In short:

• Bring a gift: Make the relationship a two way thing, for example by offering a chocolate gift.

• Ring from outside the building: Even if one person let's you in, before you move to the next appartment, go out and ring from outside of the building, to make it easier for people to say no and better respect their "safe space".

Visual summary

Why street interviews matter

For a project where I coach a local NGO to better understand it's community they have decided to go door to door and in the streets with a survey. It's a great chance for this NGO not only to learn from the community but also to be visible for the community.

Give a gift

But to me, street interviews, street surveys or door to door surveys can feel a bit awkward. You ask that people give you their time without them knowing you.

That's why I've recommended that the team doesn't just ask questions and then says thank you, but that instead it also offers a tiny appreciation gift.

By doing so, the volunteers who go from door to door feel that they are in a true relationship where both sides get something out of it. One side gets information and inspiration, and the other one some lovely chocolate (yes we are in Switzerland so chocolate is always a welcome gift).

Ring from the outside

In some cities of Switzerland we have religious organizations that come door to door, not to ask you your opinion but to "sell" their religion to you. It's not an idea that I'm fond of, even if I'm a spiritual person myself. But the worst thing is that some people doing these door to door "religion selling" tours kind of force you.

When you live a building with multiple flats, if someone knocks on your door, you know it's your neighboor. If someone rings, you knows it's someone from outside the building.

Where I feel "forced" is when these groups get inside a building and then go door to door from inside the building. Basically tricking people in believing their neighbor is coming at their door, to then be surprised a complete stranger made it in the building.

That's why the volunteers doing the door to door survey for this NGO have decided that each time they get to have a conversation with someone in a building with multiple flats, they then leave the building, and ring to the next flat from outside.

They do this to ensure that there is no "akward" surprise that they got in the building and don't have to say: "I was talking with your neighbor who let me in and now I'm here in front of you". Which would also put their neighbor in a weird situation.

By ringing from outside each time, they better respect the boundaries of the home of people.

Obviously, this is something that is very culture specific. In Switzerland where people are very private, such an effort can be seen as respectful. In another culture, to show a sign of respect others things might be more relevant to do.

A big thank you to my wife who shared with me the second tip.