Conflict of interest

MarieNoelle

Hi all,
Just thought I would run this by you.
I have a meeting with a prospective client tomorrow; she was referred to me by another of my client who is in the same trade. Both of them have worked together on some projects and they have a good business relationship. In theory they are competitors so a conflict of interest could arise; however because they are both aware of my professional involvement and the fact that one was referred to me by the other I would think it is safe to accept the engagement.
What safeguards would you put in place to ensure my objectivity is not at risk?
Thanks in advance for your comments.

MarieNoelle

Thanks @mrme89
I see your point. I am probably overcomplicating things!

kelsmick

Im with mrme89, i don't see it as a conflict of interest. At the end of the day you wouldn't be discussing their accounts with one another. I have a few clients of the same industry and so far i've never had any issues of conflict of interest.