and to cooperate effectively within the industry,
the heart of our trade remains the personal
relationship between funeral directors and
their customers. Many voices caution, that this
relationship cannot be digitised. Therefore,
enthusiasm around digital tools and ideas is
sometimes met with scepticism.
Digital Skills and Digital Mindset
While
this
assessment
is
close
to
our
understanding of the unique nature of the funeral
trade, the rapid development and expansion of
digital possibilities, means and demands makes
it impossible to predict how our trade might
change in the long run. This uncertainty is yet
another reason for us to advocate clear and
binding guidelines for education and training
within the funeral industry. In the coming years,
curricula must expand to include expertise on
digital matters. Not just for people joining the
industry, but also in advanced education for
professionals.
Young people who start an apprenticeship today
come equipped with digital skills and a digital
mindset that generations before them simply did
not have. This simple fact will translate into their
everyday work. And yet, these young people must
also be sensitised to the reality, that customers in
20, 30 or 50 years’ time might hail from a digital
background that we cannot imagine today – but
that will be natural to them.
© buzzsprout.com
TODTAL DIGITAL – The Podcast
© BDB
www.bestatter.de is the leading German-
language website for the funeral industry
TODTAL DIGITAL offered a mix of theoretical
input and exchange of experiences. It was
a welcome and necessary opportunity
to meet and connect; to share ideas on
an already wide and still growing array
of topics: How have the process and the
perception of grief changed in the digital age,
especially through social media?
What are the basic principles of marketing
– and do they differ for the funeral industry?
What are customers demanding today
and tomorrow?
18
No. 103 – AUTUMN 2023 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MAIN TOPIC