I don’t mind having solicitors from time to time, even though the neighborhood has a sign against it. In fact, when someone tells me they’re doing work on a neighbor’s house that interests me, I’ll have a conversation and get a quote. Why not? It’s not as if I’ll hire anyone without doing my due diligence.
The Professional Knock
First impressions matter. When someone comes to my door, knocks like a professional, introduces themselves and their business, and treats me like an intelligent individual, I respond in kind. I listen to the pitch, and I either say it doesn’t interest me or I pursue the idea. Everything remains cordial and professional. It’s a promising start to what may become a business relationship.
The Liar’s Knock
Over time, I’ve come to lose all respect for the person who comes to my door and knocks in a cutesy way, as if we’re friends and I’m supposed to be expecting and welcoming them. We’re not friends — we’re strangers. That cutesy knock is not professional, and it does not build respect or trust.
Earlier this spring, when I was working in the front yard, a man approached me about pest control. His first comment was how I had a nice lawn and don’t I want to protect it? I retorted that, no, I do not have a nice lawn, at which point he actually looked at it and realized I was correct. I was willing to overlook that lie, because it was intended to be an icebreaker, and because I have a wasp problem, I asked for a quote on wasps. I encouraged him to walk up to my porch and around my house to see where they were taking up residence, then give me an estimate explaining what his company could do for me. After that walk, he offered me no information and simply wanted me to sign up — which I refused, asserting that I was busy working and he needed to email me a quote. He offered to come back later that day — which I flatly rejected, again insisting he email me. So, at nearly 8 pm that night, I heard the cutesy knock. I did not answer the door…until the third time he used that knock. Only then did I whip open the door, say loudly “I told you not to come back but to email me,” and slam it closed. Two months later, I’m still waiting for an email with a quote.
It All Matters
Not everyone posing as a professional will actually be one. Likewise, not everyone who’s overly friendly will be a con man. But, in trying to tell the difference, actions matter as much as words.