Knock, Knock! Who's There?

This isn't a joke. Knocking doors is a crucial part of your geographic farming plan. But where do you start?

The first questions you might ask yourself: Should I even bother to door knock? Is that a viable marketing method in today's world? The answer to both questions is YES, ABSOLUTELY!

Naturally, you can only knock in a farm that allows it. Some areas may present obstacles, such as gated communities, high-rise apartments, and certain private communities with restrictions. But whether an area has any door knocking restrictions is an issue you should have already addressed back when you were first researching and selecting your farm.

Door knocking is the ultimate way to build rapport with the people in your farm and quickly gain a good reputation. And really, it's not as hard as it sounds. Knocking on doors and talking to neighbors is a cinch if you're prepared. Have a script you've practiced, if you feel you need one.

Have a Reason for Knocking

One of the most important things about door knocking is to have a theme you've chosen for the month. Since you'll be there often, you don't want to ask them every month if they're selling — that would be a strange way to interact with people you're getting to know. But it's important that each time you go out, you're asking for some type of business.

Here are some door knocking themes you can choose from. (Of course, you can always come up with your own!)

• Have they ever thought about buying an investment property in the area?
• If they ever thought about moving, where would they like to go?
• Give them a market/area update.
• Tell them about buyers you have, and ask if they have spoken to any neighbors who may have mentioned an interest in selling.
• Who do they know who might need your help inside or outside the area?
• Share any news and important information they need to know.

Once you choose a theme for the month, you can create your marketing pieces and scripts to match — resulting in a cohesive plan.

Chime recently co-wrote a geographic farming eBook with top real estate coach and consultant Debbie De Grote. To get Debbie's top 20 door-knocking tips, and so much more geographic farming knowledge, be sure to download our FREE eBook today.

To view the original article, visit the Chime Technologies blog.