What are the best practices for obtaining informed consent from clients and prospects?

4. Separate Consent Requests: If you have multiple purposes for data processing, ask for consent separately for each purpose. This makes it clear to individuals what they are agreeing to. 5. Provide Clear Information: Offer detailed information about what data you're collecting, who will have access to it, how long you'll retain it, and the individual's rights regarding their data. 6. No Bundled Consent: Avoid bundling consent for different purposes. For example, don't require consent for marketing emails to access a service unrelated to marketing. 7. Opt-Out Option: Include an easy and accessible way for individuals to withdraw their consent at any time. Explain how to do so in your consent request.

Informed consent entails not only obtaining permission but also ensuring that individuals comprehend the implications of their consent. It's vital for building trust and maintaining ethical standards in marketing relationships.

This is extremely relevant, because I have been getting more and more unsolicited SMS texts in the past week! I believe that privacy/security/consent needs to be talked about more, because every platform appears to have their own policies clearly written down, yet people don't see the connection with SMS texting. Unless someone opts in to a list, you should not be SMS texting!

1. Be Transparent: Clearly communicate the purpose for which you're collecting data and how it will be used. Use simple language that anyone can understand, avoiding jargon or technical terms. 2. Obtain Explicit Consent: Use an opt-in mechanism that requires individuals to actively and affirmatively consent to data collection and processing. Avoid pre-checked boxes or assumed consent. 3. Granular Consent: Offer granular choices whenever possible. Allow individuals to select the specific types of data they are willing to share or the specific purposes for which their data will be used.

Informed consent refers to the process of ensuring that individuals understand the nature, purpose, and potential risks of a decision or action before agreeing to it. This involves providing clear and comprehensive information to clients or prospects so that they can make informed choices based on their understanding of the situation.

Coming at this from a nonprofit lens, informed consent is the practice of putting whatever you're publishing into the context of a person's everyday life. It goes beyond checking off a list. The clients need understand the scope of the impact a story could have on them. A nonprofit shows impact by marketing their clients stories. We all value our privacy, so the rules that apply to for-profit businesses should also apply to nonprofits.

Helping customers make well-informed decisions about their participation or engagement with marketing activities promotes transparency, trust, and respect.

Thoughts coming from a email marketing perspective. First of all you want people to want to be on your email list. Never. Ever. Buy an email list. Build it. Buying emails or stealing them is why informed consent is now a priority. Your lead magnets should be so good that people want to hear from you in their inbox. Last thought, it's good that people opt out of your email marketing or unsubscribe. This helps make your email list more concentrated with warm leads. It's better to have 100 people that love your product than 10,000 cold emails. Informed consent is now required because

Informed consent is essential for upholding ethical standards and respecting individual autonomy. By obtaining informed consent, businesses demonstrate transparency and integrity in their interactions with clients and prospects. This helps build trust and credibility, fostering positive relationships and enhancing customer satisfaction. Additionally, informed consent protects individuals from potential harm or exploitation by ensuring that they have the necessary information to make decisions that align with their interests and preferences.

There are power dynamics at play when companies and nonprofits share their client's stories. Usually, the company or nonprofit has a media release clause that protects them from being sued by a client for using their photographs or stories. That's not informed consent. An informed consent process, when done well, puts the power back into the client's hands so that even if they signed a media release they can still say no to having their photographs or stories shared.

Start by clearly communicating the purpose of data collection or the intended marketing activity to clients and prospects. Provide comprehensive information about what data will be collected, how it will be used, and any potential risks involved. Use layman's terms to ensure understanding. Provide easy access to detailed privacy policies and terms of service documents.

Obtaining informed consent involves a systematic approach to communication and documentation. Businesses should clearly communicate the relevant information to clients or prospects in a manner that is understandable and accessible. This may include explaining the purpose of the interaction, disclosing any potential risks or consequences, and providing an opportunity for questions or clarifications. Consent should be voluntary, meaning that individuals have the freedom to accept or decline without coercion or pressure.

Whatever system or process a company puts in place should also account for their client's access to technology, their native language, and the cultural implications of sharing a story amongst their community.

For nonprofits in particular, it's important to make 'consent' a relational process and conversation instead of just a formality. If utilizing video of images, I work with clients to ensure that the consent is not given in perpetuity. Just because someone is excited to share their story on video for marketing or fundraising purposes now doesn't mean they will want it out in the world forever. People can outgrow old stories and it can be harmful / traumatizing if a video from 4 years ago resurfaces. When possible, check in with story-sharers every year to ensure that they would like to renew their consent. If not, take the materials down!

Utilize easy-to-understand language in consent forms and disclosures, avoid hidden clauses or deceptive practices, and allow individuals to opt-in rather than opting out. Regularly review and update consent procedures to ensure compliance with evolving regulations. Use multimedia formats like videos or interactive presentations to enhance understanding.

= Present the relevant details in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner, avoiding technical jargon or complex language. =Give clients or prospects adequate time to review the information and ask questions before making a decision. =Provide options or alternatives whenever possible, allowing individuals to choose the course of action that best suits their needs and preferences. =Maintain records of consent, including the information provided, the individual's decision, and any additional notes or agreements.

For nonprofits I recommend building a culture around informed consent and ethical storytelling. Every role within the organization has a part to play in uplifting their client's voices and ensuring that informed consent is not just a form, but a practice.

It's important to let people know your intentions. For my clients I recommend on going emails that add value and create a desire to open. When choosing to opt in I let them know the emails they'll get are going to be helpful and add value. Too many businesses try to go for a sale in every email. This always leads to poor performance and the dreaded "Report Spam." Lay out expectations and provide great value. The right customers want to consent to your marketing.

Seek certification programs or courses in marketing ethics and compliance offered by reputable institutions or professional organizations. Look for courses that provide practical insights and case studies relevant to your specific industry or niche.

To become certified in marketing ethics and compliance, individuals can pursue various professional certifications or training programs offered by reputable organizations. These certifications typically cover topics such as ethical principles, regulatory requirements, and best practices for marketing and advertising. Interested individuals can research available certification options, such as those offered by industry associations, educational institutions, or professional training providers, and choose the program that best aligns with their career goals and interests.