I have noticed that alot of you don't post your photo with your notary information. Why is that? Do you think it is dangerous to do so? I have a friend who is younger than most of the agents and I am concerned that it wouldn't be good to post a photo. Then again, alot of people think it is good to show your photo and that it should be professional looking. Any opinions? Thanks.!
Reply by Cris_AR on 11/20/08 5:48am Msg #270111
A couple of years ago I had my photo up. I received a call that bothered me so I took it down. A few days ago I recieved an email stating "I love Notary". You just have to make your own decision. I really do not think it is "dangerous" however it is not for me.
Reply by CF on 11/20/08 7:00am Msg #270114
speaking of this I do not put my full address on-line. I only put my city and zip code for all of my on-line advertising. Just some food for thought!
Reply by MW/VA on 11/20/08 7:51am Msg #270118
I think many people are concerned about the vulnerability of posting photos, addresses, etc. This is a business website, and the information should be viewed only by potential clients. Since I'm paying for advertising, I want it to be as complete & effective as possible. There are also those who don't want to link their profiles to their posts for the same reasons. I haven't had any issues with any "unsolicited" calls or emails, and personally haven't had any "security" issues from posting my photo, address, etc. I don't have my address on my business cards.
Reply by ReneeK_MI on 11/20/08 9:29am Msg #270123
I have plastered my face and address all over the internet without any sense of endangerment, nor any reason to acquire one. I get plenty of positive feedback about my photograph (the one used now - not the 'professional' studio shot I used to have, nobody liked that one). I frequently hear "I picked you BECAUSE of your photograph." These people always say something along the same vein - that I look "happy" or "like a nice person", etc. (I am, and I sure try to be!)
This is all basic Relationship Sales - we ALL want to interact with other human beings whenever possible. I try to BE a 'human being'. With an address ... and I've been doing this since '05, NEVER had anyone show up at my door w/out calling.
Myself - I don't like the feeling of doing business with anyone who isn't showing me all their 'stuff'. Especially now. Makes me feel less trusting towards them. I don't want anyone feeling that way about me, and passing me by for someone with an address.
Let me close by saying I AM A GRANDMA AND HAVE A REALLY, REALLY MEAN DOG, YOU DO NOT WANT TO TEST MY THEORIES! =)
Reply by MichiganAl on 11/20/08 2:45pm Msg #270145
Yeah, what Renee said
Except about the Grandma and mean dog part. But my black cat is pretty scary.
Reply by Ernest__CT on 11/20/08 10:02am Msg #270127
If you use a photo be absolutely sure that it reflects your professional nature. Casual is fine; sexy is not. Believe it or not, gray hair can be a positive thing! It shows maturity, ... well, at least that we're older, and therefor more likely to be stable.
The general rule is still: Don't do anything online that you wouldn't do in person.
Reply by Claudine Osborne on 11/20/08 10:16am Msg #270129
I have my photo on my profiles. I have never had an issue with this. I think that if you look friendly and professional it may help someone choose you for a job. I am working as we speak on updating my photo and it is hard to choose a picture to post. Stay tuned for the new look!
Reply by Philip Johnson on 11/20/08 1:52pm Msg #270143
With my dashing good looks, I'm afraid of all
the jealous husbands when I show up at the house. I guess I'll leave em' guessing, it truly is a curse I have to bear, but I'll try to soldier through it.
Reply by PAW on 11/20/08 7:44pm Msg #270163
I'm not photogenic
See what I mean -> http://www.pawnotary.com/images/myphoto.gif
Reply by Philip Johnson on 11/20/08 8:46pm Msg #270171
Sweet mother you could be my twin.
Was your dad a mailman too?
Reply by PAW on 11/20/08 9:06pm Msg #270174
Iceman! n/m
Reply by MistarellaFL on 11/20/08 9:01pm Msg #270172
Re: I'm not photogenic: Me neither
BTW, I am the first photo.
Reply by sue_pa on 11/20/08 9:16pm Msg #270181
but you are SO pretty
By the way, how did you obtain my Thanksgiving guest list?
Reply by MistarellaFL on 11/20/08 9:20pm Msg #270182
Re: but you are SO pretty
Thanks, Sue. I was having a good hair day for that booking shot. BTW, what are we having for Thanksgiving? I was thinking about bringing some road-kill stew, if that hasn't been covered by one of the other gals. I think mine is best!
Reply by Philip Johnson on 11/21/08 9:49am Msg #270215
Thanksgiving around here is like the star wars barroom scene n/m
Reply by PAW on 11/20/08 12:24pm Msg #270136
>>> Believe it or not, gray hair can be a positive thing! It shows maturity, ... well, at least that we're older, and therefor more likely to be stable. <<<
In the land of Q-Tips, having grey (or gray) hair simply means you're one of them. Older homeowners seem to be more at ease with older folks who come to 'visit' on business. It's all about relating and relationship perceptions. A sense of maturity and compassion go a long way with the middle-aged and older crowds, and even some of the younger generation.
(Age and Treachery Racing, LTD - "Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague longing for something salty" - Peter Egan)
Reply by jojo_MN on 11/20/08 12:54pm Msg #270140
I have actually had a borrower say that it sounded like a shady way of doing business. She thought that a lender that sends someone to do their work were trying to rip them off. I explained how our profession works. I then sent her to Notary Rotary to "check me out". She said she felt much more comfortable about the transation. When I walked in the door, she knew right away who I was because I had my picture posted.
I also haven't had any spam or unsolicited mail (that I know of) as a result.
Reply by SharonMN on 11/20/08 4:35pm Msg #270151
I don't post a photo (or provide any non-business-related profile information like hobbies), because I don't think it's anyone's business what I look like. They aren't hiring me as a actor or model, they're hiring me to notarize and provide clerical support. Therefore, I only post information about my business.
Reply by LKT/CA on 11/20/08 7:17pm Msg #270158
I want to be hired based on my profile and how professional I sound when speaking with the client or hiring entity. I want **that** to be the criteria for hiring me....nothing else.
