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If you started your own business after a stint in the corporateworld, you may find that your former employers make primeprospective customers. Gerry Baker knows that firsthand: When heformed Corporate Consulting Inc., a crisis management publicrelations firm in Edmond, Oklahoma, one of his first clients washis most recent former employer.

"You have significant advantages [selling] to your formeremployer," Baker says. "You know the system, the companyway." But that inside knowledge of the company will only helpyou get your foot in the door. "There may be a honeymoon for awhile, but at some point, you're going to be expected toperform as good as or better than anybody else out there."

It's very important for you to recognize that yourrelationship with the company has changed, Baker says. As asupplier, you may be dealing with different people, some higher upon the corporate ladder, than you did before. He also notes thatsome of your former co-workers may see you as a threat to their jobsecurity, and their bosses may not be entirely comfortable if youhave overt personal relationships with company employees."This takes a great deal of sensitivity and diplomacy,"says Baker, who stopped socializing with his former co-workers."If they view you as a threat, they can be quite harmful toyou."