November 25, 2024
Published by 
Nicole Vullo on November 25, 2024
Nicole Vullo on November 25, 2024Written by Luke Potter A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that helps businesses and organizations assess their internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats they face. The acronym stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. By conducting a SWOT analysis, an organization can gain valuable insights into where it stands in the market, what it does well, where it may be falling short, and how it can capitalize on emerging trends or mitigate potential risks. For funeral home operators, performing a SWOT analysis is crucial to improving service quality, boosting customer satisfaction, and staying competitive in a market that requires sensitivity, professionalism, and trust. What is a SWOT Analysis? A SWOT analysis involves evaluating both internal and external factors that can influence a business’s performance. The internal factors include strengths and weaknesses, while […]
October 30, 2024
Published by Nicole Vullo on October 30, 2024
Nicole Vullo on October 30, 2024Written by Jarod Bernat We’ve all heard the common adage “Location, Location, Location” used to denote which important factors influence home values most. This phrase also proves to be just as applicable to cemeteries and funeral homes, but not just because these businesses are often operated out of valuable commercial properties. The location, and more specifically, the demographics of the service markets of these businesses, impact how we must approach strategic business planning with regards to pricing, staffing, and succession planning. “Demographics” as a broad term refer to the statistical data and characteristics relating to a defined population and the groups within it. In a profession like ours, this information is vital to the success of our businesses now and in the future, since the communities we serve often determine their service provider based on whom they feel most comfortable […]
September 27, 2024
Published by Nicole Vullo on September 27, 2024
Nicole Vullo on September 27, 2024Diligent business owners must adapt to meet their clients where they are because it’s clear consumers aren’t going back. I first stumbled onto the phrase “nothing changes if nothing changes” while scrolling through Instagram in May 2023. As an older millennial, Instagram is where I get most of my daily laughs and content, as opposed to TikTok. (Boy, do I feel old saying that TikTok is too young for me… but I digress.) When I first saw the saying, my immediate response was, “Well, obviously!” Little did I know at the time, however, that this would become my personal mantra the following month as I began a new lifestyle journey after deciding to finally get into shape. (If anyone needs Pilates studio recommendations or suggestions on plant based protein powders, I’m your girl!) After first reading the expression, it might […]
September 27, 2024
Published by Nicole Vullo on September 27, 2024
Nicole Vullo on September 27, 2024Written by Taylor Weber, Financial Analyst In our latest, Ask the Analyst blog column, we were given the question on what business-related tasks are needed to be done during the final month of the year. Financial Analyst, Taylor Weber provides her insights on this important topic. Question: Do I need to focus on any specific business elements in the last quarter of the year? Taylor Weber: As we head into the final quarter of the year, it’s important to assess where your business stands and take strategic action. While it’s tempting to remain cautious, especially when faced with market changes such as increased cremation rates or a fluctuating death rate, now is the time to make moves that will set your business up for long-term success. Many funeral home owners are hesitant to raise their prices, fearing they’ll lose calls […]
September 27, 2024
Published by 
Stephanie Ramsey on September 27, 2024
Stephanie Ramsey on September 27, 2024Scenario: Meet Jordan Strong, owner of Strong Funeral and Cremation Services. Jordan’s business consists of two locations in the Southeastern United States serving more than 500 families annually. Jordan is very proud of the multicultural aspect of the families he serves, and his staff reflects that ethnic diversity. The keystone to Jordan’s success is his staff and the high-level service that is provided to every family regardless of whether they are choosing cremation or burial. His staff is trained to focus on memorialization and making each funeral arrangement unique for the family. Jordan has strived to create a positive work environment by utilizing effective HR techniques such as employee handbooks and policies as well as team building exercises. Employees are also asked to periodically participate in anonymous surveys to help determine if all is well. Despite all these efforts, the […]