We call this one "The listing next door." It's not new just works like a charm. If you prepare yourself with and effective well researched conversation. Most real estate professionals try to wing it, and get discouraged by poor results and rejection.
Here is how it is done. When a new listing goes on the market in area you like to work (some call it farming). Knock on 25 homes to the left and right of the property and 50 homes across the street. Now research shows that when a property goes on the market, someone else is on the block will likely be preparing to move too. Plus, neighbors will want to know How's the market.
Rejection will not be your solitary trouble. It may be hard to catch somebody home during the day because many folks, work outside of the home. That is why it's important that you adjust your door knocking hours to flow with the community. 
Be prepared and have this conversation memorized
"Hi I hope you can help me. Are you the owner of this property?" ( if not, find out when the owner is home and come back another time)/ if its a renter (future buyer)
My name is Your listing Agent, You are: jot down the name
" One of your neighbors up the street, Mr and Mrs Jones, just put their home on the market for sale, and I want to know as much as possible about this neighborhood. Could you please give me a few minutes of your time and tell me what you most like about living in this area? (use name of community) Your opinion will be very helpful. Take notes and listen.
People commonly react well to this type of approach. You will frequently learn a great deal from them. If they plan to move they will ordinarily tell you without being asked. Or, later in the conversation you can ask "How about you? Do you plan or moving in the near future?
Now a similar approach can be used to prospect around sold listings too.
Think of door knocking as the beginning of the prospecting cycle. Each person you meet send them a hand written note thanking them for their time ( make it personal) and you look forward to staying in touch on a regular basis. Add them to your data base of customer.
If no one is home leave a item of value to let them know you stopped by.
No matter what face to face conversations are constantly better than any other form of lead generation.
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