I’m being ghosted by a prospect.

“I’m being ghosted by a prospect.”

Here’s my follow up rule.

⚾️ ** Three Strikes and You’re Out ** 👻

For new business dealings.
↳ Prospects get three attempts to respond.
↳ If they don’t it’s time to pick up my chips.
↳ Move on to the next table.

I got this idea directly from Michael Masterson (Mark Ford). He’s the founder of the Early to Rise newsletter. Another rule he shares is to treat others with the same respect you wish to be treated with. You can perhaps see how these fit together nicely.

When you’re ghosted three times on a proposal a number of things may be true. Ultimately it’s a pointer toward disrespect, which manifests in a number of ways.

Flaky - just not organised enough to get their act together.
Gutless - they don’t like or want your proposal but are afraid of to say no.
Manipulative - they’re playing off a preferred supplier against you.

Listen … unless you’re desperate for the money (which you should never be) kick these people into touch. Why? Because the chances are they’ll be flaky, gutless, or manipulative post-sale too.

Don’t chase ghosts.

You don’t need that. You need the right people. Not those people.

Remind yourself you are an expert practitioner - someone to be respected.

Exit gracefully.

Postscript.
_________

You must take responsibility for having sent the proposal to this person in the first place.

Bad move. Learn this.

⇥ Qualify people based on your gut.
⇥ If their chemistry feels wrong for you.
⇥ Say no before the proposal, not afterwards.

That’s it.