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Key Takeaways Buyers walk away from sellers who exhibit unacceptable behaviors, and a lack of respect is the core issue.
However, having respect for others isn’t enough — you have to actually demonstrate respect. Buyers notice when it’s absent.
Respect isn’t just a soft skill. It’s one of the most impactful core competencies you can develop.
Over 75% of buyers will walk away from a seller who exhibits unacceptable behavior. And most sellers are never told that respect — or the lack of it — is the core issue.
As the founder, I’m my company’s chief salesperson. In that role, staying aligned with what clients, partners and stakeholders expect isn’t optional; it’s the difference between growing and getting ghosted.
Prospects spend significant time researching your business and evaluating whether you can address their challenges. But when they finally reach out, they’re judging something deeper than features. They’re looking for signs of competence, credibility and emotional intelligence. And they’re assessing whether you’ll treat them — and their team — with the respect they deserve.
Fail that test, and you’ll almost never get a second chance.
Related: 4 Reasons Why Rudeness Leads to Business Failure
Having respect for others isn’t enough
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