What To Do When a Client “Ghosts” You
It happens to the best of us, but here's how to reconcile.
Are you familiar with the feeling of being ghosted? I’m not talking about paranormal encounters or the all-to-popular dating choice. I’m referring to that experience when a client…you know…disappears into thin air, leaving you hanging. Well, I can tell you first hand, it’s the WORST.
Having navigated this issue recently, I figured that putting together the ultimate guide to navigating this spooky situation would probably help at least one person out there.
The First Encounter
It all begins innocently enough. You’re diligently working on projects, communication with the client has been great (no red flags), and you’re feeling like you’re on top of the world. And suddenly, out of no where…they’re are no where to be found. No emails, no calls, not even a carrier pigeon. You, my friend, have been ghosted.
The Stages of Grief
Before we tactics, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the stages of grief that come with being ghosted by a client:
- Shock and Confusion: First (and total normal reaction) is, you refresh your inbox, a little too regularly, hoping that maybe there’s a logical explanation for their disappearance.
- Anger and Frustration: Next, you’re tempted to send a flurry of passive-aggressive emails or physically show up at the company’s location. Resist the urge, my friend. Revenge is a dish best served…not at all.
- Acceptance and Enlightenment: Lastly, you come to terms with the fact that ghosting is an unfortunate part of the freelancing journey. But don’t let that deter you, for with great ghosting comes great opportunity (or something like that).
The Ghost Buster's Toolkit
Now, let’s get down to business. Here are some tried-and-true tactics for dealing with clients who pull a disappearing act:
- Send a Friendly Reminder: Sometimes, clients get caught up in the chaos of life and simply forget to respond. A gentle nudge via email or a friendly check-in call/text can work wonders.
- Set Clear Expectations: From the get-go, establish clear communication channels and expectations for response times. This can help prevent ghosting in the first place. However, we all have those clients that have no awareness of time…so I get it.
- Offer an Escape Route: If the project is turning out to be a not-so-great fit or the client seems to have vanished into the ether, offer them an easy way out. A polite email expressing understanding and offering to wrap things up amicably can save you both time and sanity.
- Learn and Adapt: Use the ghosting experience as a learning opportunity. Is there anything you could have done differently to prevent it? Adjust your processes and communication strategies accordingly.
- Keep Calm and Carry On: Above all, don’t let ghosting derail you. Keep hustling, keep creating, and keep slaying those projects like the badass freelancer and business owner you are.
The Finale
In conclusion, remember this: while being ghosted by a client can be disheartening, it’s not the end of the world. Stay resilient and adaptable. After all, every ghost story worth telling starts with someone disappearing, right? So let’s show those spectral clients who’s boss!