When computer consultants work with subcontractors, many worry how they can prevent them from taking clients.

Contracts Don’t Solve All Problems

You should definitely put into place a non-compete agreement at the beginning of the relationship, but you shouldn’t let this take the place of instincts.  A relationship with subcontractors and others is more complicated than just having clients sign service agreements and subcontractors sign independent contractor agreements.  

What are Subcontractors’ Plans?

Sometimes people sign contracts when they have doubts and sometimes they sign them because they have none.  Part of your job when working with subcontractors is gauging the relationship and appropriately judging a person’s character.  Have service contracts reviewed by attorneys to make sure they are truly enforceable.  But even sound legal advice cannot protect you from subcontractors with bad intentions.  

Don’t Let Subcontractors Steal Clients and Vice Versa

Put something in your clients’ service agreements that states your clients are not allowed to steal your employees and subcontractors.  This practice might discourage clients and subcontractors from behaving badly, but those intent to make you miserable will get around contracts no matter what.    

Make Yourself Known to Clients

You need to really get to know your clients.  You should have a good balance between people on your staff and those on payroll so you keep consistency with client relationships.  Don’t let subcontractors know your clients better than you do to keep control over your business.  

Keep in Touch with Clients

If you take on a client that is working a lot with your subcontractors, make sure you are keeping in close contact with the client in another way.  Go with subcontractors to oversee some of the site visits ad act as a project manager.  You can follow up with clients between visits with subcontractors to make sure you stay close.

Blogged By:  Joshua Feinberg