Forming Relationships with my Neighbors.

To those neighbors who are reading this blog for the first time thanks so much for stopping by. If you would like to know when I post a new blog entry send me your email address and you will be automatically notified. I promise to never share your email.

Sunday afternoon I began introducing myself to my neighbors? I have spent almost six hours so far and have talked to a total of 23 people. My goal was to meet 300 of my Gainesway neighbors. Kathy and I are hoping that ten percent of them will then come to our home for a Holiday Party.

There are two things that have surprised me.

First: There are so few people at home. In some cases I know they are home but not answering their doorbell. I can understand why people don’t risk answering their doorbell. However I have to admit it is hard not to take a little personally. I am a great guy and a good neighbor. People just don’t know what they are missing.

The second thing that is very pleasantly surprising is how everyone is so friendly and wants to talk. Several of them have invited me into their homes. Thanks so much for your kindness. I have knocked on doors now for almost 6 hours and have had only pleasant, friendly introductions.

In case someone is interested this is basically what I do.

I immediately introduce myself and begin to explain the purpose of my visit as soon as possible. I do not have a script memorized or even an outline. My purpose is to share my heart and be as absolutely honest as possible. So I share how we have recently moved into the neighborhood from Seattle. I share a little of my story about how community has always been so important to us.

I also explain I am a real estate consultant and how I love helping people. I explain how my success is dependent upon building lasting relationships so that people trust me. I give people my business card and explain how they can read my blog by going to the web site and clicking on the red link. I share that reading my blog may be a good way to begin to find out if I am a person they would like to get to know.

I close by telling my neighbors that we are having a Holiday Open House and I will be returning with an invitation in a couple of weeks. This was my daughter Joanna’s suggestion. She is a great people person and works in marketing. She suggested I meet people first and bring them the invitation later. I was a little bit fearful when I started this endeavor. Now I can hardly wait for the evening to start knocking on doors. Unfortunately it is going to get much colder starting Saturday. I guess I will break out the long underwear, scarf and woolen socks.