Hi! This is a bit of a long story, but I'll try to keep it short. I currently work for a small marketing agency as Director of Social Media. Since we're small, I also have a hand in brand development/strategy, website development, advertising, etc. The owner started the company about 2 years ago, after he left a larger agency. He ended up taking a few clients with him to his new agency.
I had planned to do this for at least 3-4 years to make connections and learn more, and then branch off and do what I do freelance. I have a 2 year old, and really wanted more flexibility in my schedule. I recently found out that my boss is having major tax problems, and although he seemed to have straightened them out, there are 2 IRS liens on the business and he's chipping away at about $30k in tax debt. Our main sales person recently left for another position, and we haven't had a new business meeting in 3 months! We only have 3 clients on retainer, so I'm aware that money is very tight. The retainers basically pay our salaries each month.
I had a meeting with the president of one of our larger clients yesterday, who is on a monthly retainer with us. He told me "off the record" that they'd be suspending the retainer agreement effective Feb. 1, because they are not happy with the way my boss has handled their business. He plans to call my boss later this week to let him know. He did indicate, however, that they would love to continue to work with me on all marketing activities for the business. He also said they have other companies they know of who are interested in the services I offer.
Here's my question - do I work with this client on the side without telling my boss, and start to build my own clientele? I do not want to lose the opportunity, but I know it's ethically really not the best idea. I'm just very concerned that the agency I work for is about to fall apart, and I need to be sure I can continue to earn an income.
I had planned to do this for at least 3-4 years to make connections and learn more, and then branch off and do what I do freelance. I have a 2 year old, and really wanted more flexibility in my schedule. I recently found out that my boss is having major tax problems, and although he seemed to have straightened them out, there are 2 IRS liens on the business and he's chipping away at about $30k in tax debt. Our main sales person recently left for another position, and we haven't had a new business meeting in 3 months! We only have 3 clients on retainer, so I'm aware that money is very tight. The retainers basically pay our salaries each month.
I had a meeting with the president of one of our larger clients yesterday, who is on a monthly retainer with us. He told me "off the record" that they'd be suspending the retainer agreement effective Feb. 1, because they are not happy with the way my boss has handled their business. He plans to call my boss later this week to let him know. He did indicate, however, that they would love to continue to work with me on all marketing activities for the business. He also said they have other companies they know of who are interested in the services I offer.
Here's my question - do I work with this client on the side without telling my boss, and start to build my own clientele? I do not want to lose the opportunity, but I know it's ethically really not the best idea. I'm just very concerned that the agency I work for is about to fall apart, and I need to be sure I can continue to earn an income.
via Small-Business-Forum.net http://www.small-business-forum.net/starting-your-business/10562-ethical-question.html
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