Sadie helping me do some phone follow-ups!
One of the things I have learned in over 30 years of business is that follow-up matters. In fact, on average, it takes about six touches, emails, calls, or messages to get a response. Persistence pays off, and more often than not, the CEOs, founders, and business owners I reach out to actually appreciate the persistence. Some even tell me, “Thank you for staying with it. I’m so glad you did.”
But not everyone sees it that way.
Recently, I had a situation with a very successful business owner who had initially committed to participating in a project I was leading. He gave me the details I needed, confirmed his interest, and then…silence. Total ghosting. Not even a “boo.”
Now, I did not take it personally. I know life and business get busy. So, I kept my cadence. I followed up, stayed professional, and left the door open for him to re-engage. One day, he actually picked up my call. I identified myself as always calm, polite, professional and he immediately hung up.
Really?
That moment gave me pause, not because it hurt my feelings (it didn’t—I’ve got thick skin), but because of what it said about professionalism and respect. Business is built on relationships, and relationships require acknowledgment, even if the answer is “no.”
I immediately thought of at least five better ways he could have handled it:
Simply respond with “no.” It’s short, respectful, and closes the loop.
Say “not now.” Timing isn’t always right. That’s fair.
Offer a brief explanation. A sentence is enough: “We’re focused elsewhere this quarter.”
Delegate. Hand it off to a colleague or assistant if you don’t have time.
Express appreciation even if you decline. A simple “thank you, but we’ll pass” goes a long way.
Any one of those options would have shown respect, professionalism, and leadership. Hanging up on me? That is not it.
Here is the bigger point: following up is part of business. Ignoring people or hanging up on them does not make anyone look good. Leaders know how to communicate even when they are not interested. His activity in that second certainly showed me the type of leader he is and perhaps I had a quick glimpse into how he treats his team too.
I kept my composure and moved on, because that’s what professionals do. But the experience reminded me of something important: how we handle “no” moments says as much about us as how we handle “yes” moments.
So, the next time you find yourself on the receiving end of a follow-up that you requested but are no longer interested, try one of those five options. You will maintain your credibility, strengthen your reputation, and maybe even leave the door open for future opportunities.
Because at the end of the day, hanging up on a follow up you requested just is not cool. Respect is. Leadership in the little moments matter!
Sonya Ruff Jarvis is the Managing Member of Jarvis Consultants, LLC, bringing 30+ years of expertise in strategic development, marketing, event management, executive coaching, and board advisement for Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits. She is recognized for creating innovative business solutions, including a customer engagement program adopted globally to enhance attendance, exhibitor satisfaction, and loyalty at tradeshows. A four-time author, her works include Mindful Minutes: A Marketer's Journey Through Business. She holds an MBA from New York Institute of Technology and a BA from Hiram College, with international studies in Rome. Sonya resides in North Carolina with her husband and daughter.
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