For the past several months I've been working toward opening my own firm. I'd be solo, at least at the start.
A few days ago, one of my good clients told me that there was going to be a lot more work coming through this year, roughly $100k. These surveys are the type that are made for a robotic total station.
I'm about 90% sure they'd come with me as I'm the only one they know at my firm.
Yes, I realize it's probably wrong. It feels a little dirty, but that certainly doesn't help quell the temptation.
If your gut is telling you it's wrong, it most likely is.
making more popcorn...
Non compete clause or not you can be sued in civil court by your former employer, especially if he is unaware of your current plan to depart and can demonstrate a significant loss of business income. The fact you have already discussed your plans with an existing client is not going to be in your favor. It's a toss of the dice as to who would win but it would still be a big pain in the ass.
Just my 0.20 (tenths). 😎
Delete this post and go! [emoji23]
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Clients are fickle. This one has already proved that fact.
It's a bit like being "the other woman" and believing you will become "the little woman".
FL/GA PLS., post: 411374, member: 379 wrote: Non compete clause or not you can be sued in civil court by your former employer, especially if he is unaware of your current plan to depart and can demonstrate a significant loss of business income. The fact you have already discussed your plans with an existing client is not going to be in your favor. It's a toss of the dice as to who would win but it would still be a big pain in the ass.
Just my 0.20 (tenths). 😎
I did not discuss any plans with any client. No one know anything about this, other than a few friends I've asked for advice.
I never signed any sort of non compete clause.
I misinterpreted that, sorry. So letÛªs try this:
Non compete clause or not you can be sued in civil court by your former employer, especially if he is unaware of your current plan to depart and can demonstrate a significant loss of business income. It's a toss of the dice as to who would win but it would still be a big and costly pain in the ass.
I am in no way trying to discourage you, simply being the devils advocate on what "could" happen. Good luck man.
Do your best to predict the employer's most likely and worst case reactions and how you will deal with them. Do they want and need that client's work? If so they probably will make it painful.
As for the ethics. It is either
Do onto others as you would have them do onto you
Or
Do onto others before they do onto.
The former bring biblical and the latter being business driven.
Wondering if you are thinking long range. Also as regards to the "client", a few egg aphorisms come to mind about counting and baskets.
This morning l detected some major subsidence of the moral high ground of our society. So WWJD or WWDD?
Sounds like they are your clients to begin with.
They come to that company because of you.
I had clients that followed me around since the 1970s to what ever company I worked for and moved with me when I hung my shingle solo and now I survey for their children.
Read your State rules of Professional Responsibility carefully. Taking advantage of an employment position is a serious violation in a lot of States.
I personally wouldn't do it, rules or not. I enjoy being able to look in the mirror.
Robert Hill, post: 411398, member: 378 wrote: This morning l detected some major subsidence of the moral high ground of our society. So WWJD or WWDD?
Haven't a clue about WWJD, perform ÛÏmagicÛ with fish or bread and wine perhaps?
But WWDD, Charles would continue on in a non-perfect evolutionary universe, thus affirming your statement ÛÏmajor subsidence of the moral high ground of our societyÛ.
Only you can make this decision. If you can live with it and the client wants your service...then roll the dice.
If you create enough damage to the company you're at, they might have a leg to stand on for a civil suit.
Me and a fellow surveyor left a firm 8 years ago. We thought some 6 or so clients would come over to us. It was more like one, and it was one we could live without.
It boils down to how you want to be remembered at you current employer. If you value their relationship, they might be a good source of professional and business decisions you'll be making soon. If you steal a great client it shuts a door for you.
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thebionicman, post: 411408, member: 8136 wrote:
I personally wouldn't do it, rules or not. I enjoy being able to look in the mirror.
I second that opinion.
You don't want to burn bridges with an employer that way.
All you have is your word and actions to be judged by.
I read once in a book by Anthony Robbins "if you raise your standards, most of your decisions are already made for you".
I try not to add to things that keep me up at night.
While it sounds like you see this as a temptation, one client and a 100k of work would not come close to possibly compensating you for the potential damage to your reputation long term. People remember these things and if you have enemies they could use it to slander your reputation.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
Land Stealer, post: 411367, member: 7446 wrote: For the past several months I've been working toward opening my own firm. I'd be solo, at least at the start.
A few days ago, one of my good clients told me that there was going to be a lot more work coming through this year, roughly $100k. These surveys are the type that are made for a robotic total station.
I'm about 90% sure they'd come with me as I'm the only one they know at my firm.
Yes, I realize it's probably wrong. It feels a little dirty, but that certainly doesn't help quell the temptation.
There's a big difference between trying to lure a client away and just letting them know that you've moved on. One is wrong, the other isn't. Just send a courteous email and leave it at that. It's a free market if you don't have a non-compete. If they follow up with you, then they're your client.
There is nothing wrong with that.
FL/GA PLS., post: 411412, member: 379 wrote: Haven't a clue about WWJD, perform ÛÏmagicÛ with fish or bread and wine perhaps?
But WWDD, Charles would continue on in a non-perfect evolutionary universe, thus affirming your statement ÛÏmajor subsidence of the moral high ground of our societyÛ.
Actually, the dichotomy was presented as bible and business not bible and Darwin.
The D was in reference to yesterday's news related to the basic foundation of our free society.
I was stating a religious/political POV in a subtle and stealthy manner. If I deserve a banning then let it be.
Sorry if you couldn't read between the lines.
But yesterday, I did take pause that our moral high ground in the world subsided a lot with yesterday's events.
If you have a different opinion... keep it to yourself.
If it were me.... I'd move 100 + miles away, start fresh, and let her rip, potato chip.
A successful business, IS your reputation. Dont spend it. It's not worth money.
My 2 centavos.
N
Land Stealer, post: 411382, member: 7446 wrote: I did not discuss any plans with any client. No one know anything about this, other than a few friends I've asked for advice.
I never signed any sort of non compete clause.
"No one know anything about this..."
Really?! You posted it on the internet!