Posted by Stamper_WI on 2/19/06 3:53pm
Msg #98297

Pictures on profiles/cards

Earlier I read a thread about pictures on profiles/websites and business cards. Two Realtor freinds of mine just got back from two different national franchise conventions and both franchises recommend that you don't put your pictures on these things ( Coldwell Banker and GMAC).
Aside from the obvious security thing (we recently had a guy calling blond realtor women to his house for a possible listing and acting and dressing very aggressive with them when they were there), there is an increase of as much as 50% of new business contacts without pictures. The reason? Like it or not, there is prejudgement when looking at someone's picture.
I use a Logo on my card...mostly because I think its neat and have used it since I was about 8 when I carved it on the pine branch hogan I built in the woods.

Reply by NJ_Notary on 2/19/06 7:47pm
Msg #98320

OMG REALLYZ! How arew you? This is your aol freind from NJ - the one who works for Blue. This is so funny that I would come across you posting on here. If you have aol instant messanger please hit me up. Boy have we got a lot to talk about both real estate wise and signing agent wise. Hope to hear from you soon!

God bless!

Reply by Stamper_WI on 2/20/06 7:09am
Msg #98341

Well Dang "D" am I senile or what? Never occured that was you! Should have figured it out. Notice I have a new email. No AOl account and the Aim acct won't let me email out so I haven't been going there lately.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 2/19/06 10:39pm
Msg #98333

I disagree

I disagree!

A picture is a great way to present yourself if you do it in a professional manner. What do I mean by this? Well here is what you shouldn't do; don't pose with you pickup truck, baseball hat on your head, tank tops, children, religious statues, tatoos, nose rings/ etc.

I think men should wear a tie for their pictures; Dennis R Broadbook has a great picture in his profile. Men aren't required to wear a tie to a borrower's home but it certainly can't hurt if you have a potentially difficult signing with a widow over 70.

A couple of woman who have very good pictures in their profiles are BrendaTx and TitleGalCa. They look professional and competent.

Reply by PAW on 2/20/06 1:09am
Msg #98337

Re: I disagree ... somewhat

I have noticed that typically in real estate, brokers and RE agents tend to have their pictures on their cards. However, most title and lender agents and employees do not.

I do not have my picture on my card nor my website, since I am not in "sales"

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 2/20/06 5:33am
Msg #98339

We're All in "Sales"...

...whether we recognize it or not. No, we don't sell the loan or sell the borrower on signing the document package per se. However we're all in the business of selling ourselves to those who may desire to utilize our services (i.e. lenders, title companies, SS's). I'm not coming down on one side or the other as far as whether it's right or wrong to use your picture on a business card, your NotRot public profile, or your web site. That's a personal choice. It's my opinion if you DO decide to display your image that a "picture is worth a thousand words" & the photo should present yourself in a business-like manner. It shouldn't be a fashion shoot with your dog or cat as an adornment. BTW, I'm not taking a shot at anyone in particular when I say that. I'm just speaking in generic terms.

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/20/06 8:05am
Msg #98348

Re: We're All in "Sales"...

Hmmm...interesting topic. I had a picture with my son on my profile and after reading this thread I changed it to the only other pic I have with just me in it, I didn't realize it looked 'unprofessional'. This is also the one on my biz cards, which I believe is a good marketing idea. Everyone here in real estate has their pics splashed all over everything, including the yard signs and newspaper ads.

Reply by John_NorCal on 2/20/06 8:57am
Msg #98356

Re: We're All in "Sales"...

I agree with Dennis. As for Charm's picture with her son, I really don't think anything wrong with using that on her profile. Being that real estate deals on a very personal level, I think it behooves someone to use a professionally taken picture. Like others have said no adornments, etc., just a good clean shot. I use a picture here on my profile but not on my website.

Reply by Kelly M Robertson on 2/20/06 9:15am
Msg #98360

I Tried to Use a Digital Taken From Home

But it looked pretty grainy so my choice was to leave it off.

I am finally spending the money and getting professional shots this week and should have the new photos up on our site and on all my profiles before month's end. Another tax write-off!

Times have changed and we DO sell ourselves to potential clients. I want all my potential clients to to see that I look professional (which leads to an impression that I am professional) and don't have blue hair, metal in my face or tats up my neck. Plus! It's neat to click on someone's profile and match a face to their post. It's "personal" and I think "personal" sells, especially if someone resonates with your face.

Reply by KH_MA on 2/20/06 10:33am
Msg #98372

I looked fat so I decided not to use mine! :) n/m

Reply by SatomiCO on 2/20/06 10:52am
Msg #98378

Re: It should be a matter of your own choice ...

in using or not using a picture. The picture of choice, should also be your own. The picture of you and your son showed that you are a family person and didn't shout unprofessional.

Everyone is going to have an opinion and doesn't mean it is right or wrong. Stand up for what you believe in and don't let anyone sway that belief. If you want to go back and post the picture with your son, do it. I would much rather see a home picture that is real, than a phony studio photo that has been fixed and facial character flaws removed.

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/20/06 10:56am
Msg #98379

Satomi...Thanks, I agree!.... n/m

Reply by Raimond on 2/20/06 10:35am
Msg #98373

First impressions are lasting and difficult to change. Everyone has a choice of what that first impression is when choosing a picture to accomplish this. In this business, a LO, EO or SS seldom gets to meet the SA in person so a picture on a website or a business card is the face they will remember when they see your name. What image do you want others to remember when they see your name? A “professional” woman/man in a suit or maybe the “personal” side to be remembered. A respected member here has a great picture to do this; she was smiling big with her son right beside her… This is a powerful, “personal” image.

Real Estate agents (My lovely wife included) have used business pictures for many years. Now according to this post, some compies are looking at this practice in a new light. Security and ones safety should always be considered.

Marketing is not a science, everyone has an opinion as to what works and what doesn’t.

Being in Employment Services I have seen jobs opportunities lost due to a less than positive first impression. Image is 65% of the interview….. Your dress, speech and the way you carry yourself make the first impression in just 6 seconds.

What works for one person may not work for the next 5. But if it works for you, contuine to use it. Beleive in yourself and move forward.

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/20/06 10:45am
Msg #98377

Re: Pictures on profiles/cards...Raimond...

I liked your post and switched mine back, only because I don't care much for the other pic. I used to be in Employment services too. I agree about lasting first impressions!

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 2/20/06 11:13am
Msg #98382

Re: Pictures on profiles/cards...Raimond...

I'm not anti kids I have 2 of my own but I wouldn't take them with me for a job interview.
Your profile is placed so hopefully you will get hired by a title/SS company and is the first step in a job interview.

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/20/06 11:22am
Msg #98383

Re: Pictures on profiles/cards...Raimond...

Joan, while I can appreciate what you are saying, there is an option to have no pic at all (also)and I'm sure those SA's also get called regularly.
I have 4 kids and I know better than to take them on a job interview. I don't see my pic with my son as unprofessional or a detriment to myself when a SS or TC is looking for a notary in my area.
In fact many that have found me here comment on it and ask how old he is. They think it's sweet. As others have mentioned, it's a personal choice, and I do not believe I'm losing any work or credibility for it. I highly doubt that a company is going to pass me up because I don't have a glamor business shot in a suit. They would pass me up if I turn in ship-shod work. Remember, we are going into people's homes, it's a very personal setting, not sitting behind a desk at a bank.

Reply by SatomiCO on 2/20/06 12:03pm
Msg #98389

Re: Who said anything about taking kids to signings ??

That subject was never brought up in this thread. I've seen many profiles that had one photo and included both the husband and wife and only one of them is a SA. The profile photo doesn't mean the spouse or child/ren are going to tag along to the signing.

As for Charm's photo choice, it doesn't sound like she is hurting for TCs or SSs to call for that job interview.

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 2/20/06 12:24pm
Msg #98396

If I May "Interpret" What Joan Meant...

...by "taking kids to signing" (and please correct me if I'm wrong, Joan) she was inferring that someone viewing your picture on a web site or public profile is the "first step" in the job interview process. By drawing that analogy she's implying one wouldn't (or shouldn't) take your son/daughter along to a job interview. I'm very proud of our 12 year old son, Jeremy. He's handsome (in spite of his dad!) & mature beyond his years, but I wouldn't place his snapshot alongside mine on a business web site. Not to be self-centered, but rather business focused...I'm the one who should be promoted. Jeremy will not be a part of the closing process & showing his picture takes the focus off of me.

Please remember this is a discussion of marketing preferences & it's not an exact science. What works for a female may not work for a male & vice versa. I think we should all, including me, be willing to accept legitimate critiques & not be offended if the advice is intended in the manner it's been offered in this thread (at least so far!).

Reply by SatomiCO on 2/20/06 12:47pm
Msg #98400

Re: If I May "Interpret" What Joan Meant...

I take offense that you feel the need to "interpret" what Joan meant because some of us have a difference of opinion. That difference of opinion does not mean that one or more of us were offended by legitimate critiques simply because we don't agree with the advise given.

Reply by SatomiCO on 2/20/06 12:50pm
Msg #98402

Re: correction - advice n/m

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 2/20/06 1:02pm
Msg #98407

If You're Truly Offended...

...I'll offer my apologies to you for "interpreting" Joan's comments.

Reply by SatomiCO on 2/20/06 1:25pm
Msg #98411

Re: Thank you

One of the reasons we have chosen self-employment is so we can operate our biz the way we choose. If it works for us, it doesn't matter if it is wrong for someone else. And if it doesn't work for us, hopefully it shouldn't take long for us to correct it.

Except for the NNA pumping out SAs, this isn't a cookie cutter biz. We have different dress codes and opinions on profile photos, among may other opinions, I'm sure.

Our family doctor who was also a very dear and personal friend passed away last week. Whether seeing him in a professional setting in the hospital or his office, or a personal setting at our home, his home or enjoying a meal with him at a restaurant, he always wore black sweats and a white t-shirt. He had the means to buy anything he wanted, but he chose sweats. The sweats didn't make him less of a professional. On our way to the mortuary yesterday, I commented that I hoped he would be dressed in his sweats, because it just wouldn't be right if he were dressed any other way. Thankfully his wife and he had already had the discussion and she had been instructed to dress him in his sweats or to send him out of this world the same way he had arrived. He was lying there very peacefully in his sweats!

Reply by srnotary_CA on 2/20/06 12:54pm
Msg #98404

Re: If I May "Interpret" What Joan Meant...

I understand what you are saying. But it also shows the SS another side of you. The one that says I am a real person not just a robot. When I have received calls, With kids yelling in the background lol, It makes the person on the other end slow down a bit and things are friendlier. I think Charms picture shows that she is a caring individual and not just out for the money. What company would want a person that is all starch and no fun coming to their house. I personally have had great discussions with borrowers. It makes for an easier signing. If she wants her picture of her with her son on her profile it is her right. It says "I am proud of my son and myself."

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 2/20/06 12:58pm
Msg #98406

As I said...

...along with Raimond, this isn't an exact science.

Reply by Raimond on 2/20/06 12:12pm
Msg #98392

Re: Pictures on profiles/cards...Raimond...

Again, marketing is not a science!

No one should ever take their children on an interview; it screams "I don't have child care". I have heard of SA's taking their children with them to a BO's home.... No matter how well mannered the children are, it is a business setting at that point. (Oh, please don’t leave them in the car while you go inside!)
But that is not the topic…..

My profile is the opportunity to present myself to an agency that is looking for someone the complete a job. If I were one of these looking to hire someone to go to a BO's home to complete the deal for me that I have so much invested I would want someone with a picture, any picture. I want to “see, not hear” how they “appear” in person.
People hire people that make them feel at ease. After the first assignment the agency will decide on the quality of your work not your picture if they will use you for other assignments. The interview (profile/picture) is to get your foot in the door!
“Action speaks louder than words” and “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Just two old, proven, sayings that work every day….
But that is my opinion……

Reply by Raimond on 2/20/06 12:16pm
Msg #98394

Re: Pictures on profiles/cards...Raimond...

I want to change the "thousand" to "million" due to inflation!

Reply by Kydocrunner on 2/20/06 1:16pm
Msg #98410

Charm

I just took another look at your picture and here is the first impression I get. First of all I see a proud lady with a great sense of humor. I see this because you have a great smile and a look in your eye that says I am confident and I like myself. This says to me that you are a person who would be great at meeting people. Second I see in your picture I am strong. This tells me you are able to handle yourself in a business setting. Third I see I am able to make a commitment because you are obviously committed to your son. So with all that said, your picture gave me the impression of a strong, friendly, committed business women who can juggle family and career. In a profession like ours, where you may work for a company for years and never have a clue what someone on the other end of the phone looks like, and where borrowers first impressions are so important, why shouldn't the companies we work for have that great first impression of us as well? Follow your instincts always and if you feel that it is right for you, go with it. You know what works and what represents the you you want your clients to know.

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/20/06 1:36pm
Msg #98417

Re: Charm

Wow , thank you Ky! That was a very nice post and I appreciate hearing what you saw. Glad it was good! lol

Reply by Kydocrunner on 2/20/06 1:38pm
Msg #98418

to each their own

in my limited humble opinion, there is no wrong or right in this regard. While it is true there is a risk involved, I feel like we all take risks everyday. So the question becomes, will the risk involved outweigh the benefit? It is important to me for the clients I deal with to feel like they know me, thus giving them a feeling of security about dealing with me. Giving them a face to match with the satisfaction they have in me as to my job performance makes the relationship that much stronger. Others may be building a relationship in other ways and the face behind the quality work isnt as important to some. I can see where a man may consider this unneccessary because men are judged differently than women, but I am not even going there!

Reply by SatomiCO on 2/20/06 2:14pm
Msg #98434

Re: to each their own

I'm actually considering changing my solo photo to include my dog. I'm a pet lover and more than 90 percent of my BOs have pets that usually end up sleeping on my feet under the signing table.

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/20/06 2:18pm
Msg #98436

Re: to each their own

Cute! I think it's universal, if you don't like pets, there's something wrong with you!
In fact, in some countries they like them so much they eat em'.

Reply by Raimond on 2/20/06 2:39pm
Msg #98438

Re: to each their own

Been there, Didn't do that!

I think the point has been made here today......

We all have ideas, all are good and none are wrong!

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 2/20/06 3:05pm
Msg #98444

I think we all agree on one point

Well at least we all seem to agree its not a good idea to pose with your pickup truck!

Reply by Raimond on 2/20/06 3:39pm
Msg #98449

Re: I think we all agree on one point

I agree Joan, it needs washed....
Oh, sorry thats not what you meant!

HA!

Funny thing, being a guy, I was thinking about a pic with my new sports car.