Competition and relationship clause as a sole trader or supplier

Competition and relationship clause with an intermediary. What to do with it as a self-employed professional or supplier? We're five years on since we touched on the subject of competition and relationship clauses with independent professionals in a blog. You would expect that by now - at a time when flexible working is increasingly the norm - much has changed as well, but this turns out not to be the case. Relationship manager Sven van der Valk, working at HeadFirst Group, updates you and points out what to look out for as a zzp'er or supplier.

Compared to five years ago, I do see changes in the flex market. In government tendering processes you fortunately see more and more often that clients exclude competition and relationship clauses from their service providers. This mainly applies to tenders supervised by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO). With intermediaries (intermediaries, brokers, etc.) this change is unfortunately still more often the exception than the rule. So there is still a great responsibility with independent professionals and suppliers.

Always read the conditions well in advance

As an independent professional, a lot comes your way. One example is knowing what agreements you make before you start an assignment. I still sometimes see this go wrong. Out of enthusiasm zzp'ers sign an agreement without carefully reading what the conditions are. Even suppliers sometimes do this. That's why I advise: before signing, look carefully at the conditions stipulated by the client, such as a payment term and insurance terms. And be even more critical of binding conditions added by an intermediary that do not fit your situation as an entrepreneur. These can significantly hinder your flexibility, even as a supplier.

“Always read the agreement carefully before you sign. I'd rather you have extra contact with me than agree to something you don't support.”
- Sven van der Valk, relationship manager

The limitations of a competition-relationship clause for you as a freelancer or supplier

We often come into contact with professionals and suppliers asking for advice on a previously signed non-competition or relationship clause. It surprises me that this is still so common.

The other day I came across such a situation. An independent professional had seen a suitable assignment in our platform but unfortunately the professional had previously signed a non-competition clause with an intermediary. As a result, my colleagues were unable to introduce the freelancer to the client. As a self-employed person, a non-compete clause means you are stuck with the terms and conditions of the former intermediary, which conflicts with the reason you primarily chose to be self-employed: freedom.

This restriction also applies to suppliers. For example, suppliers who are prohibited by an intermediary - with a non-compete clause - from contacting a client. A professional from the supplier is then deployed to the client through that intermediary, and the supplier's account manager is no longer allowed to “visit” the client from then on. Indeed, often this 'rule' still applies two years after the professional has finished the assignment. This is a shame and, in my opinion, unnecessary. I see organizations that hire professionals through us as a joint client, where you can therefore simply make your organization known.

“We believe in our services. If it is good, you need have no fear that a supplier or freelancer will continue an assignment through another intermediary. That is precisely part of entrepreneurship.”
- Sven van der Valk, relationship manager

Step 4: Selling yourself and winning assignments

One of the biggest challenges for freelancers is finding assignments. Not only do you want to be good at your craft, but you also want to be able to sell yourself to potential clients. This means that your chances increase if you can present your skills, experience and unique value in a convincing way.

Determining your rate:

One of the first things to determine for yourself is, “How much am I worth?” Determining your rate can be tricky, especially if you're just starting out. Striive offers helpful data insights that allow you to benchmark and see what peers with similar experience are charging. This helps you determine a competitive and realistic rate.

Writing a winning offer:

Your offer is an important tool for selling yourself. Make sure your pitch is short, powerful, and emphasizes the value you can offer. Be clear about your experience, your unique skills and what sets you apart from the competition. Platforms like Striive allow you to easily share your profile and portfolio with potential clients, making it easier to land new freelancer assignments.

Using freelance platforms:

Using a platform like Striive can help tremendously in finding new assignments. Striive provides access to thousands of assignments with reputable companies and supports freelancers through the entire process, from finding the assignment to contract fulfillment. In addition, the platform helps streamline administrative tasks and ensures that you get paid quickly for your work.

Step 5: Agreements

When you win an assignment, it is important to make clear agreements about the terms of the collaboration. This is usually done through a freelance agreement. It is crucial that you understand these documents well and that they protect your interests.

Step 6: Continually develop as a freelancer

As a freelancer, it is important that you keep developing yourself, both personally and professionally. The market is constantly changing and therefore it is valuable to keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date. This will help you stay competitive!

Training and courses:

Taking professional courses or training is an effective way to keep developing yourself as a freelancer. This can range from learning new software to improving your communication skills. Some platforms, such as Striive, also offer personal development opportunities and give you access to training courses that match your field.

The importance of personal development:

In addition to gaining professional knowledge, it is also important to work on your soft skills, such as time management and customer communication. These skills are crucial to being successful as a self-employed person.

Ready to get started?

Starting as a freelancer can be an exciting adventure, but it requires thorough preparation. By investing in good administration, building a strong network and selling yourself effectively, you will lay the foundation for a successful freelance career. We at Striive can support you in finding assignments, managing your file and developing yourself as an entrepreneur. Are you ready to get started? Register with Striive today and discover how easy it is to grow as a freelancer!