How to ask client about joining their business?

[december2020]

I adore my clients and I love their business.
Of course I haven't worked there so I don't know the reality of the working environment but from what I've seen it looks amazing.

I've followed their job boards for 2+ years but nothing has come up (very typical of the industry and vertical).

It isn't a public sector role (if it's relevant).

Is there ever a good way to have an informal chat about this? I really don't want to negatively impact the good relationship in any way.
Or is it something that should never be done.

Any advice would be much appreciated, or to hear from anyone's experience if this is something you've been through before.

I'm not self employed - I work for a big multinational.
I've worked on their business overall for close to 3 years, but with the specific client for about 1.5 years.

I'd say we have a good relationship and they value my opinion and trust my recommendations.

Thank you!
My close friends know how much I'd love to be part of my clients 'business so have suggested that I speak to them, but something about it just didn't sit right with me.

So thank you for helping me see it's definitely a no go!

A secondment - what an amazing suggestion!
I'm definitely going to ask my company about this! Thank you!!

pretty easy. Just ask a senior contact there.
If you've been professional in the past then everyone is looking for good employee

Is there anything in your contract about not working for clients within a specified period? In a previous job my contract prevented this (as a result of one of our clients poaching a colleague).