Jul 25, 2012
Read Part 2 of ASD Family Member Owner Kevin Czachor’s article series in the Funeral Business Advisor
ASD Family Member Owner and Vice President Kevin Czachor was recently published in the July/August issue of the Funeral Business Advisor. Kevin’s article, “Raising the Bar: How To Choose The Right Vendors for Your Funeral Home” is being published as a 3-part series that helps funeral directors determine what criteria to use when selecting a vendor for the funeral home.
In Part One of this article series, Kevin explained how a company’s experience, transparency and reputation are crucial to fully evaluating their performance record. He also listed several key questions to consider and identified warning signs of deceptive marketing. Part One was published in the May/June issue of the Funeral Business Advisor. Click here to read Part One.
In Part Two, Kevin provides information on how to compare the technical capabilities of different companies and discusses the benefits of making a personal connection with a vendor. Part II was just published in this month’s issue of the Funeral Business Advisor. Click here to read Part Two on the Funeral Business Advisor website.
In the September issue, Kevin will examine some final considerations that should be made before entering into a long-term contract and discuss how to monitor the vendor’s service after you become a customer. Be sure to pick up next month’s issue of the Funeral Business Advisor for the conclusion of this exclusive series on how to choose and evaluate the vendors the right vendors to work with.
Update on: “ASD Mobile for Android” Beta Testing Program
Last week, we posted a blog announcing the beginning of our Android App Beta Testing Program. In just a single week, we have received a tremendous amount of support and guidance from our Beta Testing Group. Thank you to all of the directors who have provided us with such helpful feedback and suggestions on the our Android app. From the data we collected from our clients, our technician team is working hard to enhance the “ASD Mobile for Android” app. Over the past couple of days, we have added some exciting new features such as Push Notifications. With Push Notification, you can have new messages and First Call data pushed directly to your phone screen. Information is delivered to your phone at a speed that surpasses Text-Messaging and the app provides you will full control over how and when you are alerted via Push Notification. We also created an option in the app to email or text a message directly to another contact on your phone.
One of our first clients to try these new features was Bryan Chandler from Chandler Funeral Home in Caldwell, OH: “Just received the latest Beta Version of the ASD App for Android and wow has this made my life easier!!!!” Bryan wrote on our Facebook page. “Can’t wait until the final release I think everyone will be very satisfied.”
If you would like to join our Beta Testing Group and did not recieve your download email, please leave a comment on this blog or send an email to jess.fowler@myASD.com. Once the “ASD Mobile for Android” app has been fully tested it will be available for all of our clients to download in the Google Play store.
ASD On The Road
ASD’s Operations Manager, Linda Haas, and Corporate Relations Specialist, Mary Ann Carlisle, had a wonderful experience at the Florida Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association convention. It was great to meet so many of our clients and to spend some time with our Rewards Partner, Eagle’s Wings Air. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth. We appreciate your support!
Next Stops:
National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association 75th Annual National Convention
August 4th-August 9th in Las Vegas, NV
Washington Funeral Directors Association 2012 Convention
August 8-August 11th in Coeur D’Alene, WA
Outstanding Service Awards
Outstanding Service AwardsEach week, ASD recognizes four employees with an “Outstanding Service Award.” This special recognition is given to the ASD Staff who exhibit the sensitivity and attention to detail that set ASD apart from other answering services. Here are some recent “Outstanding Service Award” winners:
► Training Specialist, Alana, determined a caller who didn’t want to leave a phone number was calling to report a passing. Alana asked crucial follow up questions to discover the true reason for the call.
► Call Specialist, Ayiana, compassionately assisted a caller who had just found out about the loss of her father
►Training Specialist, Kim, handled a call from another funeral director who initially wanted to hang up and call a different funeral home. Kim was able to convince the call to provide a contact number.
►Call Specialist, Jim, patiently relayed information to another answering service that repeately put him on hold
Click Here to see last week’s winners.
About The Author
Jess Farren (Fowler)
Jess Farren (Fowler) is a Public Relations Specialist and Staff Writer who has been a part of the ASD team since 2003. Jess manages ASD’s company blog and has been published in several funeral trade magazines. She has written articles on a variety of subjects including communication, business planning, technology, marketing and funeral trends. You can contact Jess directly at Jess@myASD.com
