To Picture or Not To Picture? That is the Question!
Lately, I have noticed more and more real estate agents in Vancouver Washington handing out business cards that don't have their picture on them. I am wondering what has spurred this latest trend.
My business background is with the first company on a large scale to ever use pictures on business cards. Eastman Kodak. At the time it was kind of a novelty because we were the only ones doing it. It was nice because I could walk into most any account and everyone there immediately knew who I was. Of course we always got a bit of teasing too.
One of the things that I was anticipating when I left Kodak was finally having a card that didn't have my mug plastered on it. As you now know, I ended up in Real Estate here in Vancouver WA and of course everyone's card has a bright and smiling portrait on the front! Janice and I followed suit.
Here we are, years later, and it looks like the trend is changing. The problem is that we are recognized everywhere in Clark County because of our photo. Our signs, business cards, newsletters, and even our email signatures are plastered with our smiling faces. People seem to know us before we even meet them.
I am afraid that we can't turn back now. Do we even want to? What do you think?
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Mark Hall
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Mark, I've heard some "experts" say we shouldn't include a photo on our business cards. I tend to disagree. When I meet agents at classes or conventions and they give me their card, the photos help 'jog my memory' of who they were. I think it's helpful to include the photo. And like you said, people know who you are even before they meet you!!
I think you should have your picture on your business card. I think it is more impressive looking.
For the past 12 years I have had a photo on my business card. However, I just changed companies and decided to have them without my photo partly because I keep changing my look. Short hair, long hair, getting older, etc. etc. Some people have told me that most other professional don't have their photos on their cards - so we'll see. When I run out, I might put a photo on again.
I have my picture on my business cards...but not on my signs. A lot of agents (in fact most in my office of fifty agents) have their picture included on their signs! Looking back, I remember my broker saying she does not have her picture on her cards b/c she doesn't like her picture!! LOL! (She is a beautiful lady inside and out!) So, I guess it is all about what you want. It IS a means of advertising. And I agree with Peggy above...that it helps you remember someone when there is a picture included on the card.
Peggy - I agree. Photos sure make it much easier when networking.
Evelyn - Good point!
Margaret - My look just keeps changing itself! Gray hair, less hair, getting older... I plan on using that photo until I die. or DYE! Whichever comes first.
Sonja - We have our picture on our signs too. I hate them because I think that they are too darn big! We do get a lot of bang for our buck on those. Everyone knows when one of our listings goes up.
Hi Mark, I don't have my photo on my cards or on my signs. Not sure why....
I have my picture on post cards, signs, business cards, TV, Homes Guides & newspaper ads. I want people to know who I am so they will think of me when they are ready to buy or sell their home. It has always worked for me and I think it will continue to work.
Mark,
You have to be unique in this market.
You either change with the times or the times change you as far as marketing.
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I have gone both ways. I think it really comes down to branding and recognition. It would be hard to take my picture of now.
i don't have a picture for the simple fact that I don't take good pictures..and people say I don't look like my picture....like they are disappointed :) :) so I set the bar low..no picture
Hey, Mark, I haven't noticed it here in central Texas, but I understand some clients feel less pressured when they are less personally attached to the agent. Not my belief, but I guess time will tell.
"Your success in real estate is in direct porportion to the number of people whom when they think about real estate think about you." (Quote from Gary Keller) If they know you from your photo, personal branding, marketing, website, etc... then you are huge steps ahead. Why would you take even one of those steps away?
I agree with Darren, but have to qualify that with this caveat: you have to have a decent picture to use. If a person isn't all that photogenic, a professional photographer should be able to help, I would imagine. (I'm lucky enough to have a son with enough photographic finesse for me to use a picture he took.)
And now for something completely different:
Does it bother you guys at all when someone posts a comment like that one above from the virtual open house people that seems to have no real objective except to garner points? It surely doesn't have much to do with this thread's subject matter and I bet that exact post could probably be found more than once on various blog posts...
I think that you should leave your picture. It has become your brand. Now with that being said, don't use the same picture until your 90. update it every 5 years or so.
Shirley - Give it a shot. It might work wonders!
Connie - I agree. I am thinking that we are going to be using our photos for a while.
David - Notice any difference with one over the other?
Konnie - I usually don't like my pics either. If it weren't for the fact that my wife takes such good pics, I don't think I would have ever put one on in the first place.
Richard - It is strange to me that people would feel pressured. I think that it makes us more approachable. Yes? No? Maybe?
Darren - I certainly won't argue with Gary. BTW, Gary does have his picture on his card. Mo doesn't.
Jim - Funny that you say that. I have seen some ugly less than flattering photos on cards. Regarding Mr. Virtual Open House. I think it is more about adding the link than getting points. Yes, it bugs me!
Benita - You are so right. It is very much part of our brand. And I promise to swap it out before I reach 90. Maybe at 85?
The funny part about this is, that I haven't used my pictures on my cards for about a year and a half and it was because of an experiment I did here on the rain and in my website. My business logo "Helping Families Home" actually drove business up and so I put it on my cards with the same result.