May 29, 2019
Published by 
Dan Isard on May 29, 2019
Dan Isard on May 29, 2019When starting your business, take care of the basics properly and all the rest will fall into place. The first determination an owner needs to make is which basic structure to choose for the business. One challenge is that while you know much of how the arterial system works, you do not know how the tax system works. While there are many business structure options from which to choose, the rationale behind choosing one is not so simple. Your lawyer will advise choosing a structure that will help protect you from litigation. From a legal perspective, then, you are protected if you choose anything other than a sole proprietorship or partnership. Your accountant will focus on the issues related to filing income taxes. The tax perspective, however, is much more complex. Following are the four most common business structures. 1. […]
May 29, 2019
Published by Dan Isard on May 29, 2019
Dan Isard on May 29, 2019It’s a must-do in today’s world, but it also must be done right so it becomes an asset to your business. The use of social media by funeral homes isn’t a matter of choice anymore, it’s a necessity. Digital media has radically changed our lives: – how we communicate, shop, work and get our news. In the not-too-distant past, funeral homes with websites were a big deal. Social media was just emerging but was not widely adopted by most funeral providers. Fast-forward to today: In most industries, not having an updated website and avoiding social media is considered unusual. In fact, most funeral firms use both mediums to some extent. Yet social media is still widely underutilized in the funeral profession and is, to some degree, misunderstood. This is especially true when considering the effective deployment of this medium for […]
May 3, 2019
Published by Dan Isard on May 3, 2019
Dan Isard on May 3, 2019Your firm must be firing on all cylinders for your financial protection now and in the future. By Daniel M. Isard Imagine that you’re a runner and you have a heal spur on your right foot. Visualize how your smooth, steady, well-cadenced stride is thrown off by this one impediment. Your stride is shorter on the right side now, which will create an imbalance as the left side stretches farther, which might then cause your left calf to tighten. Your right arm might not swing with its normal reaching movement, and that can cause an imbalance as your left arm tries to compensate. The next thing you know, you have several impairments all due to that one original symptom. It’s the same way with your financial well-being. The Problem Allow me to simplify the financial concerto of a business owner. […]
May 1, 2019
Published by Dan Isard on May 1, 2019
Dan Isard on May 1, 2019Many people routinely hear that “debt is bad,” but it’s not if properly managed. I realize that my column is rarely about something with which all funeral home owners and managers will agree, but my role in this world is to provide an alternative point of view. You cannot imagine the joy it gives me to disagree with more than 10,000 owners and managers on a monthly basis. “When you know you know, you fear no man!” one of my early mentors told me. Continuing with our preparation for the 2020 Year of Illumination, I have started dissecting 12 key issues of running a business. This month, we examine debt, and I am going to explain why debt is not bad, if properly managed, and then how to properly manage it. There are seven points to understanding debt. 1. Who […]
March 20, 2019
Published by Dan Isard on March 20, 2019
Dan Isard on March 20, 2019To market your message for the future, capitalize on the tools and techniques of communication that exist today. As we prepare to reinvent your business with foresight (ahem, it’s just a common word, folks) and vision for 2020, there is nothing more critical than marketing. Because you cannot assume families will simply come to your funeral home, you must address the methods and design of marketing today – not in anticipation for the turn of the 21st century and not stuck in the 20th century. The key elements of marketing have changed. Everything you thought was marketing 20 years ago has been eviscerated, blown up or has died. The one thing that has not changed is your message. Advertising and marketing attempt to transmit your message to those seeking that message. I contend that the message of funeral directors over […]