solicit
Definition
To solicit means to actively reach out to someone to ask for their business, a donation, or some other action you want them to take. It goes beyond just advertising and involves directly approaching a specific person or group with your request. Courts and contracts use this word to describe the act of personally targeting someone rather than putting out a general message and waiting for people to come to you.
Example
If you hire a salesperson and they later leave to work for a competitor, a non-solicitation clause would prevent them from personally calling your customers to try to win their business away from you.
Watch Out
Many business contracts contain non-solicitation agreements that restrict you or your employees from recruiting each other's clients or staff after parting ways, so always read these clauses carefully before signing.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.