"Offering yourself" to a client

[David072]

The title seems a little odd, but it's kind of right. Couldn't think of a better way to write this!

Basically, I work for a company and one of our clients has 3 months or so left on their contract. I'd very much like to work for the client company, they share the same views as I do and I know I can help them steer the company the right way.

We've done fantastic on the contract which I have lead (5 x increase of sales), and me joining them would be far more cost effective.

At the same time, I don't want to be screwing over the company I work for.

How would you approach this? Is this uncommon?

Also, how should I ask the MD of the company (he's the contact I have, though we're not exactly very close so to speak) if he would consider hiring me full time? Not sure how to go about this to be honest, an email from a personal account or a phone call? He's hard to pin down for a meeting as he lives abroad.

Any advice appreciated!

[Tarmacsurfer]

Read your current contract carefully, there may well be a non competition clause to prevent exactly what you have in mind.

Also, stop the "I don't want to screw over the company" hand wringing. Either you accept the fact that you are indeed screwing over the company and move on, or you stay as you are. You can't be an all around nice guy AND have what you want.
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[Itchy]

Whatever you do don't burn bridges
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[CyrilSwan]

There's bound to be a clause in your contract to stop this as said above.

Mine had one, but they got a chimp to write it and so it made no sense and wasn't valid.
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Current: Honda 2015 MSX125.
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[Hetzer]

I'd mention the virtue of loyalty if wasn't for the certainty your company would have zero in similar circumstances.
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"There's the horizon! Ride hard, ride fast and cut down all who stand in your way!"

[David072]

[Matt B]

Just email the guy. Say the following:

You are aware that their contract is ending
You have enjoyed working with them
You like their attitude/ethos/approach to whatever it is they do
You are looking for new opportunities
If they have any upcoming/current vacancies you would be very interested in talking to them about it and could he point you to the right person to deal with
Say why it would benefit them to take you on board.

Keep it short and to the point.

Don't feel bad about asking. It's business, people move about all the time and a lot of it is done through networking now. That's why LinkedIn has become so popular.
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[slowlydoesit]

[Rogerborg]

I would ignore any non-compete. Breach of contract has to quantify a loss: good luck with that. People leave, you're not a slave.

At the same time, I agree with not burning bridges. Love it there, just time to move on, never say never, and all that.

Contacts are better coming from within. Is there anyone within this company that you've been working with to whom you could "mention" that you think they're soooooo dreamy?
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[David072]

Again, thanks for all the advice guys - much appreciated!

Given the contract has 3 months to run, at what stage do you think I should approach them?

[Matt B]

If your notice period is 3 months then now would be a good time. Even if it's shorter then it will take a while to get things sorted (if it happens).
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[lihp]

I'd do it by phone, from a different phone other than yours.

Then, if it doesn't work out, you can deny it flat out to your employer, if they have calls from your work/personal number, or emails etc, and they screw you over there's evidence.

Phone call is more awkward to prove (unless they're recording calls).

[Pete.]

No way would I make any approach by email. I'd go and see someone in person. Have a third option ready just in case they do what someone did to my mate and called his boss. Got him sacked and no job to move on to.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[stinkwheel]

I like Matt Bs approach.

Restrictive covenants aren't worth the paper they are written on. No court will enforce a clause in a contrract with a previous employer which prevents you working.

You could potentially be sued for losses if you cause such by, for example using priveliged information you had access to to give your new employer an advantage.

So for example, I work as a vet. There is a restrictive covenant in my contract saying I can't work for another practice within a 20 mile radius for 2 years after leaving this one. That part is utterly unenforceable, I could go and work for the practice next door and no court in the UK would stop me.

If however, I started contacting previous clients and touting them to join the new practice, I would leave myself open to being sued for effectively stealing goodwill.

This still doesn't stop things like that happening and it would be difficult to do anything about it/prove. My Dad made his fortune doing something similar. During the last recession, all the companies in a similar line of work to him were laying off staff left, right and centre. He hired his competitors sales staff who brought their contacts, knowledge and inevitably business with them.
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[DrDonnyBrago]

Slightly disappointed that this isn't about escorting.

[krarkol]

[David072]

[covent.gardens]

[TheArchitect]

The company I work for has a clause in the contracts of those based in the middle east which prevents them from working with or for any company/client that has any links to the current their project for 6 years.

UK employment laws have no jurisdiction over there, so once you sign the contract you're pretty much owned by your company.

That said, it's not unheard of for a mutual agreement to be made if it benefits both sides.
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[Gunge]

It's also possible that the client's service contract with your employer has clauses preventing poaching of staff.

[Rogerborg]

Squiggles on a piece of paper don't stop you from doing anything.

Can they enforce it?

Will they try and enforce it?

Will they succeed?
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike