What type of profile image do you prefer?

We currently present a "less than professional" side - but if you check out Jeff Dowler in California - you will watch someone who has a different picture every month!!

yes, to all of the above.  I am getting my pics done this week and I am going to have several done. 

Darrel:  Be yourself... just be the best you.  I like the way you are already thinking ... that it is an honor to be invited to get to know someone... and that is what your profile and profile photo should do .... it should invite others to get to know the REAL you!  Go with your first instinct ... you can always change it later!

I had a professional shot done at a Century 21 convention. I think it is one of my best investments. I get compliments all the time.

I think formal shots for business cards and ads.  Present the casual shots on the web in networking sites and blogs like these.

  Hi Darrel:

My company is Beach & Luxury Realty, Inc.  There's a hint in the name...  I work at the Beach most of the time and you have a really hard time being dressed too professionally.  The only real professionals here are the "Surfers" and I don't think that's a really good look for me. LOL  To be a little more serious, a difficult thing for me, I like to see someones business card and then recognize them when I see them at some function I'm attending.  The professional shots are really pretty and air-brushing is wonderful but I'd like my customers to see me in the grocery store and remember me from my website or my card.  I do have a habit of changing my picture, sometimes for a holiday, a season, or just on a whim.  My son has a Graphic Design Business and I drive him crazy making my own cards.  "Mom I can get you 1000 cards for the price you spend on 200" and I can make you look really good, noone will know you, but you'll look really good.  Just kidding.... He'd never say that.  I just naturally look good.

I have a branded e-mail and it is driving me crazy because I have to keep the same picture or pay to have it changed.  I can assure you I'll change it at least once a year even if I do have to pay.

Be yourself, fit in with your customers, I dress differently when I'm showing a $2M house than I do when I'm showing a condotel on the beach.  The person within stays the same and comes out through the eyes and mouth.  Don't change your personality to fit in.  Like yourself, be comfortable in your skin and your dress (or in your case, your suit).

Best Wishes 

I think doing what you are comfortable with and what works is best.  Experimenting makes sense.

I really think it doesn't matter whether you project a "professional" profile shot, or a more casual one.  I do think it is important to reflect a genuine feel of your own personality.

You can't please everyone all the time - but in today's world, most folks are relaxed enough that they don't need to see you in a suit and tie all the time.

However - if you have tattoos on your neck from previous gang activity - you may wish to hide those:-)

Myrl Jeffcoat
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

Hi Darrel,

Floyd Wickman once said (and I paraphrase) to avoid the "Glamor" pictures. It could cause the client to hurt your feelings by recoiling when they actually meet you face to face!

Actually you will reveal yourself by which style picture you choose, more than the picture itself.

Just my humble opinion, I use overnightprints.com so 1,000 custom business cards only cost $50.00 delivered. So if the picture doesn't work it is easier to try again. . . No, I do not work for them or have stock, ha ha.