Bad Weather Door Knocking Ideas?
Hey all EDJ Vets,
Where did you go for your bad weather door knocking prior to eval/grad? I’m starting to get some nasty weather and want to maintain my high level of contacts, but the area I am prospecting is limited in the amount of small businesses. I know they say a lot of people let you in during poor weather, but I would much rather do residences for a short period, then hit other areas. What do those who made it think on this topic? Also, thanks for any and all input. It is GREATLY appreciated.
There aer silly stories about guys doorknocking in the blinding snow, but I think that’s just stupid, unless you live in a rural area where that’s sort of acceptable. In New England, they’d slam the door in your face and think you were a vagrant.
Your best bet, do targeted cold-calling. I don't like cold-calling, but early on, you have to keep your activity up, or you will fail out of any program, not just Jones. Try to focus on areas that you will not be door-knocking.I agree with B24. I was one of those crazy ones that tried going doorknocking when it was snowing. Not a single person let me inside to warm up and as far as I remember I didn’t get a singe prospect from that outing. So, unless you live in an area where it’s going to be snowing in the winter more often than not, I’d look for other things to do, especially while it’s actually snowing. Once it stops, all bets are off.
One piece of advice, your ATL might flip if they find out you're using the telephone instead of your knuckles to find new prospects prior to eval/grad. Trust me, I flipped out on a couple of guys some 10 years ago when I found out they weren't actually doorknocking. Use the phone if you have to. You might also want to expand your "area" a bit. If your town doesn't have a lot of businesses, maybe you can go to a different town. Just because your targeting a specific town doesn't mean the businesses in the town next door are being serviced.Yeah I agree with Spiff. I stop doorknocking because I wasn’t getting anything out of it(except ruined shoes). And I switched to cold calling and it got me through the winter months.
I’m having very surprising luck at door knocking. My girlfriend is familiar with the area I’m targeting, and she suggested where I go. With her suggestions, I’ve had no problem exceeding the daily limits when door knocking. Especially if I am out until dark. Although, I went downtown today to talk to some businesses, and the owners were very bitter about the area. It was shocking. I’m probably going to stick to the outskirts of the town where it seems more lively and open to a new business.
I agree with B24 and the rest of you about cold weather/snow door knocking. I went out the day after the 7 when it was 20 degrees out with a windchill in the single digits. I had 3 people let me in, but only about 10 people even talked to me. I think those stories of kindness are slightly over exaggerated for Jones.
As to targetted cold calling, that is out of the question for the time being. The area is a long distance area and the charges I would rack up would be pretty crazy. I still have 2-3 weeks until they install the phone at my house which I can use to make calls. I’m mostly trying to figure out a way to bridge the gap in time.
I have a permit to solicit the town I’m targeting, but the town is actually small in size. I am working on getting a permit for the neighboring borough, but the code enforcer tends to be missing when I stop in. Do I need a permit to talk to businesses? Someone in my area suggested that I target the local mall. Has anyone else done this? Thanks for the input everyone. I do plan on looking into the other local towns, especially since the one has 0% assets in Jones account.
Where in the world do you live? Most phone providers now have unlimited calling(no long distance) for like $50/month
If three people let you in, that is a very good day. … If you are still priot to Eval Grad, I would keep knocking on doors. The whole point of what you’re doing now is to see if you are tough enough to do this and smart enough to learn from it. Buy some long underwear and keep going. … Malls? Sure, give it a couple of hours. You won’t find store owners, but you will find bitter retail clerks who might have an old 401k, and/or will have one. Small accounts, but again, this is training. You have to prove to yourself you can prospect and open accounts. Tell yourself that you are out fighting to see people while the other broker is warm and watching ESPN.
Schlemoc, do not solicit in the mall, unless you want to enjoy the perp walk out the front door with an 18 y.o. security guard yearning to use his pepper spray or asp on you. We've leased space from the mall here from time to time for special events, and most malls are nutso about stuff like that.
Someone in my area suggested that I target the local mall. Has anyone else done this? Thanks for the input everyone. I do plan on looking into the other local towns, especially since the one has 0% assets in Jones account.
[quote=2wheeledbeemer][quote=schlemoc]
Agreed, which is why I wondered when he told me that. I couldn’t see that as a great place to pick up prospects especially with this time of the year. The cold isn’t really the issue. It’s more the bad snow and ice. Back out to the streets for this trainee. I actually have fun door knocking, so it’s not work yet. We’ll see a couple months down the road how I feel. I like talking to people and hearing all the stories.
My EDJ businees started the week between Xmas and NYEve...I don't care who you are...thats funny. People are home takin down the tree, playin with their new toys, etc. You need to knock that week...it is one of the best. I did it in an ice storm and opened 14 new accounts in a week after Eval.Hey all EDJ Vets,
Also, thanks for any and all input. It is GREATLY appreciated.
My EDJ businees started the week between Xmas and NYEve...I don't care who you are...thats funny. People are home takin down the tree, playin with their new toys, etc. You need to knock that week...it is one of the best. I did it in an ice storm and opened 14 new accounts in a week after Eval.[/quote][quote=schlemoc]Hey all EDJ Vets,
Also, thanks for any and all input. It is GREATLY appreciated.
You spelled "Christ" wrong.
Thanks Hank...oops...spelled New years wrong too.
I’ll be out that week doorknocking. I have to do the insurance course the beginning of this week, but I’ll be out shortly afterward. I went out Saturday and didn’t catch many people. It may have been the designated neighborhood or the fact everyone was trying to shop, but I actually found less people than during the week.
I have learned its just a mental/numbers game. Sometimes I knock on 25 doors and nothing then I get 5 contacts out of the next 6. Who knows? I have not found that people are particularly nice when I am suffering in the snow and rain. I just try to shut down my brain and hit the next door. Its crazy, the first door I hit someone says ohh we have had 5 EDJ guys come through here. The next says do you guys do rollovers? Go figure. Good topic though, I was hoping to hear of a silver bullet.
I’m used to hearing the mental game, or being told “follow the recipe”. I understand the recipe is pretty simple, but sometimes the weather is pretty nasty and door knocking isn’t really a valid option. I do not handle real cold weather well. Mostly, I can’t wait until spring. At least I’m not like a fellow EDJ’er door knocking in negative thirty.
Tall trees and RV’s usually mean retiree’s. Those little yard statues…another sign. Immaculate gardens in the spring…retirees.
Don’t do it! You look like an idiot! I speak from experience. Don’t believe the b.s. about how all vets found their best clients on those days and how people will invite you in because it’s cold and visit with you. Only do this if your life is a Disney movie.
"I am out here for you. You don't know what it's like to be ME out here for YOU. It is an up-at-dawn, pride-swallowing siege that I will never fully tell you about, ok?" Jerry MaguireJK nice thought. Don’t do it! Do tell what to do? Its easy to say don’t do this don’t do that. I figure I got a whole barrel of S**t to eat sometimes it will be cold sometimes hot and sometimes just right. Does not matter , people don’t care. Your a stranger at there door no matter what the temp is outside. Also, “look like an idiot” and on nice days I don’t look like an idiot? Oh look at that guy going door to door he looks so smart. LOL Big deal people think I’m an idiot. Don’t knock now its Christmas Eve. Well cheers to ya. I gotta go knock. Whoopy
Do you feel better now?
Whether I have to door knock or hit businesses, either way I’m getting my contacts. I agree. Regardless of what you are doing, people are going to be leery of you and consider you a stranger. They will also consider you idiotic at most times, so what does that matter? I was mostly looking for ideas on how to refrain from freezing, but like those said, you do what you got to do to succeed in this business. That’s what I plan on doing.
[quote=schlemoc] I was mostly looking for ideas on how to refrain from freezing …
[/quote]
Layers. Long underwear, silk is light but very warm. A stocking hat. Gloves. Boots. Your hands still freeze and that is what usually drive you back inside.
Merry Christmas!
You're right, you are getting your contacts, and THAT is the main thing. My post of looking like an idiot was not a personal assault on anyone. Maybe it's just because that's what I felt like while I was doing it. But alas, you have to do it because it's the "Jones" way. My tip: Dress in layers, go up a block and back down the other side, get in your car and start it up, warm up. I kept a Thermas of coffee to drink, write down your information for the contacts, drive to the next block and repeat.Whether I have to door knock or hit businesses, either way I’m getting my contacts. I agree. Regardless of what you are doing, people are going to be leery of you and consider you a stranger. They will also consider you idiotic at most times, so what does that matter? I was mostly looking for ideas on how to refrain from freezing, but like those said, you do what you got to do to succeed in this business. That’s what I plan on doing.
Thanks for the input. I went out on some warmer days between Christmas and New years and had some pretty solid success. It was still a bit of a haul to get those 25 contacts, but it was done. I got some thermals to wear and layers, but I have noticed people do not want to talk in the cold weather. Give me a mild day and people will talk all day long. It’s the cold days that people don’t want to see me. Just means you have to stop back later. Here’s to spring, and a prosperous '09.
I’m going out doorknocking today, hell or high water… its been too long and I HAVE to do it!
who am I kidding, I say this every week and I never do... Oh well, today's the day, I can feel it.Do you EJ guys really have a good deal of success opening accts door knocking? What kind of acct sizes? In my area of the northeast, I cannot see how this would be a viable way to build a biz. How do you deal with angry folks who take their frustrations out on you? Not saying that happens but people are losing jobs and assets and I could see some people coming to the door and getting real pissed that there is some investment guy on their doorstep looking for their business. I did do some cold canvassing of biz owners in my newby days and did not find it very worthwhile. I typically could not get access to the owner and when I did they were shocked that someone in my business would be out looking for clients that way. I got the impression that they pretty much dismissed me as a guy who was struggling to survive and maybe not the best guy to turn their money over to. Just my experience. Im not dissing you guys that do this as I know from experience it takes some guts and tough skin to be able to to this at all.
Tough skin would be an understatement for door knocking. To keep the weather out and the bad responses from bugging you. It is rough, that is a terrible understatement. As to opening accounts, I am not allowed to handle accounts. It is actually helping me out a lot. I am in a depressed community where a lot of companies recently left. Many people have recently lost their jobs and are looking for new careers. Many of them are alright with talking to me. Those who are uncomfortable, I stress that I am not there to sell them something but to just learn a little bit about the community in which I will be working. They tend to calm down after that. It opens the door for some other questions which have led to some great prospects. Out of the 200 people I have spoke with, I have had 3 people openly tell me to contact them about setting up retirement accounts or their brokerage accounts. It’s what you make of it, but I am glad I am not farther north.
I knocked on 35 doors on Sat. I spoke to 22 people, 12 of them gave me phone numbers, 4 are very interested, and I have an appointment with one. It was freeeezing cold out but it wasnt raining or snowing. That was a good day.
what were you doing to keep the individuals at the door? I tend to have a difficult time keeping people’s attention when it’s cold out.
[quote=F@C@]I knocked on 35 doors on Sat. I spoke to 22 people, 12 of them gave me phone numbers, 4 are very interested, and I have an appointment with one. It was freeeezing cold out but it wasnt raining or snowing. That was a good day.[/quote]
Liar.
Wow, what an honor, my first post and I already caught the wrath of hank moody. : )
I am past "can sell" so I can talk investments, everyone has something to say about that subject right now. Sometimes they say it with a closed door. I hit an unusually good street with friendly people at home. Every day sure isnt like that.
I would not dismiss that statement as a lie. I’ve hit 3-4 blocks where almost every house someone has talked to me. Like stated, it’s not every day, but it happens.
Juggling and/or magic tricks. I kept 3 golf bals in my pocket and would pull them out to keep interest while I discussed my favorite Muni. It is amazing how warm you are while you attempt to present a Muni and juggle 3 golf balls. Try it...it works. Magic tricks work best for a discussion of your favorite stock. A deck of playing cards can do wonders to illustrate the benefits of a good dividend paying stock. One ace turns into many if we are buying Pepsi for the dividends. Try it...it works.what were you doing to keep the individuals at the door? I tend to have a difficult time keeping people’s attention when it’s cold out.
OOPS! Actually my second post!!! Well now my third…sigh…sorry.
[quote=Fud Box]
This is my first post…I was just hired on by EJ and my Eval/Grad date is in June. I live in the South and will almost certainly see lots of 95-105 degree days…with awful humidity to boot! What about hot weather? What's the best way to avoid looking like a smelly, sweaty mess on those humid, hot-as-hell, summer days??? [/quote]Picture Paul Woodward playing Ben Quick in The Long Hot Summer. White shirt, maybe a string tie. No jacket. A straw hat if you can make that work.
Go straight to Willie Varner's door -- he has all the money in the county. Take your pick of his daughters, catty Lee Remick or if you want more classy, Joanne herself.
Definitely before my time! But from what I can gather, I almost certainly could not pull of that look!
Bud, I started in April several years ago, so I was doorknocking all day through my first summer. Although Jones trainers are taught to tell you not to, I actually bought some Jones golf shirts (polo’s), and wore nice pants with them. I have to say, in the heat of the summer, the reaction I got while wearing that outfit was FAR better than when I wore a suit. People were just much more relaxed seeing me. You see someone approach you in a suit, and it just can’t be anything good. You just have to make sure you are clean, pressed, etc.
On the cooler days, I would go with the suit pants and button down dress shirt but no tie. I hated doorknocking in the tie and jacket.[quote=B24]Bud, I started in April several years ago, so I was doorknocking all day through my first summer. Although Jones trainers are taught to tell you not to, I actually bought some Jones golf shirts (polo’s), and wore nice pants with them. I have to say, in the heat of the summer, the reaction I got while wearing that outfit was FAR better than when I wore a suit. People were just much more relaxed seeing me. You see someone approach you in a suit, and it just can’t be anything good. You just have to make sure you are clean, pressed, etc.
On the cooler days, I would go with the suit pants and button down dress shirt but no tie. I hated doorknocking in the tie and jacket. [/quote] I lost the jacket, got a much better response at the door, too. I also stopped getting the "Jehovah's Witness" criticism. Just a shirt and tie worked just fine. In fact there was a guy in my class that rolled up his sleeves and walked around with a cup of coffee. Sounded wierd, but he said that it was much more disarming. I agree with B24, you can lose the coat and do just fine.[quote=SometimesNowhere][quote=B24]Bud, I started in April several years ago, so I was doorknocking all day through my first summer. Although Jones trainers are taught to tell you not to, I actually bought some Jones golf shirts (polo’s), and wore nice pants with them. I have to say, in the heat of the summer, the reaction I got while wearing that outfit was FAR better than when I wore a suit. People were just much more relaxed seeing me. You see someone approach you in a suit, and it just can’t be anything good. You just have to make sure you are clean, pressed, etc.
On the cooler days, I would go with the suit pants and button down dress shirt but no tie. I hated doorknocking in the tie and jacket. [/quote] I lost the jacket, got a much better response at the door, too. I also stopped getting the "Jehovah's Witness" criticism. Just a shirt and tie worked just fine. In fact there was a guy in my class that rolled up his sleeves and walked around with a cup of coffee. Sounded wierd, but he said that it was much more disarming. I agree with B24, you can lose the coat and do just fine. [/quote] Hey, the rolled up sleeve look worked pretty well for the President-elect.Thanks for the tips everybody.
The polo shirt idea sounds promising. Did you have them custom made or were they purchased through EJ?Well put. I think if you look casual but presentable, that's the right mix. I see a guy in a suit and I know he's coming to sell me something. And I love that cup of coffee idea. Very personal, very casual. Not sure how I could pull that off with my clipboard in one hand and pen in the other (I'm at the survey stage of the application). Hmm, I wonder if I did my surveys on a voice recorder and transcribed them when I got home...You see someone approach you in a suit, and it just can’t be anything good.
[quote=Fud Box]Thanks for the tips everybody.
The polo shirt idea sounds promising. Did you have them custom made or were they purchased through EJ? [/quote] EJ has a gift catalog.While out door knocking in cold weather no one wants to stand with their door open when its 20 degrees out.
instead of the usual conversational open ended questions, is there a quicker, better way to get the name and number that has worked good for anyone during the winter months?[quote=F.A.4]While out door knocking in cold weather no one wants to stand with their door open when its 20 degrees out.
instead of the usual conversational open ended questions, is there a quicker, better way to get the name and number that has worked good for anyone during the winter months?[/quote]Hello, Mr. Prospect ... 'I'm So-and-So, EJ, I know some people are looking for help in this cold market climate, so I just want to give you my card.' Give card. Pause to see if they say anything. If not: . 'Can I send you (blank, something appropriate to this person), Mr ..... (pause).' Most of the time they will give you a name. And most of the time you can find the number in a directory.
They WILL remember you when you call.
Jones wants you to get “permission” to call them. I’ve had a lot of people give me their names and numbers but not necessarily say to call them. Are they fair game?
I will make a very profound statement…I know you can hardly wait…If the people gave you their number I think ( if you think about really, really long and hard)…you can probably call them. I know it is a very big decision to have to make in the investment business. But you can do it…atta boy!! go ahead a call them, take a risk… sorry it was too good to pass up…having some fun!!
[quote=schlemoc]Jones wants you to get “permission” to call them. I’ve had a lot of people give me their names and numbers but not necessarily say to call them. Are they fair game?
[/quote]
They probably want you to tattoo their phone numbers on your butt.
I've been out doorknocking for the last two weeks in just above freezing and foggy weather.
The people who would talk to me in good weather still talk to me, and for just as long as they probably would otherwise. I feel like the grim reaper knocking on doors in thick fog, but if you just pretend it isn't there you'll see no difference in the way people respond to you. So much about doorknocking is psychological, and only an issue if you let it get into your head.Glad it is for you, come back in 2012 and see if you still like door knocking and it’s not gotten you down!!
I wish I was just above freezing weather. I have no problem getting people to talk then. It’s the 5 degrees out like today that is keeping those doors shut. Thanks for the insight. I’ll give it a shot and see how it works.
ya its funny how theres a difference between 5 and 25. 25 degrees actually felt nice with the sun out after a couple days in the single digits
It truly is surprising how just a few degrees makes a HUGE difference in people’s moods. Anyone who doorknocked has probably experienced it. Is the heat in the summer similar to insane cold in the winter? I would think summer would be a little easier to get people to come outside.
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