Does Your Image Lack Likeability?
Just like MLS photos, your profile photo can say a lot about you, positive or negative. Looking at body language is key for what message you might be sending, unintentionally.
The very first one that comes to my mind is having your arms crossed in your professional photo. While doing some research on body language meaning (which is something I had studied in college, so was already familiar with what this position "sends out" to people), the first article that I studied mentions this as their #1 out of 30!
Arms crossed in front of the chest
This is one of the body language examples that indicate that one is being defensive. The body language meaning of crossed arms may also show disagreement with opinions and actions of other people with whom you are communicating.
Here is another one that you sometimes see in profile photos:
Hand on cheek
This body language example indicates that one is lost in thought, maybe considering something. When your hand is on your cheek and your brows are furrowed you may be in deep concentration.
Standing straight, with shoulders back – this posture shows that one is feeling confident and it is often accompanied by walking with brisk strides.
One-sided head tilt – tilting the head suggests that one is listening with interest in what others are saying.
Think about the profile photos that are most inviting, that make you feel immediately engaged with this person, there is a connection, and maybe immediate trust. What do they have in common?
A genuine smile.
Looking straight at the camera.
A clear, crisp photo that isn't too small.
Engaged with their eyes as well as their smile.
There are six universal facial expressions:
These emotional facial expressions are:
- Happiness
- Sadness
- Fear
- Disgust
- Surprise
- Anger
Charles Darwin was first to make these claims in his book The Expressions of the Emotions in Man and Animals, published in 1872.
What expression are you hoping to transmit with your profile image?
Victoria Beckham would make a better litigator than a realtor
Even though she is a fashion icon, would you want to buy a home from her? She could be great in a courtroom. But, would you feel like you connect with her quicky? You can be beautiful and utterly unapproachable at the same time.
She never smiles!! I actually recall a fashion designer who was thrilled because Ms Beckham managed to crack one while watching his line on the runway--it was a big moment for him because he knew how rare it was.
This was the only photo I found of her where she looks downright happy...I think she was pretty young.
Many people are uncomfortable in front of the camera. If that is you, find a good photographer that you connect with, feel comfortable with. Just as sellers interview us to list their home and give it the best "face" possible in every aspect, your photographer ought to do the same thing for you!
Practice by doing selfies, and see what your favorite is and WHY. We do tend to be our own worst critics, so if you like it, try to emulate that same expression with a professional--even showing them that particular one that captured the essence of your likeability.
I was involved in a photo shoot last year and one of the women who was shot ended up in a customer spotlight in a recent skincare catalog. She is very beautiful and her smile--and eyes--are so engaging she just welcomes you in right away! She was so happy with this professional photographer's photo of her that she used it for her online dating site profile photo!
Ask your friends, your associates, your clients about their reactions to your present image. Hopefully they will be open and honest with you. And if it needs more of a likeability factor, then take it upon yourself to invite it!
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