Ah, the dreaded silence. You’ll know what I mean if you’ve been in business long enough. You meet a potential client, present your best proposal, feel like you’ve hit it off, and then… nothing. No reply, no feedback, no decision. Just radio silence. It’s as if they’ve vanished into thin air. You check your email, refresh your inbox, and even wonder if your messages got lost somewhere in the digital abyss.
“Maybe they’re busy,” I’d tell myself. “Maybe they need more time to decide.” But deep down, I knew the truth – I was being ghosted. And trust me, being ghosted in business stings just as much as it does in personal relationships.
The Frustration of Waiting
The first few days after sending a proposal are always filled with hope. You replay the meeting in your head, analyzing every word and gesture. “They seemed interested,” you think. “They asked all the right questions. Surely, they’ll get back to me soon.”
But then a week passes—two weeks, a month. The silence becomes deafening. You send a follow-up email—polite, professional, maybe even a bit optimistic. Still, nothing.
Is it something I said? Did I price it too high? Were they just pretending to be interested? The self-doubt creeps in. You feel stuck in limbo, unable to move forward or close the chapter.
And this is where the real danger lies – in the waiting. There is endless waiting for a response that may never come. It drains your energy, consumes your thoughts, and, worst of all, wastes your time.
How Long Should You Wait?
Here’s the million-dollar question: How long should you wait for a response before moving on?
In the early days of my startup journey, I used to wait far too long. I’d give potential clients the benefit of the doubt, thinking they needed more time. “Give it another week,” I’d say to myself. Weeks turned into months; before I knew it, I was stuck in a cycle of endless follow-ups.
But I’ve learned that waiting too long is a trap. The longer you wait, the more power you give the other party over your time and emotions. You become reactive, always hoping for a response instead of being proactive and focusing on other opportunities.
I now follow a simple rule: Three follow-ups, and then I move on.
- The first follow-up after one week is a gentle reminder.
- The second follow-up after two weeks was more direct but still polite.
- Final follow-up after one month – firm and clear that this will be the last message unless they respond.
If they don’t respond after the third follow-up, I cut my losses and move on.
No hard feelings, just a mental note that this is not the kind of client I want to work with.
Why Do Customers Ghost?
Understanding why customers ghost can help ease the frustration, though it doesn’t make it any less annoying. Here are some common reasons I’ve encountered:
- They’re Not Ready to Decide
Sometimes, the timing just isn’t right. They might have other priorities or are waiting for budget approval. - They Don’t Know How to Say No
Let’s face it – rejecting someone is hard. Some people avoid confrontation at all costs, even in business. Rather than saying no, they choose to disappear. - They’re Fishing for Better Deals
This one hurts. Some clients string you along while they shop around for a better offer. - Internal Politics
The person you spoke to might love your proposal, but the decision-making process involves multiple layers of approval, and somewhere along the way, things get stuck. - They’ve Lost Interest
It’s possible they were genuinely interested at first but later changed their minds. Instead of updating you, they simply go silent.
When Persistence Becomes a Waste of Time
There’s a fine line between persistence and desperation. In the early days of Favoriot, I believed persistence was the key to success. And to some extent, it is. But when persistence turns into chasing uninterested clients, it becomes a huge drain on your time and energy.
I’ve learned to recognize the signs early. If a client shows repeated patterns of delay, vague responses, or constant rescheduling, it’s a red flag. Instead of chasing after them, I shift my focus to clients who are ready and eager to work with us.
Why waste time knocking on a locked door when there are plenty of open doors waiting for you?
The Power of Letting Go
Letting go isn’t easy, primarily when you’ve invested time and effort into a proposal. But sometimes, it’s the best decision you can make.
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that not every opportunity is meant to be yours. And that’s okay. Business is full of ups and downs, wins and losses. The key is to learn from each experience and keep moving forward.
How to Handle Ghosting Like a Pro
So, what should you do when you’re being ghosted in business? Here’s my approach:
- Stay Professional
Resist the urge to send angry or passive-aggressive messages. Always maintain professionalism and leave the door open for future opportunities. - Set a Follow-Up Limit
As I mentioned, stick to a follow-up schedule and know when to leave. - Focus on New Opportunities
Don’t let one unresponsive client consume your energy. Keep building your pipeline and exploring new opportunities. - Reflect and Learn
Every experience is a chance to learn. Reflect on what went wrong and how to improve your approach next time. - Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, trust your gut. Not every client is worth the chase.
Moving On with Confidence
It’s easy to take ghosting personally, but remember – it does not reflect your worth or business.
In most cases, it’s more about them than you.
In the world of business, you’ll encounter all kinds of people. Some will appreciate your work and respond promptly. Others will ghost you without a second thought. The key is to stay resilient, keep your standards high, and focus on clients who value your time and expertise.
And who knows? Sometimes, the ones who ghost you today may return months later, ready to do business. When that happens, you’ll have the upper hand.
Until then, keep moving forward. There are plenty of doors waiting to be opened.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 