Get All Access for $5/mo

I am beginning a home-cleaning business. Another woman who cleaned in our small town was killed in a car crash four days ago. Is it OK to advertise to her clients? And if so, how long should I wait?

By Kim T. Gordon

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

One of her clients is probably the wealthiest person in the county or maybe even the state. I don't want to miss an opportunity to work for her, but I don't not want to be unethical or immoral.

Let "tasteful" be your watchword as you proceed cautiously to reach out to your deceased competitor's clients.�Wait until after the funeral has taken place, to give everyone some time to get over the loss.�

Then, I suggest your ads or direct mail make no mention of the person who has passed and you focus instead on letting the clients know you are available and the benefits of choosing you over any other firms that may solicit their business.

Kim Gordon is the owner of National Marketing Federation and is a multifaceted marketing expert, speaker, author and media spokesperson. Her latest book is Maximum Marketing, Minimum Dollars.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

Is One Company to Blame for Soaring Rental Prices in the U.S.?

The FBI recently raided a major corporate landlord while investigating a rent price-fixing scheme. Here's what we know.

Side Hustle

This Former Starbucks Employee Started a Side Hustle That's Making More Than $70,000 a Month — and He's Not Done Yet

When Tom Saar moved to New York City, he spotted a lucrative business opportunity.

Business News

Amazon Has a Blank Book Problem: Buyers Report Receiving Fakes of Bestselling UFO Book

The book looked fine on the outside, but the inside was out-of-this-world.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Paramount Leadership Alludes to Layoffs If Merger Does Not Go Through

Paramount is awaiting approval on its merger with Skydance Media from majority shareholder Shari Redstone.

Business News

Microsoft Reportedly Lays Off Over 1,500 Employees in Cloud Sector as Partnership with OpenAI Strengthens

Alphabet also reportedly laid off employees from several teams in Google's cloud unit last week.