Newbies & Rainmakers Alike: Ditch The Gray Avatar!

I agree, I like to know who I am dealing with.  It's very easy to add a photo and it is a first step in getting to know you better.

Mike, I agree, I find that I often pass right by blogs that don't have a photo on them.  I really doubt that I would call them to have them help me sell my home!

Great illustration about the importance of proper avatars in social media. I will start paying more attention to the desert wildlife here in southern Nevada to see what else I can learn!

Howdy there Mike

Folks sure should have their real photo on their blog. But it does seem that AR does not care if the members have a photo or not. Seen that they have made a few featured posts of folks with out a photo.

You're right.  Get a photo.  With the "timer" function on a digital camera, there ain't no excuse.  You can take your own picture, 100 times if you want, to get just the right one.  You don't need anybody else.

Mike, I think Eddie was saying he needs to get with the program and get a photo up.

On Dale's comment, I think AR is more interested in the content of the featured post, not the picture.

BUT, customers want to see who they're dealing with.

Though, some of the pictures I see on business cards are kinda funny.  I look at the picture when I meet the person and it looks like the picture on the card must have been taken 20 years ago at a Glamour Shots studio.  Two completely different people.

 YOU are what people see.  Shouldn't your card at least bear a resemblance to your current appearance.

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Mike,

Agreed!  I often select blogs I'm not subscribed to from the list to read when I recognize the photo.

Ditto.  I've tried some different things to change it up and couldn't get happy.  Went back to the one that I use now.. Really need to get a new one taken but at least it is me.  

I don't understand folks that want to use a photo of a celebrity in place of their own either.  Usually of a dead celeb.  Maybe there are folks that identify with that celebrity and it might bring them more business than if they used their own?   There must be some logic to it because there are several that do that.  It seems to work sometimes.

Mike - I just want to comment on the word "avatar" which many ActiveRain members have been using with reference to the default picture.  Many people who are new to blogging and/or do not play computer games and/or are not familiar with such terminology will have no idea what an "avatar" means.

When I first encountered someone using "avatar" on ActiveRain, I was completely confused because the post had nothing to do with certain types of computer games where the term is commonly used.

I agree and I find so many as I am touring the states that haven't done this.  Great reminder my friend.

Same thing on Facebook and Twitter....well any social network. Who wants to be friends with a blank face. It only takes a few minutes.

Come out, come out wherever you are!

Mike,
Hopefully, the face we present is a little friendlier looking than your little friend's.

Mike,

Are you suggesting we have to step out of our comfort zone to be seen?

"Unless the blog reader is a relative of yours, he or she isn't likely to do business with you if they can't see your face."  I might add, unlike relatives he or she isn't likely to ask you to work for free!

My first real estate broker claimed to have sold Fuller brushes to Eskimos, but South American Aborigines, wow.

Bill

Mike - You are SO right!  Even if people think they are not photogenic .... they need a photo on their blog!  I'm reblogging this one so maybe the message will reach even more folks!  Thanks!

Hey Mike, maybe they just don't have a great Ambassador like YOU in their office to help them get off to a great start! :)

Love the pictures!

The technology makes it easy to do. This should be a no brainer.

Hi Mike,

What great photo's and your message is right on. Thanks for the reminder!

So many times I have had people stop me recognizing me from the Internet. Why would you not have your photo displayed?

Mike - You are so right. Use a current picture, these shots from 10 years ago will not help you in the business world.