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Why bloggers profile photo pics look so different then real life?

By Robert Vegas Bob Swetz

Industry Observer

September 29, 2011 03:20 AM

The four years that I have been at the Activerain Network I have noticed so many profile pics that really don't look like the person at all, and or a HUGE age difference.

So my question would be when your expressing a profile photo pic that is 10-20-30 years outdated, who are your trying to target with your outdated photo? And why should it make any difference if an Agent is 70,60,50,40,30 or 20 years of age?

Some more questions ...

If your profile photo is so untrue, could your stories and posts be also? And if your so concerned about your age, why? Do you think that if your 70 years old vs 40 that you will attract less business?

I have left 2 profile photo pics on this post, Agent number One that was taken 5 months ago and Agent number TWO that well ... is 30 years old. Now who would you want to purchase Commercial Real Estate from ...

Agent number ONE

Agent number TWO

"Inquiring Minds Want To Know"

And let's try to be who we are and not a false outdated image of who we wish we could be again, if a person feels they are to old to put up a present profile photo pic then put up a banner or logo of their business, etc.

Robert (Vegas Bob) Swetz 9-29-2011

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Robert Vegas Bob Swetz

Las Vegas, NV

Hello Tammy and just let me know the next time you roll into Vegas ...

And Kevin, you are I are one of the few and no beard would be different, even for me!

Hello Brenda and I am not sure why? Some people just don't want to get old, but aging can be like wine ... it gets better with age.

And Donna, I hear you! Different styles for different days is cool, but a 20 year old photo, well ...?

VB ;o)

Sep 29, 2011 03:49 AM

Robert Vegas Bob Swetz

Las Vegas, NV

Hello Brenda and I do agree with you 100% and I was around 20 in that photo, but stated it was 30 years old from today's date. Are you trying to say VB is really older than he looks? ... (Kidding) ;o)

Sep 29, 2011 03:53 AM

Dr. Paula McDonald

Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX

Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Wow, you were one cool dude in that picture! Look at that lush hair!

Sep 29, 2011 03:55 AM

Hannah Williams

HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA

Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

I was wondering who that was in the photo ..never dreamed it was Y O U

Helpfulhannah

Sep 29, 2011 03:56 AM

Robert Vegas Bob Swetz

Las Vegas, NV

Hello Paula and yes VB had a long curly hair, the girls loved running their fingers through it but please don't tell my wife this ... ;o)

And Hannah, yes this was VB in his silly younger teenage years!

VB ;o)

Sep 29, 2011 03:59 AM

Louise Thaxton NMLS 69996

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp Louisiana NMLS#2289 Equal Housing Lender - Leesville, LA

Military Mtg Specialist - 866-960-9115 VA FHA USDA

Bob - Loving the teenage pic! And I have wondered myself how many people are keeping current with their profile (and business card) photographs. I have to say that I have really wanted to "photoshop" mine at times!

Sep 29, 2011 04:19 AM

Than Maynard

Coldwell Banker Heart of Oklahoma - Purcell, OK

Broker - Licensed to List & Sell - 405-990-8862

Never understand that either. Nothing like getting their card and expecting one face and someone else walking and saying Hi! I'm Mary/Bob. Wow, you aged alot from the photo to today or is it your kids photo on the card?

Sep 29, 2011 04:24 AM

Robert Vegas Bob Swetz

Las Vegas, NV

Thanks for stopping by Louise ...

And Than ... what a hilarious comment, "Is that your kids photo on the card!"

VB ;o)

Sep 29, 2011 04:27 AM

Mary Douglas

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO

REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Hi VB - Agent #1! Many people don't like to have their photos taken and I think that's one reason that those old photos hang on long after their expiry date! I keep my current so that "someone" might recognize me when I'm out and about but it's not a professional photo - just a snapshot.

Sep 29, 2011 05:10 AM

Robert Vegas Bob Swetz

Las Vegas, NV

Hello Mary, and I know what your saying! I believe though that if people feel old, un-photogenic, etc., that there are photographers that can make them look great! If I was to keep this profile photo pic where I am 30 years younger what kind of message would I be sending? Let's fess up and show what we really look like right now, and stop hiding behind a old photo from the past ...

VB ;o)

PS - We are not trying to sell Real Estate by our looks but rather our knowledge ...

Sep 29, 2011 06:16 AM

Tony & Darcy Cannon

Aubrey and Associates Realty - Layton, UT

The C Team

Bob, I would go with Agent 1 as well! I don't know why agents use old photos or the "glamour" shots on their marketing materials, which is really what Active Rain and other blogs are. It is a valid point that you have raised!

Sep 29, 2011 06:20 AM

Gene Riemenschneider

Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA

Turning Houses into Homes

I think the expense of a pro shot keeps people from updating photos. However, these days I think a casual picture is fine. People accept it.

Sep 29, 2011 06:45 AM

Ron and Alexandra Seigel

Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA

Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

VB,

Agent 1 is very handsome and debonair, Agent 2 is evolving into Agent 1 (you can see the potential in him).

Seriously, it is a matter of vanity. Recently I met a lovely agent whose picture is at least 20 years old, she is turning 70 in January. I could not fault her for it, as she is one of the nicest and most knowledgeable people in her niche and marketplace. Part of life is giving the benefit of the doubt, and understanding humans for the essence of who they are. In our minds, she is even prettier than her picture.

You do make a fine point on first impressions, (our photo is a few years old), and we just don't want to go to SF to have a new one taken, 6hour drive. A

Sep 29, 2011 07:15 AM

Judi Boad

ACCURATE REALTY GROUP - Seattle, WA

Hi Bob~ Had to stop by and see what was up with the dude from another time pictured in your post! Both good photos, but living in the past doesn't give us the edge we need in today's market! :)

Thanks for the fun and relevant read!

My photos are updated annually so people will recognize me when we meet!

Best regards from Seattle,

Sep 29, 2011 07:39 AM

Robert Vegas Bob Swetz

Las Vegas, NV

Hello Tony & Darcy and thanks for stopping by, always a pleasure!

And Gene, Agents spend money on things of very little importance for their profession, a casual photo pic is fine. And to spend a little extra money to upgrade a photo can be worth it ... "Feeling & Looking Good in the Moment"

Ron & Alexandra, I do understand your point for some at a certain age. But there are so many AR members that are between 40-60 years of age that look "GREAT" and then they have a profile photo pic from their late 20s - early 30s ... come on people, you don't look like this anymore ... "Get over it!" And a few years old ... no problem!

Hello my friend from Seattle, thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

VB ;o)

Sep 29, 2011 08:18 AM

Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459

Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI

Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Pictures are confusing. You look like Jim Morrison in that picture.

Sep 29, 2011 01:57 PM

Robert Vegas Bob Swetz

Las Vegas, NV

Sorry Tom, but I took some of my hair from my head and put it on my chin ...

VB ;o)

Sep 29, 2011 02:03 PM

Robert Vegas Bob Swetz

Las Vegas, NV

Hello David and that is a good one and I have never heard that before ... thanks for stopping by, it's been a while!

VB ;o)

Sep 30, 2011 01:03 PM

Not a real person

San Diego, CA

Definitely Agent Two. Agent One has beady eyes and too much smile. I think Agent One is up to something, probably no good. LOL

Sep 30, 2011 04:26 PM

Cindy Westfall

Premiere Property Group,LLC Portland Metro & Suburbs Oregon - Tualatin, OR

ABR,GRI Your Tualatin & Portland Metro Real Estate

Hi VB, Here I thought from the little square in my blog roll that it was John Lennon..LOL. I know I've run into agents that still have the "Glamour shot" pic on their advertising from the 90's and it takes a few minutes to realize who it is when I meet them in person. Based solely on a picture, I would go with picture one...but then again, if I were buying investment property in the 70's...it would be picture # 2!

Oct 01, 2011 06:35 AM