Is it a breach of confidentiality to give out a client’s name as a reference, even if they’ve given you permission?

<p>I don’t think references are particularly useful to begin with. As I shared during this conversation, I had a situation where I got glowing references for someone and he was a crook.</p> <p> </p> <p>So I’m unclear why they are even a thing (that includes for getting into grad school and the like).</p> <p> </p> <p>But I wondered if other people had the same ideas and what they say when people do ask them for client names and contact information.</p> <p> </p> <p>Does it matter what industry you’re in?</p> <p> </p> <p>Jim Lee made the point that it might be okay for a dry cleaners or dentist (with permission of course). But for more personal services it’s never going to be a good idea.</p> <p> </p> <p>Jesse Carrie shared that for lab equipment it’s nice to be able to ask someone who is actually using the software or hardware what their experience is. If it’s buggy or not worth the funds – that’s good to know.</p> <p> </p> <p>When I asked what you say when someone asks you for references Abby McCloskey said they turn it around and explain that confidentiality it a priority at her firm and they would never share the information of the person asking for references and in the same way they can’t give out references.</p> <p> </p> <p>It might not be quite as clear if someone has given you their permission but all of us kinda agreed that there are too many things that can go wrong so we don’t know it.</p> <p> </p> <p>What do you think? Okay? Not okay? Depends on the industry?</p> <p> </p> <p>Connect with the panelists:</p> <p>Abby McCloskey: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-mccloskey-cfp%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-b8233a5/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-mccloskey-cfp%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-b8233a5/</a></p> <p>Dr Jesse Carrie: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-carrie-70765036/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-carrie-70765036/</a></p> <p>James Lee: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/jleeadvisor/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/jleeadvisor/</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Dr Robyn Odegaard: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/