Real Estate Blog - Does Your ActiveRain Picture Endanger Your Chances for New Business?

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Does Your ActiveRain Picture Endanger Your Chances for New Business?

Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com

Last night, as I was reading through ActiveRain blog posts, several of the pictures drew my attention.

Some were quite friendly, and I thought,"Hmmm...this person looks like someone I would consider doing business with."

And then there were others where the individual looked either non-engaging, sad, or just upset about something. There wasn't a smile to be seen anywhere! "What gives?", I thought.

Of course, a picture alone will not decide if someone will pick up the phone to call you; However, it could prevent someone from calling you - and moving on to someone who at least looks friendly. That's just my opinion of course!

So...Go ahead...

Woman Smiling

Give Us What You've Got! A Big Smile in your picture - and who knows...

A new client may see your smiling face and call you today!

Darleen McCullen,

REALTOR® on a Mission... NOT Just Seeking a Commission!^TM

Phone: 919.454.8864
Website: http://www.darleenmc.com/ Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by those who are part of the ActiveRaincommunity, including those providing comments relating to this blog, are their opinions and their alone - and do NOT reflect the opinions of Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty. Darleen McCullen and Keller Williams Realty are not responsible for the accuracy (or lack thereof) or content provided by others.

Posted by Darleen McCullen, Broker-Raleigh, NC Real Estate on 04/13/2008 03:36 PM

Comments (19)

smile, customer

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19 Comments on Does Your ActiveRain Picture Endanger Your Chances for New Business?

APR

2008

I don't know about you but I love it when people smile, and seem to be drawn to them,and or want to be around them...it's contagious!

Darleen- You have a great picture and you look really friendly. I agree with you. Some people have pictures that resemble a mug shot. I think it's worth the extra money to pay for a professional picture, but I here Realtors say "oh,it's not that important".

I received a call from a woman to sell her house because when she looked at all the Realtors pictures in the Christian Business Directory I had the best SMILE. It does make a difference when you smile in a picture. Your smile is really great !

good point

APR

2008

I agree with you as well. I think that a picture relates to your professionalism. I know that you are not supposed to judge a book by its cover - but I know that I too am guilty of this - especially in this industry - a first impression can be all that you get - so SMILE!

Darleen - well spoken from someone with one of the best photos out there. You look engaging, charming, and happy, and well, that's what you are!

Darleen,
Not my favorite subject as I have had the intention of getting a new photo up for several months but not done it yet. One of these days...................

3-D Darlene, I'm smiling just reading your comments. And seeing your bright cheerful picture makes me smile back too!

APR

2008

Cindy ~ Smiling is indeed contagious. What's the saying - it takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown!

Lisa ~ Thanks for the compliment. :-) Yes, you're right, some people do have pictures that resemble mug shots - which is what prompted me to write this post. LOL. The good news is - they can change their pictures if they want to!

Windy ~ Wow! What a great story!! You had someone contact you because of your smile. A great lesson for all of us.

Steve ~ Thanks.

Amy ~ In this business, it's difficult for the Public to not judge us by what they see - at least initially. Sometimes, our picture is all that they have.

Penny ~ Thank you for the compliment. You made me smile. :-)

Cynthia~ Sorry it's not your fav subject. :-) Yes, one of these days...it'll happen.

Tony ~ Welcome! So great to see you here in the Rain. See you at Team Meeting tomorrow...

I just took a new photo which was more light hearted that the previous one. Not sure if it'll help or hurt! Your photo is so nice!

I agree with you Darleen. I think your picture speaks volumes to the public. I think we should always be careful of the message we send with our branding and our photographs are definitely included in that.

APR

2008

Natalie~ I think a smiling face is always a positive thing. I'll have to check out your photo on your blog. Thanks for the compliment.

Kimberly~ Ah - BRANDING! Good point. I think the public has become so accustomed to seeing our pictures on everything that we should consider the photo part of branding.

Darleen I said in my post that you have one of the best smiles that I have ever seen. I took a picture of me smiling. But I just need to put it up. Thanks for writing this post. You just reminded me that I have to put up a better picture. Great post.

Darleen, I love your tag line!! Very cool!

Keep smiling!

Lanre ~ Thanks for stopping by. Can't wait to see your new picture! And thanks for the compliments.

Susan~ Thanks for complimenting on my tagline. Just trying to change the public's perception of real estate professionals. We're not all greedy. :-)

Lanre ~ Thanks for stopping by. Can't wait to see your new picture! And thanks for the compliments.

Susan~ Thanks for complimenting on my tagline. Just trying to change the public's perception of real estate professionals. We're not all greedy. :-)

APR

2008

Great points! A picture is worth a thousand words. I feel like there are many kinds of pictures that can be successful...but they should look, at least, like the subject took a little bit of pride in the quality of the photo. It is a reflection on the person. Sometimes the first, and the last.

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