Reaching out to prospects can be tough, but getting ghosted can be tougher. Being left on read with no explanation might leave you spinning in your own thoughts, wondering what went wrong. But instead of letting the silence eat me alive, I decided to listen to what the silence was actually saying. Here’s what I learned from getting ghosted.
First, I learned to adjust my approach based on who I’m talking to. The one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it comes to communication. Some people want directness, while others prefer a softer touch. Some want space, while others need regular check-ins. Each time a situation like this happened, it forced me to ask, Am I showing up in a way that makes sense for this specific person? That doesn’t mean changing who you are — it just means being adaptable, reading the room a bit better, and making sure the other person can actually receive what you’re saying.
Second, I had to accept that they truly might not be the right fit. This one can hurt the ego a little, but it’s also incredibly clarifying. Sometimes, getting ghosted isn’t a reflection of your approach, but simply a sign that they’re not the right fit for you or your company’s services. If someone disappears without explanation, it says a lot about their capacity for communication and respect. It might not feel like a win in the moment, but it often is in the long run.
Finally, I learned to keep it pushing. At the end of the day, you can’t earn everyone’s business, and that’s okay. Not every opportunity is meant for you, and not every ghost is a reflection of your worth or your work. You just never know what the next call, email, or connection might bring. So I remind myself that my value in business development is defined by how I show up and stay ready, even when I don’t get the outcome I hoped for. Ghosting might close one door, but it often clears the way for a better one to open.
Getting ghosted might feel like rejection, but it can actually be redirection. Each time it happens, it’s a chance to check in with how you’re showing up, reassess who’s truly aligned with you, and keep moving forward with more clarity and confidence than before.
