Ok, this post might ruffle a few feather.  I have actually been sitting on this one for 2 months, pondering. Should I, shouldn't I??  Maybe the grief of losing my soul dog has me a bit "spirited"?? Or maybe I'm just really tired? Here it goes!

Recently, I had an interesting conversation with a group of fellow entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries. Despite our differences in business focus, we all shared the same growing frustration: the lack of acknowledgment from potential clients after we've taken the time to respond to inquiries.

Over the past few years, it's become more common for us to provide detailed, thoughtful information in response to client requests, only to hear nothing back. No confirmation of receipt, no feedback, not even a simple "thank you." While we completely understand that not every inquiry will turn into a client, it’s important for us to know that the information we’ve shared has at least been received.

We’re not offended by a "no." In fact, hearing "thank you, but I’ve decided to go in a different direction" or "this isn’t in my budget right now" is far more helpful than silence. Not every inquiry is a match, and we absolutely respect that. What’s challenging is the ambiguity when there’s no response at all. It leaves us wondering whether the information made it through, or if we need to follow up to make sure we’ve done our part.

As businesses that don’t rely on high-pressure sales tactics, our goal is always to provide value, not hassle. We simply appreciate clarity and closure so that we can focus on clients who are the right fit, without unnecessary follow-ups or guesswork.

So, the next time you inquire about services or products, even if the answer is "no," it’s incredibly valuable to let the business know. A quick "thank you, but I’m not interested at this time" goes a long way. It’s polite, professional, and ensures that the lines of communication stay clear. After all, no one likes feeling like their effort has gone into a black hole of silence. Especially, during this busy season.

I guess all those years my mom had my brother and me sit down to write thank-you notes was not just to torture us.  It was to keep gratitude alive.