Don’t Ghost People—Say Something, Even If It’s “Not Yet”
Let’s have a real talk for a minute: ghosting doesn’t belong in business.
You might think ignoring that email or not returning that call is harmless. You’re not ready to respond, or maybe you’re still figuring out how to handle a situation. So… you avoid it. You tell yourself you’ll get to it when you have something concrete to say. I get it. We’ve all been there.
But here’s the truth: silence sends a message, and it’s rarely the one you want to send.
No News Is Not Always Good News
One of the biggest mistakes I see small business owners make—especially creatives and service providers—is assuming that “no update” means “no need to check in.” But when someone hires you or sends you a payment or books your time, they’re investing in more than just a deliverable. They’re trusting you with a piece of their business.
And if something isn’t going right with a project, or a deadline has to shift, or you’re overwhelmed and behind—they need to hear that from you. Not because you owe them perfection, but because you owe them honesty.
You don’t have to have a full solution. Just say:
“Hey, this piece is taking longer than expected and I want to make sure it’s done right. I’ll keep you posted by Friday.”
or
“I know you’re waiting on an update, and I’m working through a couple hiccups. You’re still on my radar.”
Even “I’m not sure yet, but I’ll follow up in a few days” is a thousand times better than ghosting.

Communication Builds Trust
Look—people understand delays. They understand mistakes. What breaks trust is feeling forgotten.
Clients don’t need you to be perfect. They need you to be present.
When you’re upfront, people actually feel more confident in your professionalism. It shows maturity. It shows respect. And it keeps the door open for continued work, even when something doesn't go as planned.
A Friendly Nudge
So if there’s a message sitting in your inbox that’s making your stomach twist a little—maybe today’s the day to answer it. Even if the answer is “not yet.”
You don’t have to say the perfect thing. Just say something.
Because ghosting might feel like self-protection in the moment—but in business? Silence kills momentum. Communication keeps it alive.