Reputation damage

**northernladuk** · 6 March 2013, 16:59

I have been aware the clients bad mouthed me on a very difficult gig I was on but it was difficult because they were doing that to my face on the gig. One of the guys basically had a pretty bad attitude to contractors and was very unhelpful and the contractor before me had fed this back to his manager so he got hauled over the coals about it which just turned him from having a bad attitude about us to blind hatred.

Nothing I could do about it. I delivered and I left. I can prove I delivered if I ever needed to go for a gig there but doubt I will.

Contracting is a very small world, people that are mercenary with giving notice don't realise this but it will bite them one day.

I think it is pretty normal to blame the contractor to be honest anyway. Covers the permies arses if it's wrong and you are not there. Saying that it is pretty usual when a permie leaves to blame him as well.

I guess all you can try do is show evidence that you delivered and let him work out what is hearsay and what is fact.

**eek** · 6 March 2013, 17:06

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

I guess all you can try do is show evidence that you delivered and let him work out what is hearsay and what is fact.

The other option is a decent libel lawyer to write a formal letter. I doubt the reaction of receiving a letter claiming libel from a firm such as carter ruck would be anything other than shutting up very quickly.

That's not a cheap option but if your old client is stupid enough to be causing you that type of problem I would be tempted to spend the £200 or so it may cost to start the process off.

**TheFaQQer** · 6 March 2013, 17:33

Research libel.

Research negligent misstatement.

**GB9** · 6 March 2013, 18:14

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Contracting is a very small world

Indeed it is. I was at a potential client on Monday and 2 of his team had been kicked off site at my previous gig. However, he was clearly happy with them so why say anything to upset the cart?

I do like the idea of a strong letter to the OP's previous client though.

**Zippy** · 6 March 2013, 18:25

I don't see why the OPs client is in a difficult position. Surely work has been completed to an acceptable standard so far?
I'd be tempted to tell my client to judge me by results and ask them if they have any issues with the work delivered so far.
OP- people can spot an egotistical shit:-stirrer a mile off (I've worked for 'em), so keep doing a good job, get recommendations etc. and you'll be fine.

**BolshieBastard** · 6 March 2013, 19:32

Originally posted by Zippy View Post

I don't see why the OPs client is in a difficult position. Surely work has been completed to an acceptable standard so far?
I'd be tempted to tell my client to judge me by results and ask them if they have any issues with the work delivered so far.

WZS.

Originally posted by CazzieBo View Post

Long story - a client I did some work for about a year ago has been telling people that I left a mess behind, work undone etc. This is not true - I have no evidence of it not being true, and as it isn't, quite sure that he has nothing to back up that it is. I have known this for a while (and heard him slate other people who were all employees so he has form for this- there has been a 100% turnover in staff since he took over) and ignored it.

However, he has now told someone else, who is a client of one of my major clients. My client has now told me and said that they are now in a difficult position. I'm now worried that this will spread to other current and potential clients (all of whom are very happy with me, but these things do spread).

Is there anything I can do? anyone been in this situation?

You need to approach your current client and ask why they are 'in a difficult position' as zippy says. As them if they have any issues with the quality of your work and professionalism while working for him.

Obviously have some of your own examples lined up to quote to him.

You could also slip into the conversation that you are aware of some unfounded comments made by another company and you are looking into what has been said and whether there is any reputational damage as a result. Once you have that information, you will consider whether any legal action is required.

**Willapp** · 7 March 2013, 10:10

Originally posted by eek View Post

The other option is a decent libel lawyer to write a formal letter. I doubt the reaction of receiving a letter claiming libel from a firm such as carter ruck would be anything other than shutting up very quickly.

That's not a cheap option but if your old client is stupid enough to be causing you that type of problem I would be tempted to spend the £200 or so it may cost to start the process off.

+1 this is exactly what I would do. No way I'd let someone spread unfounded rumours about my professional skills and get away with it.

Reputation damage