Stealing clients
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- Scotch_Roman
Thinking about soliciting a local museum for design work that was a client of my recent former employer. They haven't done any work for the museum in at least 4 years to my knowledge.
Is it unethical to go after the museum as a client? Mind you, I never signed a non-compete with my former employer, but I did have a verbal agreement that I wouldn't solicit any of the former firm's clients for 18 months after leaving.
Since the relationship has been dormant for a few years, I'm not sure what's kosher in this particular situation.
- harlequino0
Totally kosher. Go for it. Nothing wrong with being a competitor.
- max_prophet0
If it provides you with enough work to keep you off QBN, I say go for it.
- You saying you're sick of seeing me around here? ;)Scotch_Roman
- JOSF0
you seem to have answered your own question.
- digdre0
just do it.
- Nairn0
Thou shalt not .. what again?
- monospaced0
I guess since it's been well over 18 months that it's kosher to approach them, but of course it's best to investigate into your previous firm's relationship before doing so. But, I'm just stating the obvious.
How often do you (can one) get work through solicitation in this manner?
- d_rek0
Ever heard of a pseudonym?
- uberdesigner0
wwjd
- version30
did you sign a non compete when with them? After contract work, i'm usually given the standard "12-36 months" paperwork that says i can not solicit clients
- They mentioned it, but never asked for me to sign anything. I think they meant to and forgot.Scotch_Roman
- did you read his post?monospaced
- what do you think?version3
- i think it was the title then the first line, but i state my case for other readersversion3
- Scotch_Roman0
It hasn't been 18 months since I left the firm though. It's been four years since the firm did any work for the museum, that is unless they've done something new since I left the firm in February (highly doubtful).
- bump790
Since the relationship has been dormant for a few years, I would think you are completely safe. As version3 said, a signed non-compete contract would be your only f-up.
- PonyBoy0
do it!... plenty of time has gone by... all yours!
- ukit0
Go for it, where's the harm? It's not really stealing clients if it's not their client, is it? I doubt your former employer will ever find out, or care.
- Hehe, you don't know this lady. She's a bit paranoid and territorial, to put it lightly.Scotch_Roman
- I don't care about making her mad anymore though. I only care about morality/ethics. Can't make everyone happy.Scotch_Roman
- if you're worried about guilt doesn't that already answer your question?version3
- Guilt? I'm not worried about guilt. I just don't want to get sued is all.Scotch_Roman
- (or if what I'm thinking of doing is considered wrong... not by the former employer but by you fine folk).Scotch_Roman
- Scotch_Roman0
@ monospaced... cold calling doesn't do much good in my limited experience, unless there's some sort of entree... i.e., "I was referred to you by [mutual acquaintance]..." "I used to work for [former employer]..." etc.
In the past week I've made about 10–12 cold calls. One of them turned into an actual appointment. The others either went straight to voicemail, or told me their design is done in-house.
- version30
go viral Matt,
http://hiremetagram.me
- uberdesigner0
jesus lived with dinos
- version30
between you me and whoever else reads this, take what money you can get, no one is giving it away. I say go for it. if they use you over the old employer, that's your work (and the old employers) speaking for itself
- letterhead0
The fact is this is how most agencies/firms are born and grow. This is business, not sunday school. do it, especially if there wasn't a non-compete signed. do it, DO IT!
- kaonashi0
Scotch_Roman, I think you should just continue polling an internet message board for every single business concern that pops into your head.
Get some balls and figure things out on your own for once.