You know what’s worse than a bad first date? Getting ghosted by a potential business partner. One minute, you’re having great conversations, feeling like you’re on the verge of something special, and then… silence. No follow-up email, no phone call, no “Hey, thanks, but we’re going in another direction.” Just poof. Gone. Business ghosting is not only frustrating—it’s bad for business, and it needs to stop.
Here’s the thing: communication is the backbone of any professional relationship. When you ghost a client, a vendor, or even a job candidate, you’re essentially saying, “I don’t value your time, your effort, or this relationship.” Not exactly the message you want to send if you’re serious about growing your business or maintaining a reputation as a reliable partner.
Imagine this: you’re working on a project, everything is lined up, the pieces are falling into place, and then—radio silence from the other side. You follow up once, twice, maybe even three times, and still nothing. You’ve invested time, energy and resources, and you’re left hanging with no explanation. It’s not just unprofessional—it’s straight-up disrespectful.
Now, we get it—things come up. Priorities shift. Budgets change. But here’s a revolutionary idea: say something. A quick “We’ve decided to pause the project” or “We’re moving in a different direction” goes a long way. It doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out breakup email, but some communication—any communication—helps maintain trust and keeps doors open for future opportunities. Because guess what? That’s what business is all about: relationships.
If you’re the one being ghosted, it’s not just your bottom line that’s affected—it’s your trust in people. For the ghosters out there, just know that your silence speaks volumes, and none of it is good.
So, let’s retire the ghosting routine. Respond. Follow up. Communicate. Your future business relationships will thank you.
k 24/7