So, I was supposed to drive to Virginia this weekend to do GOTV work, but I woke up yesterday with a wicked cold and decided walking around all day wasn't a good idea, so I've spent the morning with my first foray into phonebanking from home. Things are going... not well. Can anyone more experienced give me some advice before I give up?
So... from the Obama campaign I have my script and list of 25 voters in North Carolina. Mix of ages and genders.
Most people aren't home. That's fine. I leave a message.
So far after 20 phone calls, I've managed to reach exactly 5 people in person. All but 1 have refused to tell me who they are voting for. 2 of the 4 refusals were mildly snippy, and 1 was extremely rude. 1 was an 86 year-old black man who technically refused to tell me who he was going to vote for but was very nice and told me he was very happy that we were making calls, so I'll chalk that one up as a success even if I had to enter it as a "refused to talk to me" on my form.
Of the 15 I couldn't reach, I left messages for 10, talked to one kid who told me to call back later, and had 2 with no answers + no voicemail, and 2 wrong numbers.
What am I doing wrong? I read the script almost word for word. I'm polite and upbeat. I'm not a teenager, nor do I sound like one.
Did I just get a bad list? Or is this a typical ratio?
I'd appreciate some words of advice or encouragement from experienced phonebankers because I'm feeling very down about this right now...
UPDATE: Thanks for all the tips and moral support, guys. You made me feel good enough to go finish my list.
