Neighborhoods are only as good as their neighbors. In a world where so many people recognize neighborhood cars over the faces of people who live around us, there’s a lot to be said for making an effort to connect with the people who live up and down the block.
When your clients move into a new neighborhood, they can often find themselves faced with the daunting task of getting to know people. Here are three tips for forming new connections:
1. Throw a “move in” garage sale. Yes, most people advise their clients to have garage sales before they move in order to reduce the amount of clutter they have to pack, but garage sales draw lots of local foot traffic and present super opportunities to get to know who lives nearby.
2. Stroll the streets. Want to get to know and be known? Get out there on foot. A routine morning or evening walk is a perfect way to say howdy and stop for a chat. Don’t wear headphones. Be open to conversations.
3. Be of service. If you have a skill you can share, offer it up to those nearby. This may be something small, like knife sharpening, or it may be a group project like power washing houses. Good deeds and shared labor build bonds.
