Hey Lisa,
Allow me to disagree with the others on this one: Any one of my freelancers that takes up work directly with anyone of my clients that has been introduced through me, without getting my blessing first, seize with immediate effect to work for me (and being my friend).
Likewise, I extend the same principle to my own clients, hence why they are happy for me to work directly with their clients, because they know that I won't steal them and they know that I'll look after their interests. It has not been uncommon for me in one particular situation to phone up a client and tell them that they need to invoice XYB corporation for a XYZ job that I've already done and delivered directly on their behalf. Even recently I had a major government contractor phoning me because they could not get hold of my client, same principle applied, I took the order and passed on the paperwork. My client is now even more happy to use my company's services.
And no, there is NO such thing as a small job, a job is a job, and you should respect the hand that has fed you previously. Mark my words: Soon, one day PBS will talk with your digitizing assistant and find that they are cheaper than you to use... So shame on you and more shame on PBS for pulling this stunt.
Sorry to be harsh, but if you approach your business dealings from a point of honesty and integrity you won't need a non competition agreement. All you had to do, was ask your client whether it would be OK, and she might just have said yes. Instead, PBS got you to organise a reduction on their editing fees...
Hope this point of view helps you.
All the Best
Mads
London, UK
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