Why would a past client ignore you who you never had a falling out with?

[Anonymous]

There’s this girl where I was one of her clients last year for her business and we’ve kept in touch since then about some potential opportunities. Anyway, I wanted to use one of her services again (video editing) and she ignored my texts. She posts on Instagram though. I’m pretty pissed becuase I was one of her first ever clients and allowed her to use the videos for her portoflio and even sent a nice testimonial. I’m always supportive of others who have a small business. I also just started a website business and asked if she wanted to partner on any upcoming projects or at least spread the word if she knows anyone.
She went through a difficult time in her life like end of last year (divorce) so I don't know if that’s a factor and now she’s uncomfortable around certain people. But I didn’t do anything wrong to warrant being ignored. I was a good client, paid on time, said good things, etc. Is this unprofessional to ignore someone?

[Oliverlogan263]

That's messed up of her to ghost you like that. As a small business owner, I know how important good clients and word-of-mouth are.

A few possible explanations:

- Personal issues from her divorce are still affecting her work/relationships. Could be taking it out on you unintentionally.

- Maybe she's super busy and overwhelmed, but that's still no excuse to ignore a client.

- Possibly trying to cut back on work commitments and didn't want to take your project on. Shoulda said something though.

I'd hit her up one more time politely like "Yo, just wondering what's up. Everything cool between us?" If still nada, I'd leave it at that and find someone else to work with. Not worth stressing over someone who won't even respond.

And feel free to post an honest review about your experience if you want. Sometimes that's the only way flaky businesses will change their ways. Good luck with your site homie, you got this!

[Asker]

Aww thanks so much for this thoughtful response! I agree it is SO unprofessional. And I’m upset because I’m a new business owner myself and I’m running it solo, so I need the support from others in my network more than ever, especially starting out. It’s so disrespectful though, like I’m really well connected through my professional network and she could be missing out if she wants to be like that.
Also it’s weird to me because her main website to get clients is her own Instagram account and she posts like very sexy and revealing photos of herself there…she creates reels

[Oliverlogan263]

You're welcome and hey, don't even stress about this chick anymore. She's clearly all about the gram and getting likes rather than actually runnin her biz properly.

If she's ignorin a good client who hooked her up before just to post thots everyday, her priorities are whack. You don't need that negative energy boggin you down.

Fact is you reached out to help her grow and she blew you off. Fuck it, her loss! Now you just gotta focus on buildin up your own thing without wastin time on flakey people.

Trust me, just concentrate on connectin with folks who are actually serious about gettin work done. Leave the Instagram thots to do their own thing. You're runnin a real company now.

She wants to miss opportunities to pursue likes, let her. Meanwhile you keep grindin and your success will speak for itself. People will see who's really about that entrepreneur life.

Don't stress what you can't control. This just means there's one less fake person clogging your contacts. Now go get your money for real!

[Asker]

Aw thank you much. I seriously needed to hear this!! You’re the best! Yeah I agree it’s so important to find people who are likeminded and bring good energy to your life. It’s so sad because I’m also a pro equestrian and she wanted to learn to ride at one point and do it competitively… I even offered before to come with me to my trainers barn for lessons and even told her I’d be happy to mentor her through the process.
Maybe some of us are just SO passionate about what we do and actually have the grit and strong determination to actually make some things happen and it makes them look bad? I don’t know anymore BUT I will tell you that most women are not supportive of other women at all, it’s all for clout on social media to say they are!

[Oliverlogan263]

That's brutal she blew you off like that after you offered to mentor her with her riding too. You seem like such a reliable and supportive person to have in your corner. Her loss for sure!

And you make a really good point - I think some people just don't have that same drive and passion that others do. It probably makes them feel small to see someone who's willing to put in the work to actually achieve their dreams. Easier to tear others down than build them up I guess.

That stuff about women not always backing each other up is so real too. Social media definitely brings out the performative "support" without substance behind it a lot of the time. Really shows who your true friends are when it comes down to it.

Try not to let it get you down though! You seem like you've got big things ahead, with or without flakey people holding you back. Keep shining bright and the right team will gather around you. This was probably a blessing in disguise freeing you up for better opportunities down the road. You've got this!

[Asker]

Thank you so much. That means a lot. I’m going to just forget her. I need the right energy and people right now. You’re also in the business industry right? How do you typically get new clients? I really hate cold calling and feel uncomfortable with it lol. So I’m leveraging my current network and friends/family. I’m thinking of offering a commission based program for any referrals. Also how do you refrain from looking desperate? It’s kinda awkward being blown off when you’re not being received.

[Asker]

The other thing about her though is she might think I’m weird because I go to some of the same places as her like her photographer, etc. and she might be uncomfortable with me. But I’ve told her I found out about these places through the same workout studio we go to.

[Oliverlogan263]

I feel you on hating cold calls, that does feel super awkward and uncomfortable. Leveraging your network is way smarter at the start. And the commission program for referrals is a great idea - that'll motivate your current peeps to help spread the word too.

As for not seeming desperate, I've learned it's all about confidence, bro. Even if you're freaking out inside, play it cool on the outside. Don't chase after people who aren't interested - just be like "their loss!" and keep it moving. Post about your biz progress on social media too to generate buzz.

People can smell desperation from a mile away. But when you come across sure of yourself and what you're offering, that's intriguing. And remember, you're talented as hell at what you do. Trust in your skills and that the right clients who appreciate you will find you. Chill vibes only! Just stay optimistic and focused on your own grind. Success is the best revenge.

[Oliverlogan263]

Aah I see, yeah if you guys go to some of the same locations that could make it awkward between you. But like, that's on her for blowing you off - you didn't do anything wrong by just happening to go to the same places, ya know?

Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much about what she thinks. If she wants to act weird and immature about it, let her. You've got your own thing happening and don't need that negative energy.

Just keep being yourself, going to your normal spots, and networking like normal. If you happen to run into her, stay chill and polite but don't go out of your way to interact. Show her it ain't a big deal and you ain't stressed. She'll either get over it or she won't - but either way you still come out on top!

Keep focusing on your badass biz and customers who really appreciate your work. That's what matters. This girl's petty drama isn't worth your time or mental space, ya feel me? Just do you and it'll all work out.

[strateguy632]

maybe she changed her work or wants you to go through customer service.