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1) Assume it will rain. Have an umbrella, boots, and a raincoat in your car. Also, an extra pair of socks helps keep your feet dry in all types of weather. It doesn’t hurt to bring Band-Aids, foot powder, and bunion pads, either.

2) Bring a few dog treats. Use them only if a seemingly menacing dog comes toward you. The treats are not bribes for other’s pets, they’re purely for self protection.

3) Shut off your cell phone (or put it on vibrate). A ringing cell phone turns people off, whether or not you answer it.

4) Don’t jump to conclusions about potential supporters based on the house, the street, or the neighborhood.

5) After ringing the bell or knocking on the door, take a giant step back. A stranger standing too close to the door when it opens can be off-putting to the person opening it.

6) Always smile. Smile even if you’re getting a tongue lashing.

7) Get your information out quickly. Practice using the “who, where, what, and why” format. “Who” is you and “where” is where you are from or what group you represent (this is very important and puts people at ease when they know why a stranger is at their door).

8 ) Don’t talk about your pet issues. Talk with the potential supporter about their important issues. Also, don’t offer up your personal theories on issues.

9) Don’t wear sunglasses or chew gum.  Make eye contact and show interest.

10) Always ask potential supporters if they have any questions or anything that they’d like to share with you. Demonstrating that you care about someone’s thoughts is more effective at swaying voters than reciting the virtues of your politician. In addition, you’re likely to get some background on the area that you’re in, so that you can better identify with other people that you canvass. For example, you’re likely to find out that a school has cut programs, the river is polluted, or the axle plant closed. So, these regional issues give you another opportunity to fine tune your message to either education, the environment, or the economy, respectively.

10) Tell everyone that you’ve canvassed that you appreciate their taking time to talk to you and that you enjoyed talking to them.