Leave the Ghosting to the Trick-or-Treaters...

How can ghosting negatively effect your brand?

Why is following through with what we say we are going to do so important to sales outcomes?

Builds Trust: Trust is the foundation of any successful sales relationship. When you promise something to a customer or prospect and then deliver on that promise, it demonstrates your reliability and integrity. Customers are more likely to do business with salespeople they trust.

Credibility: Following through on commitments enhances your credibility. It shows that you are not just making empty promises to make a sale but are genuinely committed to meeting the customer's needs.

Customer Satisfaction: Meeting or exceeding expectations leads to higher customer satisfaction. When customers feel that you have delivered on what you promised, they are more likely to be satisfied with the product or service, which can lead to repeat business and referrals.

Long-term Relationships: Sales success is not just about one-time transactions but about building long-term relationships with customers. Consistently following through on commitments helps nurture these relationships and can lead to repeat business and upselling opportunities.

Reduced Buyer's Remorse: When customers make a purchase, they may experience some level of buyer's remorse or doubt. When you follow through on your commitments, it reassures customers that they made the right decision, reducing the likelihood of cancellations or returns.

Competitive Advantage: In a competitive market, delivering on your promises can set you apart from competitors who may overpromise and underdeliver. Your reliability can become a unique selling point.

Referrals and Recommendations: Satisfied customers are more likely to refer your products or services to others. Word-of-mouth recommendations from happy customers can be a powerful source of new business.

Enhanced Sales Skills: Developing the habit of following through with commitments can help you refine your sales skills and better understand customer needs. It encourages active listening and a customer-centric approach.

Professionalism: Consistently keeping your commitments is a hallmark of professionalism. It shows that you take your role and your customers seriously.

Legal and Ethical Considerations: Failing to follow through on commitments can have legal and ethical implications. Misrepresenting products or services, for example, can lead to legal troubles and damage your reputation.

If doing what you promise your customers you are going to do is critical to sales outcomes, customer experience, our personal & corporate reputation, why are we as hiring managers often guilty of not following through with what we say we are going to do with potential employees/candidates who have taken their time to speak with us.

What are some adverse effects of ghosting in our recruiting efforts?

The principles of following through on commitments and not "ghosting" a candidate after a meeting also apply to hiring managers for several compelling reasons:

Professionalism and Respect: Just as in sales, professionalism and respect are crucial in the hiring process. When a hiring manager promises to contact a candidate within a specific time frame, it sets clear expectations. Failing to follow through on this commitment can be perceived as disrespectful and unprofessional.

Candidate Experience: The candidate experience matters significantly in recruiting. A positive experience, even for candidates who are not ultimately selected, can lead to a better reputation for the company. Ghosting candidates can result in negative reviews, social media backlash, and damage to the employer brand.

Trust and Credibility: Just like in sales, trust and credibility are paramount in recruiting. When a hiring manager follows through on their promise to contact a candidate, it demonstrates the company's reliability and integrity. On the flip side, ghosting erodes trust and can harm the company's reputation.

Long-term Relationships: Candidates who have a positive experience, even if they are not hired, may consider applying to the company in the future or referring others. Maintaining respectful communication helps build long-term relationships with potential talent.

Legal and Ethical Considerations: Depending on local employment laws, ghosting candidates might lead to legal issues, especially if there are anti-discrimination or equal opportunity laws in place. It's essential to communicate decisions clearly to avoid legal complications.

Efficiency and Productivity: Ghosting candidates can lead to inefficiencies in the hiring process. If a candidate is left hanging, they might continue their job search, and the company may miss out on a potentially excellent hire. Efficient communication ensures that the hiring process moves forward effectively.

Enhanced Employer Brand: A positive candidate experience, even for those not selected, can contribute to a strong employer brand. Candidates who feel respected and well-treated are more likely to speak positively about the company, improving its attractiveness to future candidates.

Professional Development: Practicing good communication and following through on commitments can also be seen as a professional development opportunity for hiring managers. It reinforces their ability to manage relationships effectively, a valuable skill in any role.

In summary, just as in sales, following through on commitments and not ghosting candidates is essential in the hiring process. It upholds professionalism, fosters trust, enhances the candidate experience, and contributes to a positive employer brand. Failing to do so can have negative consequences on the company's reputation, legal standing, and overall effectiveness in recruiting top talent. This Halloween leave ghosting to the trick or treaters!

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