I’m a little jaded. I’ll be honest. I have a small business in gig work and I have been doing it for a while now. I had been busy but had to take a break due to health reasons. Now I’m jumping back in and they could give a crap less in my area. They know I’m here and available for business but I get zero respect. I am a decent person and I don’t do bad business. I am talented…not the best in the world and not the worst. I am a humble person and not egotistical. I don’t post about politics or religion on my socials when I advertise. I just don’t understand. I’m trying not to take it personally but I never hear back from leads, phone calls, emails. I follow up but nada. Here is an example… I initiated a call about an opportunity. They did answer and we chatted and they said to send my info. I sent the info. I followed up and called them back as I heard nothing from them. They told me we received your info and we will be in touch but they almost acted like I was bothering them and hurried me off the phone. Fine. But I haven’t heard a word back since. Now I don’t know what to do. They liked me but they don’t want to be bothered? So I should essentially wait for nothing? lol another example…I reached out to a business to collaborate and they said we will check and get back to you. I followed up and they said the same. Now crickets. How can I be noticed enough to get work without cold calling as much? It seems to lead me nowhere. When I first started it was very productive for me and it got me lots of opportunities but now something has shifted. I don’t want to appear desperate but I think someone ignoring multiple emails speaks volumes. But being in gig work I realize I need to be aggressive but I also realize swimming in the local pool I might be undercutting myself and dealing with unprofessional people or shitty competition but due to my health this is where I have to be at the moment. I hadn’t returned for a year and it seems like 2025 has changed communication. It is so much harder this time around. I’d like to hear your advice. I am not asking for sympathy but I am feeling somewhat blah. Thanks. 😕