The Perfect Storm: Four Marketing Trends You Just Can't Ignore.

Paul Seyler, President of Competitive Resources Inc., a marketing firm with strengths in research, strategy development, brand management and training.  Paul presented a wealth of information for us to consider, especially  as they impact on how we do business.

The four changes in business environment were identified as:

1. The Nones (No religious affiliation - a rapid growing group)
2. Unbundling (Body disposal and Event not coupled, leads to new approaches)
3. Megachurches (Over 2,000 they have changed expectations on events)
4. Imploding Regulations (Laws and rules are under assault, even from within) 

TAKE AWAY:

• Nones often need education and suggestions on what, when and where because they have little or no experience - You can provide information.
• Mega Church attendees have chosen their religion. These churches teach the celebration of life and as such death becomes a memorial experience.   Much like their churches they expect well produced and presented memorial experiences.
• Immediate disposition, primarily cremation, has become a major choice often accompanied by no ritual or ceremony. Any memorial events are often in local hotels, instead of your facility.
• Stay aware of court rulings and to changing laws and regulations, as changes are coming from groups claiming unfair barriers to entry, consumer protection, and unclear definitions of statues that have unclear or circular reasoning such as FL 497.372 that needs attention.
• New opportunities abound for those organizations that have facilities that are open, warm, celebratory, and offer the opportunity for well packaged memorial events.