In the second of our series on specialist VAs, I’m pleased to introduce something which truly had me gobsmacked. I was almost convinced this was a wind up and Lyndsey Diamond or Marj @ Secretary4Hire were falling about laughing, but it’s really true and is an amazing business idea, demonstrating that being specialist pays!
Your name & age?
Linda Prince aged 48
Business name?
Tailor Made Funerals
How long has business been running?
2 years.
Describe your unusual niche?
Funeral Concierge – assisting families with administration following a bereavement.
How did you get into this niche?
Former legal secretary and qualified funeral arranger – combined the two!
Is it a growth area? Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-10 years?
Definitely a growth area – a unique niche for VAs to work in.
If a VA wants further info would you be happy for them to contact you direct and if so, what’s the best contact details?
I’m offering a course to show proficiency in Funeral Concierge work. This course may be taken online or, as a small group at a local venue.
Topics learnt, at Level 1, will include taking instructions and regular liaison with the family; gathering necessary documentation such as insurance, passports, utility bills etc. and arranging for services to be amended or ceased; Thank You notices and letters; collection and onward transmission of donations received in memory of deceased and more! Level 2 will add advanced learning including – arranging Memorial Services; monuments; grave tending; financial and care resources. As part of the learning package, full mentor support will be given to students for their first five clients.
This is a unique niche market for VAs and we feel that they will already have many of the appropriate customer service skills necessary to assist bereaved families.
Linda Prince – 07775 430 016 or tailormadefuneral@btinternet.com