Is providing references a breach of trust to existing clients?

In many industries it is common practice to ask for and receive contact information to talk to existing customers. I have done it myself in the past. Even though I did my "due diligence" the guy turned out to be a huckster. Calling his references was a waste of time.

In my business clients have 100% confidentiality. That means I don't ask them to be references for me - ever (That doesn't mean they aren't allowed to talk about our work. Many of them do and send referrals.)

I asked Bill Lindquist (small biz owner), Kristin G. Bainger (exec coach) and Brian Cousin (lawyer) their thoughts on giving references. The conversation was enlightening.

To learn about the panelists, please visit their LinkedIn profiles:
Bill Lindquist: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamslindquist/
Kristin Bainger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-g-bainger-she-her-6aa5866/   
Brian Cousin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-cousin-77428713/ 
Dr Robyn Odegaard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/

#QuickHits are designed to exercise your brain by letting you listen in on an unscripted conversation to get other people's thoughts on various subjects. If you would like to join a conversation or have a topic you would like to hear discussed, please message me.

#business #references #confidentiality #trust