Episode 170 – Being Ghosted as an Independent Consultant

In today's edition of THE INDEPENDENT, let's discuss being ghosted as an independent consultant.

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Have you been ghosted?

Can you relate to this?

You spend hours upon hours writing up a proposal. You send it over.

Then, you don't hear anything back from the potential client. You give them the benefit of the doubt for a few days, knowing they're busy.

But still no response.

You start to question everything :

• Did you say something wrong?
• Did your pricing scare them away??
• Did they get fired?

Anger might even set in as you're thinking:

• How could they be so unprofessional?
• Why did I waste so much time on them?

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This is normal

First, I want to say that this is normal.?

This happens to all of us, at some point in our business.

And, the bigger the goals you set, the more likely it may happen.

So, what do you do when you're ghosted?

Here are three ways to handle the times when you're being ghosted. I like to call this the "ghosting protocol."

1. Follow-up until they say no. Chances are you're not actually being ghosted. Your prospect is busy. They would benefit from regular touchpoints from you, especially if done the right way.

2. Evaluate regularly. Now assume the opposite is true - you are being ghosted. Set a timebox to ask yourself high-quality questions, such as:

• How could I get buy-in on a more tangible next step in my sales process?
• How could I uncover potential roadblocks or concerns more effectively?
• What signals might I have missed that they weren't as bought into engaging me as I assumed?

3. Proactively manage the emotional roller coaster. The more time you spend ruminating, questioning whether you've been ghosted, what you did to cause it, what's wrong with the potential client, and what to do about it, the less effective you are at running your business. Implement a mindset practice to drive awareness and redirect to minimize the loss of business owner productivity.

How to implement a ghosting protocol in your business

There are nuances to creating a ghosting protocol for yourself and your business.

It's worth it.

When you have a ghosting protocol, you'll be

• More effective at lead generation,
• Be able to tighten up your sales process, and
• Reduce the emotional roller coaster.

You'll shorten the recovery time for yourself, to free up to get back to the business owner steps that move the needle.

Put this into action

Here are two next steps to get started on your ghosting protocol:

1. Listen to Episode 170 of the Grow Your Independent Consulting Business podcast: How to Handle Being Ghosted as an Independent Consultant

2. Reach out for help. I can help you achieve business goals beyond what you imagine are possible for you, using my IC-specific framework, strategy, and mindset tools. Click here to apply.

You're probably wondering what happens after you apply. Here's the answer. I'll read your application.

• If I believe we could be a good fit working together, we'll proceed with the exploratory call where we mutually decide if working together is a good fit. No pressure. Click here to apply.
• If I don't believe I'd be the best coach, I'll let you know and send you a relevant resource or next-step recommendation.

Have a great weekend,

Melisa

Melisa Liberman Coaching

• Coaching: Coaching for Independent Consultants
• Best-Selling Book: Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality
• Top-Rated Podcast: Grow Your Independent Consulting Business Podcast