Handling Poaching Requests
At Brooklyn Math Tutors (BMT), we value the integrity of our client relationships and the trust placed in us by both our tutors and clients.
Our Tutoring Service Agreement includes strict rules to protect these relationships, particularly around "poaching"—when a client or tutor attempts to bypass BMT to work together directly.
This page provides suggestions for tutors on how to respond to poaching requests from clients professionally and in line with your contract.
Introduction
What is Poaching?
Poaching occurs when a client asks you to tutor them or their referrals (e.g., friends, siblings, or other family members) outside of BMT’s framework, or when you accept such an offer without BMT’s written consent.
This includes direct payments or side arrangements, even if the client initiates the idea.
Our contract defines clients broadly (the entire family unit) and prohibits this during your time with BMT and for 12 months after.
Why It Matters
BMT invests time and resources in building client relationships, matching tutors with families, and ensuring a sustainable business model.
Poaching undermines this, which is why the contract includes penalties and restrictions to protect everyone involved.
Handling Poaching Requests from Current Clients
Scenario 1: A Client Suggests Working Directly
Client Says: "Hey, I love working with you—why don’t we just work together directly? It’d be cheaper without BMT in the middle."
Suggested Tutor Response: "Thanks so much for the compliment—I’m really flattered you enjoy working with me! Unfortunately, my contract with Brooklyn Math Tutors doesn’t allow me to work directly with any BMT clients outside of their system. It’s a rule in place to protect the company’s relationships, and I’m committed to honoring that. I’d be happy to keep working with you through BMT, though!"
Why This Works:
- Shows appreciation, keeping the relationship positive.
- Clearly states the contract prevents direct work.
- Redirects the client back to BMT without sounding confrontational.
Scenario 2: The Client Pushes Further
Client Says: "I don’t have a contract with BMT—you don’t have to go through them. Just work with me directly, or quit BMT if it’s a problem."
Suggested Tutor Response: "I totally get where you’re coming from, and I’d love to keep tutoring you. The thing is, my contract with BMT is pretty strict—it’s not just about you having a contract, but about my obligations to them. Even if I quit BMT, I’d still be legally barred from working with any of their clients, including you, for 12 months afterward. I’d have to drop all my current clients and not work with any of them during that time, which just isn’t practical for me. I’d rather keep things smooth and professional by sticking with BMT—hope you understand!"
Why This Works:
- Acknowledges the client’s perspective to maintain rapport.
- Explains the personal impact (e.g., losing all clients for 12 months), showing it’s not just a company rule but a real limitation.
- Reinforces commitment to professionalism while gently declining.
Scenario 3: A Client Offers a Different Role
Client Says: "How about you become our full-time homeschool teacher instead of just tutoring through BMT?"
Suggested Tutor Response: "That’s a really generous offer, and I’m honored you’d think of me for that! My contract with BMT actually prevents me from taking on any expanded roles—like homeschooling or coaching—with their clients unless BMT approves it in writing first. I’d need to run it by them, but for now, I’m happy to keep supporting you through our regular tutoring sessions!"
Why This Works:
- Keeps the tone positive and appreciative.
- Highlights the contract’s scope (covering more than just tutoring).
- Leaves room for BMT involvement if the client pursues it further.
Handling Poaching Requests from Referral Clients
Referrals are a valuable part of BMT’s network, and our Tutoring Service Agreement protects these connections by prohibiting tutors from working directly with them outside of BMT without prior written consent.
A "referral" is anyone who learns about you through a BMT client—whether it’s a friend, family member, or colleague—and contacts you for tutoring.
This section offers guidance on how to handle requests from referral clients professionally while staying compliant with your contract.
What Counts as a Referral?
Per the contract, a referral includes anyone made aware of your tutoring services through a BMT client. Examples include:
- A parent’s friend who hears about you at a school event.
- A sibling’s classmate whose family is recommended your services.
- Someone who finds you via a BMT client’s social media post or online review.
The contract applies during your time with BMT and for 12 months after, ensuring these opportunities stay within BMT’s system.
Scenario 1: A Referral Asks for Direct Tutoring
Referral Says: "My friend [BMT client] says you’re an amazing tutor—can you work with my kid directly?"
Suggested Tutor Response: "I’m so glad to hear that—thank you for reaching out! Since you heard about me through a BMT client, my contract with Brooklyn Math Tutors requires me to work with you through their system. It’s how they manage referrals, and I’m happy to stick to that. I’d love to tutor your child—just let’s get it set up through BMT!"
Why This Works:
- Shows gratitude and enthusiasm, keeping the interaction friendly.
- Explains the contract’s referral rule clearly and ties it to BMT’s process.
- Offers a positive next step without breaking the rules.
Scenario 2: A Referral Insists on Bypassing BMT
Referral Says: "I don’t want to go through BMT—too much hassle. Can’t we just work together privately?"
Suggested Tutor Response: "I totally understand wanting to keep things simple, and I’d love to help out. The thing is, my contract with BMT doesn’t let me work directly with anyone referred by their clients—it’s a rule that lasts even 12 months after I’d leave BMT. I’d have to turn down all referral work for a year if I broke it, which isn’t doable for me. Let’s make it work through BMT instead—it’s quick to set up, and I can still support your family!"
Why This Works:
- Validates the referral’s preference while gently declining.
- Highlights the long-term restriction (12 months), showing it’s a serious commitment.
- Redirects to BMT as an easy solution, maintaining the opportunity.
Scenario 3: A Referral Offers a Side Gig
Referral Says: "My neighbor [BMT client] raved about you. How about tutoring my kid on weekends for some extra cash under the table?"
Suggested Tutor Response: "That’s really kind of you to say, and I appreciate the offer! Because you heard about me through a BMT client, my contract doesn’t allow me to take on side work like that without BMT’s approval. I’d need to report it to them within 48 hours anyway, so it’s cleaner if we just go through BMT. I’d be thrilled to tutor your kid that way—let me know if you’re up for it!"
Why This Works:
- Keeps the tone warm and appreciative.
- Mentions the reporting requirement, reinforcing transparency.
- Suggests a compliant alternative, keeping the door open.
Key Reminders for Referrals
- Report Referrals Promptly: If a referral contacts you, let BMT know within 48 hours, as required by the contract. This protects you and ensures BMT can follow up.
- Stay Consistent: Treat referrals like current clients—always route them through BMT to keep everything above board.
General Guidance for Tutors
Tips for Handling Poaching Requests
- Stay Positive: Always thank the client for their interest—it keeps the relationship strong even when you say no.
- Cite the Contract: Mention your agreement with BMT as the reason, not personal preference, to keep it objective.
- Redirect to BMT: Suggest continuing through BMT or checking with BMT if they push for alternatives.
- Report It: Per the contract, let BMT know within 48 hours if a client proposes working outside the agreement or offers a referral. This protects you and keeps everything transparent.
What If a Client Gets Upset?
If a client reacts negatively, stay calm and professional:
"I’m really sorry if this is frustrating—I’d love to keep working with you through BMT because I value our sessions. The contract is just there to keep things fair for everyone involved."
If they persist, let BMT handle it—your job is to tutor, not negotiate around the rules.
Final Note
Sticking to the contract keeps your work with BMT sustainable and hassle-free. If you’re ever unsure how to respond, reach out to BMT for guidance. We’re here to support you in delivering great tutoring while protecting our shared business.
