How Many Realtors Need New Pictures on Our Cards?

I agree in many respects...I've heard that we need to keep our image constant, but i've also heard that as we change, our pictures should change...

As a business professional i change my picture every 2-3 years.  I have been a Mortgage Broker for over 18 years.  When I first started in the business it was like 5 years or so before I changed.  A customer or friend I forget which asked me if it was my high school picture, so from that point on I made it a point to change every few years. I would also hear from others talk & make fun of agents who didn't change their pictures and catch new and old clients by surprise when they couldn't recognize the agent in person.

I let the lovely ladies like yourself have photos on their card.  I just go with a nice Elite Properties blue on white and call it a day.  I could put my picture on my card, but I hate to scare the kids away.

Hi   Sandra !
Thanks for sharing this info with us. Keep posting !
Nalliah Thayabharan
Commercial and Residential Building Inspector
Expert Building Inspections Ltd

In my marketing, I try to move away from an image of me and more toward a logo that represents my business.  The only reason I put my picture on my card these days is so that people can see the face that is supposed to go with the name.

I have a lady in my office that uses a 20 year old picture and we tease her about clients asking where her daughter is when they meet her.

Sandra...

We order anything with photos in smaller quantities knowing that in a years time it will be time to allow the consumer to see that we grow old too :)

TLW...ROAR!

I'm torn on the business card pic.. I have a generic looking one right now. But when I can.. I'm going to go for more of a graphic that stands out rather than my normal everyday mug...

And don't have a picture of you on your cell phone, people.. it's annoying..

Not only should we keep a current photo but a professional photo!  I think it is unprofessional to crop a picture that was taken by Aunt Sally!  Act like a pro and get treated like a pro!

Not too long ago I had a rather opinionated discussion with a Marketing guy out in Palm Desert (CA) that stated we had to have our pictures on our Marketing pieces for people to recoginize our names.  What???? didn't make any sense to me.....

Most of my clients come from my newsletter, postcards, and websites.  I do have my photo on them only because I did it originally and have a template for the designs and don't want to change them.  But it is the name of my newsletter that has name recognition, not my picture.

My daughter just took her Real Estate classes in North County and her Instructor made fun of every person in the class that has their picture on their business card......he stated NOT to put it there.

Sandra you are in my neck of the woods.  I am only about an hour from you.....:) glad I came here....

I never use a picture. My feeling is that if I didn`t make a good enough impression on them to remember who I am. the picture isn`t going to help

Professional photos are a must!  It shouldn't cost more than $75-$150 to have a professional photographer take your photos.  I used the same great photographer who took my wedding photos.  Though my wife says next time not to wear my glasses...

My question:  why do we need pictures on our cards in the first place?  Oh, thats right, everyone does it.

Hi Sandra, I kept my old picture for a long time for the reasons you mentioned above...always making a joke of the difference when I gave it out.  When I finally changed it, I found I preferred the new picture more than the outdated one anyway.  Now, looking back, I wonder why it took me so long! :)

Most agents make the mistake of branding themselves only with their pictures; while this creates a distinctive 'identifiable' look it can become a big problem as age takes it toll.  If you use your picture to brand yourself to the public, it is advisable to use it in conjunction with something that is both identifiable and static.  A good example would be to overlay your photograph on another showing an area landmark that you're certain will not change during your career. This will allow you to update your image occasionally, while maintaining a consistent and recognizable brand.