Why do you put your personal photo on EVERYTHING?

**CAROLRN** · 01-15-2008, 08:38 AM

I think this may be a characteristic unique to real estate. I can see putting pics on websites. But the business card and signs in front yards?..I'm sure there is a good reason and interesting history behind the technique. Would love to hear it!
PS I can see where this may actually work against the agent. Is there any trend to getting away from this in the future?

I'm taking classes now (midlife career change) I have to tell you I'm a little uncomfortable with the modeling part of the job.

**LOTrainer** · 01-15-2008, 09:55 AM

This gives a face to the name and helps brand you and your business. I have my picture on my flyers, my loan proposals, my "rider" signs, business cards, and my 100% financing yard signs.

**Bill Hauck** · 01-15-2008, 11:34 PM

Hi Carol,

IMO, it's important to have your photo in your materials for several reasons. The reality is that people do judge us and others by the way we look, how we dress, do we look positive, etc.

I've found over the years that people have picked me out while they're searching for Realtors online. It's not because I'm anything special but they feel some kind of connection (maybe I'm about their age, look trustworthy-who knows?). I've found personal biographical information is very helpful in creating a connection as well.

Secondly, when I search for out-of-state agents to refer clients to, I use the agent's photo as one of several criteria. If the agent is clearly using a photo from the 1970's, is dressed poorly or inappropriately, had an office buddy take his/her business picture next to the water cooler, has their "main" picture with an animal (sorry to all of you that have pictures with pets) as seems to be the "popular" with some agents, I'm probably going to nix them in the search. Again, this is only one of the criteria I use.

Best of luck in your career!

Bill

**wood1e** · 01-16-2008, 12:20 AM

I think you are right, it is particular to the real estate business...why? I do not know why. I certainly would never force my ugly mug on my clients!!! lol

**CAROLRN** · 01-16-2008, 08:38 AM

I think nowadays, people look at email addresses the same way. I know I do. There are some employment applications I trash as soon as I see the email address; chunkaluvin, voodoobaby, I can go on. I figure either this person isnt aware that its inappropriate or they don't know how to get another email address. Obvious skill set deficit!
OK, so I'm hearing professional photos, not candids. No feather boas or boa constrictors. I'm a little wary of the "power poses" myself. Any other secrets to this subliminal marketing tool? colors? Does the brokerage do this or does the agent submit whatever they are comfortable with?

**DBQ** · 01-16-2008, 01:00 PM

Facial recognition is going to increase the chance of you selling to anyone you ever meet for the following reasons.

Branding - Your face becomes your reputation.

Selling - Your face is what your client is going to see and seek comfort in when making the "big decision"

Marketing - All of the above.

-T

**rama1** · 01-17-2008, 05:47 AM

Originally Posted by DBQ

Facial recognition is going to increase the chance of you selling to anyone you ever meet for the following reasons.

Branding - Your face becomes your reputation.

Selling - Your face is what your client is going to see and seek comfort in when making the "big decision"

Marketing - All of the above.

-T

Very good. The feeling of presence and comfort with an agent is very important. Client start trust you. And if they do, you will close the deal. Most important be knowledgeable and strict with words and actions

**Greg** · 01-17-2008, 06:46 AM

This is old style marketing and as you suspected in your original post it actually works against the agents. Those teaching classes have to come up with new stuff to get us to spend our money with them and back in the last century putting your picture on everything was all the rage.

It has been proven to not only not work but to actually cause an agent to lose business.

**LOTrainer** · 01-17-2008, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by Greg

This is old style marketing and as you suspected in your original post it actually works against the agents. Those teaching classes have to come up with new stuff to get us to spend our money with them and back in the last century putting your picture on everything was all the rage.

It has been proven to not only not work but to actually cause an agent to lose business.

Greg, I'm curious; I definitely would like to see the stats that show a decline in business from people having their picture on a yard sign or business card. Is there anything out there that has that measurement?

**DMike** · 01-17-2008, 09:18 AM

I guess that photos on flyers, yard signs, visit cards are for branding your business. As the agent's photo, i guess it's easier for people to give a call to someone they know what he looks like (i'm talking here about the call they give to the agent before meeting him), than to give a call based just on a phone number