I suspect there is not a Realtor who has not been asked why we have our pictures on our business cards. My most frequent response has been something about it being a custom in our industry and as I rattle that off it doesn't make me very independent or strong. I want and need a better answer! No other profession has such an overload of mug shots and since we are selling structures why do others need to know what we look like?
Centennial, CO
It's nice that you question this. If I look at a card and the face reminds me of the conversation (hopefully good), I might give preference to this person. If it was bad, I likely tossed the card. I don't, however, like finding cards in my bag that have no photo, but I kept them for some reason- no reminder of a face. Except, whoever this was must have impressed me somehow- eh, throw it out. Great topic- thanks.
Feb 13, 2008 10:40 AM
eXp Realty - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Real Estate Guy
Chinowth & Cohen Realtors - Tulsa, OK
Hmmm, I like having the pictures and like Laurie said it does help remind me of who it was I talked to. Maybe instead of us changing, every other profession needs to do our way!
Feb 13, 2008 10:43 AM
RED Properties - Wake Forest, NC
RED Properties - Raleigh NC Real Estate
I guess that is a good question! I mean, like you, I never thought much about it - it just seemed standard. I will say that I redesigned my last batch of cards and removed my picture. No particular reason, just did. Laure - your answer was pretty funny, "eh, throw it out". HAHA
Feb 13, 2008 10:43 AM
RE/MAX PROS - Germantown, MD
Julie,
Great question!! I actually do not have my picture on my cards, letterhead, envelopes or most other things, PERIOD! No other professional industry more important no other professional puts their picture out there like real estate agents do. I want people to remember me and work with me and refer me for my service. As long as I provide great service and get my clients great results, like doctors, lawyers, accountants, insurance specialists etc do, then my clients will remain loyal and they will refer me. Remember, we do not need to put our picture on our cards and folks remember us for our service and how much we care, not for our picture on our card, which is all too often outdated anyway.
Great question!! I actually do not have my picture on my cards, letterhead, envelopes or most other things, PERIOD! No other professional industry more important no other professional puts their picture out there like real estate agents do. I want people to remember me and work with me and refer me for my service. As long as I provide great service and get my clients great results, like doctors, lawyers, accountants, insurance specialists etc do, then my clients will remain loyal and they will refer me. Remember, we do not need to put our picture on our cards and folks remember us for our service and how much we care, not for our picture on our card, which is all too often outdated anyway.
Feb 13, 2008 10:47 AM
Dilbeck Real Estate - Oak Park, CA
Realtor - Agoura, Oak Park, Westlake CA Homes
I don't have a photo on my business card, just the logo, shown here. I am not even sure why I did the logo, most likely because I never like any photos of myself. I do have my photo here on my profile and my web site, however. the other reason I didn't want a photo, is becaus I hate those photos that look like high school yearbook photos, when the agent is in their 60's at least!
Mostly, I think people put photos on business cards is for recognition, to remind people with whom they spoke, or if they are seen in the nieghborhood people may recognize them.
Feb 13, 2008 10:52 AM
MagnumOne Realty - Roseville, CA
Laurie - Good response, I do suspect it started because we are such a people based business and I too find cards without pictures don't usually remind me of the person.
Michael - I like the pictures and the next question is why don't some agents update more often?
Susie - Can you imagine attorneys, accountants and bankers with their mugs on their cards...LOL
Leesa - Have you noticed anything different since you removed your picture from your cards?
Josh - You have gone in the opposite direction from Leesa who has removed her pictures, you have it on everything! I do believe being open and having your picture available does give us a welcome others may not get.
Thank you for your input....I enjoyed reading them.
Feb 13, 2008 10:56 AM
MagnumOne Realty - Roseville, CA
Carol - You are wrong, you have a very attractive picture. I'd use it more than the logo.
Feb 13, 2008 11:03 AM
Quakertown, PA
e-PRO, Realtor - Bucks County PA - 610-952-3578
YOu must have your photo on your card. In my county there are 4000 realtors. Why should they use me? Because I am better, and I want them to remember why. It is all about me. Your picture should be absolutely everywhere.
EVERYWHERE
Feb 13, 2008 11:05 AM
First Realty Auburn - Auburn, AL
Inactive-2012 REALTOR - Homes for Sale Auburn Real Estate, AL
A picture is worth a thousand words. Once people begin to recognize my face, it becomes worth even more. It's also a human connection thing... people can read faces as much as anything else... so be sure to SMILE! Sometimes a warm & friendly & confident face is enought to break a prospect out of his trance of web surfing, data collecting, mind muddling--- and make a "reality" connection with a face that pops up on the internet. I personally am aware of "judgment"--- often based on intuition--- that I sometimes make, based on a person's image. If no photo, I'm not interested (if applicable). They didn't make the extra effort for me--- why would I trust them when they hide their own face? So there's my judgement. It's how I'm wired, and I know I'm not alone.
Feb 13, 2008 11:16 AM
Dilbeck Real Estate - Oak Park, CA
Realtor - Agoura, Oak Park, Westlake CA Homes
Interesting comments, and thanks, julie, for the compliment. I have thought about putting my picture on the back of my card, but I really hate looking at myself! I do get a lot of compliments on my logo, and people often stop and take a second look at my card, because of it. On many of my marketing pieces I have started to put both my photo and my logo on it, so people can connect my photo, and logo to me.
Feb 13, 2008 01:57 PM
Anonymous
Realtors are salespeople. Don't get it confused. "Doctors, lawyers, and accountants," on the other hand are professional service providers. I don't think professionals in either one of the aforementioned three areas have a problem being looked upon as a professional in kind with the other two. But a realtor? You're kidding right? Why not add car salesman in there? Ironically, while doctors, lawyers, and accountants, as businesspeople are selling their services, and realtors are primarily selling something tangible, it's realtors that feel the need to put their mugs on everything to sell themselves. Why not put a picture of a house? That's what you're selling. There are certain barriers for entry to being a professional. The Mickey Mouse requirements for realtors are a joke next to Bar, Medical Board, and CPA licensing requirements. I laugh whenever a broker tells me how hard their three hour 100 question multiple choice exam was. Try three consecutive six hour days with combined essay, multiple choice, and simulation (and oral boards for medicine). Oh, and just in case there's any doubt in your mind about what people think of the various professions, see (or don't see, if you want to preserve your delusional sense of self worth): http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/employment/2005-05-23-prestige-usat_x.htm Please continue plastering your photos on everything (and using ALL CAPS with !!!!!) - it gives me and my "professional" friends endless entertainment.
Feb 14, 2008 03:48 PM
#12
Dilbeck Real Estate - Oak Park, CA
Realtor - Agoura, Oak Park, Westlake CA Homes
I was a Registered Nurse before becoming a realtor. My nursing license exam was 2 full days of multiple choice. Twenty five years later I still remember the first few questions on the exam- primarily because I wasn't sure, and almost panicked!
Yes, there may be idiots among us realtors, but the majority of us are good, ethical, and reasonably bright. Oh, and yeah, I am a PROFESSIONAL realtor!
Feb 14, 2008 04:14 PM
Comments(13)