Any advice for a first time phone-banker?

[cire4]

Tonight, I will go swing state phone banking for John Kerry. I have never done this before and I was just wondering if any phone banking veterans had any worthwhile advice for me. What to say? What not to say? What to expect? Are people going to be generally receptive to what I have to say or should I expect the type of hostility that telemarketers are frequented with?

Thanks...

[MontecitoDem]

1. Receptivity depends completely on the list you are given

swing voters? dems? greens? elderly? republicans?
You won't know until you get there.

Best hints: Always smile when you are speaking - it really comes across over the phone and will help you keep a good attitude when you get the inevitable freaks.

It's usually pretty fun and rewarding!! Good luck!

[MASSAFRA]

2. Think of it as

being a telemarketer. DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY. Have fun.

[bleedingheart]

16. hey dude!

I may see you this weekend!!! Unfortunately I have to work until Friday and then...I am devoted to Kerry/Edwards and Kukovich for four days!!!!

[Gman]

3. Be nice, be nice, be nice

you're representing the candidate.

[juliagoolia]

4. you will have a script... just be nice

Im doing calls.johnkerry.com and i end up calling supporters.. if thats what you are doing ..thats who you will call.

[cally]

5. Most don't answer the phone

so you leave lots of messages. You will be given a script. Try not to just read it but use your own language and make it sound like a conversation. I had a professional telemarketer make a large number of calls. He thought everyone was so receptive and friendly. :eyes: Most of the other volunteers remark that many are rude to them. You will never be as rude to telemarketers again.

[NMDemDist2]

6. expect to get mostly answering machines. If you goof up your "script"

laugh and just tell them that's what happens with cheap help (volunteers)

the smile advice was good too

try to sound natural if leaving a message and always always thank them for their time! even if it's on the answering machine. It is such a nice touch of respectfullness, most really appreciate your consideration of their busy lives. I usually end with something like

"Thanks so much for your time this evening and your support of Senator Kerry."

have fun and no worries!

[nosmokes]

7. thanks!

i hate phone banking, but i've been putting in my shifts, too. but sometimes i really would rather have a poke in the eye with a sharp stick... hee! actually, you can have some good discussions and positive experiences, really.

at this point you'll most likely only be calling people already identified as kerry supporters and just trying to get out the vote so it should be a lot of fun. most folks will be really nice, and don't let the 2 or 3 that are rude spoil it for ya. don't take it personal, just remember that what you're doing is vital and important work. and a week from now, when the numbers come in and we have a new president elect, feel proud of the job you done!

[John Q. Citizen]

8. If you are calling fro the Kerry Phone Corp

I can give you my experience. People are sooo glad that you are calling. These are supporters of Kerry, not cold calls.

Be upbeat, if you get a wrong # talk to them anyway. (Not many wrong # maybe 1 for every 40-50 calls.

I've had a blast doing this. I tell them I am a volunteer for Kerry calling from my red state(MT)

I've had some wonderful chats with great folks in almost all the swing states.

Be flexible, if the people are canvassing with ACT or Move-on or any number of other good guy groups thank them and mark them down for will do other stuff.

Ask people to bring their friends and neighbors, if they can't make it themselves I often give them the info in case they know someone who might want to show up and help.

Message machine leave a message with the info.

Biggest problem is chatting too long and not making as many calls as your personal goal.


Have fun and you will do great!
Thanks for making a difference.

[lady raven]

10. I agree

Phone banking has gone very well for me and those I've encountered have been receptive. I sure like it better than canvassing! I'm a little embarrassed to say that I'm scared to canvass. So I work as hard as I can making calls, writing letters, etc. instead.

Rebecca

[John Q. Citizen]

13. I was a professional field canvasser

for 3 years, 50 week a year 5 nights a week. (Fair Share/Citizen Action)

And I had to raise at least $110.00 a night at the door doing cold door knocking.

phones to supporters to ask them to canvass or do GOTV is a piece of cake for me. It's like my only social life he he.

If I didn't have 3 kids in grade school, I'd be in a swing state doing volunteer canvassing.

[Mabus]

9. and remember

they don't know who you are, most likely you'll never run into them so don't be nervous.

Most likely you will have a script. Go over several times. Make sure you are comfortable with it.

Also speak positively about Kerry.

Someone suggested smiling, that's always a help. It does make a difference.

If they aren't receptive they usually hang up fairly quickly. If they want to give you a bad time you don't have to take it. Hang up.

Don't take anything personally.

Good luck and thank you.

[bettyellen]

11. when they are angry and/or rudely pro bush

just say "I'm sorry you feel that way" .... and mean it. Sorry for their sad-ass self, instead of angry or hurt! Some people are just miserable and waiting around for anybody to dump on. Mr T said it best "Pity the fools!"

and yes, thank you!! My voice is gone, hope to be back up to snuff tomorrow!
B

[cire4]

12. Thanks for the great advice....

I'll be calling registered Democrats, so I'm sure I will be dealing with Kerry supporters, with the exception of a few Zell Milller type nutcases. Anyways, thanks again. I really appreciate it. It's easy to feel helpless coming from a solid blue state (California) and I'm glad that I'll be able to do something for this campaign.

[John Q. Citizen]

14. Right on

You won't meet any Zell types, only a very occasional minor nut.

In over hundreds of calls I had one guy who said he went to volunteer at Demo HDQTRS and he knew how to beat Bush but they wouldn't listen, and one guy who said WRONG NUMBER and hung up.

Be sure to ID yourself fast (Joe Blow, I'm a VOLUNTEER with the Kerry/Edwards campaign, calling about a local event) that way they know you aren't a telemarketeer or raising money.

Best of luck and have fun! If regime change isn't fun, it's not worth doing :)

[insanity]

15. when I phone bank

I always take the script and edit it. Scripts always sound way to forced, and you come off inpersonable. Besides, most scripts are way too long. I just take the core infromation and put a personal spin on it. If you're calling dems then it is probally just GOTV phone banking so you'll run into a lot of nice people. If they seem energized get them to volunteer, we can win off of sheer man power.

[bleedingheart]

17. After the first three calls you will be an old pro...

cuz by that point you won't be nervous and you will find your "mojo"...and off you go to call as many people as you can....