Notify Your Neighbor
To help make the notification experience a little easier and more consistent, we’ve developed two techniques — INFORM and ABC — to use when communicating with landowners.
To help make the notification experience a little easier and more consistent, we’ve developed two techniques — INFORM and ABC — to use when communicating with landowners.
INFORM is a handy procedure that enhances your notification skills. This type of technique and a little practice should help you feel more confident in these situations.
A simple, pleasant greeting, such as “Good afternoon, I’m ______________ …” is a good way to begin a conversation. If you have a picture ID, show it to the landowner immediately.
Identify who you work for as quickly as possible. Again, your ID enhances your credibility.
Tell people exactly what operations you plan to do along with the date and approximate time.
Provide reasons for the work to be done, such as providing reliable power or improving visibility along roads for drivers and pedestrians.
Provide answers to landowners’ questions and leave appropriate literature.
Before you leave, be sure landowners know who to contact if they have any questions.
Using the ABC technique can help you better address landowner concerns and is particularly helpful when answering questions.
1. Acknowledge the person’s question and/or concern.
2. Bridge statements can be used to connect Acknowledge to the Communication section.
3. Communicate your key messages.
Watch to learn how to effectively implement the INFORM communications technique to improve conversations about vegetation management with the general public.
Watch Video ⟶Learn how to approach landowners and positively influence their reaction to vegetation management.
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