[audioguynyc]

Originally Posted by shaddai

Go to them & say "Hey, I want to take what you're teaching me and put it into practice in the off hours....but I don't want to compromise our relationship, or wind up taking clients you should have. How is this normally worked out so that the junior guy doesn't wind up taking a slice out of the chief guy's business?"

You're just looking for more mentoring, and reinforcing that he's getting his cut through the studio rates & will probably tell you how to do what you want without making him feel threatened.

I'd still wait a week or two before bringing anyone in though...something about the time between being asked about a scenario & actually seeing it happen gives the idea some time to settle. I had this happen with my tile company, and I actually wound up loaning tools to my employees to do side work.

I think what it comes down to is that I taught them what I taught them so they could succeed. However, I didn't teach them so they could screw me with it. If one of them ever snaked a job away from me, it better have been a huge one because they'd be looking for work when they were done. But, if their aunt needed an entryway, then by all means, go for it, just put the tools back in the morning before we go to work.

Anyway, if I were in your shoes, I'd go talk to him first & feel the situation out. Once you have the green light, one of the questions I'd be asking the mentor before taking on a particular client is if he has any connection with them that you should be aware of. If not, go for it. I think your mentor may like seeing you do what he taught you to do.

It is kinda spooky to make that first jump, but you do have to jump to move forward. If you're uneasy & your mentor focuses on rock music, start working with a grunge band or an acoustic group. It'll let you have a little more distance from his market...it might set you both at ease at first.


todd

thanks for the advice dude