Hi all,

I built a web site for a client about 2 years ago. The web site has
been enjoying high search engine rankings and that has brought them a
lot of new customers. The business from this client has been a steady
income for me.

Now, I am approached by a potential new client who provides a few
services similar to those offered my existing client, but each does
offer many services that the other doesn't. This potential new client
is also interested in getting new customers through search engines.

Say if I did build the web site for this new client, there will be good
a chance that the new web site I build will take business away from my
existing client. The web design contract between me and my client
doesn't prevent me from doing work for their competitors. If my client
found out later that I have done work for competitors, I am sure they
aren't going to be happy with it.

So, how do most web masters handle situations like this? What is the
best way to avoid potential conflicts.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

Terry

Terry wrote:
So you're saying if you do a site for a restaurant you wouldn't be able
to do a site for any other restaurant in the area?

Or from the other end - you buy a computer from your local dealer. Does
that mean he can't sell a computer to another webmaster because they
would get the same nice system you did at a reduced price?

You're a business, not an employee. Your clients should expect that at
times you're also going to be working with a competitor. However, you
are ethically (and possibly legally) bound not to use one client's
information to help another client. For instance - I wouldn't recommend
suggesting content to one client based on what another client came up with.

--
==================
Remove the "x" from my email address
Jerry Stuckle
JDS Computer Training Corp.
jstucklex@attglobal.net
==================

Knowing the little foolery that wise men have makes a great show, Terry
has proclaimed :

So one nite, SpaceGirl is backstage at a Garbage concert groovin to
Shirley.

Up walks Mick from behind and says, "Hey, you're their webmaster? How
about doing one for our upcoming, "Farewell Lick Tour"?

She says .... ?
Nah, can't do it?

--
Allis
http://alt-aww-webmaster.info
http://free-software-on-the-web.com

My main concern is that working for my client's competitor may damage a
very good relationship we have been having. This client actually helped
me with business referrals in the past and helped me with my business.

If I were to work for this new client, should I tell my existing client
about this?

Terry

On Tue, 17 Jan 2006 16:02:29 -0600, Terry <gobeyondgobeyond@yah00.c0m>
scrawled:

Is this a large field (like restaurants, where there are hundreds) or
a small field where there are only 3-4 competing businesses?

--
MGW
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've
always got.

Terry <gobeyondgobeyond@yah00.c0m> wrote:

opportunity. Tell the client that you are coming to them with the question
out of respect for your long business relationship. If the existing client
doesn't unreasonably object, refuse the new business.

--
Ed Jay (remove M to respond by email)

In article <MPG.1e3712f674f0f8c89896ef@news.tc.umn.edu>,
gobeyondgobeyond@yah00.c0m says...
Using your logic, after creating a website in any given market or
location you are saying that you can't create another site for the same
market or location. You will soon run out of potential clients. IMO,
not a successful business plan.

Over the past 5 years I have created and continue to maintain sites for
3 local soccer clubs and 2 local indoor sports facilities all in
competition with each other. After I completed the first site, the
other 4 found out about me through my "Web Development by..." link on
their competitor's site. It therefore makes sense that they all knew
that I do business with the competition without me ever having to tell
them.

I have never felt that there is a conflict of interest or the need to
mention it to my original client. Although they all compete in some
areas, they are different in others. Each of their design needs and
many keywords are different as well.

Business is business, and if you don't take the money from the new
client, someone else will.

BTW, the potential client may have discovered you by viewing his
competitor's site.

there is no implicit non-competitive agreement when you do a job for
someone.

a lot of folks, i mean a LOT of folks try to push noncomps at me each year.
i tell them all the same thing: if i signed a noncomp for everybody i'd be
out of business inside of a year.

NDA is something i'll sign gladly, it says i won't share but will protect
their secrets.

the two noncomps i have signed in recent history are for people who's
ecommerce sites i'm managing for a percentage. i agree to to compete agains
ourselves FOR THE DURATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP and no longer and
relationship is defined as "as long as your timely check cashes in my
account".

see, everybody thinks they are smarter than they are. they think they are
the only ones in the world with this great idea or talent. the net is the
land of imitation because if it's a good idea, bad idea or a nascent idea,
chances are you aren't alone in having it.

big net out there. for a small planet.

"Terry"

| Hi all,
|
| I built a web site for a client about 2 years ago. The web site has
| been enjoying high search engine rankings and that has brought them a
| lot of new customers. The business from this client has been a steady
| income for me.
|
| Now, I am approached by a potential new client who provides a few
| services similar to those offered my existing client, but each does
| offer many services that the other doesn't. This potential new client
| is also interested in getting new customers through search engines.
|
| Say if I did build the web site for this new client, there will be good
| a chance that the new web site I build will take business away from my
| existing client. The web design contract between me and my client
| doesn't prevent me from doing work for their competitors. If my client
| found out later that I have done work for competitors, I am sure they
| aren't going to be happy with it.
|
| So, how do most web masters handle situations like this? What is the
| best way to avoid potential conflicts.
|
| Thanks in advance for your insights!


It's not like you're dating sisters or best friends <VBG>

We're primarily a graphic arts studio and have many clients that are in the
same business both locally and globally. It's a balancing act but like the
story of Brer Rabbit this 'Tar Baby' don't say nothin 'bout the next
client's business.

When asked we respond 'you know we can't say anything -- but you can ask
them'

If you want to go above and beyond speak to the current client (without
mentioning the new client's name if you can) and get their feel. My best
guess is that they will not object and likely will respect that you had the
courtesy to inquire. If they do object they you know where you stand and
have a decision to make.

This is a rather small field. I would say there are about 10
competitors.

Terry