celebrant was capable or not.

Not All Funeral Celebrants are the Same

It was no coincidence that we were experiencing some excruciatingly bad funeral ceremonies conducted by rent a pastor, hospice celebrants and other celebrants chosen by the families.

The Straw that Broke the Proverbial Camel’s Back:  During one funeral ceremony, an officiant kept calling the decedent the wrong name during the funeral ceremony.  He did it so many times, the decedent’s son finally yelled out his father’s name to the officiant during the ceremony to no avail!  The officiant wasn’t even fazed by the son’s outburst nor when the widow went up to him after the ceremony and told the officiant her husband’s name.

That was the straw that broke the camel’s back, and Steve and I vowed never again would anything like that happen at a funeral conducted by Anderson Funeral Home.   We had had it with ill-prepared rote services that were worse than if the family had done nothing.  We were fed up with holding the pervertible bag of dung when we had our head on the chopping block due to the ineptness of a funeral celebrant chosen by the family.

We were more than fed up with the audience’s negative judgement that the catastrophe of a ceremony was due to the funeral home’s fault.  We were fed up with allowing celebrants to come into our funeral home and literally ruin our business by performing terrible services.

Every person who sat in one of our chairs and witnessed the catastrophe became a lost potential client, through no fault of our funeral home. We realized that no matter how nice our facility and equipment were, how professional and gracious our staff was, or how fantastic our state-of-the-art technology was—into which we invested many thousands of dollars to provide a wonderful experience for our community—the perception still fell on us.  The icing on the cake was that even the family who chose the terrible celebrant saw us as responsible.

You are probably asking yourself why?  Because we oversaw the ceremony.  It was our fiduciary duty to make sure that each family we served had a wonderful ceremony that reflected their loved one’s life and fulfilled all the necessary elements that helped them start their integration process back into the community living into their new reality.

Take Control of What You Produce!!

I cannot stress strongly enough this principle.  Do you know any other service provider that would not have control over what they had fiduciary responsibility for?  The answer is no!  Funeral Directors are more interested in being viewed as the “nice guy or gal” instead of being viewed as a trusted professional!

Set Your Own Goals and Don’t Backdown

We set our own high bar and dedicated ourselves to setting our own standards.   I am not going to tell you that it was easy.  The processes and procedures were very straight forward but the difficulty was getting our Funeral Directors adherence to the newly required processes and procedures.  They just had to go a little above and beyond what they had been doing, but they kept giving me pushbacks.  Many days I felt like I was hitting my head against a brick wall, but little by little things started to change and we were achieving the goal of consistent meaningful ceremonies.  Our Funeral Directors finally realized the positive difference it was making for the families we served, and they stopped pushing back and took pride in our level of care.  We became known as Funeral Ceremony Specialists, and we loved the momentum that adventure afforded us.

Several ways to differentiate and gain momentum are:

1. Altruistic Community Engagement: Altruistic Community Engagement refers to the selfless participation and contribution your funeral home can make in community activities, driven by a genuine desire to improve the well-being of others without expecting personal gain. This approach focuses on fostering positive social impact, building strong community ties, and addressing communal needs through acts of kindness, support, and collaboration.  THIS IS NOT “AFTER CARE” PRE-NEED PLANNING SOLICITATION OR PROGRAMS

1. • Outreach Programs: Host community events such as Service of Remembrance, grief support groups, grief educational seminars and how a meaningful ceremony provides the foundational support for a positive grief outcome. These kinds of programs build strong community ties for your funeral home and help establish trust and familiarity.
   • Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses, religious institutions, and community organizations to create a network of support and resources.
2. Exceptional Customer Service:
   • Personalized Care: Offer personalized services that cater to the unique needs of each family. Going above and beyond in providing compassionate care can lead to positive word-of-mouth and repeat business. Just take one step like changing the way you communicate with a family during the planning and through to the days after their loved one’s funeral.  A more thorough communication system whether it’s frequent text messages or email will give the family their much needed reassurance that you are taking care of even the littlest detail.
   • Feedback Mechanism: Implement a robust feedback system to gather insights from families. Use this feedback to continuously improve your services.
3. Innovative Services – Think Outside of the Box:
   • Funeral Ceremonies:  Just about anywhere is a great place to provide an innovative and meaningful ceremony.  Families are looking for ceremonies that “tell their loved one’s story”.  It’s not difficult!  The ceremonies you conduct should tell a story – visually, verbally, and sensorially.  There needs to be a beginning, middle, and ending.  Think of it like a wedding ceremony and the elements people choose to make that life event meaningful.  It’s the same thing for a funeral ceremony.
4. Marketing and Visibility: 
   • Digital Presence: Maintain an active and engaging online presence through a well-designed website and social media platforms. Share informative content, testimonials, and updates to stay connected with the community.
5. Professional Development:
   • Staff Training: Regularly train staff on the latest industry practices, customer service techniques, and grief counseling methods. A well-trained team can provide exceptional service and support to families.
   • Industry Certifications: Encourage staff to pursue relevant certifications and attend industry conferences to stay updated on best practices.

Final Summary Thoughts About Keeping Momentum: 

Human beings are inherently designed to have momentum. Without it, we suffer from a failure to thrive. Momentum fuels our sense of purpose and progress, driving us to achieve our goals and maintain a sense of well-being. When momentum is lost, individuals and organizations alike can experience stagnation, reduced morale, and a decline in performance. It is essential for leaders to recognize the critical role momentum plays in both personal and professional contexts and strive to cultivate it continuously.

Momentum is essential for thriving, and especially for businesses.  Momentum generates progress, innovation, and growth. Without it, businesses can struggle to adapt, evolve, and meet the changing needs of their clients and communities. For funeral homes, momentum means continuously improving services, embracing new technologies, and maintaining strong community connections. Momentum not only drives growth but also sustains the energy and enthusiasm needed to keep the business moving forward.

Three Components for Momentum

1. Innovation: Always introduce new ideas and approaches. Whether it’s new services, new technologies, or new ways to connect with the community, innovation helps maintain interest and engagement.
2. Advancement: Continuously seek ways to advance existing processes and services. This not only increases efficiency but also shows a commitment to excellence.
3. Ongoing Improvement: Foster a culture of ongoing improvement. Encourage feedback from employees and clients and be open to change.

Once Your Business Experiences Momentum Don’t Become Lazy

Momentum will ebb and flow – accelerate and slowdown.  There are so many things that influence your ability to keep momentum going in your funeral home business.  Some things are out of your control, but the things that are in your control need to be tended to regularly.

• Customer Feedback: Regularly collect and review feedback from families you serve. Positive reviews can indicate strong momentum, while negative feedback will illuminate areas needing improvement.
• Employee Morale and Performance: Keep track of your staff’s satisfaction and performance levels. Motivated and happy employees contribute significantly to maintaining momentum.
• Service Demand: Monitor the number of funerals and services you are conducting, but even more importantly monitor the KINDS of funeral ceremonies your Funeral Directors are arranging with families.  An increase or steady flow in meaningful ceremonies indicates good momentum, while a decline definitely requires attention.
• Community Engagement: Stay active in the community by participating in and hosting events. Regular involvement will boost your business’s visibility and reputation.
• Operational Efficiency: Regularly assess your processes and systems and be willing to change them. Streamlining operations can enhance productivity and help you maintain momentum.
• Training and Development: Ensure your team receives ongoing training and development opportunities. A well-trained staff is more capable and confident, contributing to sustained momentum.
• Financial Health: Keep a close eye on your financial statements, cash flow, and expenses. Strong financial health is crucial for maintaining momentum.
• Marketing and Outreach: Regularly review your marketing strategies and outreach efforts. Effective marketing will keep your business at the forefront of potential clients’ minds.

By monitoring these areas, you can better manage the factors within your control to sustain and boost momentum in your funeral home business.

Momentum Formula to Keep You Moving Forward:  If you are like me, you need visual reminders to keep you on track in keeping your goals.  One way to keep you inspired is to print this out and keep it somewhere you will see it and spur you on to take one small step to gaining momentum in your market.  Even better, print out two copies of this formula and give one copy to a person who will collaborate with you in making improvements that give your business momentum.

Formula for Maintaining Momentum in a Funeral Home

Adaptation + Innovation = Continued Relevance

• Ensure your team receives ongoing training and development opportunities. A well-trained staff is more capable and confident, contributing to sustained momentum.
• Introduce innovative funeral ceremonies

Quality Service + Customer Feedback = Enhanced Offerings

• Regularly collect and review feedback from families you serve. Positive reviews can indicate strong momentum, while negative feedback will illuminate areas needing improvement.

Community Engagement + Outreach Programs = Strong Local Presence

• Stay active in the community by participating in and hosting events. Regular involvement will boost your business’s visibility and reputation.

Technology Integration + Efficient Processes = Operational Excellence

• Regularly assess your processes and systems and be willing to change them. Streamlining operations can enhance productivity and help you maintain momentum.
• Invest in technology to streamline operations, such as online scheduling and digital record-keeping.
• Use data analytics to identify areas for improvement and ensure efficient service delivery.

Team Collaboration + Employee Development = Motivated Workforce

• Keep track of your staff’s satisfaction and performance levels. Motivated and happy employees contribute significantly to maintaining momentum.

Start today by identifying one small action you can take to begin gaining momentum in your funeral home. Analyze your current practices, seek feedback from your community, and implement a new, innovative service. Engage your team and empower them with training and development opportunities. Remember, it only takes a small action to begin building unstoppable momentum.

Thank you for reading my article, and I hope that you have found something to implement that will help you move forward, enriching your business and the lives you touch. I am looking forward to continuing this journey with you and sharing more insights and expertise in our next exploration. You have but one life to live, and you have been placed in this timeline of history for a purpose. What you do each day matters and has the potential to make a positive difference in the lives you touch. If you have a question or need a boost in moving forward, please call me at 815-299-0100 because I would love to help you achieve your goals.

With much gratitude,

Diann Anderson