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 The first 100 funeral professionals who sign up for the program will receive a set of 10 copies of Celebrating Life: Words of Comfort. This book is an inspiring collection of stories that you can share with families in need. The 1800Flowers.com® AfterCare Remembrance Program is a way to extend the care that you provide to your families. It reminds you to reach out to the families you serve at specified intervals after the service is completed, and suggests a variety of ways to let your families know that your commitment to them doesn't end with the service. When you participate in our AfterCare Remembrance Program we help you keep track of important dates and give you ideas for reaching out to your families. Whether it's a phone call, an online greeting, a plant or a gift basket, we are here to help you express to your families' your ongoing compassion to service them even after the service. We're here to make sure you don't forget and that you have lots of viable, affordable options. We know the importance of building customer loyalty. The families' you have served will continue to remembered your dedication and will turn to you again and again as their preferred funeral provider. How to Get Started Want to Learn More? For more information, sign up below or call us toll free at (877) 285-9740. Or you can simply register with us for our Free Reminder Service and start entering your reminders right away. When you're ready to join, we will set up your personal account and work with you to customize the program to suit your needs. We are committed to helping you help families touched by grief. We know the importance of an AfterCare program, but it can be hard to find the time or resources to manage one or to measure its effectiveness. But based on your requests, and thanks to feedback from funeral professionals, we have developed a turnkey solution that will help you help others heal. It can also help your families remember you for your extended level of service and concern. | Step: 1 |
Its quick and easy. Just enter some basic information and we will contact you to learn more or to help get you started entering your reminders.
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Whether it's a personal occasion like an anniversary or a birthday, an important holiday such as Christmas or Mother's Day, or a reminder at 30, 60, and 90 day intervals, you can select the important events on a family by family basis.
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Set your preferences so you can be reminded your way. Whether the reminder arrives via email or to your mobile phone, or 10 days or 2 days before the date, you can receive reminders based on your business needs.
| | Step: 4 | - We give you three easy ideas to express yourself
- Make A Phone Call
- Send a Card
- Send a Remembrance Gift
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Feel free to access or add updates to your account at any time.
| How to Get Started Want to Learn More? For more information, sign up below or call us toll free at (877) 285-9740. Or you can simply register with us for Free Reminder Service and start entering your reminders right away. When you're ready to join, we will set up your personal account and work with you to customize the program to suit your needs. We are committed to helping you help families touched by grief. "Family and friends often believe that recognizing important anniversaries after the memorial will bring back hurtful memories, or in some way inflict pain on the person grieving. This is not true! We need to all acknowledge that while a loved one may be gone, they have never left the heart and mind of those who loved them. Remembering their presence ? at birthdays, one year anniversaries, Christmas, Thanksgiving ...brings comfort to those grieving, not more grief. The harshest reality is when we, as friends and family, stop speaking and remembering the departed, for then we are burying them again."
- Nancy Hamlin, Grief Counselor/Teacher A small token of remembrance lets you know you're there for them, The gesture not only offers support but brings back cherished memories and the feeling that their loved one is being honored. What is the After Care Remembrance Program? The 1800Flowers.com® AfterCare Remembrance Program is a way to extend the care that you provide to your families. It reminds you to reach out to the families you serve at specified intervals after the service is completed, and suggests a variety of ways to let your families know that your commitment to them doesn't end with the service. When you participate in our AfterCare Remembrance Program we help you keep track of important dates and give you ideas for reaching out to your families. Whether it's a phone call, an online greeting, a plant or a gift basket, we can help you express your ongoing concern. We're here to make sure you don't forget and that you have lots of viable, affordable options to help build customer loyalty. We know the importance of building customer loyalty. The families' you have served will continue to remember your dedication and will turn to you again and again as their preferred funeral provider. Does it cost anything to join the program? No, there are no costs to join the program. Simply open up an account online or by phone and you can start registering for your reminder service. If you have questions, need additional support or would like to place an order with us, we will help you all the way. There are no obligations with this program; only a commitment to help families in healing. How do I get started? If you are interested in joining we will set you up with a personal account and work together to best understand your needs and help you further extend your quality service. How can I contact you? Simply send an email to aftercare@1800flowers.com or call us toll free at (877) 285-9740. About My Account How can I make changes to my personal account? When you open an account, you will have 24/7 access to the important dates of your families. You can add new information, update existing information, or take a quick look at what's coming up for the next month to help you with your planning. In addition to getting reminders, this service keeps all your families important dates in one central location. Can I get my reminders sent to my mobile phone? Yes. When setting up your preferences, you have the option to receive reminders via email, on your mobile phone, or both. Can I place orders online and on the phone? Yes, at any time you can order online or call. We can help you with your orders wither way. Are custom remembrance gift programs available? Yes, we can recommend a program or build a program together based on your individual needs. Can I close my account at any time? Yes, simply contact us by phone or email and we will help you close the account. About Placing Orders Is it safe to use my credit card online? Yes; we never send personal information, such as your credit card number, over the network in a way that is readable to anyone but us. We encrypt your information and send it over the Internet using SSL (secure socket layer) technology. When your browser is in secure mode, you will notice a key or lock icon at the bottom of your browser window. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM® does not rent or sell information they receive from web orders or e-mail registrations to third parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. When will my credit card be charged? We will attempt to secure authorization on your credit card at the point of purchase online. If there is a problem securing this authorization you will be notified on the spot and prompted to use another card. If we receive verification of sufficient funds, your order will be completed and transferred securely to us. Your account will be charged in 24 to 48 hours. What happens after I place an order? When your order is placed on the web site, you will see a "Thank You" page, which will have an online order confirmation number on it. This is confirmation that your order has successfully been placed. Your order is then sent over a secure connection to 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. You will receive an email confirmation once your order has been received at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. If there are any problems with your order, one of our Sales & Service Specialists will contact you by phone or e-mail. Jim McCann's Favorite Tips on Building Customer Loyalty Build Relationships First and Business Will Follow As you well know, grieving families need someone to turn to, a trusted person they feel comfortable with. Earn their confidence the moment they walk through the door, not by selling but by advising. The caring relationship you create from the beginning will serve you well in the future. Exceed Customer Expectations Perhaps you could suggest a memorable way to express feelings of sympathy through unique floral arrangements. Or maybe it's a matter of meeting what seems to be an impossible deadline. The point is, when you go above and beyond, people notice. And best of all, they tell other people about it, generating new business for you. Create a Team That Shares Your Vision and Values Your employees are a reflection of your business, they represent your commitment to serving your customers, and they are a highly visible part of your brand. Be sure they realize how important it is to treat every customer with the utmost respect, compassion and dignity. Invite Customers Behind the Curtain Making a personal connection makes customers feel special, like they're the only customers that matter to you. Get to know as much as you can about the deceased and the family. Then discuss details about yourself and your family. That kind of intimate sharing relaxes customers and helps ease the pain of a difficult time in their lives. Adapt to Customers' Changing Needs Times change, people change...constantly. Stay a step ahead by encouraging feedback from customers on a continual basis. Ask for their suggestions, listen carefully to their answers. And perhaps most important, remain flexible, ready and willing to adjust your approaches accordingly. Develop Social Outlets ? Make Your Presence Known Whether it's a Facebook® page, Twitter®, or an online support group, social media can help your families express themselves in a meaningful way. Remember, if you don't offer them this opportunity, someone else will. 30, 60, 90 Days Family may be feeling denial and isolation. At first, they may deny the loss has taken place, and may withdraw from their usual social contacts. This stage may last a few months or longer. It's helpful to communicate your continued support. You can say something like "We just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and see if you had any additional questions" or "We just wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts." Holidays: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Holidays are an especially hard time since it is a time to celebrate with friends and family. The "first" holidays are especially hard. The family has to process that the holiday will never be the same but there are ways to honor the old traditions and to create new ones. You can say "You are in our thoughts during this difficult holiday season." Occasions: Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparent's Day Celebrating an occasion like Mother's Day can elicit bittersweet emotions. On the one hand the family may have fond memories but on the other they need to find a new way to celebrate their loved one. It's a great time to develop new traditions and remember and share stories of their beloved. You can say something like "We are thinking of you this Mother's Day." Anniversary of Death: First Year Anniversary, Annual Anniversary fear that it will make the surviving member upset. Remembering the individual and the significance of the day is respectful and helps the family keep the deceased's memories alive. You can say something like "We remember {name of deceased} at this difficult time of year and we are thinking of you." Birthday Families often don't know what to do. The day will never be the same. The usual traditions of gift giving and birthday cakes are gone and families need a new way to celebrate this important day. Try something new. Instead of repeating traditions from previous years, encourage them to try something new to ease their pain. You can say "We are thinking of you during this important time of the year." Finding the right words to help comfort someone who is grieving is often difficult at the at-need and post-need stages. Below are some recommended suggestions that will help heal their hearts during the difficult times, after the initial shock and beyond. 30, 60, 90 Days - Thinking of you during these difficult times.
- With loving thoughts to comfort you at this time.
- Healing wishes for your and your family.
Holidays: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas - We are thinking of you during this difficult holiday season.
- You are in our thoughts during this difficult time of the year.
- May your loving memories ease your mind during this difficult holiday season.
Anniversary of Death - We are thinking of you during this difficult time of year.
- You are in our thoughts at this difficult time of the year.
- We remember (name of deceased) at this difficult time of the year and we are thinking of you.
Special Occasions (Birthdays, Anniversaries) In loving memory (name of deceased) on this important time of the year. Send a Printed Greeting We Recommend: Thinking of You Thinking of You - Bereaved Thinking of You - Flowers Thinking of You - After Loss Thinking of You - Sympathy Be Not Afraid May the Memories Held Deep Within Your Heart No One Can Take Away Your Loving Memories 30, 60, 90, 180 Days Consider gifts that communicate your continued support. Plants are always a welcome expression and an ongoing reminder of your support. Plus they have health benefits to help in healing. Anniversaries (First, Annual) Consider gifts that mark the occasion. Keepsakes in particular are important at this time. Memorial Trees, stepping stones or keepsakes for the home can bring comfort in recognizing the day and used as an ongoing reminder of support. Holidays (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas) Consider gifts that are seasonal. Poinsettia Plants, Easter Lily Plants, or a seasonal vase arrangement are appropriate. Also consider a gourmet basket of cookies which can be shared at family gatherings. Occasions: (Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparent's Day) Consider gifts that honor the individual. Consider graceful, peaceful vase arrangements, bright blooming plants or memorial trees. Birthday Consider gifts that celebrate the individual. Gifts can be colorful, sentimental and sweet. Blooming Plants or vibrant vase arrangements make great expressions. Patriotic Holidays (Memorial Day, Veteran's Day) Consider gifts that honor the individual and their contributions. Consider red, white, and blue flower vases and baskets and memorial trees. After the loss of a loved one, it is very hard to let go of old traditions, but very important to begin new ones. These touching stories may give you inspiration to share with your families as they start a new chapter in their lives. HOLIDAY DINNERSMaryEllen, my sister and the oldest of eight siblings was the glue that held our family together. After she died of ovarian cancer we decided to celebrate her life by cooking her signature dishes and having a family dinner in her honor. For those of you who have lost someone dear remember to celebrate the life once lived and to tell those who are still with you that you love them every day. ? Anthony K. FOR THE BASEBALL FANMy friend's dad George was the biggest New York Mets fan there ever was. Not only did he have season tickets and know every stat, he bragged that he had never missed a game. When his son was born-- you guessed it -- George left the hospital in time to make it to Shea Stadium by the first pitch. When George passed, his family received his cremated remains and debated what to do with the urn. The spring baseball season was about to begin and Bob's mom solved the problem by putting a shelf above the TV. She placed George's urn with a worn Met cap on top. George got the last laugh on death, for sure, because to this day he has still never missed a game!
? Pat S. ONOING LEGACYIt was six years ago that the doctors told me that my dearest Olivia Grace wouldn't make it?her brain tumor was back and inoperable. Forty two days later, she took her last breath. I've always been afraid that her death would be bigger than her eleven years of life, so I try my best to honor her memory through the daily little things. Whenever I see a donation bucket, I contribute--just as she insisted when she was alive. ? Wendy T. UP "Every year on the anniversary, we gather together and let a dozen balloons go into the air." WORDS OF WISDOM When we lose someone, it's easy to become focused on what we've lost. But that one loss is only a chapter of our lives. Each relationship is filled with so many complicated and fulfilling shared life experiences that we'd be remiss not to see that, together there's an entire book to read. ?Nancy H. Do you have stories or recommendations about caring for your families after the services are over? Tell us about them! We're hoping to share the best of the best in an upcoming issue of American Funeral Director. What do you do at the holidays?
What's your best tip for families to help grieving children?
What ritual or custom surprised you?
What's a favorite way to mark an anniversary? Send your ideas and stories to expressingsympathy@1800flowers.com and get a $50 gift card and a chance to have your idea appear in an upcoming issue of American Funeral Director. Looking for ideas to share with your families about how to remember loved ones? Sign up for our free RSS feed to get one tip a day, and find some ideas below. Ways to Remember Loved Ones 1) Share your memories with friends and family and get them to share theirs too. You may learn things that you didn't know about your loved one. 2) Leave memorial flowers at your church, or another special spot such as the beach. 3) Create a memory box containing special items that belonged to you and your loved one. Place little notes in it with special memories written on them. 4) Make a collage of all your favorite photographs of your loved one and put it up on the wall where you can look at it anytime you like. 5) Create a new tradition in remembrance of your loved one. For example you could light a candle and listen to your loved one's favorite music on the 20th day of every month. 6) Hang a stocking at Christmas containing lots of loving memories of your loved one. 7) Gather your friends and family together in celebration of your loved one. Perhaps throw a remembrance party on the anniversary of their death. 8) Light a candle in your loved one's memory. 9) Make a memory book of photos and memoirs of your loved one. 10) Start a memorial trust or scholarship fund for your loved one. 11) Write a poem or a story about your loved one (See Funeral Poems.org for ideas and inspiration) 12) Visit a place that you used to like going to together. Remember the good times you had there. 13) Plant a tree in memorial of your loved one. Place a plaque next to the tree with a message on it. 14) Listen to your loved one's favorite music. 15) Release balloons with friends and family in memory of your loved one. Perhaps attach little notes onto the balloons with messages on them. 16) Visit your loved one's resting place often and take flowers to leave at their grave. 17) Name a pet of even your next child after your loved one. 18) Plant a memory garden for your loved one, plant their favorite flowers and trees and every time you are tending to it you will remember them. 19) Write a letter to your lost loved one; tell them everything you are missing about them and everything that you learned from them. 20) If you are hosting an event such as a wedding or christening, do something to remember your loved one at that special time, to show how much you wish they could be there with you. Perhaps light a candle or hold a few moments of silence in their memory. Ten Healthy Ways to Remember a Deceased Loved One You Live On In Me
I can still hear your laughter
Ringing in my ears
I can still see your smile
And the twinkle in your eyes.
I know that you are not gone
You're just out of reach...
Lost to my touch and my sight
But still, you are as close
As the beating of my heart.
And I know that you will always be there
Since love never dies.
- M. Schulz A Life Well Lived
You were all kindness and fun,
Laughter and love wrapped up in one.
We will be together again,
But until that time
I will live my life with joy
Your greatest gift to me
From a life well lived.
- M. Schulz I'll Dream of You
When I need to feel you near me,
I close my eyes and dream
You are there.
Smiling, laughing, free of pain
One eyebrow arched,
Grinning from ear to ear.
"It's good to see you again," I say
And you reply,
"I was here all along."
- M. Schulz Always and Forever
Triumphs declared,
Trials endured,
Jokes shared,
Love in bloom.
You gave me so much.
Now I will return the favor
By living my life
With you in my heart,
Right where you belong.
- M. Schulz Remembrance
The sun shines on my face as
A soft breeze plays upon the water.
Seagulls squawk overhead
And salt sprays on my cheeks.
With each of nature?s caresses
I feel you there beside me...
Hearing your laughter in the singing of the doves.
You live on in the world?s tender beauty.
The memory of you will keep me going
All the days of my life.
- M. Schulz The following poems are of public domain and thus copyright-free. Please feel free to share with your families, use on condolence cards, or on your web site or Facebook page. If you have any questions about usage, please contact us at aftercare@1800flowers.com. Remembrance
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
- From: Goblin Market, The Prince's Progress and Other Poems.
Christina Rossetti. 1879. All Is Well
Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.
- By Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918)
Canon of St Paul's Cathedral After Glow
I?d like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I?d like to leave an after glow
of smiles when life is done,
I?d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing
times and bright and
sunny days.
I?d like the tears of those who
grieve, to dry before the sun,
Of happy memories that I leave
When my life is done. When searching for advice on helping others to express sympathy and remember loved ones, in addition to this site there is a wealth of knowledge available online. Below is a list of recommended reading to help guide you. When a Friend Grieves, How to Get Sympathy Right Dear Funeral Professional, Working with grieving families, you realize that your business is really all about being there when families need you most. It's pretty common for a family to establish a bond with those who have been there for them in their greatest times of need. As florists, we're all about being there when our customers need us too. It's our privilege to help families express themselves: from the good times to the sad times, and everything in between. But in today's age of competing demands, how can you keep a customer's attention and loyalty? By exceeding expectations. We've developed an innovative AfterCare Remembrance ProgramSM that can help you show your families that you're still thinking about them days, months, and even years after the services have passed. I have also given you some of my favorite tips for nurturing customer loyalty. Please consider how we can help you help the families you serve. Sincerely,
 Jim McCann, Founder During the past year I have had the great pleasure of meeting and working with a number of very talented and innovative professionals in the Death Care industry. As our dialogue developed, I was struck by the similarities I saw in how both funeral directors and florists alike view the importance of building deep and caring relationships with their customers during those important and sensitive times in their lives. Being a florist myself, and working with thousands of professional florists across the country, I recognize the importance of what we, and funeral directors, do every day to help our customers express themselves and share their feelings around sympathy occasions. What has also become clear to me is that there exists a tremendous opportunity to grow our businesses together by pooling our skill sets and sharing our experiences, our perspectives and our ideas for the future. Working together, I am confident that we can find innovative ways to help raise consumer awareness and enhance the profile of both the Death Care and Floral industries. To help achieve these goals, I have formed the 1-800-FLOWERS.COM Expressing Sympathy Advisory Board. This cross-industry panel is designed to provide its members with the opportunity to work directly with experienced professionals from within the Death Care, Floral and related industries toward identifying and developing growth opportunities for our industries. The purpose of this advisory board is to lead and develop a forum of the best and brightest in the Death Care industry with the intent of identifying opportunities and solutions within a growing and changing market. Some of the goals include: - Increasing communications on importance of service/flowers/grieving
- Communication opportunities to keep memories alive; focus on remembrance
- Developing strategies that keep families connected through social media —Jim McCann |
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