Dilemma on teachers

chemgoddess1 started this discussion · 11/8/2009

So there are 2 studios in my area and possibly 2 more opening. The owner of the studio I go to has a dilemma involving one of the teachers. I am currently the only "advanced" student and the instructor would like to possibly teach at one of the other studios. The owner is mixed about her feelings on this. I think it is a conflict of interest. Any thoughts from those of you who own studios? Thanks!

2 replies

PhillyPoleJess · 11/9/2009
It is really hard to ask your instructors to NOT work somewhere else unless they are getting benefits or at least enough hours to make a substantial amount of money. Personal trainers often work at several gyms in order to make a living, teachers in other forms of dance also often work at several studios, this isn't very different. She is probably a little nervous because of recession and competition, but many of the new studios popping up are just people trying to make a quick buck. There is a studio that just opened in philly like that and guess what? They are failing because they don't really know what they are doing. The owner has right to be concerned about her working somewhere else, but a simple discussion could put any of her fears aside. Although not a studio owner, I had to sign a contract that said although allowed to work other places I will not discuss the business of the dance studio, will not use any of their forms, and will not cross promote myself. Also my contract is a non-competition contract that says if I am fired or leave that I cannot start my own pole business within 100miles for a year. All of these things are fair considering, pole dancing is a niche market.
Webmaster · 11/9/2009
A very important note on non-compete contracts. In the US they are almost 100% non-enforceable if you are no longer employed by the person with whom you have the non-compete. They are based on a core tenet behind contract law requiring all involved parties to be receive fair consideration for their part in the contract. When you are employed the consideration is that you are getting paid and the employer doesn't have to worry about you competing with them. However when you are no longer working for the employer there is no mutual benefit. Please note this only applies to non-compete clauses and contracts. Trade secrets are still protected, which means you can't steal a curriculum.