The beginning of the new year is a fantastic time to reach out to buyers. Your prospects are focused on starting fresh, driving change, and setting yearly goals — if you reach out with a relevant suggestion or compelling value proposition, they'll be primed to respond. Double down on this effect by referencing the holiday in your message.
Adding some humor and levity to your sales emails will improve your response rates as well. Most messages are relatively cut-and-dry, so prospects are usually surprised and impressed by anything with a little personality.
Happy New Year Email Greeting
When extending a New Year’s greeting to a prospect or customer, keep your remarks simple. A thoughtful message such as ‘Thank you for your business this year,’ is appropriate, followed by ‘Wishing you and your team a Happy New Year. Best wishes’ sets the stage well for future interactions.
To be clear, there are many ways to use the New Year as an ice-breaker to re-engage with a client, which is why we included the messages below.
Use the New Year-themed sales email templates below to connect, follow up, and close the loop with prospects — and start 2020 off strong.
Happy New Year Email Templates
Prospecting email templates
These prospecting email templates will start off your year of prospecting on the right foot.
1. "Don't drop the ball ... "
Why this works: To motivate your prospect to respond, remind them of a timely opportunity and offer your expertise.
Hi [prospect name],
The ball might've dropped in Times Square, but I'm guessing you don't want to drop the ball on [initiative, recent company announcement, industry shift, likely challenge].
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I have a few suggestions on [improving/addressing business challenge]. Are you free on [date and time] to discuss them?
Best,
[Your name]
2. "I can't do this alone ... "
Why this works: The self-deprecation will give your recipient a chuckle and make you seem more human and relatable. In addition, they'll appreciate your focus on their goals.
Hey [prospect name],
This year, I'm resolving to help you [solve X challenge, accomplish Y goal, pursue Z opportunity]. Oh, and [work out more often, eat less dessert, get organized] … but I'm less confident about that one.
Will you help me keep at least one of my resolutions? If you're available on [date and time], I have X suggestions that may help in [business area].
Thank you,
[Your name]
3. "New year, new you ... "
Why this works: This email is short, easy to read, and engaging. If your prospect has already started thinking about the trend you mention, they'll be impressed by your timing. If they haven't started thinking about it, they'll be eager for your help and insights.
Hi [prospect name],
Thanks to [trend], [business area, strategic focus] will be a major focus in 2020 for companies of [prospect's size] in [prospect's space]. How does [prospect's company] plan to capitalize on this change?
Best,
[Your name]
4. "Congratulations ... "
Why this works: Show your prospect you've done your research by referencing company news. And because your prospect simply needs to say "yes" or "no," responding will feel nearly effortless.
Hello [prospect name],
Most people are still toasting to the new year, but I'm lifting a virtual glass to [prospect's company] in honor of [recent announcement].
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Typically, businesses who do X [struggle with A, pursue B next, double their return by investing in C, minimize risk with D strategy]. Have you considered this approach?
Best,
[Your name]
5. "Time is of the essence ... "
Why this works: The cheeky subject line will entice your recipient to open the email — and its helpful, relevant, non-pushy contents will prompt them to respond.
Hi [prospect name],
To be fair, since it's [date] 2020 I've only waited X days … But when it comes to [likely challenge, opportunity, industry shift], time is of the essence.
How is [prospect's company] planning to [deal with challenges, capitalize on X opportunity, respond to industry shift]? This [blog post, podcast episode, white paper] has some interesting tips.
Cheers,
[Your name]
6. "First of your kind ... "
Why this works: Your prospect is far likelier to respond to an offer to help than a request for their time. Once you've added value to their life, they'll be eager to learn how your offering can help them even more.
… to wish you a Happy New Year, that is.
Now that we've gotten the last scraps of confetti out of our hair, I have a serious question. Would you be interested in [an introduction to a helpful person, a feature in a post I'm writing on X, a recommendation on achieving Y]?
[Your name]
7. "Proton pack weapon not included ... "
Why this works: Who doesn't love a Ghostbusters reference? This creative email shows off your personality while demonstrating what you can offer.
I might not have a proton pack weapon, but I do have a few suggestions for [solving pain point]. Is that a challenge [prospect's company] is currently dealing with?
[Your name]
8. "Most expensive breadsticks ever ... "
Why this works: The unexpected subject line is guaranteed to boost your open rate. And the punch line is memorable, which means your prospect will be thinking about your email all day.
Hi [prospect name],
That's how much the restaurant's Times Square location charged people to attend its New Year's Eve party last year.
But whether you ate lots of pasta this New Year's or settled for good old-fashioned libations, I'm sure you're thinking about how to [solve X likely challenge]. I have some ideas — want to hear them?
You can book a meeting with me here: [Link to meetings tool.]
- [Your name]
9. "Let the good times roll..."
Why this works: Highlight a success your prospect has had over the past year and use it as a conversation starter. Who doesn't like talking about their wins? This is a great way to engage and be top of mind as they begin their year.
Hi [prospect name],
I've been following you on LinkedIn for awhile, and couldn't help but notice all of the incredible strides your company made this year.
I have some ideas for how you can capitalize on your momentum in the new year. Are you free on [date and time] to discuss them?
Best,
[Your name]
Follow-up email templates
Is your prospect ghosting on you? Use these follow up email templates that are sure to get a response.
1. "If at first you don't succeed … "
Why this works: Your honesty will impress the buyer and help you earn their trust. Even if they're not currently dealing with the pain points you've included, they may be impressed enough with your straightforward approach to respond regardless.
Hi [prospect name],
I've reached out to [prospect's company] a few times over the past [X months, year] but haven't heard back. What I talked about clearly didn't resonate. In honor of the new year, I'm refocusing on your needs.
The companies I work with in [prospect's industry] of [prospect's size] typically struggle with these challenges:
- [Challenge #1]
- [Challenge #2]
Are you experiencing either of these?
Best,
[Your name]
2. "Looking forward ... "
Why this works: "Prediction" articles are a dime a dozen around this time. Find one that applies to your prospect's industry, geographic territory, product space, target demographic, and/or internal policies and pass it along. They'll be grateful for your helpfulness, likely leading to an opportunity to present your solution down the line.
Hey [prospect name],
I came across this post on [2020 predictions for prospect's industry or market] and thought of you. The author thinks [X event] is highly likely — does [prospect's company] have a plan in place for [responding to, minimizing the impact of, profiting from] this change?
Best,
[Your name]
3. "No sales pitch, guaranteed ... "
Why this works: If you've been unable to get a prospect on the phone, this template may do the trick. The unexpected approach will surprise them and pique their interest. In addition, they'll feel like you're doing them a favor rather than the other way around.
Hi [prospect name],
In honor of the new year, I'm doing something that might sound crazy: I'm giving my time away for free.
The last time we spoke, you [expressed concern, demonstrated interest] in [business area related to rep's expertise]. If you want a no-strings-attached [15-minute, 20-minute, half hour] consultation on [rep's area of expertise], just [book a slot on my calendar, respond with your preferred date and time] — no sales pitch, guaranteed.
There's no catch — I'd rather commit to this resolution than try to exercise more (and fail for the third year in a row).
Looking forward to discussing [how to solve X, drive Y results],
[Your name]
A note of caution: Don't bait-and-switch anyone who takes you up on the offer. Buyers will get annoyed if you turn your consultation into a sales pitch — and rightfully so. Once you've spent 15 to 30 minutes helping them, request another meeting to talk about your product's ability to help them with the same goals.
4. "I'm not giving up on you ... "
Why this works: It cheekily references the number of people who abandon their resolutions a few months out — then shows you've got more stamina.
[Prospect name],
Can you believe most resolutions are abandoned by the second week of February?
I'm not giving up on you so easily. Let me know if [addressing X, doing Y] is still a priority in Q2.
-[Your name]
5. "It's not you, it's me... "
Why this works: We can all admit we've been turned off by receiving overly sales-y messages in the past. This follow-up template recognizes this, and offers a more human approach.
[Prospect name],
I'm sure your inbox is jam-packed, so I wanted to make sure we didn't lose touch.
I would love to follow up on our conversation from last week to discuss how I can support your 2020 business plans. Are you available at [date, time]?
-[Your name]
Breakup email templates
If your prospect just doesn't seem interested, send them a message using a breakup email template.
1. "Not just because it's New Year's ... "
Why this works: This classic line from When Harry Met Sally will elicit a smile from your recipient. Meanwhile, hearing this is their last opportunity to work with you will incite some much-needed urgency.
Hello [prospect name],
I promise I'm not just reaching out because it's New Year's ...
I'm reaching out to ask if you're still interested in [driving X results, investing in Y business area, fixing Z issue]. If this is no longer a priority, do I have permission to close your file?
Thanks,
[Your name]
2. "Reevaluating your strategies ... "
Why this works: This short and sweet message gives buyers one last chance to respond before you professionally move on.
Hi [prospect name],
As [prospect's company] enters the new year, you might be reevaluating your strategies for X. Are you still interested in discussing [solutions to/opportunities in] X for [prospect's company]?
If not, please let me know so I can stop reaching out.
Best,
[Your name]
3. "We don't talk anymore ... "
Why this works: Playfully put yourself back on the buyer's radar without guilt-tripping them.
Hi [prospect name],
We don't talk anymore, like we used to … But it's a new year, and I'm ready to try one last time.
When we last spoke, we discussed [pain] and how [product] could help [drive X results]. Are you still interested in continuing that discussion? If not, please let me know so I can stop playing this song.
Best,
[Your name]
4. "I'll be here when you need me... "
Why this works: Sometimes it's ok to be a rebound. Let your prospect know you'll be there when they're ready to proceed.
Hi [prospect name],
I'm sure your new year has gotten off to a busy start.
When you're ready to discuss a solution for [problem] to help solve [result], I'll be here to help.
Best,
[Your name]
These templates will make it easier to hit your first quota of the year. Now that deserves a toast.
Looking for fresh real estate email templates for the new year? Look no further.
