Many of my firm’s clients have LinkedIn accounts. Some started using this social media site on their own and some were encouraged (even required) to open an account by their employers. Regardless of the reason, a LinkedIn account can bring you business and help you network within your trade or industry.
However, the big question these days is “what happens to the account when you leave your job?” Can you continue to use the account to bring new customers and clients your way? Can you announce to the world that you left Company A to join Company B and will be offering the same products and services?
I tell our most of our clients the LinkedIn account is theirs to do with as they wish. Unless they have signed a non-compete or employment contract which specifically states that the ex-employee must close his/her account, the employer should have no control over what happens on LinkedIn. I was recently interviewed by a writer for the online publication, Corporate Counsel, and told her ( Rebekah Mintzer) the same thing.
My Take: If your employer wants to bully you around after you leave employment, they better have set forth, in specific documents, their authority to claim control over your LinkedIn account.