What Do B2B Marketers Do Now? is an ongoing email. Join the mailing list to be the first to receive these weekly insights!

Could there be more excitement about welcoming 2021?

B2B sales and marketing pros are getting a jump start on the year now that 2020 is in the rear view mirror. This is the time to make this quarter the best ever! Get motivated by Beck as we begin making our 2021 dreams a reality…

Tips to make 2021 your most productive year ever:

What Leaders Can Expect in 2021 & How to Best Prepare

Unless you have a magic wand, you can expect more uncertainty this year. So, let’s take a step back and think about leadership. Forbes ran a fascinating article contrasting traditional horizontal leader development with vertical leader development.

Horizontal development is expanding the tools you currently have such as communications training, advanced negotiating, etc. The idea is to master well-defined areas. Vertical development takes a different approach by challenging the way you think and behave.

What mental models do you lean on while pondering tough questions and problems? Are those models effective in the current environment? Is it time to learn or replace your typical tools, to better enhance your personal performance? How about your team’s performance?

It’s a new year filled with new adventures. The world is different because of COVID-19 – it’s time for some new thinking.

B2B Marketing Strategies and Trends for 2021

If 2020 taught us anything, you need more than a “Plan B.” While it may require new thinking, Bop Design outlines what B2B marketers can expect or should consider in creating their 2021 strategy:

  • Focus on flexibility and adaptability – there will be a need for Plan C, D…
  • Innovate and test – effectively connecting with new customers may require trying new things.
  • Ramp up inbound efforts – if more people are searching on their own for solutions, are they finding you?
  • Incorporate more outbound strategies – align the strategy with the funnel position.
  • Nurture each lead – increasing debate on automated lead nurturing versus individualized nurturing.
  • Prioritize client retention – do you have a client nurturing program yet?
  • Perform market research – market research and social listening can inject new insights.

Overwhelmed by the choices? Pick some low hanging fruit to gain momentum, and then take aim at that big move that will make a significant difference to the bottom line.

New Music Trend for 2021

I’ve talked about how challenging 2020 was for musicians in general. I’ve seen surveys saying that anywhere between 60% and 80% of musicians were considering leaving the industry. OUCH!

In better news, one article found that the hottest new live music trend for 2021 is projected to be something dubbed DJ Live. Yes, these “live virtual acts” combine the power of an amplified DJ matched with live musicians to produce energizing performances (because watching a DJ on their own can be a bit of a snooze). Virtual interactive DJs coupled with live musicians was a smart alternative in 2020 for clients’ holiday parties, and bookings are in demand for company events in 2021.

I believe 2021 holds the promise of new success despite the challenges that lie ahead, and I can’t wait to take on a new year! Ready, set, go!

As always, don’t hesitate to call me to brainstorm or ask how I can help.

Looking forward,
Rick

Rick Endrulat, President | ricke@v-causeway.com | www.linkedin.com/in/rickendrulat