He ghosted me. After I spent over $2,000 to be there.

He ghosted me. After I spent over $2,000 to be there.

A few years ago, I flew to Houston to meet a CEO about a potential project.

Prior to that, we had talked about his company’s challenges. I knew I could help. He knew he needed it.

So, I put my money where my mouth was.

Booked the flight. Covered the hotel. Spent thousands to be there.

That morning, his assistant called.

“He’s not available anymore.”

No reschedule. No explanation. Just gone.

I tried calling his cell. Straight to voicemail. No reply. Complete disrespect.

Fast forward to today…

I just saw a LinkedIn post from that same CEO about “navigating uncertainty” and “adjusting to market challenges.”

The irony.

The one upside?

It meant I could catch an earlier flight to Red Bay, Alabama. Where I met with another CEO, one who actually showed up.

We sat down, talked business, and over the best sweet potato pie and barbecue I’d had in a long time, we built a real connection.

Business isn’t lost to better products.

It’s lost to the people who actually show up.

A competitor is knocking on your client’s door right now.

Are you inside, or are you waiting for an invitation?