I'm a freelance PR, client wants my contact list

[itsagruffalo]

Hi, I work as a part time freelance PR, relatively new to the field, and would appreciate some advice.

Up until recently I worked for a small agency, doing PR for the agency's largest client. The agency then lost that client and closed down. I was taken on by the client directly, but still on a freelance basis.

The client now wants me to send him a list of my media contacts. My former agency had warned me that this might whappen, and strongly warned me not to share these details with the client, a) because a large proportion of my ontacts were given to me by the agency and thus still remained their property, and b) the contacts would be my biggest asset, without my media list I would ecome dispensable.

I don't intend to hand over my media list, but also don't want to sour the relationship with my client... any tips on how to decline their request In a firm but 'reasonable' manner, if you know what I mean? Many thanks in advance!

I'm.not sure but I think you would potentially be breaking the data protection act if you shared it.

Tell the client the contacts are not yours to give out. Explain that you use the list by permission of the agency on licence. And that you can't give it out without breaking your agreement.

Repeat as broken record if nec.

Agree with Corygal. Say it is the intellectual property of the former agency/its owners, with you licensed to use it. If you get any trouble, tell them they will have to liaise directly with the former agency owners. Be firm. It is cheeky of them to ask for this.

Gosh, they're a cheeky client!

Your former agency has already given you a get-out clause by saying the list remains their property.

I would say to the client that you're sorry but you can't pass on any contacts as they remain the property of the original agency and that the condition on which the agency received the contacts prohibited the contacts from being shared.

I've worked in PR for a long time and have never had a client who was bare-faced enough to ask for my contacts. So no matter how nicely you put your response, I think you have to be prepared that you might lose them as a client anyway. Someone who considers your client list to be fair game, doesn't really respect your role.

Thank you very much all for your responses, that is very helpful!

Yes they are being quite cheeky, but in a roundabout way. They say they are currently working on a media list to pool all their contacts, and would I mind adding my contacts to their list.

Oh well, I shall follow your advice, refer to data protection and my previous agency's ownership of the data. I hope I won't end up losing them, fingers crossed!

I doubt data protection is a valid reason as these are not opt-in lists which the contact had a chance to opt out of. It's essentially a little black book. But still, the client is being very cheeky and probably know it. Agree with PPs about it being intellectual property with an inherent value attached, so you can't just give it away (any more than you would work for the client free of charge).

God the cheek of some people!

They know they're at it, I'd just smile and say, no, that really doesn't work for me. Cheeky feckers.

Data protection is a valid reason. Intellectual property is not.

Your contacts list is your livelihood. They are taking the fucking piss and they know it.

I wouldn't trust them.

I think a very firm "eh... no" is your way forward here.

Don't try to placate them in your refusal. Make it clear that there is no reason for their media list to include your contacts.

You aren't their employee. They have no business asking this of you. Your contacts are not their contacts.

loveis it depends how the original list was gleaned whether the DPA argument could be used (which is why I didn't originally suggest it). However if it was compiled using some kind of licensed software/database then there probably is a data protection clause concerning the information being cascaded.

Sounds to me like they are planning to bring this work in house. I think there's a chance you'll lose this work anyway and I'd start planning your next steps.

I have had clients request this. I would provide publication names - to help them avoid repitition - but probably not journalist names and definitely not contact details.

However, as a freelancer, I would be very wary of relying too heavily on your contact list as your key strength. Contacts change and as a stand alone person you will find it difficult to maintain the list. You need to ensure you are offering genuinely strategic advice and useful tactical support.

I agree with Penguins - they are planning to take the work inhouse and employ someone to do what you are doing.

I also agree with WorkingBling - let them know the names of the publications (you may already do this when you send out press releases) but not the contacts.

If they persist - ask them if you can have their client and new business database, with all contact names.

I agree with everyone else. Send a list of publications by all means, and start looking for another client.

I have only once been asked to do this, by the most annoying and late-paying client. So I didn't care that much about souring the relationship but simply said, "Sorry -- I don't share my contacts."