i found if u say "hi ma am " or if its a man "hi chief " this gets you in better . another thing i say is "just been cleaning round the corner and wondered if you....." , at the same time gesturing with an outstretched hand at the round the corner previous job. outstretched hand then bends inwards and points at the house as u say "then thought id come along here. "
just say one line and let them answer , dont prattle on ,but unless its a firm "no" come back with a off the cuff comment about how nice their street/garden is. then they fire back with "it is nice yes" ,you reply im trying to get more work round here to fit in with the round the corner job ,then look at their face ,if it looks promising ,say "howsabout i give you a price to get these sparkling?"
most folk love it if you then get cleaning straight away , but the next day or day after is okay . if you notice a neighbour looking over at you be sure to wave and say "alrite chief" , some are sour beggars who glare and youve no chance with those skinflints but i find the "nice garden/motor uve got there mate" goes down well . glance up at the windows and dont look impressed at what you see