The Courtesy of a Reply, Communication Etiquette Still Matters

As a founder building deeptech ventures for most of my life, I’ve witnessed the pace at which technology changes. But quietly, alongside all that innovation, something else has changed the way we respond to one another.

There was a time when even the shortest reply to an email or message “Received,” “Thanks,” or “Will revert soon” was a standard practice. Today, silence has taken its place.

I’ve experienced this often. After a conversation with an investor, a department official, or someone in a senior role, I’ll follow up with an email. Days pass. Weeks. Nothing. Not even an acknowledgment. Their teams do the same. Because when the leader sets the tone, the team follows.

At Meerkats World , we do things differently. I tell my team clearly we always acknowledge. Whether it's a researcher writing in with an idea, a vendor offering a service, or a student looking for guidance, we close the loop. Even when the answer is no. Even when we're not interested. Because replying shows respect. And respect builds reputation.

It doesn’t take much. A one-line reply can save the other person days of uncertainty. It leaves a mark. One that says, “We see your effort.”

We don’t do this as a tactic. We do it because it reflects who we are and the culture we’re building. Every message you send or ignore tells the world something about your team.

For those who don’t reply anymore I get it. The number of messages is overwhelming. Prioritization is real. But we should ask ourselves are we allowing volume to replace basic courtesy? Can we automate responses in a human way, or delegate respectfully?

For those just starting out in entrepreneurship don’t take the silence you face today as the standard. When your time comes, and people write to you, remember what it felt like. Build something better.

The simplest thing you can do to build a lasting brand, team, and culture is this: reply with dignity.

Communication is your identity in motion.

If this resonates with you, I’d be glad to hear your thoughts. Let's make professionalism a little more human again.

#Leadership #StartupCulture #CommunicationMatters #Entrepreneurship #RespectInBusiness