When Silence Speaks Louder: Navigating Ghosting After a Lengthy Proposal Process
In the world of freelancing and consulting, encountering the phenomenon known as “ghosting” is, unfortunately, all too common. Let’s dive into an experience that might resonate with many freelancers out there.
Recently, I received an inquiry via Reddit about my Bookkeeping and CFO services. A potential client reached out, and after a productive discussion during a one-hour Zoom meeting, I was optimistic about the collaboration. He requested two references before allowing me access to his QuickBooks Online (QBO) account in order to draft a proposal. Happy to oblige, I provided the referrals, and soon after, he granted the necessary access.
I crafted a detailed proposal and eagerly shared it with him. Thanks to Google Docs, I could see that he reviewed the document. And then… radio silence. A week passed without a word, despite follow-up attempts on my part.
While I understand that interest can wane for a variety of reasons, a brief response acknowledging the proposal or providing feedback – even in a couple of short sentences – would have been greatly appreciated. Such silence after a thorough process was unexpected, leaving me pondering: Has anyone else experienced this phenomenon?
Undoubtedly, proposals can have varying outcomes—some successful, others not. However, being ghosted after investing so much time and effort was a new experience for me. If you’ve faced a similar situation, how did you handle it? Let’s share our stories and strategies for dealing with the silence that sometimes follows a long proposal process.
One response
It’s certainly frustrating and, unfortunately, not uncommon in today’s fast-paced digital landscape to experience being ghosted, even after a detailed and seemingly promising proposal process. While it may feel personal, it’s important to remember that businesses and individuals often juggle numerous tasks and decisions. Here’s some insight and advice on navigating this situation:
Understanding the Behavior
Internal Changes or Priorities: The individual or company may have encountered internal changes, such as budget adjustments, shifts in priorities, or leadership changes. These disruptions can delay or derail decision-making processes.
Decision Fatigue: Executives and business owners often deal with decision fatigue. After reviewing multiple proposals, they might delay responding until they can fully commit to giving it the attention it deserves.
Other Offers: They might be considering other proposals and comparing options before making a final decision.
Indecision or Uncertainty: They might be uncertain about the proposal but are uncomfortable expressing concerns or rejecting it outright.
Practical Advice
Give It Time: While a week may seem lengthy, it’s often not enough time for decision-makers in larger organizations. Allow for additional time before considering it a lost opportunity.
Polite Follow-Up: If you haven’t already, sending a courteous follow-up email or message can be helpful. Reinforce your interest and willingness to address any questions or concerns they might have.
Example: “Hi [Name], I hope you’re well. I wanted to check in regarding the proposal I sent last week. I’m keen to hear your thoughts and would be happy to clarify or adjust any part of it to better meet your needs. Thank you for your consideration.”
Value-Driven Communication: If there’s still no response, consider sending an email that adds value to the conversation. Share a relevant article or insight related to their industry, which demonstrates your ongoing interest and expertise without overtly pushing for a response.
Reflect and Revise: Analyze the proposal and the entire communication process. Were there any signals during your conversations that suggested hesitations or concerns? Use this information to refine your approach for future opportunities.
Diversify Leads: Continue to prospect and engage with other potential leads. By keeping your pipeline active, you’re less likely to dwell on a single unresponsive prospect, reducing frustration and optimizing time efficiency.
Looking Forward
Being ghosted, particularly after investing time and effort into a