The LinkedIn Service Request Trap: Here's what I learned about this feature

Last week, a potential client accused me of sharing her confidential career transition information with other leadership coaches. She was furious and terminated our engagement.

The problem? I had done nothing wrong.

She fell victim to LinkedIn's Service Request notification system—and my professional reputation took the hit.

How LinkedIn's Service Request System Works

Here's what happens behind the scenes:

1. Someone posts a service request through LinkedIn

2. LinkedIn automatically notifies multiple providers in that category

3. Each provider thinks they have an exclusive opportunity

4. The requester gets bombarded with pitches from strangers

5. They assume someone shared their private information

My Story: When LinkedIn Destroyed Trust

Day 1: A senior executive reached out for confidential leadership coaching regarding her C-suite transition. Great initial conversation.

Day 2: She received messages from 4-5 other leadership coaches mentioning her executive transition by name.

Day 3: She argued with me, accusing me of "sharing sensitive career information with competitors."

Day 4: Despite my explanations, she terminated our discussions.

LinkedIn's algorithm had automatically broadcast her confidential coaching inquiry to every competitor in her network. What should have been a private executive coaching engagement became a public bidding war.

Why This Feature Has Created an Impact on my business

Trust Destruction: Coaching relationships depend on absolute confidentiality.

When clients believe you've shared their sensitive information, trust evaporates instantly.

Information Asymmetry: Most clients don't understand LinkedIn's backend systems. They see multiple providers contacting them and assume betrayal.

Reputation Damage: Once trust is broken, clients often share their negative experience with their network.

Competitive Chaos: Every private consultation becomes a bidding war with random competitors.

How to Protect Yourself

Immediate Damage Control:

• Respond quickly and professionally to confused clients

• Explain LinkedIn's automatic notification system

• Move conversations off LinkedIn immediately

• Document incidents for your records

Prevention Strategies:

• Warn clients about LinkedIn's system upfront

• Use private email/phone for sensitive discussions

• Disable service notifications in LinkedIn settings

• Create a FAQ explaining common LinkedIn issues

Better Alternatives

Instead of LinkedIn's service features:

• Direct outreach through personal connections

• Content marketing to attract inbound inquiries

• Professional email marketing

The Bigger Picture

This highlights platform dependency risks.

When your business relies on algorithms you can't control, you're vulnerable to reputation damage overnight.

The Bottom Line

LinkedIn's Service Request feature fundamentally misunderstands how professional services work. Trust and confidentiality can't be automated without consequences.

Connect with me via DM. Don't use my service page and ask about my services.

Thank you!