Inform the vendors you didn’t select.
In the sales process, you are going to win some projects and lose some projects. It’s to be expected. Not every deal is going to be a good fit. I recently had an experience that was really good. Two prospective clients actually contacted me back to let me know they were going in a different direction and didn’t pick us. I appreciate that more than they could know. It’s professional and a not so common courtesy. I wish it was different. Most prospects don’t let you know of their decision. They just go silent.
I really enjoy working with prospective clients to see if we can help them with their problem or opportunity. A lot of energy goes into each proposal. That’s the work of technical sales. In the end, I just want to know their decision. Yes or no. When they go silent, I eventually stop wondering. It’s a no.
I think this happens because people don’t like telling someone no. The Bible says, “let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay;” (James 5:12). That’s good wisdom in all our dealings. I know that all salespeople will appreciate knowing.
Do you agree?