Somewhat “dark humor” alert. It isn’t really, but some might take it in that vein. I’ve been involved in a couple of different programs that focus on entrepreneurs and the various pitfalls of trying to start a new business. For every idea that catches on, there are many that either don’t get off the ground or splutter soon after launch. The TV show Shark Tank and however many variations there are of it have certainly shed light on the process. One path to success is of course to see a need for something that others do not necessarily see and take action. I’m on my way back to Florida and I saw a great example of such a niche yesterday. My stepmother passed away last Wednesday and the funeral was Saturday. In yesterday’s mail (Monday), my dad received a letter from a company whose name I paid no attention to since I wasn’t the one who opened the envelop. Inside was a complimentary laminated copy of my stepmother’s obituary with instructions about how to order additional copies. One of my stepsisters immediately said, “Oh yes, we got that after Daddy died (and that’s been quite some time ago), and we ordered some.”

It makes perfect sense. Newspaper paper does not hold up well over the years as anyone who has handled fragile articles knows. A laminated copy will endure for a very long time. I have no idea who first came up with this approach, but think for a moment about the fact that the letter was quite possibly mailed on the Friday and certainly not later than the Saturday before Monday arrival. That means the obituary was noted, the product created and mailed within around 24-36 hours in all probability. It does provide a practical service and while I have no intention of doing any research to discover how well the company performs, it is about as entrepreneurial as one can be.