Posted by Joan Bergstrom on 2/21/06 12:06am
Msg #98499

new post about pictures/profiles

There was support for Charm-Al for her picture with her son in her profile and I will go into more detail about what I think is wrong about posing with your child for your business profile on websites such as notaryrotary.com, If a Title/LS company is looking to hire a loan signer and clicks on one of the above advertising websites and clicks on a profile with someone (man or woman) with a picture of them posing with a child they will pass on that notary because they figure there could be possible problems with baby/child sitting issues.

Not Fair! Of course! But why would you ever as a business person even put this issue available to be a negative?

I'll repeat myself and say "make it easy to get hired."

But in the real world of loan signing that I have been a part of for the last 4 years these companies don't want you to have children; they just want you to get to the signing on time, get it signed correctly, and return it promptly!

Charm: I think you have a great profile/also wonderful posts and you look fabulous/and your son does also and I know it takes guts to post what you have.

I think raimond has the best photo I have seen in years; this tells you what a professional he is. Check him out!

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 2/21/06 12:12am
Msg #98500

If the post above seems a little odd

I mentioned 2 other websites as advertising venues and I couldn't post until I took them out of the post.

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 2/21/06 12:22am
Msg #98501

Agree with Joan

I have a great deal of respect for Cheryl, and have, in fact,
spoken to her on several occaisions.
In my Army days, they used to tell us,
"If the Army wanted you to have a family, they would have issued you one"
This business is tough enough as it is.
Don't give anyone a reason, illogical and mean spirited as it may be, to
pass you up and go on to the next NSA on the list.
Hope eveyone has a busy EOM

Reply by Anonymous on 2/21/06 7:26am
Msg #98526

Re: Agree with Joan-Oh my goodness, please

This is number one a business board, number two nothing to do with cute children or children period. Business is business who displays a photo of themselves with a child in their profile...

Reply by CaliNotary on 2/21/06 12:39pm
Msg #98672

Susan Axelrod, you're not fooling anyone

Give it up with anonymous stuff already.

Reply by Anonymous on 2/22/06 10:29am
Msg #98904

Re: Susan Axelrod, you're not fooling anyone n/m

Reply by Anonymous on 2/22/06 10:29am
Msg #98905

Re: Susan Axelrod, you're not fooling anyone n/m

Reply by Anonymous on 2/22/06 10:29am
Msg #98906

Re: Susan Axelrod, you're not fooling anyone n/m

Reply by Anonymous on 2/22/06 10:29am
Msg #98907

Re: Susan Axelrod, you're not fooling anyone n/m

Reply by Anonymous on 2/22/06 10:29am
Msg #98908

Re: Susan Axelrod, you're not fooling anyone n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/21/06 3:31pm
Msg #98724

Ditto Bob...

You know...I am very disappointed in this entire discussion.

I paid Joan well to plug me and Titlegal and the next thing I know
it ain't all about me any more.

Joking!!!

In all seriousness, IMHO the picture thing has to do with where you have your head all the time--I think Charm's probably got more business than I do and she's a closer for her Beneficial office and they love her...my Beneficial office seldom calls me because unlike Charm, I am not the *preferred.* They DON'T love me.

BUT I digress...

IMHO - again...
If you show me anything....let's just say a pattern for silverware because I am your matronly honor attendant and you are getting married...I could care less about your wedding stuff at this point in my life, and I am going to try to find a way to work it into a marketing idea or a way to make money.

If you ask me right off the top of my head what is on my mind about profile pix my answer would be figure out a way to stand out as a professional because that's a theme I am working on right now. So, if you then ask me: Okay - choose which I should put up, me and my kids, or a professional head shot. I will say the latter.

I hope no one is upset with me, but I felt like a pig not to 'fess up I felt differently.

You know, recently I have been surprised when I thought I might get support in a situation or two, but it was slim. In fact, in a couple of cases, I felt a little like my discomfort was enjoyable to one or two.

My own words came back to bite me. THIS AIN'T GROUP THERAPY - I dealt with it.

IMHO - Joan has been picked at enough on this. I am not seeing where it's more than a remark that kind of went awry....what am I missing?
=
Someone else may have seen what I saw and I want to say a big thank you for the snail mail TY card.
==

Anyone else getting more purchases these days???

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/21/06 5:29pm
Msg #98767

Re: Ditto Bob...

**THIS AIN'T GROUP THERAPY **

Oh man, I am crushed! I thought this was notaries anonymous!

I'm not upset Brenda, everyone is entitled to an opinion and we do what works for us. I respect your opinion and I can take constructive criticism from my notary peers. Personally, I'm glad this thread is done, my profile tracker was spinning like a gas pump. Do you know I had over 350 hits since the first thread about pics? Just goes to show you that there are a lot of lurkers out there.

I thought it was funny that Cali called S.S. out on the mat. Some people live to swipe.

Reply by SatomiCO on 2/21/06 5:53pm
Msg #98776

Re: As SaraBeth said ...

the topic was covered yesterday, and opinions were expressed. There was absolutely no need for Joan to begin an entirely new thread trying to get her point across and thus get more people to agree with her. We got what she was saying yesterday. Some agreed and some didn't. We aren't idiots and that's why I told Dennis that we didn't need him to explain what Joan was saying.

It's a personal choice. There is no right and no wrong.

Between the rosary last night and praying all day throughout the funeral service today, I have just one more prayer and that is that I certainly hope that I don't sign on first thing in the morning and see that Joan has started yet another picture profile thread!!

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 2/21/06 6:35pm
Msg #98783

Satomi...

...I offered an apology to you in good faith. You've shown me the error of my ways & one won't be forthcoming again under similar circumstances.

Reply by SatomiCO on 2/21/06 6:39pm
Msg #98785

Re: Satomi...

Dennis,
I did thank you yesterday for your apology. I was wrong to bring it up again today, although Joan was also wrong to start another new and unnecessary thread.

Reply by Anonymous on 2/21/06 7:35am
Msg #98530

Re: new post about pictures/profiles-Raimond

You are right, Raimond has a great photo on his profile, extremely professional, shirt/tie, desk, laptop, looks great Raimond.

Reply by PAW on 2/21/06 7:37am
Msg #98531

Over exaggeration?

>>> If a Title/LS company is looking to hire a loan signer and clicks on one of the above advertising websites and clicks on a profile with someone (man or woman) with a picture of them posing with a child they will pass on that notary because they figure there could be possible problems with baby/child sitting issues. <<<

I think this is being blown way out of proportion. Granted, there will always be someone who looks at anything negatively, no matter what the pose or content. I talked to a couple of title company schedulers that I know and specifically asked them about the "mother and son" picture on someone's profile being a negative. I was told, that to them, it really didn't make any difference. They read the profiles, if there is one, and pick from the list. That's about it. (Of course, I will admit that this cross-section is far from comprehensive nor scientific.) Gladys (not her real name) told me that as long as the person didn't look offensive, and that the picture didn't jump out and grab their attention, they probably wouldn't even consider the content of the picture in determining whether or not the notary is called. They look for availability of the agent, the location of the agent and the 'history' of the agent if available.

One of the more aggressive title closers said that she really didn't care what a person looks like as long "as the notary looks like everyone else in the office." And most of the people there (at that office) have children too, with pictures of the themselves and their children on their desks and cubicles. It doesn't mean that they bring them to work. If they have a good track record, what difference does it make? The notary is there to get a job done, and that's what the title company expects. If the notary has "personal issues and baggage", then it will show on their track record and probably won't be called for repeat business.

I certainly believe that whether or not a picture will cause a notary to be called or skipped, partially depends on the temperament (remember that thread?) of the scheduler. There are those that pick and choose based on intuition and feelings versus those who pick and choose based on 'facts' and reputation.

Reply by SueW/Tn on 2/21/06 8:21am
Msg #98556

Totally agree with you Paul

This discussion is getting out of hand...quickly. I agree with the folks that Paul spoke with, I wouldn't care if the notary was the old woman that lived in a shoe as long as she was qualified, nearby and available. Sheesh people....get a life

Reply by LynnNC on 2/21/06 10:03am
Msg #98592

I think not.

I think a photo in a profile should be business-like, not like a photo on one's desk at work. A photo with a child sends the message of the importance of the parent/child relationship rather than a professional ready to do business.

You would never see a photo of a parent and child in a business publication or newspaper regarding a new associate or promotion. I feel the photos in such publications are a good example of appropriate photos to use in a profile.

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/21/06 10:10am
Msg #98597

Re: I think not.

***A photo with a child sends the message of the importance of the parent/child relationship rather than a professional ready to do business.***

Your entitled to your own opinion, although I think you take yourself too seriously. I did not take that photo to use here. It happens to be a good one and it's fine for a website like this. Companies look at what you write about your qualifications as signer. I do not have children in my pic on business cards, which I think is more important than this entire issue of profile pics.

Reply by srnotary_CA on 2/21/06 10:18am
Msg #98600

Re: I think not.

It seems that everyone has a differing opinion. I don't see anything wrong with the parent child bond. I am sorry to say that if my children need me THEY come first. That is the way it should be. The parent child relationship is very important. It has already been stated by a signing service that they don't look at the pic they look at what is written in the profile.

Reply by LynnNC on 2/22/06 12:02am
Msg #98824

Re: I think not.

The photo of you and your son is a good one, and certainly, you can choose to use whatever photo you wish. I see advertisements from others with their families, and receive postcards from the person who cleans my carpets, with his wife and child.

I find it interesting that because I think differently from you, you wrote, "I take (myself) too seriously". What I take seriously is being a professional, and I take my cue from my former background in banking. You might notice that all the photos of people in the business section of a newspaper who have new positions or have been promoted, are head and shoulder shots, and no children.

I have a beautiful sixteen year-old daughter, who is more important to me than being a Signing Agent, but I would not put a photo of the two of us in my profile, just as I would not take her to a signing.

On the other hand, I would send a photo of the two of us to people that I have developed relationships with at the companies with whom I do a lot of business, to show a more personal side.

JMO

Reply by SueW/Tn on 2/21/06 10:30am
Msg #98606

geez Lynn...I must live in the sticks because...

Everytime we get a new Doctor or Lawyer in town (we can agree these are professional folks) and they announce the opening of their new offices, family pics are always included. I think you're all stuff shirts regarding the "pic in question", it shows depth, integrity and a real person. It's not like notaries are including pics of their family at a BBQ or swimming or bowling! This is a personal issue, a personal choice and that choice has an awful lot to do with the location of the notary. I post NO picture and I'm busy all the time...what does that say? Sheesh!

Reply by LynnNC on 2/22/06 9:29am
Msg #98877

You might not live in the sticks...

... but apparantly things are done differently there. Where I have lived in FL, IL, & NC, doctors don't include family photos, but I have had two different persons who cleaned my carpet that did. I have always lived in a large metropolitan area or a city, and I don't doubt that things might be done differently.

I would have not commented on the photo at all, if it's appropriateness had not been the subject of a thread. What photo a person puts in their profile is their business, but if asked for an opinion, I will give one based on my experience.

You wrote, "I think you're all stuff shirts regarding the "pic in question". Does this mean that because you have a different opinion, you are "right" and I and others who think differently are "wrong"? If you disagree with someone, do you feel it necessary to put them down?
Based on professional photographs in the newspaper, there are plenty of people that agree with me. I doubt that we are all wrong, but have a different opinion of what is appropriate.

The bottom line is, you and others do what you feel comfortable with, and I will do the same.

Reply by BP/WV on 2/21/06 10:19am
Msg #98601

Re: Over exaggeration?

This is such a strange discussion. I have my daughter in the picture with me. Ive never had any negative discussions about it with anyone who is hiring me.

Reply by SatomiCO on 2/21/06 7:41am
Msg #98532

Re: Why is the photo thing bothering you so much ??? n/m

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/21/06 7:51am
Msg #98536

Joan, I would agree with you if I had an infant attached to my breast. My son is 15, I doubt people pass me up over 'babysitter' issues. Secondly, you rave over Ray's pic where he's in jeans and sunglasses at a lake. That looks like a vacation photo and not any more professional than mine.
and Ray, I like the photo, nothing against you personally, but this is getting silly.
Again, I will say having children or posing with my 15 yr old does not present a negative as far as getting business, I see children everywhere I go and pics on almost every 'professionals' desk I 've met.

I wish any SS's or TC's would read this and respond.

Reply by SatomiCO on 2/21/06 8:05am
Msg #98546

Re: Ray's newly revised profile pic

Much can be drawn into this photo -- Ray is now wearing a tie and sitting at a desk. HOWEVER, there are two photos in plain view on the desk. One is too small to see who the person is. The other, a woman, I'm assuming is his wife. She may not be side-by-side him in his profile photo, but she is still in clear view.

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/21/06 8:08am
Msg #98548

Re: Ray's newly revised profile pic

Ahhhh...did not know he changed it. Looks a little like Harrison Ford.

Reply by Cornerstone Signing Service, Inc on 2/21/06 8:24am
Msg #98559

Re: pictures on profiles

Good morning all. Personally, I like seeing a picture on a notary's profile although it is not the determining factor in whether or not I call that person. When choosing a notary, I read what is written in his/her profile. If nothing is written in the profile, I tend to move on to the next one-picture or no picture. Charms' picture with her son was not the reason I called her the first time--it was what she'd written in her profile. However, the picture with her son was an added plus for her as it showed another side of her. Charm and her son both look very happy and I see nothing wrong with her using that picture. The thought of her not being able to complete the signing due to babysitting issues never even crossed my mind! BTW Charm, I'm glad you switched back to that picture! All in all, it's nice to get a "real" picture of what kind of person I am hiring to represent us. Have a great day, Susan

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/21/06 8:32am
Msg #98562

Re: pictures on profiles

Thanks Susan! I appreciate that! I always thought it was the shortened version of the resume that companies were interested in.
The Friday nite appt should be coming across the TC's desk this morning and looking forward to the 6:30 tonite.

Thank you for the business.

Reply by cyndi_ca on 2/21/06 8:53am
Msg #98569

Re: pictures on profiles

Ok..... It is interesting all of the different views that everyone has, whether to put picture up or what kind to use. I like Raimonds picture and profile. It does look very professional and business-like. Take a look at mine if ya don't mind. I'm open to suggestions and input. TIA

Reply by srnotary_CA on 2/21/06 9:06am
Msg #98572

Re: pictures on profiles/babysitting issues???

I just wanted to address this because I had a signing recently where an SS called me outside of my regular hours and told me they really were in a bind the docs didn't get signed because another notary had backed out over the weekend. They wanted it done within an hour. Ok so this is what I told them. If the borrower can meet me somewhere because I will have to bring my son (he's 2) as I do not have time to print docs find a babysitter and get to the signing on time. THey said let us call the borrower and see if they are willing to do that. I said fine figuring that was the end of it. They called me back said they couldn't get ahold of the BO. Okay again I figured that was it. I get another call the borrower is willing to meet you. Blew me away. So that is what I did. I told them that is not my usual practice but they were calling me outside of normal hours.

They have called me since for another signing. HMMMM. Makes you wonder.

Reply by Nd_WA on 2/21/06 9:34am
Msg #98580

Re: pictures on profiles/babysitting issues???

Like many others, I chose this profession so that I have the flexibility and time for my kids/family. A picture is nothing more than making your profile complete and gives it personality. Example, a website without graphics is just plain boring.

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 2/21/06 10:01am
Msg #98590

Re: pictures on profiles/babysitting issues???

My perspective....if I were a TC or SS, having pictures would be nice. It's nice to put a face to a voice. Charm's picture or even someone with their dog would NOT deter me from hiring them.

That being said, I still choose not to put my pic in my profile because of the area I live in. I don't feel it as a 'safe' thing to do, but some day I may change my mind and post one. Maybe I'll post one with my taekwondo uniform on so I can maybe deter anyone from trying to sneak up on me. LOL!!!

Real Estate agents around here get attacked too often. Most of them are female, long hair. I happen to be female, with long blond hair as well. My business partner is tall and very thin....she could do modeling....so at this time I think it's best we stick with a logo. If I had a husband, I might also think about adding my pic. Who knows?!?!

JMHO

Reply by Stamper_WI on 2/21/06 10:30am
Msg #98607

Re: pictures on profiles/babysitting issues???

There is a company called Hobbes and Herder which helps real estate agents set up a marketing program. They encourage the agents to have their pictures reflect their interests.

You can always tell that marketing. One agent who sat on a school board has a picture of him stepping into a school bus. Another is in his baseball league uniform swinging a bat. Many have their kids and dogs in their pictures...these are for marketing materials/websites. Their business cards continue with the usual head shots if they have their picture there at all.
My card has my logo, contact info and services provided on the front. On the back is my coverage area (counties).

Reply by SarahBeth_CA on 2/21/06 11:35am
Msg #98641

I couldn't disagree more Joan

**** If a Title/LS company is looking to hire a loan signer and clicks on one of the above advertising websites and clicks on a profile with someone (man or woman) with a picture of them posing with a child they will pass on that notary because they figure there could be possible problems with baby/child sitting issues.****

Anyone doing any job who has kids decides prior to accepting a job what thier availability is. Now I don't know the statistics on this one but I would venture a guess and say that 90% of people who are married for 10 years have children. If any TC or SS looks at a picture and says "oh no they have kids don't hire them" has no grip on the reality that in order for the human race to survive we must have offspring.

****But in the real world of loan signing that I have been a part of for the last 4 years these companies don't want you to have children; they just want you to get to the signing on time, get it signed correctly, and return it promptly!****

I have never had an SS or TC call me and ask if I have kids. They call and ask if I will accept an assignment. I set my availability and if the job doesn't meet my schedule whether due to family commitments or other assignments scheduled then I decline the assignment. I don't say "I'm sorry I have children and can't accept". Why, because firstly I'm not sorry; secondly what I may already have scheduled is not any of thier business. I say "I would be happy to accomodate the assignment but I am already booked, my first availability will be xxx".

****Charm: I think you have a great profile/also wonderful posts and you look fabulous/and your son does also and I know it takes guts to post what you have.****

Cheryls picture is real good, she looks like someone who has a great personality and can put the bo's at ease. This topic has gone way too far. Joan, you gave your opinion before and I don't see any need to beat it like a dead horse by starting another thread on the topic. No need to repeat yourself. Your original posting of the do's and don'ts in a professional photo reminded me of a kindergarten teacher addressing her students. And that is just my opinion, does it mean anything, probably not.