Ghosting is the newest “sensation” in dating, where someone ends a relationship by suddenly and without explanation ending all communication (I use sensation in quotations since the behavior is far from sensational). While I *knock on wood* have never experienced this in my personal life, I realized the other day that I, along with several of my colleagues, have actually experienced this in our professional life. No, there isn’t a PR version of Bumble, but occasionally you will get a bite from a reporter, try to set up an interview or get more details on the opportunity, and consequently never hear from them again. What gives?
Just like in dating, getting ghosted by a reporter is a totally crappy feeling. At Fish, securing a huge national placement for your client generally includes screaming up and down at your desk, running around the office like a crazy person, and of course ringing our signature bell in the back that designates someone just locked something awesome in. So, when a week later the reporter ghosts you, it can really be as heartbreaking as a breakup. Luckily for you, I’ve dealt with this unfortunate situation once or twice in my PR career, and have developed a simple 5 step guide to bouncing back from getting ghosted. It is as follows:
- You got screwed over, and that sucks. It’s OK to be angry. Send a bunch of bitter Skypes to your co-workers complaining. Totally vent.
- You thought you just landed a huge story only to have it slip out of your fingers. Embrace it. Make yourself a cup of tea and listen to Adele for 10 minutes.
- Let the unexpected failure motivate you to come up with an even better idea that you’ll pitch to an even better contact.
- You went back at it, and locked in a new placement with a reporter that didn’t end up ghosting you. Your client is pumped, your team is pumped, you’re pumped. Success feels good.
- Brag about yourself and go ring the bell, you earned it.
