Is it time to "hit the pavement" or is that just old school?

Is it time to "hit the pavement" or is that just old school?

As we neared the end of an office meeting yesterday, my colleagues and I started a discussion on prospecting, marketing and growing our businesses.  The usual suspects were part of the conversation (i.e. social media, blogging, sphere of influence, etc).  I am 100% convinced that those types of activities work.  Lucky for me, RE/MAX Access, happens to be (IMHO) one of the leaders in social media and blogging in the San Antonio area, so I am blessed to have some amazing mentors in that arena. 

This post, however is not about the "new" way of marketing.  It is not about the greatness of social media, blogging and online presence (although they are GREAT)!  This is about another idea that one of the agents brought up, an idea that has been around for ages.  He mentioned that when he first started in the business he attended a training that focused on prospecting door to door, and he had some real success with it. 

photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcusq/538832478/sizes/m/in/photostream/

AAAARRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHH!! 

That's what my brain said when I heard that idea.  I, for one, do not like rejection.  I am not real receptive of people who come to my door asking me if I want to buy the latest in home cleaning products or 18 boxes of prime meats.  So I definitely do not want to be that person on the other end of the door.  Of course, I initially thought he meant ringing the door bells of FSBOs or expired's and I can just imagine that more often than not, these folks do not want to talk to a sweaty pushy REALTOR®. (I say sweaty because in San Antonio, anyone who spends more than 5 minutes outside IS sweaty).

That, however, was not really what this agent was referring to.  He was talking about canvasing a neighborhood to advertise a new or existing listing.  Well, this doesn't sound nearly as icky.  It could be (if handled correctly) a soft and gentle way to meet new people and get your name and face out there.  For example, I have an amazing listing in a relatively small neighborhood that is located in a very hot part of town.  This listing hasn't been on the market for too long and is well priced for the area and square feet.  So what is the harm of taking an hour or two to walk this small neighborhood and let the neighbors know about this great home for sale. 

A quick five minute conversation that could potentially accomplish two things...

1) Sell the house - The neighbors might just have a friend, coworker, family member that has been dying to move into this great neighborhood.

2) Generate a new listing - One of these neighbors might also me looking to sell sometime in the future and BINGO a new lead could emerge. 

I'm still not real sure about this whole idea and I am quite honestly a bit nervous but never-the-less, I am enthusiastic about any thing that might get my listings sold and possibly bring me new business.  So, this agent and I have made a plan to canvas this neighborhood tomorrow (safety in numbers and all...). 

Hopefully it will go well and I can run back to my computer tomorrow afternoon and post the results!  I guess we'll see! 

Happy Thursday to all!