For those working in B2B sales, their customers’ vacations represent a challenge.

With the end of the year approaching and many people going on holiday, many B2B companies already know that contacts will be away for some time, which could lead to a slowdown in business.

However, contrary to what some believe, this period of absence can actually represent a great opportunity to further consolidate your relationship with customers and to rethink your strategy. Here’s how…

5 Indispensable Ways to Retain Your Customers Even on Their Vacations

1. Increase your marketing

Send even more updates about your company and services during holidays.

Work out some strategic posts and emails during this time that will coincide with the holiday and appeal to customers who are on a break.

2. Explore new ideas

When your customers are away on holiday, it gives you more time to explore new marketing ideas.

This is the ideal time to “get moving” and think about new products, strategies and projects.

If your contacts are out of touch for a few days or weeks, work to find new ways to reach them once they’re back in the loop.

3. Be strategic when sending emails

Your client will likely have a fair amount of work to catch up on when they get back from vacation.

To reconnect with these people, a good strategy is to wait for the routine to return to normal when vacation ends.

Don’t hit them with a flurry of emails the first day back in the office.

This attempt at contact will not be lost in the midst of so many unread emails if the person has just gotten back from vacation. Wait a few days and strategically time your emails.

4. Schedule a meeting

A few days after your client or potential client gets back from holiday can be the perfect time to schedule a meeting. This is a great opportunity to catch up: they’re still relaxed from holiday but also settling back into work.

5. Don’t let your customer feel helpless

Leave some automated messages ready to go on emails, in case your customer tries to contact you during your own vacation period.

Be clear about a turnaround time so your customer doesn’t feel alone and helpless.

Without knowing what’s going on, customers can quickly jump ship.

The Bottom Line

A good entrepreneur knows that you can’t build a house without a firm foundation.

In the end, small actions add up to make all the difference in the B2B sector.

Develop the strategies above and you will lay the groundwork for more success in your business during the holidays.