'Tis the season for change

Drew Edwards,
General Manager,
Sunset Funeral Home

'Tis the season for great food, family and all the things that make the holidays special. It’s also the season for vendor price increases. Yes, many companies pick this time of year to send out their dreaded new price lists, including vendors that help the success of your business.

Although many look at this time of year as a burden, in essence it is a great time for you to reevaluate your business and prepare for 2015. It’s a great time to look over your sales from 2014 and find out where the best opportunity for growth might be for next year.

The trends in the funeral and memorialization industries are changing. And, as a business owner or manager, it is essential that we’re always looking ahead and making a plan to stay ahead of these changes. Whether it is memorialization sales, casket sales, vault sales or even something as simple as your paper goods, take this opportunity to let history tell you what the future might hold. I encourage you to set goals for better sales, and be willing to make small changes in goods or services that just might impact your business in a big way. If you make the necessary changes now, you will guarantee yourself the opportunity to be ready for the next challenge our industry throws our way. Here’s to a happy and prosperous new year.

This article originally appeared in Modern Memorialization, Trigard Memorials' weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/thursdays.