You’re in the memorial business… now go be memorable!

Sheryl Baumeister,
Human Resources 

We’re in the business of helping others share their memories of loved ones, but what about us? Are we making memories?  Are we memorable?

We all want to be remembered for something. That’s what makes us stand out. That’s what keeps our legacy alive. But how do you set out to become unforgettable? It’s easier than you think. Be a “doer,” not a “watcher.” Live life. Don’t watch it pass by. Creating experiences in our personal lives not only impacts our quality of living, but those around us as well.

DO THE UNUSUAL
While you are out there “doing,” make it something unusual.  Many of us have similar lifestyles. We work, have a family, a home, a car, clothes… you get the picture.  We like to think we are special, but we’re all pretty much the same and similar isn’t memorable.  So, try something different.  Push your experiences beyond your comfort zone. Push beyond other people’s comfort zones too!

DO FUN
Remember when you were young and didn’t know the definition of “stupid idea.”  You followed the mission through, no matter how pointless or inconvenient… because it was fun.  The more pointless it was, the more fun you had. Why? Sometimes your goal isn’t to accomplish something worthwhile; your goal is to collect experiences.  That is what makes your life richer and more interesting.

DO GOOD
Care about people and do good things.  When you stand for something, you stand apart.  Others will see your good works and remember them.  Surprisingly, in many case, the less you say, the more people remember.

DO TRY
Stop being so hard on yourself.  It’s okay to fail.  Run the race even though you might lose. Sing even though you can’t carry a tune in a bucket. Dance even though you have two left feet. You don’t have to be all-knowing, all-achieving.  Accept your faults, make mistakes and be gracious about it.  You will be remembered because you were willing to fail. After all, people who display grace and humility in the face of defeat are rare.

What are you waiting for? Go be memorable!


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.

Are pictures really worth a thousand words?

Erin Brodbeck, LCSW, CT, 

Director of Grief Services,

Sunset Funeral Home

There is a saying, “A picture’s worth a thousand words,” and I would most definitely agree. Whether you are posting a photo on Instagram, sharing photos of your kids on Facebook or even printing a photo to put in a frame, you are using photos to share your thoughts and stories.

My daughter is turning one-year-old at the end of this month. While I was digging through the hundreds of pictures we’ve taken throughout the last year, I began thinking about how important pictures are when memorializing a loved one.

Displaying family photos at a visitation, making a photo collage or creating a bronze memorial with your loved ones' pictures are all great ways to reflect on their life and keep their legacy alive. Those pictures are some of the only visual mementos that you have left of your loved one, so why not make them center stage while you celebrate their life? I would encourage the families that you serve to pull out those family photos and search their online albums for pictures that can tell their story. The story of a life that will never be forgotten.

Looking for some more ideas on how to use pictures in memorialization? Email me at erinb@sunsetfuneralhome.com.

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.

What is your “wow factor?”

Ross Darby,
Director of Business
Development

Have you ever heard a family say, “Wow, that was really special,” or “Wow, I have never seen that before?” If you have, then the product or service they were referring to is your “wow factor.” It's what sets you apart from your competition.

For instance, at Trigard Memorials, one of our "wow factors" is the precise detailing from our direct-to-metal machining process that results in exact replications of photographs. Another "wow factor" is the option to add Brilliant Impressions® full color that turns a loved one’s memorial into a work of art.

What is your “wow factor?” What makes you special? What makes you stand out in the marketplace?

Your “wow factor” is how the families you serve will remember you. Look beyond industry standards. Look beyond the same products that others have. Look beyond your pricing structure and puts more focus on the services that impact families the most.

A “wow factor” in your company is key to success because people will remember you, and you have a way to stand out from the competition. When you find your “wow factor,” make it the focal point of your business. Your marketing, sales, and supporting literature should revolve around this amazing competitive advantage. This is the easiest way to answer the question: “Why should I choose you over the competition?”

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.