In real estate everything we do has our picture attached to it. After all, isn't it our job to be sure that customers recognize our face when they see it on billboards, on business cards and when they see us in person?
Isn't that what branding is all about?
People look at websites and blogs and house listings and agent flyers and business cards with agent pictures on them all the time. We want people to grow accustomed to our warm, smiling faces.
But, how many times have you finally met a REALTOR after talking on the phone with them, or seeing their print advertising and wondered who the person was standing in front of you? The first thought is, this person looks nothing like their picture. HMMMM. How old young were they when that picture was taken?
I have met REALTORS at social functions, marketing meetings and seminars after years of seeing their print advertising and some look nothing at all like their pictures.
Well, guess what, the same thing happened to me last year. I met with a very old friend that I hadn't see in almost a year. As always, I reached out and handed him two of my business cards, one to keep and one to give to a friend. We exchanged hellos and he glanced down at my card.
“How old were you when this picture was taken?, ” he asked. He's kind of a smartie, anyway.
I was a bit taken aback. “What do you mean, how old was I?”
Well, he said, "You look like you're 16 years old in this picture."
He was right!
I didn’t know if I should take it as a compliment or an insult.
“Do I really look that different?” I asked.
“Well, it’s not really your face that is that different, but your hair is a different color, now.” Well, he had me there. I had to start coloring my hair, ironically, because of the tiny strands of gray that started showing through.
I had to think for a moment. I realized that the picture was taken 6 years ago. And, I did look different.
So, I changed the picture on my business cards and all of the rest of my marketing materials..
I wonder how many more years will pass before I have to change the picture on all of my marketing information again.
Sandy Shores REALTOR®, Melbourne/Palm Bay FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate & Investing
I also buy, sell, rent, own and manage Investment Property.
that for you
That's hilarious. I know a Realtor who has not updated their picture in 20+ years!
Sandy - I just commented on Mary Douglas's post about the same issue, and you are right. I need to change my photo as my hair is short now.
Sandy - I am laughing out loud. Why you ask?. . .Because I will be going to my 50th Class reunion next year (I graduated VERY early. . .LOL) Anyway, by the grace of God - and my plastic surgeon, I don't look like that anymore:-)
I use my high school photo.
I graduated at 45 and looked a youthful 50. LOL
Sandy, are you implying that using your high school picture is NOT OK.
Hi Sandy, photos are funny - lighting and colors will make the same person look different even on the same day! I think you're right, our marketing materials need to look like we do - not to say every time I buy the wrong color of hair dye I will run out and change my business card! LOL!
Oh P.S., I like your "closer up" - new shot on AR Sandy!
Sandy - I wrote about this awhile back - I used to work with a guy who was using a photo that was AT LEAST 25 years old. I sincerely thought it was his son's picture.
Sandy, it's just when they change their photo/image every day it makes no sense..
Sandy
Great post and the answer is too many, the photo's need to be current.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
So here's a fun idea, maybe all agents photos should be a mandatory update along with doing their continuing ed. Now that would be hilarious.
Sandy, I update every 6 to 12 months but it's not often enough. I change my look more often then my picture and should stay current :)
That is one of the reasons I think you shouldn't put a photo on a real estate sign. I have heard people say recently that people told them they didn't look like their photo. Well, what does that tell you? Hellllloooooooooooooo
Sandy,
I would rather not have my photo on anything and my high school one would be my last choice...
Ann
I agree with Ann. I have my photo on NOTHING. Accept on AR stuff. (and our website) Why do they make us do that anyway? ROFL
I need to order new business cards and have been giving this some thought. I have a new picture that's more "polished". I feel like the one I use currently is more accurate. Hopefully more approachable. Maybe I'll post them both and see what the AR community thinks. I may not be ready for the honesty!! Thanks for the post- Amy Jones
I'm the one with the EVIL grin!!!!
Sandy,
I want a photo like the one above..... I might be able to find an evil grin somewhere...
Ann
Oompa, either way you look gorgeous!! :)
Hi Sandy - I do think it is important to use a recent hoto. I know an agent who uses one of those glamour shots where you go and get made up and wear their wardrobe and then they pose you in semi-provocative ways. When I met her I nearly said there was another agent with her same name, but before I could say it she offered me a card - same photo. I was speechless.
Another gal says she is lucky she hasn't changed in years so she never needs to update her photo. She is the only one who thinks that though. We don't see ourselves as others see us. We have to be very objective and update whether we think we need it or not.
Jeremy, Oh my gosh, using a picture from 20 years ago - that's amazing!
Sharon, Especially for women, we have to be careful to change our photo as we cut and color our hair.
Myrl, Well I hope that your 50th class reunion is wonderful. And, I think you look beautiful. Your shining personality will be bubbling through the room.
Mike, I love it! And you look so young for your age - LOL
Bill, I haven't seen a high school photo used, except for Mike, (haha) but now you've got me wondering... LOL
Mary, Everything we do should be kept up to date in this industry.
Wow Jason, A picture from 25 years ago? I thought that Jeremy story was bad with a 20 year old photo!
Gary, Changing it too often wouldn't be good either -good point.
Lou, The photo should be current!
Mary, I love your idea. Mandatory that the agent photo be changed with the continuining ed requirement. I LOVE the idea!
Carole, Wow, you go girl! That's GREAT that you change your photo every 6 to 12 months. In fact that's incredible!
Debra, Yes, we have to be careful when using for sale signs, that we are using a current photo. Great point!
Ann, You silly girl. Wow, your photo looks great - we get to see your beautiful smiling face. I like your photo.
Debra, Oh, but you're so pretty. You look great. I suppose it's for name and face recognition.
Hi Amy, I think that picture that is a better reflection of you is absolutely the best choice.
Wallace, The evil grin, oh you devil you!
Hi Ann, Hmmm, you'll have to find out where he took his. Too funny! You make me laugh.
Hi TOTO, You are only too kind! Thanks!
Susan, Your comment made me chuckle. It's so true that we must be careful to change our photo on a regular basis. Otherwise people don't know who we are when we meet them.