Are you preparing to shut down business for the holidays? Before you shut off your computer and lose your focus on your customers, products, and lead generation efforts you should read this article. Despite everything you believe (the business is dead in the holiday season, everyone is out on vacation) the reality is far different.
For B2B businesses there is no actual full stop during the holidays. Maybe activity and sales slow down, but you should not close shop and become inactive for the entire holidays period. Actually, this is a very good period for lead generation efforts. Are you surprised? You shouldn’t be. The holidays are that time of year when everyone is more relaxed and is prepared to listen to your business proposition with more focus and attention.
We have asked various B2B clients and they have come up with a list of very earnest reasons why being approached by a potential supplier is welcome during the holiday season. Here are the top 4 reasons we compiled:
1. There Are Less Internal Meetings
Some managers cannot meet with all the potential partners during most of the year because they are caught up between internal meetings, doing their tasks and overseeing their employees.
As the holiday season approaches and with a lot of their staff away on vacation, managers have more spare time and would welcome a fruitful discussion which could lead to new business opportunities. Even if the discussions do not finalise with a signed contract, you have the chance at least to introduce yourself and your business, and get in direct contact with a decision maker in the company.
2. There Are Less Watchdogs to Block Your Way
Yes, let me stress the previous sentence more here. The holiday season is a great moment to bypass gatekeepers such as the receptionist, the marketing assistant, the personal assistant, and so on. Most of these people are on vacation and there will be only a receptionist on the line who most likely will put you through with a manager (because there is nobody else around). Why wouldn’t you take advantage of this rare opportunity to make your business known to more potential clients?
3. People Are Chattier and More Generous during the Holidays
While there is no scientific proof to this assertion, it is an undeniable fact. As Christmas is getting closer and everyone thinks of their family, of making gifts and being a better, kinder person, this mellow and positive mood reflects on our actions and decisions.
You will be granted 10 extra minute to present your business idea, your chances of getting a newsletter subscription increases, and your introductory email has greater chances of being read instead of sent to the trash directly.
4. There Is Less Competition
That is true, many of your competitors think exactly as you did before reading this article: there is no business to be done in December, let’s close shop. Your company presentation will not be one of a few hundred that managers get on a daily basis, but one of a few dozens. Or, if you are lucky, even the only one for the day. At any rate, if you choose to continue your lead generation effort throughout the holidays, you have to compete with fewer similar companies selling the same type of products or services.
Now that you have finished reading this article, do you still think it is not worthwhile to keep up your lead generation efforts during the holiday season?