Funeral Manager Secrets http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog Business Analysis Tools for Funeral Home Managers Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:25:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 © robin@funeralfuturist.com () robin@funeralfuturist.com() Business Analysis Tools for Funeral Home Managers robin@funeralfuturist.com No no http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpg Funeral Manager Secrets http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog 144 144 Tentative Program Schedule Released http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FuneralManagerSecrets/~3/fPEYSOuJBbs/ http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/tentative-program-schedule-released/#comments Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:05:46 +0000 Hep http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/?p=26 I have had a number of inquiries about the dates and the structure of the program.  Below is an outline of the tentative schedule.  You will quickly see the depth and detail of the Strategic Thinking program.

TENTATIVE PROGRAM SCHEDULE*

Module 1: 10,000 Foot Overview – The Big Picture (September 1 – 5)
Tues., Sept. 2 Video Seminar: 10,000 Foot Analysis Recorded
/ On Demand
Thurs., Sept. 4 Live Video Session: Group Brain Storming Session Live
Web Seminar
Fri., Sept. 5 Live Teleclass: Q & A on 10,000 Foot Analysis Live
Teleclass

Module 2: Funeral Industry & Competitive Analysis (September 8 -12)
Mon., Sept. 8 Video Seminar: Funeral Industry & Competitive Analysis Recorded
/ On Demand
Weds., Sept. 10 Live Video Session: Competition – Guest Presenter (TBA) Live
Web Seminar
Fri., Sept. 12 Live Teleclass: Q & A on Industry & Competitive Analysis Live
Teleclass

Catch Up Week: Two Bonus Sessions (September 15 – 19)
Tues. Sept. 16 Video Presentation: Website Reviews Recorded
/ On Demand
Weds. Sept. 17 Live Teleclass: Sharing Success Stories Live Teleclass

Module 3: Company Analysis & Opportunity Identification (September 23 – October 3)
Tues., Sept. 23 Video Seminar: Company Analysis & Opportunity Identification Recorded
/ On Demand
Thurs., Sept. 25 Live Teleclass: Q & A on Company Analysis & Opportunity Identification Live
Teleclass
Mon., Sept. 29 Live Video Session: Group Brain Storming Session Live
Web Seminar
Weds., Oct. 1 Live Video Session: Strategic Planning – Guest Presenter (TBA) Live
Web Seminar
Fri., Oct. 3 Audio Seminar: Strategic Analysis Review – Moment of Clarity Recorded
/ On Demand

Bonus Module: Differentiate and Prosper (October 6 – 10)
Mon., Oct. 6 Video Seminar: What Are Your Differentiating Factors Recorded
/ On Demand
Tues., Oct. 7 Video Seminar: Create Your Infomercial & Elevator Speech Recorded
/ On Demand
Weds. Oct. 8 Video Seminar: Teach Them To Purchase From You Recorded
/ On Demand
Thurs., Oct. 9 Live Video Session: Pricelists And The Internet Live
Web Seminar
Fri., Oct. 10 Live Teleclass: Q & A on Differentiate and Prosper Live
Teleclass

Explanations of Terms
Recorded
/ On Demand		 Videos will be recorded and released to the private members website first thing in the morning. They can be watched at your convenience. You can download** the video for your own use if you like.
Live Web Seminar These live streaming video sessions will be scheduled at specific times (group members will be surveyed as to what is the most convenient time for live session). All sessions will be recorded and posted in
private members website within 24 hours. Recordings can be viewed or downloaded** at your convenience.
Live Teleclass These live teleclasses (similar to the teleseminars) will be scheduled at specific times (group members will be surveyed as to what is the most convenient time for live session). All sessions will be recorded and
posted in private members website within 24 hours. Recordings can be listened to or downloaded** at your convenience.
*Tentative Schedule Every effort will be made to adhere to the schedule above. Times, Dates, and Guest speakers are subject to change – ample notice of any changes will be provided.
** Downloading media Downloading video and audio recordings are for your convenience and for your future reference. These media files are not to be shared outside of your location. Guidelines for multi-location firms, the sharing of recordings must be contained in each registered company. Please contact Robin Heppell at 800-810-3595 / 250-744-3595 or robin@funeralfuturist.com for further details.
]]> http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/tentative-program-schedule-released/feed/ 0 http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/tentative-program-schedule-released/ Increase Value with Strategic Thinking http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FuneralManagerSecrets/~3/vzQ34Vy08Mk/ http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/increase-value/#comments Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:19:46 +0000 Hep http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/?p=24 I really had a great time with Bill Bischoff of Johnson Consulting Group. Bill is a wealth of knowledge and expert in the areas of strategic planning and organizational development.  He explained the benefits for having a Bottom-Up approach to planning and why it is a better way to get staff “buy-in” vs. a Top-Down approach.  Also Bill shared the importance of Bench Marking and the benefits of tracking performances.  Listen to the replay here…

If you have any questions for Bill or comments, please email me or enter them in the comment box below.

…Hep

]]> http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/increase-value/feed/ 0 http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/increase-value/ Strategic Thinking Program REVEALED http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FuneralManagerSecrets/~3/zEC2e7qiMOk/ http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/program-revealed/#comments Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:25:16 +0000 Hep http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/?p=18 Strategic ThinkingInside this video, I explain exactly what you’re going to be learning inside the Funeral Manager Secrets’ Strategic Thinking program, and I show you all of the details of the program that are going to be available on Monday, August 12, 2008.

NOTE: The “Early Registration” will begin on Friday, August 8th for you as you have pre-registered for the Funeral Manager Secrets website and teleseminar series. If you register before Monday morning – not only will you receive the Early Registration discount of $150 off (making your price only $347) – will receive a Free copy of my DVD titled, “Your Funeral Home and YouTube – Getting Even Higher Rankings in Google” – so don’t wait, sign up on Friday – Crazy 8’s Day – August 8, 2008.

IMPORTANT: After you watch the video, please leave me a comment below to let me know your thoughts about the Funeral Manager Secrets’ Strategic Thinking Program. If you have any QUESTIONS about the program after watching this video, make sure you ask them in your comment or email me at hep@funeralfuturist.com – I want to make sure I answer all of them by Monday!

PRESS THE PLAY BUTTON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SCREEN


Thank you for watching the video, if you are ready to register >>>


Please let me know if you have any comments or questions!

…Hep

PS: If you know any other funeral professionals that could benefit from this program, please send them to www.FuneralManagerSecrets.com so that they can benefit from all of the great information. Thanks.

]]> http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/program-revealed/feed/ 0 http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/program-revealed/ Handling Price Shoppers is Easier When You Differentiate Yourself http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FuneralManagerSecrets/~3/DOIX5Latdzo/ http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/price-shoppers/#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:25:34 +0000 Hep http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/?p=17 Mike Kubasak was on fire! Not because of being a Cremation Guru, but sharing his ideas and experience with how to deal with price shoppers.  Mike and I chatted about how you can communicate value – not just price – once you are able to differentiate yourself from your competition.

Listen to the replay here:

Mike Kubasak – Kubasak & Associates Inc.
www.Kubasak.com


Funeral Manager Secrets – Strategic Thinking – Released Monday, August 12, 2008
Course Details:

Please leave your comments and thoughts in the space provided below – let us know what you thought of the teleseminar…

]]> http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/price-shoppers/feed/ 2 82:45 Mike Kubasak was on fire! Not because of being a Cremation Guru, but sharing his ideas and experience with how to deal with price shoppers.nbsp; ... Mike Kubasak was on fire! Not because of being a Cremation Guru, but sharing his ideas and experience with how to deal with price shoppers.nbsp; Mike and I chatted about how you can communicate value - not just price - once you are able to differentiate yourself from your competition. Listen to the replay here: Mike Kubasak - Kubasak #38; Associates Inc. www.Kubasak.com Funeral Manager Secrets - Strategic Thinking - Released Monday, August 12, 2008 Course Details: 4 Module Course, taking you step by step through the strategic analysis process complete details are now released - Strategic Thinking Program Revealed Please leave your comments and thoughts in the space provided below - let us know what you thought of the teleseminar... Interviews,,Training robin@funeralfuturist.com no No http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/price-shoppers/http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/podpress_trac/feed/17/0/Kubasak-Heppell.mp3 Business Mindset for Funeral Service http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FuneralManagerSecrets/~3/D4CqpMW_SYU/ http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/business-mindset/#comments Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:13:06 +0000 Hep http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/?p=16 What a great 86 minute conversation with Nancy Lohman and Todd Van Beck!  I feel we shared some great insights into adapting to the changing trends and opportunities in funeral service.  It is an exciting time to be in funeral service and by having a business mindset you can identify opportunities and incorporate them into your plan.

Listen to the replay here:

Strategic Planning & Other Resources

ICCFA Fall Management Conference – October 22-25, 2008, Naples, Florida
Registration Information visit or call:

  • www.ICCFA.com
  • ICCFA Office: 1-800-645-7700
  • Ritz-Carlton Naples: 1-888-856-4380

MBA for Funeral Services – University of Barcelona (Spain) – Fall 2008
Registration & Information:

  • visit www.FuneralMBA.com to request more information and get your name on the list
    (there are less than 20 spots available – get on the list today)

Funeral Manager Secrets – Strategic Thinking – Released Monday, August 12, 2008
Course Details:

Please leave your comments and thoughts in the space provided below – let us know what you thought of the teleseminar…

]]> http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/business-mindset/feed/ 2 86:04 What a great 86 minute conversation with Nancy Lohman and Todd Van Beck!nbsp; I feel we shared some great insights into adapting to the changing ... What a great 86 minute conversation with Nancy Lohman and Todd Van Beck!nbsp; I feel we shared some great insights into adapting to the changing trends and opportunities in funeral service.nbsp; It is an exciting time to be in funeral service and by having a business mindset you can identify opportunities and incorporate them into your plan. Listen to the replay here: Strategic Planning #38; Other Resources ICCFA Fall Management Conference - October 22-25, 2008, Naples, Florida Registration Information visit or call: www.ICCFA.com ICCFA Office: 1-800-645-7700 Ritz-Carlton Naples: 1-888-856-4380 MBA for Funeral Services - University of Barcelona (Spain) - Fall 2008 Registration #38; Information: visit www.FuneralMBA.com to request more information and get your name on the list (there are less than 20 spots available - get on the list today) Funeral Manager Secrets - Strategic Thinking - Released Monday, August 12, 2008 Course Details: 4 Module Course, taking you step by step through the strategic analysis process complete details are now released - Strategic Thinking Program Revealed Please leave your comments and thoughts in the space provided below - let us know what you thought of the teleseminar... Interviews robin@funeralfuturist.com no No http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/business-mindset/http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/podpress_trac/feed/16/0/Lohman-Van-Beck-Heppell.mp3 Having a Business Mindset Teleseminar Week http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FuneralManagerSecrets/~3/6xumDi5WHU8/ http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/having-a-business-mindset-teleseminar-week/#comments Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:06:24 +0000 Hep http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/?p=15 During the week of August 4th to August 8th, I will be hosting a series of free teleseminars focusing on the importance of taking a business approach to help deal with all of the issues that owners and managers in funeral service face today.

Session 1: “Having a Business Mindset for Funeral Service”

I will be hosting Nancy Lohman and Todd Van Beck as they will share their insights into why it is important for owners and managers to think strategically and have a business mindset to face the
challenges of Funeral Service today.

Monday, August 4, 2008 at 2:00 pm Eastern / 11:00 am Pacific
Dial In: 419-400-0203 Passcode: 585992#
OR Listen via Streaming audio at:
www.FuneralManagerSecrets.com/business-mindset

Session 2: “Handling Price Shoppers is Easier When You Differentiate Yourself”

I will be hosting Mike Kubasak as he shares his experiences with Price Shoppers, how to handle them, and how to win them over without lowering your price.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 2:00 PM Eastern / 11:00 am Pacific
Dial In: 419-400-0203 Passcode: 585992#
OR Listen via Streaming audio at:
www.FuneralManagerSecrets.com/price-shoppers

Session 3: “Increase the Value of Your Firm with Strategic Mindset”

I will be joined by Bill Bischoff of Johnson Consulting Group who will share his experiences in creating strategic plans as well as why having a strategic plan can increase the value of your firm.

Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 2:00 PM Eastern / 11:00 am Pacific

Dial In: 419-400-0203 Passcode: 585992#
OR Listen via Streaming audio at:
www.FuneralManagerSecrets.com/increase-value

]]> http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/having-a-business-mindset-teleseminar-week/feed/ 0 http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/having-a-business-mindset-teleseminar-week/ Brainstorming about Strategic Alliances http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FuneralManagerSecrets/~3/UP2wbK3MnFo/ http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/brainstorming-about-strategic-alliances/#comments Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:03:21 +0000 Hep http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/?p=12 This is a two part segment.  As a warm-up, I am going to share with you a video clip of my keynote address at the Oregon Funeral Directors Association annual convention where we are discussing forming strategic alliances.  After that, you can follow along a sample brainstorming session where I use Mind Maps to highlight suggestions for creating strategic alliances.

Live Presentation – OFDA Annual Convention Keynote

The folks at Oregon were great hosts and we had some great conversations about the future of funeral service throughout the weekend.

Strategic Alliance Brainstorm using Mind Maps

Please leave your comments or questions below. Better yet, share who you have made strategic alliances with…

]]> http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/brainstorming-about-strategic-alliances/feed/ 1 http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/brainstorming-about-strategic-alliances/ Free “Revenue Per Call” Calculator http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FuneralManagerSecrets/~3/bGRaNFNIoko/ http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/revenue-calculator/#comments Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:39:23 +0000 Hep http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/?p=10 How many dollars do you gain or lose when you have you have a price shopper on the telephone – and they decide to go to you – or your competitor.

I have created a free, “Revenue Per Call” calculator in Microsoft Excel for you.  By adding in just 3 figures:

  • your fixed expense (monthly overhead)
  • your variable costs per call
  • your average funeral value

you will clearly see your break-even number of calls per month and how much each call adds to (or lost calls take away from) your bottom line.

Note: This tool is for illustration purposes only and is intended to give you a quick picture of the value of each call.  Watch the demonstration video to see how it works.

Please share your thoughts in the comment field below.

Revenue per Call Excel Spreadsheet
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY HERE
“REVENUE PER CALL CALCULATOR”
Funeral Home Calculator
(right-click and “Save Target As”)

Let me know how the Calculator worked for you!  Also, if there are other topics that you would like me to cover relating to the strategic analysis of your funeral home or cemetery – leave a comment or send me an email!

Don’t forget to leave a comment below – I would love to hear your thoughts!

]]> http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/revenue-calculator/feed/ 3 http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/revenue-calculator/ Applying the Analysis: Maximize Your Value Chain http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FuneralManagerSecrets/~3/OCax2PBv_8Q/ http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/applying-the-analysis-maximize-your-value-chain/#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:22:07 +0000 Hep http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/?p=9 In the second video installment that I have created for you, I tackle the topic of Value Chain analysis. Value Chain is a business term that is used to identify all of the activities that take to produce a product and get it to market or in our case, from receiving the first call to the final disposition. You can then examine each activity in the process and see how to create more value or at least manage it better to reduce expenses.

In layman’s term: to run a tighter ship and see if there are other opportunities that are related to the services that you are offering and integrate them into your offerings.

In this 8 1/2 minute video, you will see how you can examine your processes and look at areas for vertical or horizontal integration.

Please share your thoughts in the comment field below.

I hope that you enjoyed the video.  There are still more to come – the next one will be Forming Strategic Alliances.

Please let me know if there are other topics that you would like me to cover relating to the strategic analysis of your funeral home or cemetery.

Don’t forget to leave a comment below – I would love to hear your thoughts!

]]> http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/applying-the-analysis-maximize-your-value-chain/feed/ 0 http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/applying-the-analysis-maximize-your-value-chain/ Applying the Analysis: How to Differentiate http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FuneralManagerSecrets/~3/rjVa42HsURo/ http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/applying-the-analysis-how-to-differentiate/#comments Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:13:10 +0000 Hep http://www.funeralmanagersecrets.com/blog/?p=8 This is the first is a series of videos that will show you how you can differentiate your firm from your competition.  Being able to communicate your difference, your uniqueness, your value, will allow you to separate yourself from your competition.

This 9:00 minute video will show how findings from your Environmental Scan, your Competitive Forces Analysis, and your SWOT Analysis, can be used as the foundation structure your Strengths and Differences and convey them to your client families.

Please share your thoughts in the comment field below.

I hope that you enjoyed the video.  There will be more coming soon – the next one will be How to Maximize Your Value Chain.

Please let me know if there are other topics that you would like me to cover relating to the strategic analysis of your funeral home or cemetery.

Don’t forget to leave a comment below – I would love to hear your thoughts!

. . . Hep

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