If you have decided to call it quits with your present company and join the ranks of a competitor or even start your own business, you would be faced with the immediate dilemma of building a client base. Especially if you are starting your own venture and you used to be a part of the sales and marketing department of your previous company, its all too tempting to seduce a few of your ex company’s clients and get them to move into your fold, by luring them with cheaper rates or better services.

Carefully read the contract that your company made you sign

Usually there is a non-compete clause in the agreements that employees are made to sign when they join a new company. A non-compete clause states that for a period of two years no former employee can initiate business relations with the clients of the company. This period differs from company to company. If you too had signed a similar contract, then you should think twice before approaching the clients of your pervious company. You don’t want to get yourself embroiled in legal hassles and lawsuits.

Call them up

After you have handed over your resignation letter (and not a second before) give a goodwill call to those clients you shared an excellent rapport with. Casually mention the fact that you have started your own venture and state your services and the rates you are offering. Don’t ask them to switch teams, but make your offer honeyed enough to make them give it a serous thought. Use all your marketing skills to show what a great guy you are. If they like you personally they will eventually give you a shot.

Send Thank-You Notes

There is nothing remotely unethical about to send thank-you notes and cards to all the clients you have dealt with, showing how much you appreciated serving them. But don’t forget to include your business card, sending across the message that you are now on your own. It would also be a good idea to include a couple of free coupons and gift certificates to make it easier for them to make the decision.

Ask for Opinions

If you didn’t achieve much success with the above mentioned ideas try the straightforward/direct/no-frills approach. Request a direct meeting with them and ask them for their opinion on the kind of services, products and work packages planning to outsource. If nothing else this will provide you invaluable market feedback, which will eventually come in handy when you expand and start looking for fresh clients. All this while during the conversation, communicate the positives that make your present company better the previous one.

Keep Communication Open

No matter what you do, never stop communicating with your past clients. Even if it’s as minor as sending them website links, that they will find useful, then keep doing so. In the same mail inquire about their health, and drop a hint or two about your offers.