Notebook? Briefcase?

[rousemark]

In another thread the discussion turned to the days when debit agents used the big debit book they carried to protect themselves from dogs, etc. That got me wondering. What do you carry when you go to a house? Notebook, briefcase, Computer bag?

 

[shonceman]

I've got a leather bag with a shoulder strap (some have derisively called it my "murse") that's made and sold as an iPad case. My iPad just fits into it along with a small notebook, a few paper apps, brochures, a couple of stylus pens, etc., and a small pocket on the front for business cards.
Amazon product ASIN B00GT3EDRSI was trained on the debit to carry everything I might need into every house. So in that original big old 3 ring leather debit book were all my client pages, rate books, plenty of apps, service forms, and a track book. I wonder why people didn't think I was moving in! I really believe my back trouble started with swinging that big old book in and out of the car at 20 or so stops per day!

As discussed in the other thread, it was great for making dogs back off (except for that one feisty German Shepherd that grabbed it out of my hand and flung it across the yard, then laughed at me!) I've actually tried to find one of those old Independent Life debit books on eBay for nostalgia's sake.

Everything that I carried in that debit book is in my iPad, so I could literally get away with going to a door with just that (and sometimes I do!).

 

[DayTimer]

I have used binders and shoulder strapped briefcases. So far nothing seems to last long under the heavy useto which I Put it.

This is my current gear:



A dual compartment clipboard. Stack of leads is clipped to the clip board. In the top compartment I keep laminated sales materials, medical questionnaires, and a writing pad. In the lower compartment my iPad, pens, and delivery notices.

Ask me in December and I may be using something completely different. But of those I've used, I like this current set up the best, though @shonceman's murse is looking good to me ... I might treat myself to a murse and perhaps a matching Indiana Jones hat for Christmas to add some flair to my door knocking.

 

[DonP]

Were did you get that ? I like the note pad underneath. I'll be honest i've had more luck with people answering the door with the lead piece in my pocket . People obviously peek out the window and many times if they see that binder they fig its a salesman and won't answer. Just my observation.

 

[DayTimer]

Were did you get that ? I like the note pad underneath. I'll be honest i've had more luck with people answering the door with the lead piece in my pocket . People obviously peek out the window and many times if they see that binder they fig its a salesman and won't answer. Just my observation.

I found that gem at Walmart.

When possible (when the porch is clean enough), I set the clipboard down standing up between my legs so if they look out before opening the door my hands are empty. When they open the door, I just smile, say "Hi Mary, I'm David from Senior Benefits" while reaching down and picking up the clipboard. Then I can turn the whole clip board toward them and show them the lead card, and proceed with my door knock pitch.

I have an iPad with the Apple smart keyboard ... I wish they'd design a clip of some sort so I could convert my iPad to a clipboard to hold the leads ... then I'd really be travelling light. I guess I could use a binder clip. That might look a bit tacky ... but it would be so FE at the same time!

 

[WinoBlues]

... I wish they'd design a clip of some sort so I could convert my iPad to a clipboard to hold the leads ... then I'd really be travelling light.

Are you using eapps?

 

[shonceman]

Are you using eapps?

I don't know if DT is, but I do everything I can e-app, phone app, or at least fillable pdf. I'm only using paper if I absolutely have to. I still have a couple of companies that are strictly paper and wet sig. I'll write them when they're clearly the best option for that client, but they'd get more business from me if they'd allow some version of paperless.

 

[theleadingagent]

.... though @shonceman's murse is looking good to me ... I might treat myself to a murse and perhaps a matching Indiana Jones hat for Christmas to add some flair to my door knocking.

Don't forget to get some "mandals" to match the "murse"

 

[Life Hawk]

When it gets warm I go sleeveless... other wise it's usually a polo or dress shirt.

 

[shonceman]

@shonceman's murse is looking good to me ... I might treat myself to a murse and perhaps a matching Indiana Jones hat for Christmas to add some flair to my door knocking.

I totally rock the Indiana Jones look in the winter, hat and leather jacket included!

I have to admit though, with my age, beard and glasses I look more like his dad!