Why Cold Calling Isn’t Enough for Leasing | EP 71: I Own A Shopping Center Now What?

Beth Azor

In Episode 71 of I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?, Beth Azor shares a powerful lesson from the field: when brokers and cold calls fall flat, in-person canvassing still wins.

After consulting for a client struggling to lease retail space in a mixed-use development, Beth flew in, walked the neighborhood, and landed a showing—all within two hours. In this episode, she breaks down why canvassing is still critical, even after 30+ years in the business, and how brokers who avoid it may be costing their clients deals.

This isn’t theory—it’s real-world advice from someone who’s still in the trenches. Beth reveals her go-to steps for getting results fast, how to identify myths and misinformation in a market, and why walking the block gives landlords a competitive edge.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Walk the property before canvassing.
• Use face-to-face canvassing for deeper insights.
• Don’t rely solely on cold calls or broker reports.
• Talk directly to business owners, not just reps.
• Canvassing exposes neighborhood misinformation.
• Vacant space hurts everyone—fill it fast.
• Encourage local brokers to walk the market weekly.
• Neighborhood alliances can improve property appeal.
• A strong presence leads to quicker lease activity.

Whether you're working with brokers or leasing yourself, this episode will help you revive a dead listing and protect your NOI.

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