I am not a huge pet lover. I had a dog once in college named Murlow. I didn't know it was a girl until I got it home. THEN, not being a big drinker, or at least not a consumer of quality liquor (you know how college is), I heard "Merlot" on a movie and chose it as the dog's name, cause I liked it. It was used to describe a color, not a drink, but I didn't know it was a wine, so when I told people my dog's name, those who knew what "merlot" was thought I was a drunk. I had cats growing up, and loved it, but not enough to have them as an adult. I digress...
Why do people put pictures of their pets in their ads? I am not saying it is wrong or right, but just why? I think their must be some secret thing with pet lovers. Like a club or something. I don't really get it. Probably because I am not into pets. I puppysat once for a friend in NY. She came down here on the bus dropped of her puppy and went back because she had a concert to do, and she needed to focus and be out late. It wasn't so bad. The puppy, "Chica," was sweet and everything, but it didn't make me want to get one. I could see her as a person who would choose an agent who took a picture with their dog. I read an article about people who infuse their regular job with their off the job interests and it makes them memorable to the public. Like one couple in California I think is into ballroom dancing, and they put that in their ads and stuff. I don't ballroom dance, but I thought that was neat. Tell me, do people really say, I chose you to list my house because the picture of you and your dog was so cute? They must because I see ads with agents and their dogs, cats, and birds all the time.
Well, I figure it is about connecting with potential customers on whatever level is comfortable for you. My very first listing came from a lady who was on the internet, looked on the website for the company I work for, saw my picture and said - she looks like me - I want her to sell my house! Funny, we did look alike. She had me meet her mother to help her look for a home, and her mother said - "She was right, you do look like my daughter!" That connection was unintentional of course, but it shows that you never know why people choose to do business with you. You may look like their mother or father or grandfather or favorite younger cousin. Your parrot may look like the one they saw on their field trip to the Bird House in the first grade that led them to becoming a vet.
If any of you infuse your business with small parts of your personal life, tell me what you do and how that works for you! I'm listening...
:)
Eva
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