Ding Dong Ditch

When there’s something I don’t want to do, I recruit someone to do it with me.  I find it much easier to harass someone else into doing things with me instead of trying to make myself do it alone. 

Today was the first day of the rest of our lives – you know, the first day my new door knocking partner (DNP) and I had scheduled to go out into the cold, cruel world.  And here, it’s cold – colder than we’re used to.  I know.  I know.  We’re babies complaining about the low 40 temps we’re having, but it’s cold.  Anyway, my DNP, who will remain nameless, because she now reads this blog, tells me she couldn’t sleep last night, then had trouble getting out of bed.  Huh?  Oh brother. 

So we get in the car and DNP starts with:  “Which way should I take to get to the house?”  I don’t know.  How about the fastest?  We’re on the road looking at the scenery.  I realize she’s taken the most indirect route possible.  Okay.  She needs to work herself up to this. 

On the way we see deer and lots of them.  I say, “Oh, turn around.  That picture would make a great post.”  She goes another mile past at least three opportunities to turn around.  We stop in the middle of the street take a couple of pictures and she drives another mile past three more opportunities to turn around.

We get to the neighborhood, “Where should I park?”  How about right there?  “Right there?”  Yes, just pull over right there in front of that mail box.  “Now what do I do?”  Put the car in park and take off your seat belt.  “Okay.” 

I get my coat, scarf and gloves on, grab my handouts and start heading for the door.  She’s ruffling around in the back seat doing I don’t know what.  I’m knocking on the first door.  I hear from a distance, “Blaaahhhh, blahhhh.”  I don’t know what she’s saying.  She arrives behind me with a hat and sunglasses on – afraid she’s going to be recognized.  I should have taken a picture of THAT.

We do our doors and talk to a whopping two people.  She’s thrilled.  Nobody’s home!  We had so much fun she wants to do it again.  Just what I expected.  It’s not that bad.  You can too.  You might see some deer.  If not, come back and look at this picture.

Here’s some etiquette we made up:
Wear your name tag.
Find something – anything – to compliment the home owner on.  It’s just like a first date.
Closed gate?  Think big dog.
This is not ding dong ditch.  Wait a minute so they can get to the door.
In fact, don’t ring the bell.  It only took me waking one baby up to figure that one out.
Don’t stand too close to the door.  Knock and take a step back.
And the most important one of all…smile!

I know you people have many more to add to the list, so bring it on!

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Topics: Marketing, Real Estate, Realtors