Is providing references a breach of trust to existing clients?

<p>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.</p> <p>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.)</p> <p>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.</p> <p>To learn about the panelists, please visit their LinkedIn profiles: Bill Lindquist: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamslindquist/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamslindquist/</a> Kristin Bainger: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-g-bainger-she-her-6aa5866/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-g-bainger-she-her-6aa5866/ </a>   Brian Cousin: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-cousin-77428713/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-cousin-77428713/ </a> Dr Robyn Odegaard: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/</a> </p> <p> #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.</p> <p> #business #references #confidentiality #trust</p>