Going Door to Door?

[lssanjose]

Lol. I used to do door-to-door sales, err, “advertising”. The first thing I’d say to them was “Don’t worry, I’m not here to sell you anything.” Also, I recommend not using the word “free” EVER. Everyone knows nothing in life is free. Everything has some cost to it, thus the word “free” instantly makes people skeptical of you and your intentions.

I am reminded of one of my very first sales. I lived in a city with a large Mormon population (the company I worked for was actually run by Mormons and based on their door-to-door evangelizing). I was new, and not very experienced, so I wasn’t a smooth, slick sales person (I’m still not). I had the lines I was trained to memorize by the company, but they never told us about the, “I don’t want anything to do with Mormons or Jehovah Witnesses” objection. I started my, “Don’t worry, ma’am. I’m not here to sell you anything” pitch, when this woman got all up in arms, literally shouting at me, “I don’t want anything to do with Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses…” I quickly interjected, “Not to worry Ma’am. I’m Catholic.” Instantly shut down the hostile situation, she invited me into her home, and shortly thereafter a conversation about farming and pipe organs I made a sale.

That’s why I prefer indirect word of mouth (is this even a legitimate term? ). Friends will tell others about what I do; thus, I won’t be needed to go door-to-door. Solicitation is a tricky deal.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

That’s why I prefer indirect word of mouth (is this even a legitimate term? ). Friends will tell others about what I do; thus, I won’t be needed to go door-to-door. Solicitation is a tricky deal.

Door-to-door is actually the most effective method, though. It takes skill, getting used to rejection, and studying from the pros. Handing people flyers or business cards, brochures, etc isn’t effective. Most people will take them to be polite and get rid of you. You need to get in that door, and into the house. That takes confidence and observation skills for knowing when to make the move. You’d be amazed at how easy it is to get someone to invite you into their home. All you have to do is “ask.” That is, when the time is right, say something like, “why don’t we quickly pray a decade of the Rosary together, and then I’ll be on my way” while doing this, start wiping your feet, and confidently take a step forward towards the door. Most people will step to the side, and invite you in. The trick is, you HAVE to be confident.

 

[lssanjose]

Door-to-door is actually the most effective method, though. It takes skill, getting used to rejection, and studying from the pros. Handing people flyers or business cards, brochures, etc isn’t effective. Most people will take them to be polite and get rid of you. You need to get in that door, and into the house. That takes confidence and observation skills for knowing when to make the move. You’d be amazed at how easy it is to get someone to invite you into their home. All you have to do is “ask.” That is, when the time is right, say something like, “why don’t we quickly pray a decade of the Rosary together, and then I’ll be on my way” while doing this, start wiping your feet, and confidently take a step forward towards the door. Most people will step to the side, and invite you in. The trick is, you HAVE to be confident.

I think I’ve sufficient confidence, to get in the door. It’s once I get the door is where I get a little flustered. At least, this was my experience when trying to sell vacuum cleaners. I’m a small, young-looking guy, who doesn’t appear threatening, from what I’ve experienced.