Anti Poaching

Of course if the PR Company that is pitching to your client is unaware that you are representing them, it's understandable to a degree. However, surely a company worth their salt would do some background research on the potential new client and realise that they already have representation, whether they are happy or not with the present services offered? If they are totally unaware of your involvement, then doesn't that speak volumes on the capability of their research talent?

A client has every right to seek advice from another PR company, it's their choice and right to do so. Perhaps in an ideal world they would have the respect to inform you of their intentions, as surely you would have built a solid trustworthy relationship over your time with them? Of course there are those types of clients that always want more for less and are never happy no matter how much work is being done and how incredible the results are. They will always try and find a better deal.

So how does one look at it - when does professionalism kick in or kick out?

Personally I think it is underhanded, devious and totally unprofessional for someone to poach someone else's client, it's just not the right thing to do. It certainly should send out warning signals to the client that the poaching PR Company is willing to do absolutely anything and will sink to any level in order to get what they want.

So armed with your new found information, do you approach your client, leave it whilst holding your breath for the outcome - which of course effects your enthusiasm and work performance for the client - or approach the encroaching PR company and educate them in a professional manner?

The decision should be entirely up to you and based on how comfortable and confident you are that nobody could offer your client the quality of service you have offered thus far. If like myself, you are someone who pours their heart and soul into every account, I would have to approach the client to seek clarity on the matter and hope that the client would be able to justify his/her willingness to pursue the poaching PR Company's offer.

I have absolutely no problem with a client first discussing their unhappiness or concerns with the existing PR Company vis a vis the quality of the representation one is offering, but to go behind your back and enter into discussions with another service provider is simply unethical, unprofessional and demonstrates a total lack of respect (providing that is, that one has fully executed the initial brief).

So at the end of the day, would you actually want to represent a client that is not going to be above board with you? If they do it once, they will certainly do it again!

From the poacher's perspective, it is bringing out the worst of our industry and it also reflects on each and every PR professional.