Be an informed Rainmaker- new change on LinkedIn

You all know that I LOVE LinkedIn and think it is a great tool for rainmakers.   However, LinkedIn recently made a change to its privacy policy (a change that I am excited about) that you need to know about.  For those of you in regulated industries with limitations on how and when you can advertise, I want to make sure you are aware of the change and understand how it may impact you.  

Here is the Change:
Section 2(K) of the policy states:

Advertising and Endorsements on LinkedIn
In order to deliver relevant and valuable ads to you and your network, LinkedIn may use your name and profile photo in connection with social advertising based on content shared on LinkedIn. This advertising may include the fact that you have recommended or endorsed a product or service on LinkedIn, followed a company, joined Groups or conversations, established or added content to your profile, etc., and will only be displayed to your LinkedIn network. You can opt-out of allowing your name and/or profile photo to be used in social ads here < http://www.linkedin.com/settings?modal=nsettings-social-advertising&tab=account> .

In summary the change means that now Linked In will auto generate status update/advertisements for its users and display these advertisements to everyone in the users network (including second and third degree connections)  Woo hoo!!!

Despite my excitement about this new change there are several potential issues with this feature as it pertains to the use of LinkedIn that you should be aware of-particularly if you are in a highly regulated industry.

Potential issues to be aware of:

(1)  LinkedIn-generated social advertisements that include your name/picture/profile might appear to be an advertisement from you.

(2)  Profile information may be included in a social advertisement to anyone in a your LinkedIn "network," which includes second and third degree connections, not simply direct connections.

(3) There does not appear to be any way of knowing when or how your information may be used in a social advertisement, or placing limits on the use of such information. So the potential exists that your profile information could be tagged for inclusion with a competitor's advertisement.

Proposed solution:

If you are in a regulated industry and are concerned about the impact of this new change, you may want to opt out of allowing your profile information to be used in social advertising. To opt-out, sign in to your LinkedIn account, click on your name (at the top), then on "Settings”, then on "Account" (lower left), then "Manage Social Advertising" (under "Privacy Controls”), then un-check the permissions box.

Many thanks to the lovely Annie Groth for bringing this change to my attention.

Happy Friday & do not forget your umbrella.  I see rain in your forecast!

About Jonelle- Jonelle Vold is a business coach that is passionate about your success.  A wife, mother of twins, former Assistant Dean at a tier-one law school, attorney, and seasoned sales professional, Jonelle understands the challenges of high-level professionals.  Her coaching philosophy is every person has the ability to be a rainmaker by cracking their own personal code and doing business with intention.  You can reach Jonelle at jonelle@jonellevold.com, 520-225-9053, or www.jonellevold.com.   

Women's Short-Term-Massive-Action Group Coaching Classes.  The last set of STMA classes for 2011 start on September 8, 2011.  If you are ready to jump start your success, regain control of your time and your life, reignite your professional passion, and of course learn to make rain-this is the class for you.  Space is limited contact jonelle@jonellevold.com for details.