Do not ask people if they would like to sign or if they are registered to vote, because their answer is invariably no. Instead, tell them what you’re working on as a statement of fact while you place the clipboard in their hand.

Do not worry one iota about whether any one person signs. Say what the issue is in a bold tone, and accept that 9 out of 10 will ignore you or say no.

Spit out everything in 1 or 2 sentences. Anything more makes people feel like they’re making a decision and it’s going to take too long.

Never address a crowd. Crowds do not respond. Pick one person with sociable eyes, talk to them – not at them, hand them the board, and immediately talk to another individual.

For many reasons, do not hover while someone signs. Focus on getting someone else to sign while the first person does whatever they’re going to do. Check their work when they hand the board back.

Cut off anybody who wants to chat, even if you have to be cold about it. They’ll respect your diligence.

Money is made off crowd momentum. The first signature is the hardest. Once a person is signing, it’s easier to stop others. Have three or more boards ready to ride those waves. Make your own clipboards out of foamboard and binder clips – they’re lighter and stack well.

Don’t answer more than two questions about a petition. People who ask more than two questions never sign petitions.

Offer every signer the job. Petitioning income pales in comparison to referral overrides.