May 02, 2012
On May 6th, 2011 ASD created our first blog entry, with ASD’s Pledge to the funeral service community. Since then, we have been thrilled by the support and encouragement we have received from funeral professionals across the country as we continue to expand our online presence. The ASD blog was designed to be a two-way channel between our company and your funeral home. It helps us to keep you informed of the latest ASD news, promotions and features and allows you to post feedback or questions 24/7.
To celebrate the growing success of our blog and commemorate its 1 Year Anniversary this weekend, we are naming our 10 All-Time Favorite Blog Posts:
1) 44 ASD Employees Camp Out to Take Calls During Hurricane Irene
On August 28th, 2011, employees brought in air mattresses and sleeping bags to sleep over at ASD in preparation for Hurricane Irene. When we learned a destructive hurricane was headed straight for the region, we made arrangements to provide both our staff members and funeral director clients with protection. 44 ASD employees camped out in the offices and conference rooms to ensure your funeral home had back up support during Irene’s destructive wake. This was our most popular blog post and was also featured on the blog of BelleVie Urns.
2) Introducing ASD Mobile: A Powerful New iPhone App that Saves Your Funeral Home Time & Money
Last December, ASD released ASD Mobile—a powerful iPhone application that has revolutionized funeral home telecommunication. With ASD Mobile, you can use your iPhone to access messages, record obituary information, change your on-call status and more, all with the touch of a button! The app was created as a mobilized one-stop solution for clients to manage their ASD account. Now, over 2,000 funeral homes regularly use ASD Mobile and this blog helped us to raise awareness about the app.
3) One Missed Call = Countless Missed Business Opportunities
ASD was thrilled to be featured on the cover of the November/December issue of The Funeral Business Advisor. Our article, “One Missed Call = Countless Missed Business Opportunities” examines the vital role the telephone plays as a business communication tool and the importance and safeguarding potential new business for your funeral home.
4) ASD Designs Unique Floral Program to Help You With After Hour Floral Calls
Last year, we have introduced a floral program that hundreds of funeral professionals have already benefited from. The Floral Rewards Program was created as a solution so that flower orders could be taken 24/7 and are always arranged and delivered by your funeral homes’ trusted local florist. Our clients have saved hundreds of dollars through commissions available through our Floral Rewards program, and this blog helped us to spread the word.
5) Beyond the Smoke and Mirrors: What Makes ASD Different
In life, there are many illusions that appear to be one thing, but end up looking completely different from another angle. Many companies focus on building and maintaining a facade to distract from inadequacies like unreliable technology, poor leadership, and uncommitted staff members. This blog explains what makes ASD different: from day one we have promoted transparent business practices that allow funeral professionals to truly evaluate every aspect of our service.
6) Congratulations to the ASD 10!
Every month, hundreds of applicants apply for positions at ASD, but only a select few make it through our rigorous, 6 month training program. Our employees are carefully selected and must exhibit compassionate communication skills and be qualified to handle some of life’s most difficult situations. This blog examines the essential skills and personality traits that are required to work as an ASD Call Specialist.
7) Q&A with Roman Coale, Director of Framptom Funeral Home
Roman Coale is Certified Funeral Service Practitioner and works as a Funeral Director at Framptom Funeral Home in Federalsburg, MD. But before he ever set foot in an embalming room, Roman used to work for a local answering service—an experience he says still hasn’t left him today. Originally published in Mortuary Management, this interview captures some of the major differences between ASD and other answering services.
8) 10 Reasons Why Funeral Professionals Say They Trust ASD With Their Sensitive Calls
No matter the size, location or specific needs the funeral home, most are surprised to learn about the solutions ASD can provide. With over 40 years of experience creating customizable options for funeral professionals, our clients have many answers for why they have choose to work with ASD. In this blog, funeral professionals explain why they trust ASD to answer their sensitive calls.
9) Earn Your Continuing Education Credits at ASD
Last January, ASD was pleased to offer our clients an opportunity to visit our headquarters in Media and earn their Continuing Education classes. Directors could earn up to 6 CE credits from classes conducted by the Regulatory Support Services. Dozens of local funeral homes benefited from this event, and because of the success we plan to offer more in the future. Keep reading the ASD blog for information on future events.
10) The Value of Listening to Your Calls
ASD was the first funeral home exclusive answering service to allow funeral professionals to listen to their calls. It’s hard to imagine that any business owner could feel comfortable diverting their phone lines to a call center without knowing they can hear how their calls are handled. Listening to messages lets ASD clients know how families are treated and protects potential new business. This blog explains why there is no substitute for retaining complete control over your firm’s phone calls.
Leave a comment and let us know which blog was your favorite!
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
