posted July 02, 2005 09:48 AM         

So I'm working for this cleaning company. I'm a competent person, so I'm pretty good at my job. (Its not Rocket Science.)

I'm slowly finding out that most of our clients stay on with our company because they love us (the cleaners), but HATE the owner.

So... one of our biggest clients absolutely loves me. I do her house every Friday. I also do a really good friend of hers every other Friday (alternating Fridays from the haunted house I told you all about). Two Fridays ago I called in sick so I could make business cards for my company and get some passed out to Rental/Real Estate Agencies and apartment complexes.

Well... The friend was SUPER p!$$ed off. Apparently she got a lousy clean. (Which isn't really fair because I know that house better than anyone else, so naturally I clean it better.) Anyhow, she quit. Called up the owner, called her all kinds of nasty names, and quit. The friend (one of our oldest and largest clients) explained to me yesterday that the only reason either of them have been with the company in the last several months is because they love me dearly. (I love them too... they're really awesome ladies). She told me that she will not pay monthly anymore (but weekly) because she doesn't know how much longer she's going to stay with the company. As it stands, I am the only thing keeping her with the company. Then, she asked me to do her house on my own. That she would rather pay me $120/week to clean her house... then she went on to call my boss several crass, but fitting names.

So... here's my dilemma.

I know I can have both of these houses (actually three because the lady that already quit has a house and a condo she likes done every other week). I am going to be starting my own company, BUT... I signed a no compete contract saying I wouldn't solicit her clients.

Technically, I didn't solicit her clients. They solicited me... well, actually only one of them... but she solicited me on behalf of her friend too.

Its not ethical... I know this much. My boss really is a greedy little wench. Most of the clients absolutely hate her (as do most of the employees.) I don't hate her. I don't respect her much either... but I can tolerate her. She's not bad or evil. Just extremely greedy.

Anyhoo... I don't know what to do. Should I reject this woman and her friend as my own private clients, and keep my nose clean?... or should I say screw ethics (my boss doesn't concern herself with ethical choices) and take her clients that love me and hate her SO much??

Input please.

Thanks you guys. I know I'm going to get some great responses.

You guys are great!

posted July 02, 2005 05:06 PM         

It would be one thing if you were going door to door stealing clients, but when opportunity knocks...

posted July 03, 2005 03:12 AM         

I guess if I'm going to start a business, I need to thicken my skin up a bit and concern myself with others a little less.

I just don't want to start out dirty... ya know?

I want to know (with pride) that I worked my @ss off for this and did it all legitimately.

posted July 30, 2005 12:16 PM         

What's interesting about her quitting is that it all happened yesterday... the 29th. The heavy Karma #. Also... 7+2+9=18=9

(Paraphrased from Star Signs)18 represents the material nature destroying the spiritual. Bitter quarrels, wars, social upheaval, revolution... making money or achieving a position through divisive tactics, through war or other conflicts.

9 represents aggressive action, penetration, courage, and conflict... originality and initiative... also the contradictory traits vulnerability and naiveté.

Telling...

Ok... a little more background...

The company I'm working for is really going down hill because the owner has decided to put all of her energy into opening this high priced spa/healing center. The idea behind it is wonderful... but she (in my opinion) is doing it for all the wrong reasons. She is a very greedy woman. She is hiring Reikis, and other energy healers. There will also be herbologists and cleansing specialists (like colon cleansing). She is all about making more money... not helping people. The cleaning company is going downhill fast because she is basically ignoring it. Clients can never reach her. Her voice mail box is always full, and you cannot leave her a message. The cleaning company is being completely neglected by her... which is fine... especially for me. Gives me an opportunity to clean up.

Anyhow... I thought the numerology of the day her biggest client quit and chose my services was quite telling... for her and for me.

Just thought I'd share.