When I got my liscense back in 96 everyone told me I needed to put my picture on my cards, signs, e-mails, everything that I sent out, mall bulletin boards, laundromats, etc.  Everywhere that people would be.  I had my wife take a picture of me in coat and tie.  Could'nt afford a professional.  Everybody that knows me got a kick out of me in a coat and tie.  Most wanted to know where I rented it from cause they just knew that I did'nt own one.  Now the problem is, do I look fake to my sphere of influnece or do I try to fool the general public.  One of them things that make you go HMMMMMMM!

One thing that's funny to me about pics on business cards, fridge magnets etc... my farm area is in my neighborhood...and without fail, a few days after my magnets go out (whatever they happen to be) I'll walk by people in the parking lot of the shopping center, the grocery store , and when I do, they light up and say "oh HI!" like they think they should know me from somewhere...and of course I'll say hi how ya doing or whatever back...but they DON'T know me, they just remember my face from the thing they just stuck on their fridge....and I'm sure later on , they realize that.  But it's funny...

On another note, last week, I'm in the checkout line at the grocery store...and the bag boy says "hey! your picture is on my mom's fridge!"  So that was a good thing...even the teenager has a connection now...

Great question Ginny:

The debate rages hot at times.  Your photo is like your personal logo.  Every major business uses a logo.  Realtors using logos usually say it improves prospect response.  If you don't have a personal logo, then a photo IS your logo and is probably best, IMHO.

Pro:  If your photo is out there, then people you meet casually can REMEMBER you more easily.  When you meet somebody at the PTA or the Chamber of commerce, or at a kid's soccer game, they might not catch that you are an agent.  The next day, when home shopping, they see your photo and remember the nice person they met recently.  Viola.  You get the call.

Con:  Some people react to the photos as though Realtors are a vain bunch.    

Debatable issues:  

Glam shots or more ordinary settings?

The most important thing is to look like who you are.  If you like to dress up and flash n dash in the local social scene, then get a glam shot.  It will help you attract clients who will feel comfortable with you.  Likewise, if you are more of an everyday guy or gal, without pretense, who wants people to take you as you are, then get that kind of photo.  The photo will set prospects up to meet somebody they will be comfortable with.

Not "Hollywood" Good Looking?  

What if you don't have the movie star face?  That's OK.  Some people don't want a movie star for a Realtor.  They might as well fire you before they meet you instead of after : )  On the other hand, your comfortable everyday sort of face just might remind them of their mother, their favorite uncle, etc.  Once you meet, they will see you anyway... So you might as well use a photo.  Just put on your best "going to meet somebody new" outfit (whatever that means for you), and wear your "glad to meet you face" for the photo shoot.  

Home Brew vs Pro Photo?  

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION.  If you have a TRULY GREAT shot that was done at home, by self timer, or spouse, that looks friendly and professional, captures your personality and spark, that's great.  If not then Many local photo stores, such as a Moto Photo Chain, can do a professional shot for a reasonable fee.  

Pets, Cars, Hobbies, Children?  These can help make Emotional / Human Interest connections with likely prospects or clients...  But make sure the photo really reflects who you are and that you are conversant in the breed, make, activity, etc.  

Cost:  

Color business cards are pretty darn cheap these days.  Two sides full color glossy from $50 per thousand - see www.OverNightPrints.com.  Add rounded corners for a classy look.  

Any other issues?  Anybody else?

Ginny,

Why not use the same picture on your web page.  It's consistent and people like continunity and consistency.

My baby photo has got a lot of attention when I first started in real estate..

http://www.reverseturkey.com/Images/8_ugly_people.jpg

I vote for no photo. You're accoutant and attonrey aren't on theirs.

I have done them with photos in the past.

And there is NOTHING worse than an agent that uses a photo from back when they had human teeth, and now they have a set from Sears. OR has been airbrushed more that Katie Couric.

As always, IMHO.

Too funny.  I like the one's Ellen puts on her show - hilarious! Some are so morphed that when I sit down to close with an agent I am wondering who posed for their photo.  My broker insisted I put mine on everything and I don't have "clones" yet like Candice, have stuck with the same since early 05 snapped with the local photographer for $14, and I too have stayed pretty much the same.  I wanted people to recognize me, and in a small town - oh boy.  Be prepared to have to get dressed to go to the drug store or anywhere - but it has served me well and people will talk real estate everywhere.  I had a lady stop me at a gas pump and tell me how much she loved one of my listings - sure wish she was on the market to buy.  Keep it real.

I opt for no photo.  Like John said, most professionals don't have their pics on their business cards.  Instead, I have a pic of beach grass, sand and blue skies.  You can't see the water, but it's definitely implied.  You KNOW it's just over that dune.  You'll just have to buy a house to see it! ;)

I do believe, however, that pics on the website are important, as long as they reflect you.  I don't particularly like any picture I take but the one on my site is the one that everyone seems to think captures my personality .  I've actually had a few Buyers say they contacted me because of it.  And when we finally met, they said I was exactly what they had expected. Can't argue with that.

Cathy said: "Instead, I have a pic of beach grass, sand and blue skies."

I'm sold!

I choose not to use a picture as well. Some days I would rather be an average Joe. I created a logo and am slowly marketing it. While it will not change I have the pleasure of growing old one day :)

I would love to use no picture at all, though the problem is that our profession is recognized by having pictures on anything and everything.

I get so many people saying they chose me because I looked honest in my picture (from website). Also I get many that say they chose me because they read my bio on the about me page on my website. I would rather get rid of both my bio and my picture, but I'm afraid at this stage in my career I need all the business I can get.

Well, I think it's a case by case basis. If you like your pics, use 'em and if you don't, don't. My property manager doesn't like hers so we have a pretty photo of a waterfront city skyline instead that is an image pic for the company.

Luna is GREAT for my business and I have many clients who are dog lovers who I adore.

In commercial real estate certification courses, I was taught it's standard to omit picture. But I have gotten so much business from having a picture, I'm not fixing what ain't broke.

I do have a business suit on in my card pic, ICK.

My pics are always at least 6 months current, and except for a little brightness/contrast adjust, they are not retouched. As soon as my pics need retouching, I'll probably just have Luna's on there! :)

I will tell you, I got in huge trouble a couple years ago with an ad we did where we put my face on a very 'buffed out' female wrestler's body in a leather bikini-like suit (Chyna, if you are familiar) and I got hate mail from a couple of humorless agents and nasty calls from a couple of snowbirds who are not our clientele anyway. But even years later, I STILL get people who remember that fondly and we got tons of business and a lot of local buzz from that--and the mags it was in had huge distribution that month (they should have given me a discount, LOL). Is there really any such thing as bad publicity if it's done with humor?

[Ginny sez: I saw Ellen Degenerous's . . . show  . . . what do you think?]

That Ellen should put her GF's pic on her cards. LOL!

Hahahaha Candice, you are so crazy :)

OMG, I can just see you in that picture on Chyna's body. Absolutely hillarious. I am amazed though that people didn't see the humor in that??? I hope you told them to get a life!

www.realestatebhc.com/chynagrinch.jpg

In this ad I was tossing the Grinch out of the wrestling ring. It was a holiday ad. Still one of my favorites. And they all were told to get a life. None of them listened, though. ;)

http://www.realestatebhc.com/ChynaGrinch.jpg

There it is. So stupid it's funny.

Tooo Funny Candice.. how is your spanish?

Did I see that right ?

"No Se Haga Bolas !! from Luna ha ha ha !!! Ei Carumba!

KFC, menu huh

You guys all make a good argument for pros and cons.

Attorneys and Accountants don't want public attention as they are back room people?(other than the personal injury attorneys).

I put my picture on my card to see if I mature in a normal way.  :)   Like take Mike Farmer(no offense) I am sure he has, shall we say ;)   a DATED photo hid out somewhere.  Of course (as Mike would agree) we are better looking than our picture gives us credit. :)

My card picture is the same one you guys see on this crazy site.  Judge for yourself, but please refrain from the handsome comments. ;)

Out west you have to be careful putting your picture on signs, as people tend to use them for target practice.(kind of personal?).  I have been shot on a couple of instances (my signs) with homes down range from my sign.

Candace, are you sure that is Chyna?

I can see why people would stare at you in the store.

Ginny, I think if I had your smile I would plaster it all over the place.

The other nice thing about people thinking they know you is when you write a check, they don't ask for ID.

I am such a handsome man it is easy to see why I would want to put my picture on my card :)

LOL yes Nate, that is really Chyna's body. Pre rehab. If it were mine I would be in a different line of work. Not sure what. Would have some options!

Gumba, that is not Luna! That's Odie, Carmen's Jack Russell and No Se Haga Bolas is a colloquialism that means, loosely translated, 'Don't get a wedgie over it' LOL

I guess it was Vicente Fox's presidential slogan or something. I don't know but it draws spanish speaking clientele to Carmen like mad.

PS. I saw a recent pic of Mikey on the golf course with Howie in SC not long ago. They looked like a couple of young and crazy San Diego beach kids. Both really cute!

Team DiMuria, your pic is handsome for sure. Crisp but casual handsome couple. I'd feel comfortable with you as my agent, like I could talk to you and you'd still get it done. :) Perception is reality!

Candice that IS hilarious - hate mail? give me a break - people really need to get a life!  Very innovative and I am sure the attention it got was the envy of your competitors.  Humor is great, it may not appeal to everyone, but to the people that you want to work with and that is the most important goal with marketing-to make the phone ring from people you are a match for.  Also, IMHO, I compare what we do more with the plumber, electrician, handyman and exterminator, taking specialized expertise in a skill to serve a home owner. They use innovative ads too so they stand out from the crowd. Gee, I know I would not want to get in the ring with that Candice. Luna might be working with her as a tag team, tee hee. Thanks for the smile.

I used to be very opposed to the photo on card thing. Like Candice said, I think it is up to each individual person and the market they work. I am in a smaller town market now, and began using my current photo you see on everything. Web, local ads, cards, etc...and like those of you above stated, now every place I go in town, folks know me. I will meet someone and say Hello, I am............and they will say, oh I know.

The photo you are seeing is not a glamour or highly professional photo but it is a very close likeness to what I look like on a daily basis, in the grocery store in my office, when showing, etc....I want to look the same when they show up at my office as what they viewed on line or elsewhere. No false advertising here. Heehee. )

I would rather see a pretty happy real life shot than a glamorous fake one. Karen and Vicki, both look like warm and nice people who would be helpful in a real estate transaction.

http://realestatebhc.com/_Candice_3=5.pdf

Here's another one I also caught it for. The central picture was of a local war hero who was my client. I considered it a tribute to him and them. He's still a great source of referral business.

I don't do the fun ads any more, not because I don't enjoy them but because the ROI on color homes mags has been so dismal I have focused on internet and direct mail last few years.

Ginny... the pic on my site isn't on my business card.  On my business card is one of those 'pics of the year', the one with the woman in a bathing suit dancing on water...on the bottom of it is "miracles can happen".   People look at it, look at me, look at it, say "is that you?" and I reply, "no, that's my buyers when they strike a great deal."  :)   They remember.  Had one woman say, "that's a terrible card, the top of the logo is cut off !"(my partner that day had given his card, it's the only way she knew).  I just said, "hey...it made you look closer, now didn't it?  I'm going to do marketing to make buyers look closer at your listing."   I got the listing.

And, yes...that baby has gotten me quite a few customers from my website.  A couple of people have told me they knew they could trust me.  Quite a few can't believe she's my grand-daughter, some are relieved she is because it means I'm their age.    And they all think I'm 'relaxed'.   heh..they should only know.  :)     I don't have my dogs up on the site... I probably should.    I've found I don't really need my own pic on the card.  My name is odd enough for them to remember me.   My many thanks to my dad.  

I use the photo on my website. My sister took it of me at home. :)

The only problem is now I've gained more weight!

LOL

I don't have a picture on my cards. The cards are an unusual shape (matching the shape of our company logo and signs) are yellow and are on extra thick paper. People always stop and look at them when I hand them out since they aren't the typical white background rectangle. I figure that since I'm usually handing my cards personally to people that I've had a reasonable conversation with already, they'll remember me without my photo.

I do put my photo on everything else. My website, email newsletters, and my SOI postcard mailings. I also stick with the same photo for a few years at a time since the point of the photo is to make you quickly recognizable. I want my clients that haven't seen me in a few years to still recognize the picture. Of course, at some point I'll need to update it so that it still resembles me.

But I do have a decision to make. My broker is switching card styles, and I think that I'll have the option of a black background full color card with my picture that is the standard shape/paper, or I can stick with the much more expensive yellow ones without the picture I've got now. I haven't decided which way to go yet.

My broker and some of the sales associates have the black background cards.  They are very striking.  

My two cents: If you are going to have a picture on your card, make sure it is recent. I don't know how many agents I couldn't recognize in person because their picture was over 2 decades old!

Lets be honest we all get a good laugh at times after we meet an agent and then comment on how their picture looks nothing like then in real life. So everyone should use their pictures just so we have entertainment at each others expense.

I agree wth Renee....more importantly your picture is part of brand marketing. If you have a dog in your picture people may suggest you like dogs and know you as the neighborhood realtor that is a likes dogs or pets...etc. Or you could have the beach in the background as you are branded by working in the coastal/beach areas...etc

"Renee Fentress said:

My two cents: If you are going to have a picture on your card, make sure it is recent. I don't know how many agents I couldn't recognize in person because their picture was over 2 decades old!"

Make it a great Week!

Laura Kelley

www.LauraSanDiego.com