Discussion:Marketing to former employer's client
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Heathermarie (talk|edits) said: | 6 October 2009 |
| I left a small CPA firm over 2 years ago. While there, I prepared tax returns for Client A--she has 2 S-Corps and a complex tax return. Each each, she complained about the high fees (which WERE high for what I did and the time it took). She told me that if I ever left there to let her know and she'd follow me to my new employer. I currently work at a public school and am trying to start my own business. I never did contact her because I felt it was not right to try to lure clients away from my former employer, although I did have several contact me and I accepted them as clients. I am planning to market to real estate agents and landlords since I feel like an expert in these areas. One of her businesses is a real estate company so I am considering sending her a brochure. Is this unethical since she is a client of my former employer? I did not sign a covenant not to compete.
Thank you. | |
Southparkcpa (talk|edits) said: | 7 October 2009 |
| I am usually very firm that a DO THE RIGHT THING approach is best. I have never taken a client. In fact, one followed me from a big firm and I called the firm, told them what happened and offered to pay them 1/3 fees for 3 years. They simply said, it's yours. Best of Luck.
You seem very sincere, much time has gone by and if the client is that unhappy, they may find a new CPA and it won't be you. A LOT of time has transpired. I would send them a brochure with a hand written note and state "If I can help with anything that ABC firm is not helping you with, please let me know". You will make NO FRIENDS at the other firm but ....... | |
| 7 October 2009 | |
| I'm a firm believer in not burning any bridges (this barely sounds like a bridge but you have inside inforamation). To be honest with you if you market your new business properly and consistently you'll get past this one client and realize theres potential clients everywhere. | |
| 8 November 2009 | |
| If you do some general marketing to your chosen industry, and that general marketing reaches the prospect, then it's yours for the taking.
To target and go after them specifically when it's NOT part of a general marketing campaign? Nah. I agree with TRcpa. There are plenty of fish in the ocean. If word reaches that prospect through another third party then game on. | |
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