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"Branding:" Dopey, Or Smart Business?

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Southern Arizona (Sierra Vista)

Today, I was told that I am a dope, while someone else complimented me on my business choice. So, like Taylor Swift, you'd better not "Date" me, because I'll write a song about you!

Of course, I would never use names, but let me describe the situation:

  • Today, I had a "for sale" sign placed on some commercially zoned land. The sign is 4' x 8', and has my picture included as one of its elements. Someone told me that was pretty gauche, because buyers would not buy the property, just because my picture is on the sign.
  • My business cards include my photo.
  • My car signs include my photo.
  • My email, and websites include my photo.
  • Of course, my real estate brokerage info, the Fair Housing, and REALTOR® logos are prominently displayed.

A colleague commented that I am overexposed, and, that personal "branding" is dopey.

Another commented favorably on my "branding."

For over 30 years, while operating my own brokerage, I spent most of my advertising, promotion, and personal budgets, promoting the Company's brand.

Now, as an Associate Broker with a great company, Keller Williams Southern Arizona, my job is to "brand" myself.

The ActiveRain network is a great example of "branding."

As real estate practitioners, it is to our benefit to "brand" ourselves, positively, of course, and do our best to achieve "top-of-mind awareness. Will my picture on a sign, or a business card, create a listing or a sale? I doubt it, but, cumulatively, if I am delivering the very best possible services, my "branding" will increase my business.

So... am I dope, or, am I going in the right direction?

My fate is in your hands. I await your responses.

MY "Branded" For Sale Sign

 

Sarasota & Manatee Counties FL
SaraMana Properties - QuickFreeMLS.com - Bradenton, FL
QuickFreeMLS.com - Listings In Paradise

I'm a big fan of branding, but I don't picture on anything. I brand my business, not myself -- we are not the same.  It's an approach I'm comfortable with.

Apr 07, 2011 05:02 PM
Carolyn Kolba
Serving Mentor, and all of Lake County, Ohio - Mentor, OH
Keller Williams Realty- Mentor, Ohio

Mike, here are my thoughts.  If there is a subdivision that has... let's say... eight Keller Williams for sale signs... with everyone having their own picture and their own brand on their sign, they all look different... and really... for the most part may not look like they are with the same company.

Now... take the same scenario... and make it RE/MAX.  Eight signs... each with a different listing agent, but they all look the same.  And that is not a bad thing.  It makes it look like RE/MAX "controls" the entire neighborhood... and I would think it would make it much easier to list a FSBO in there... while pointing to how your company has kind of cornered the market.  Does this make sense ?  Ok... you asked for opinions.  Hope you were not offended.

Apr 07, 2011 05:06 PM
Ben Benita
Ben Benita - Gainesville, VA
Speaker, Author, Game Changer, Coach

The truly great ones understand "shameless self-promotion"...

Trump, Hilton Family, Disney Family, some good names to associate with my friend.

Keep doing your branding and reaping the rewards....NOT doing so is a disservice to your clients, your family, and, yourself.

Apr 07, 2011 05:12 PM
Pamela Seley
West Coast Realty Division - Murrieta, CA
Residential Real Estate Agent serving SW RivCo CA

Mike, I like it. Keep the picture. I put pictures on everything except my signs. The reason I don't is because many pictures of female agents on signs end up with sharpie mustaches. (those kids!) hahaha

Apr 07, 2011 05:13 PM
Christine R. Sutherland
Sun Realty USA, Inc. - Punta Gorda, FL
REALTOR - RSPS, e-Pro, TRC

I think branding is a great idea!  However, I do not wish to have my photo on every sign.  Cusiness cards etc. yes, but not signs - and on top o fthat we have very strict rules in the City of Naples, SW Florida about real estate signs .........  photos are a no-no!

Apr 07, 2011 05:28 PM
Suzi Sandore
RealtyONEGroup - San Diego, CA
North County San Diego Homes

Hi Mike, I think it's a matter of personal preference. I personally don't put my photo on signs to avoid them being defaced. If it works for you, go for it....definitely not dopey!

Apr 07, 2011 05:44 PM
Tonia Vickery
RE/MAX Desert Showcase - Peoria, AZ

Branding is a personal decision. Whether you brand yourself, your business, or any other aspect of your business is up to you.  However, branding has to be appropriate for the specific area being farmed.  You alone know what will and will not work in that area.  Let the naysayers eat your dust!

Tonia

Apr 07, 2011 05:55 PM
Bukka Levy
Keller Williams Realty - Petaluma, CA
REALTOR - San Francisco North Bay

I don't know either, but I've given in to 'branding' just this year myself. Not natural for me, but I'm accepting it as part of the business we're in!

Good luck with yours!

Apr 07, 2011 06:01 PM
Jim Patton
Aspire Home Real Estate 209-404-0816 - Modesto, CA
Realtor - Stanislaus ,Merced, San Joaquin Counties

Mike - I think it's a great idea.   Keep it up.

Apr 07, 2011 06:20 PM