When A Prospect Ghosts You (and Your ADHD Brain Won't Let It Go)

Ever had a discovery call or free consultation that felt so right — only to be met with complete and utter silence afterward? No reply. No “thanks, but no thanks.” Just… crickets. And if your ADHD brain is anything like mine, that silence turns the situation into a 3D crime scene you just have to solve.

ABOUT THE HOST

Diann Wingert (she/her) is a former psychotherapist turned ADHD entrepreneur coach and business strategist, as well as the insightful host of ADHD-ish.

With both lived experience and deep professional expertise in ADHD, Diann guides neurodivergent entrepreneurs toward greater self-awareness, creativity, and sustainable success— with her signature blend of no-nonsense advice, compassionate understanding, and a dash of sass.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:

Ghosting = Brain Spiral Town.

Most of us with ADHD are natural connectors, really tuned in to people’s emotions and needs (sometimes to a fault!). So when a prospect suddenly ghosts, our brain doesn’t just let it go. We cycle through: Did I misread everything? Did I say something wrong? Should I follow up? The open mental tabs never close!

Why Does It Hit So Hard? 

It’s about more than lost potential business — it chips away at our confidence and identity. Thanks, rejection sensitivity! Our brains crave closure, and ghosting feels like an unsolvable mystery that burns a hole in our mental inbox.

3 Practical Ways to Prevent & Recover:

1.Set Clear Expectations on the Call:

Instead of ending with vague “I’ll send info and we’ll go from there,” clearly address what comes next. Give the prospect space to say if they need to think or consult someone else. Your brain will thank you later.

2.Summary Follow-Up Email:

After the call, send a recap: “Here’s what I heard you need, and how I’d help.” It’s not just professionalism — it helps you remember details if the anxiety spiral hits.

3.One Professional Follow-Up (Then Let Go):

Send a single, polite check-in. Example:

“Hi X, just following up on the proposal. Totally understand if timing isn’t right. Let me know if you have questions!”

Then, mentally… close that tab. Their silence is about their stuff, not your value.

Bonus Brain Hack: 

If you catch yourself spiraling, say out loud, “My brain is trying to solve an unsolvable puzzle.” Set a 15-minute timer to ruminate if you must, then move your body — walk, jump, play with the dog, whatever. Shifting gears really does help!

Real Talk: 

Ghosting is not a judgment of your worth or skill. Often it’s got nothing to do with you. Life happens. Budgets cut. Crises pop up. Sometimes people just freeze on big decisions.

Focus on what you can control: being a pro, building your pipeline (more prospects = less sting), and separating your self-worth from any one client’s decision. And, always redirect energy into new opportunities — don’t dwell on what’s done.

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Don’t forget:

You. Are. Not. Alone.

And you’re honestly better at this than you think. ❤️

Stay tuned for more empowering conversations and practical tools for thriving in business with ADHD—right here on ADHD-ish!