Picking the Brains of the Pros: Recent Research into the Field of Death Care

The field of death care is a thriving area of formal research. Structured studies explore how the public – and the pros – are affected by (and work with) matters of death, loss, and mortality.

At this stage of the game, when it seems like so much has been said and done, particularly with the death positive movement, one might rightly inquire what, if any, er, headstones on the issue remain unturned.

What exactly does science still want to know?

While these issues have been addressed to a degree, what is wanted is often greater detail in the answers, specifically in terms of consequences to health of those affected.

Many studies seek understanding of the ways different people respond to different types of death under different circumstances. There are, of course, innumerable ways to be shaped by the deaths of others, and often our responses are unexpected… sometimes even for the most grizzled, long-in-the-tooth of the pros.

Of particular interest is the manner in which pros think about and respond to death, tragedy, loss, and mass mortality in a sustained, long-term way when it’s familiar; the psychological underpinnings, and how that translates to your biological expression (exhaustion, compassion fatigue, even inflammation and auto-immune issues.

The effects of a tragic death resulting in mass casualties isn’t going to be the same for a death care professional as it would be in a member of the public’s response, and beyond the obvious association and familiarity, why is that, exactly? After a point, are you just wired differently? (Yes.) How is the experience different? How does this experience affect one’s health? What about long term? Are such changes permanent? In what ways? How do we come to terms with the changes it can force upon us through the experience of loss and bereavement? And how does this difference influence the roles that funeral directors play, not only handling the practical matters of death in an hour of need, but in the stewardship of socially significant knowledge to a comparatively unprepared population?

These are some of the questions of recent studies.

And, technically…

When COVID-19 forced great changes into every quarter of the practice, requiring a lot of improvisation without warning, the changes imposed by the global experience introduced technologies we’re not likely to give up anytime soon. Death care tech has become synonymous with electronic memorialization, live broadcasting of services, and electronic legacies, all of which have become standard offerings for many funeral homes. The ways such technology affect our experiences of ritual, memorialization, and religious services are the subject of a growing body of research.

You can never know too much

New technologies and advancements benefit the practical aspects of death care practice in new ways every year; likewise, science has never ceased to ask big questions of the experiences of humans with the end of life. How fortunate that our understanding of the many ways death penetrates our lives is growing all the time, allowing us all greater expertise and insight into what can be unbearable experiences… an informed way to support each other through the greatest type of loss possible.

Business Loans vs. Credit Cards: Pros, Cons, and When to Use Each

Understanding the pros and cons of credit cards and business loans is essential when managing business finances. Each option offers unique benefits and risks, so knowing when to use one over the other can make a big difference in sustaining financial health.

The Benefits of Using a Business Credit Card

Business credit cards offer several advantages for small expenses. One of the top benefits is the ability to earn perks, with many cards offering 1-3% cash back on purchases. If a business consistently funnels transactions like utilities, gas, or other recurring expenses through a credit card, these rewards can add up, potentially offsetting costs and contributing positively to the bottom line.

Credit cards simplify expense tracking and tax preparation, as all purchases are documented on a single account. Many credit card providers offer tools that organize spending categories, which can help monitor business trends and make data-informed decisions. For companies with multiple employees authorized to spend, credit cards create accountability by providing a transparent view of all transactions, aiding in tracking and budgeting.

Potential Drawbacks of Business Credit Cards

Business credit cards come with significant risks despite their convenience, mainly due to high interest rates. Failing to pay the balance in full each month can lead to interest charges as high as 20% or more, which can quickly eat into a business’ cash flow.

Additionally, the easy accessibility of credit cards can lead to overspending if not managed carefully. Business owners should be disciplined, ensuring necessary purchases and fit within the budget to avoid a debt snowball effect.

Advantages of Business Loans Over Credit Cards

Small business loans often provide better terms than credit cards for larger purchases or cash flow management. They also provide flexibility with lower interest rates, allowing businesses to borrow at a more affordable rate. Small business loans are ideal for larger expenses, like significant equipment purchases, because they provide a fixed amount with structured repayment terms. Unlike credit cards, these loans often come without prepayment penalties, allowing businesses to pay off the loan early without additional fees. This flexibility can be helpful when cash flow fluctuates, or additional capital becomes available.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Business

Business credit cards and loans have their place. Business credit cards can be incredibly convenient for day-to-day expenses but should be used cautiously to avoid high-interest debt. On the other hand, business loans are better suited for larger purchases or cash flow needs, providing a healthier, more affordable alternative.

Understanding the pros and cons of each option allows business owners to take a strategic approach to finance, ensuring that they make decisions that support growth and financial stability. When chosen carefully, both options can contribute positively to a business’ financial management.

Download Live Oak Bank’s free Guide to Ownership Transition or connect with Andrew Kennedy, VP of Funeral Home and Cemetery lending, at https://info.liveoakbank.com/guide-to-ownership-transition.

Nothing speaks wisdom like hard earned lessons learned.

And these 4 funeral professionals have some wisdom to share on one of the biggest topics right now… creating an unforgettable family (or customer) experience.

Why waste any time?

Let’s dive straight into the lessons from some of our favorite funeral professionals out there:

Lesson #1: Ask lots of questions to understand your families’ needs… then listen deeply to the answers

You might think that client families don’t want to talk much because of their grief and sadness. You might think they’re not interested in what you have to offer and just want to get the service over with. You might feel shy around asking deep questions that go beyond the normal “customer service” experience. 

And if you feel this sort of way about any of the above situations, we completely understand why. The way business has worked for so long has been direct, sales focused and customer centric. 

However now, sales IS service. Customers ARE friends and family. Deep questions ARE great customer service. It’s time to transcend the confines of the old client family journey, and treat every family like they are friends.

One business that is a great example of this is Eterneva. They begin every journey with their customers asking tons of questions about their loved one. And they stay up to date with them through every step of the journey.

Co-Founder of Eterneva, Adelle Archer, explained her process with us:

“When someone calls us, we don’t talk about diamonds. We just sit them down and ask them to tell us about their loved one. What made them special? You wouldn’t decide to make a diamond for just anyone.”

Now, Eterneva is a huge success in the funeral profession and their secret sauce is certainly this level of care and communication. Take this example below, where you see the closeness and frequency of communication they maintain with their client families, including them in every step of the service.

Lesson #2: Never assume a direct cremation family doesn’t want to create a meaningful experience

Industry expert Walker Posey, Posey Funeral Directors, believes that direct cremation is a result of lack of proper education on their options (among other reasons that he explains here). 

His biggest piece of wisdom that hit us hard is this:

“Today, many funeral directors simply don’t have the courage or skill to stop being an order taker and become the true advisor that client families actually expect to deal with. When a family comes in and sits down across from an order taker, they have no choice but to accept the inadequate options that are presented. The idea of associating cremation with limited or no service is very under-serving to the families who call on us and this habit must be stopped.”

Read More: Walker Posey Shares The REAL Reason Families Choose Direct Cremation

Lesson #3: Have affordable, easy personalization options available for families 

Now that we understand a direct cremation family isn’t necessarily what we think it is, let’s talk about offerings. What kind of options can you provide families with who choose direct cremation?

According to funeral director Joe Pray of Pray Funeral Home, props are a great start:

“We recommend investing in minimal props and elements that could work for most creative personalized services you plan. In many cases, the family will gladly pay the cost of the creative things that you suggest for the service. In some cases, the cost may be paid by the funeral home. Many props you develop for a creative service can be re-used for other services. The benefit will be well worth the expense in the eyes of the family and their guests.”

Pray Funeral Home is known in their community for holding extraordinary services with high levels of personalization and tons of meaning for families. This level of service translates into plenty of opportunities for growth, especially when it comes to their client families’ raving reviews. So next time you feel deflated by a direct cremation family, grab your props and educate families on their options!

Read More: 6 Service-Oriented Alternatives To Direct Cremation

Pray Funeral Home offered client families a chance to play “one last pool game” in honor of their loved one.

Lesson #4: Cooperate with local businesses rather than compete with them

It might seem counterintuitive to collaborate with businesses that do similar things as you. But think about it from the client families’ perspective. What would provide them the utmost care and support? A continuum of support from their community that is woven with care, or many separate services they have to seek out on their own to find support? We think the latter sounds much more difficult!

Take it from Felicity Warner,  the founder of Soul Midwives and the Soul Midwives School, who loved collaborating with funeral homes:

“Increasingly, we are working with funeral directors. One of the reasons is that people are very keen to see a line of continuous care for their loved ones… right through to the funeral and beyond.

Recently I worked with a family who were very keen to keep their father at home for three days, allowing him to “rest” with the family around him. The funeral director was fantastic; we worked with him very closely. He helped in every way that he could, popping in and keeping a very close eye and suggesting exactly the right moment for the body to be removed and with great delicacy and tenderness.”

Read More: We Interviewed a Soul Midwife to Discuss the Mind, Body & Soul Journey of Death

Put it all together, and what do you get?

There seems to be a common denominator between all of these funeral pros. Can you sense it? What is it that creates a successful client family journey? We’d love to hear the nuggets you pulled from this, and the lessons you learned! 

Share them with us in the comments below 🙂

Pssst…Need a website that offers a foundation of service?

Try the funeral profession’s #1 all-in-one website platform, f1Connect. If you’re interested in learning more about the f1Connect website platform, reach out to one of our Funeral Success Specialists today!