Jeff, Are you insinuating that Smoke only gets her permissions because she is a supermodel?If you have a supermodel girlfriend have her ask
A few things. Do not wear camo. Dress as close to business casual as possible. You can change later. Be well groomed. If you look like you've just come from the set of "Deliverance" or "Grizzly Adams", you're done before you start. Appearance is everything. If you present yourself well, it will go a long way. You don't want to look like someone casing the place for a robbery. Don't look past the person into their house. It's probably a mess anyway.
Introduce yourself and don't "motor mouth". Talk at a reasonable pace, yes we're excited about a new permission but don't come off as aggressive.
Explain what you are looking for, maybe have a few wheat pennies, dug, to show them.
I also make a deal with every landowner whose property I have dug. Which is: If I happen to find something like a gold cache, we will split it 50/50. Explain it almost never happens, but you never know. And of course do it. I have never dug a gold cache.
A well planned out thought about what you will say is important. Always mention the machines don't go deep (some people think we're going to dig 3 foot holes in the ground). And if you pull out a SMALL digging tool that doesn't look threatening to the grass, all the better. Explain there will be no visible holes. When you leave, it will look like you were never there. Explain the way YOU dig a SHALLOW (hint hint, key words here) hole the grass is not damaged. Even if the person says no, thank them. Make sure throughout the conversation you make solid eye contact.
It's called ACTING!
Thanks Terry, great advice and will keep that in mind.Just ask. If 10% will say yes, that's one hit for every ten tries. If you ask 100, that's an average of ten hits. Approach the first bunch of "asks" as "practice". Use the mindset that you will get no most of the time. Then hone the request conversations that get the best results. Talk up your passion to EVERYONE. Most will relate to losing something or know someone that lost something. I would NOT suggest splitting 50/50. You are then required to "perform" and your reputation as a successful recovery person is now on the line. They may follow you around like a puppy dog to make sure you keep your end of the agreement. It's really not "cold calling" if you talk up and get permission from family, friends, grocer, mailman, etc. Like Trump said, "What the hell have you got to lose?" ╦╦Ç
Thanks vdi... I have to give it a shot this weekend. Wish me luck!Just tell them you pre-ordered an Equinox and you're guaranteed a yes.
I always start off by introducing myself and explain that I'm a local.....or kinda local. Also that I'm intrigued by history and this is a hobby. I went on a door knocking spree last winter/spring and I'd estimate it was 60-70% a yes.
I also noticed that the more I did it the smoother they were getting. A little confidence came about quick. If you see other home owners out be nice and strike up a conversation. Could be more grass to cover!
All of this is great advice but there is one item I do not totally agree with. I personally do not see an issue with wearing camo to approach homeowners. This could actually be a benefit. If the homeowner is a veteran AND (I stress this) you are a veteran as well, this could be a great conversation starter to get that nod to go detecting around their property. Speaking as a veteran myself, military folks have that special camaraderie which they can relate to and helps to ease tension in getting to know somebody. Now if you are not a veteran, then I do not suggest wearing camo for that first introduction. You shouldn't look like Rambo asking to tear somebody's property up.![]()
...do not use the word "Dig". Right away the owner thinks of "Holes" in their yard, instead use the term "Recover", it really does sound better. ....