Rich Jacobson's blog post from yesterday of course got me to comment (I know, it doesn't take much since I love to talk), and got me thinking about my comment more in depth, thought I would share here for better understanding.
There were a couple of folks who commented about the fact that Realtors plaster their faces everywhere, and it's a sign of vanity, and could be construed as 'tacky'. These same people mentioned that attorneys and doctors don't have their photos included as part of their marketing.
But it's not the same thing.
I do believe that a true Realtor is every bit as dedicated and educated a professional as any attorney or doctor practicing in their chosen field. Note that I don't include every member of NAR as a 'true Realtor.' But that's a discussion for a different time and soapbox!
However, attorneys and doctors and dentists...they don't build relationships with clients in the same way that we do. Sure, I've been going to the same dentist for 20 years now (amazing!), but she doesn't know every single thing about me, like I know about the majority of my clients. I've been using the same attorney for several years as well. He perhaps knows a little more since he had to do our wills and such-but he doesn't KNOW me personally. I know my clients personally. They tell me things that their parents may not even know. Things will come out between a husband and wife in the quiet of my car that are new to both of them.
But to get to that point in the relationship-they had to choose me first. And feel that yes indeed, I could be trusted with this, their biggest financial decision, and all of the intimate knowledge that goes along with it. I have had many, many clients tell me that they picked me out of the crowd because I looked 'nice.' My mama and daddy raised me to be a nice, compassionate person-and I truly hope that I convey that in my photo. Since my photo is the only way I have to be 'in front' of people early in their process of selecting an agent. I can say anything on the phone or over email, but it's different when they feel like they know you. My clients see my face a LOT in the process of purchasing or selling a home-and I think it helps to cement the relationship. I've also received many agent referrals based on my photo in the various directories-they liked the look of me and felt that I might be the best choice for their client. And you know, that speaks volumes to me and tells me that I need to keep taking my business up a notch in order to make THOSE referring agents look GREAT for choosing me.
It's not vanity, it's not pride or anything else. It's me, trying to reach my market in the way that has indeed been proven to work. My business is built on relationships, pure and simple. I want to be 'their girl' when real estate is mentioned ('Hey, you're buying a house? Call my girl first-she's great!'). And I want to be their girl for years and years to come.
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Leigh, I know what you mean! We can't hide behind any kind of facade through the home buying process. It is much too personal for that. I have had the same response from folks regarding my picture and my emails. I (sometimes unfortunately) do not have a standard email that goes out to my internet leads. I "hand write" my first email to each client based on what the lead or RIMS told me about them. One woman from MI last week emailed back and forth a couple of times and then wrote saying, "Here's my real number. You can call me. I would love to talk to you about our move. My husband is already down there and is getting desperate." When we spoke she commented that I looked nice and kind and my emails backed it up. She knew she wasn't getting taken advantage of.
We have to let people know we are accessable and with 9000+ REALTORS in our area we have to convey our true selves as quickly and consistently as possible.