Follow Ups ( I have failed, but I have learned)

[Eric Olsen]

When I first started my driving for dollars campaign I had tried door knocking.  For some strange reason this is very nerve wrecking for me yet I gave it some effort.  I quickly turned to direct mail for two reasons.  1.  I was very unsuccessful with door knocking.  Perhaps I was just being a big baby in the matter.  Thinking on it now, my "effort" in door knocking was minimal at best.  2.  I felt that my time was better served with my direct mail as I was spending time knocking on doors that were not being answered.  This sentiment was amplified by my emotions of not wanting to truly work the door knocking appropriately.  

The door knocking never stood a chance with me, I didn't give it a real effort, and I am ridiculous to have even thought that it didn't work.  

On my first day out door knocking I spotted a house that had distressed written all over it.  Out of date decor on the outside of the home.  Landscaping completely ignored and forgotten about.  Drive way cracking weeds growing through all over. Roof issues, old windows, etc... Cool!  Lets go to the door and talk to the owner!

Mind you this is the first house I have ever knocked on.  Door bell doesn't work so I actually knock on the door.  Then the mosquitos  unleashed hell on me!  I would have been better being naked in a swamp.  I was being destroyed by hundreds of mosquitos.  Really, I am not making this up.  Knock again. No Answer.  Smack another 75 mosquitos. Knock harder!  Still no anwswer.  Decided to leave a note on the door and run to the safety of my car.  Never get a call back.

Drove by the house a few times after that but never stopped again.  Scared of mosquitos or door knocking.  Well that was months ago and guess what I found on Redfin yesterday?  Yep!  The same house is listed.  

1.  I made contact once.

2.  I thought about making contact again, yet didnt.

3. I failed to secure this deal before it hit the MLS.

Question for the forums...

How many contacts do you all make when trying to generate leads either door knocking or direct mail?

Thank you

Eric