Leasing Tip of the Day: Canvassing Is Your Key to Success

The time-honored technique of canvassing stands unmatched in its effectiveness.

The essence of making real, tangible connections in the field cannot be replicated by modern media. It’s about hitting the streets, engaging face-to-face with potential tenants, and immersing oneself in the very fabric of the community you aim to serve.

My approach involves integrating canvassing into my weekly schedule, aiming for a mix of quantitative goals and qualitative discoveries. The process is straightforward yet impactful: I target collecting 30 business cards or dedicating three hours to canvassing, and typically, for every 15 stores visited, I gain 15 new contacts. This method has not only proven successful since 1997 but also continuously opens doors to new opportunities, insights, and overlooked potential right in our neighborhoods.

Surprisingly, a vast majority of agents overlook the power of canvassing due to perceived barriers such as time constraints, weather conditions, fear, or geographical challenges. Yet, these are excuses. True industry leaders recognize that the best connections are made when you step out of your comfort zone—especially under less-than-ideal weather conditions, which can actually foster more meaningful interactions.

Embrace canvassing and set yourself apart as a true rockstar in the commercial real estate industry.