It's a never-ending debate as to whether or not to include a photo on a real estate agent's business card. Some say yes; some say no (duh, that's the definition of a debate!).
Although it's interesting, when you ask the question in a public forum, I've noticed that most answer in the negative, explaining that "no one cares about your face" or that "doctors and lawyers don't have their pictures on their cards," or simply that "it's unprofessional."
And I get that. I do. Somehow it seems like unnecessary vanity to have your smiling face on a business card as if "anyone really cares about your face anyway," right?
Well... here's the thing.
Most people are really "bad with names." Just ask ‘em, they'll tell you straight out. Whenever I speak publicly, I always collect business cards from my audience and put them in a fish bowl because I like to keep my audience awake during the show by randomly giving away books and CD's. After the show, I'll go through the business cards one by one and spend several hours sending personal notes to the audience members I remember interacting with. Let me say that again - that "I remember interacting with."
99.9% of the time I only write to agents with photos on their cards. Because they're the only ones I liked? Of course not. They're the only ones I remember.
From a fishbowl full of hundreds of business cards, I can almost always remember every conversation I had with the people whose cards have a photo. The conversations I had with people without photos are completely forgotten. Sorry.
People remember faces. Ugly faces, pretty faces; doesn't matter. They may not remember the name that belongs to the face, but they know if they've seen a face before.
And the fact is, real estate agents are a dime a dozen. You may be doing an awesome job handing out your business card, but rest assured that your competition is, too. And if the "other" card sitting on someone's desk has a photo and yours doesn't, which agent is more likely to be remembered by that person?
So, go get a kick-a$$ photo of yourself and don't take the chance of being forgotten!
Funny that you should mention this. I was looking at a photo on a card that did not look like the agent. It was either taken 20 years ago or they really worked some magic with photoshop...
Jennifer....having a photo on your business card is very important if you want people to remember you.....there are people who I have never met, but they recognize me from a photo in an ad or a brochure or my business card that they saw somewhere....
Barbara- I agree (obviously)... we can argue all day long about whether or not we WANT a photo on our cards, but if it works... well... there you go!
Michael - I know, I know... but frankly, it's probably still better than no photo!
Jennifer,
I couldn't agree with you more..a photo must be on your card if you expect people to remember you! Now Michael has a point..the picture should be a recent and natural picture but even that bad photo is remembered although maybe not for the reason you would like!
Jennifer,
I agree except the photo should represent your style or brand - on a horse, hiking, piloting your boat - just as much as having a studio headshot. Actually, I am not fond of the studio shots. Your beach shot is great. :)
Steve
Well, when you put it that way...! You always give me a different point of view, and so often you are right!
A photo is good to remember but only if it's a true reflection of you. I recently saw a photo of a 50-year old agent, granted she does look young for her age, but the photo looks like a 20-year old. And it's not a photo from the 80s either.
I asked my clients and family (people who would do business with me) if I should have a photo. They all said Yes. The thought is that once you've been reading/ getting to know this person - they would really like to know how does this person look like?
With a recent change of mindset, I've also become a little bit more bold to make me "easier" to find on my website. It has serve me well.
Actually, I am about to get another photo shoot done so that I can get new pictures. I will be getting my hair and make up done a bit so that I don't really "look" like me :)! I believe that there is no harm in photo shopping some of them wrinkles and tired eyes that I seem to be developing either :).
Since I am changing brokerages here in a couple of weeks and my picture is one of the originals I took when I was with Century 21 I figured it was time to get new ones :)!
But, but, but, Jennifer!....oh, alright...I know you are right. The next time I order cards, I will take your advice.
Hello Jennifer:
It took me a while to become convinced about photos on business cards, but I am a converted believer. This business seems to boil down to being top of mind in a buyer's or seller's eyes.
It's funny you should post this, because I just ordered new business cards featuring our new brand - Real Living and I ordered them without my picture on it. I've always had my picture on my cards, the only reason I didn't this time was because I wanted a new professional picture, not the same one that's been on my cards for the past 5 years and I didn't have 1 done yet and wanted to get my new cards asap!
However it did get me thinking, does it really matter? With all of our online marketing now adays are business cards really as important as they were 10 years ago? When people are looking for a Realtor, do they start searching through their stacks of business cards they've collected? Or do they hit google and do a search, more often than not? My main objective for my business cards is for people to have my phone #'s and my web site. You do make a good point though, with the scenario you talked about. Picture or no picture? I think this will always be a never ending debate!
I'm sure I'll still probably be getting new ones again with my picture on them again sometime soon!
Sorry for the lengthy comment!
A faithful subscriber,
Mike
JA - An associate I see almost daily has his picture on his card. Our Broker had used the photo by itself without the identifying name for an internal office promo and I was asking around "who is that". Our office administrator came to my rescue and I was shocked I was unable to recognize him. Keep 'em current, please!
Current is a must. My photo is 2 years old and I have changed hair styles. New photo coming up pretty soon...
This is absolutely the only argument that I've ever heard that might convince me. I find photos on cards and ads to look ego-maniacal and I think mine stands out precisely because it doesn't have a photo on it.
But, having read this, I'll consider it =)
Jennifer ~ I love this debate. In Charleston, we didn't use photos on our cards and I loved the professional clean look of the cards. I keep wanting to try a set of cards with no photo, but everyone warns me against it. I've only seen one Louisville agent without a photo! I will likely not take the chance and will just stick with my smilin' face on the front of my card. It's amazing how quickly the photo ages though...mine is already 2 years old. Too many are guilty of not updating their pics...and it really throws clients off when they meet that agent for the first time!
This is the first time anyone told me in a clear and convincing manner that this whole photo-on-the-business-card-thing wasn't just about ego. Your answer make perfect sense. Thank you!
Ok, Ok, I'll have my picture made again.
Everybody says that "Print Media is Dead".
Nobody advertises in newspapers anymore, real estate magazines are fading into history, and newsletters only work in retirement communities.
But the one piece of "Print Media" that nobody considers giving up is the Business Card.
I know this sounds ridiculous. But one of the main reasons I don't use a photo is that 90% of the agents around here are using photos of themselves that re 20-30 years old. So if I show people my 46 -year-old mug - I'm scared that everyone will assume I'm 100 and unable to walk across the room. I mean - there are women 30 years old than me out there with mug shots of themselves about my age or YOUNGER. Terrifying.
Jennifer - I would have to agree that having a face on the card helps me put a name with a face.
I think there is a little difference to talking with 50 or 100 or 200 people in a day, and not remembering them, v talking to one real estate agent and not remembering them... Say something memorable...
Jennifer- I used to think it was a bit much having photos on a business card, but I like it for the reason you stated. I attend a monthly Realtor function as an affiliate. I invite participants to enter a drawing I have by dropping their card in a basket. Yes, I get their email addresses for future reference, but more importantly, it's easier for me to remember them by their faces.
So sad our culture is so shallow - and vain. REALLY?? People can't remember names? Do people remember your unique value proposition? Can they remember your warm and charming personality? In 18 years there was only about a 2 year period that I used business cards with a picture on it. Most of my business is repeat clients or referrals from past clients. It's about providing a service. Do I care if the seminar presenter sends me a little hand-written note? NO! If the seminar was so fabulous that I'LL REMEMBER IT, perhaps I'll send the presenter a note-card or email remarking on the value the seminar gave me.
Real Estate purchase is very personal thing. We all remember the number of blogs comparing "real estate and dating", "choosing a house and choosing a partner" etc. Well, choosing an agent seems similar to this - to some extent, of course. I was riding a bus, there was a couple there, flipping through a magazine with RE agents ads. Well, all they discussed were PICTURES. I couldn't help but overhear their conversation:
"This one looks like a dork", "look at that old witch", "that guy seems pretty tough, but I don't like him", "well THIS guy seems very nice, but will he be able to fight for us, especially if he's put up against THAT one?" etc.
I think a picture is important. It's better that they make up their mind beforehand. They will still think I'm "a witch" or "a young vampire", and if that's who they are looking for - so to speak - they will want to contact me. Or not.
It's also possible to have 2 sets of cards - with picture, and without. Some agents do. Some also have different types of cards for different purposes (agent to agent / mortgage brokers / inspectors communication, and for agent / to prospects communication).
I've done it both ways, and never noticed any difference in my business.
I haven't had my photo on my card since I was new to the business. Later I had a caricature then started my own brokerage then I changed it again to a new company logo. I guess I'm not too fond of having a head shot pic on my card to be a part of the herd. Always a rebel....LOL. This is my best year ever...guess I don't need it.
Jennfier, I know you don't need my card with a photo on it to remember me.. right? But I won't share that photo in this post.. But seriously, I agree.... people forget name, but remember faces more. But then again, how many of those cards have up to date photos? I have seen way to many in my time that didn't even come close to their picture on their card. So, does it help to remember then? ps.. any plans in coming back to Philly again? Sorry that we have lost touch, but I do have some plans here in the near future about getting my show back up and running... and some other plans. Maybe we can catch up some.. hope all is well.
PPS.. Love the new pic of you...
I've never been a fan of the photo -- actually my photo -- on a business card, but you raise a good point! I also tend to recall agents who have really nice logos.
Jennifer you make a convincing point. I always debate this and have done both. My recent card does not a have a photo. But it sounds like it is time for an update.
This is the best argument I have seen for putting my picture on my card. I think I may do that for the next batch.
Ask yourself three questions, and then add up the totals. Then decide. First, does your ob/gyn have her picture on her card ? Second, does your dentist have her picture on her card ? Third, does your Minister have her picture on her card ?
If more yesses... do the picture. If more no's... don't do the picture. That was easy.
As soon as I have a "good hair day" I will get a new photo for my cards, blog, etc. In the mean time, I hope people will contact me because they like what I say.
Good point!
Thanks Jennifer for sharing your well thought out ideas! This is a dilemma I have been pondering for a while and I currently have two set of business cards (one with photo and one without).
I am convinced you are right and I will have my photo on all my new cards from now on.
Thanks!
Hey, Jennifer,
Your point is a great one and well taken. This is a toughie, though--there are people I just would never call, based on I don't relate to their photo.
Jennifer I may be the only one here that thinks it is not something that makes a difference. If you believe you need it get it.
The average buyer or seller probably sees only 1-10 different agent cards. With that low volume, I don't see facial recognition coming into play.
Updating a photo is very important too. A slogan also adds value to remembering a person.
I have been in the business for 20 years and I never thought I needed a photo....but I do now.
If you can capture the atmosphere of where you work as well -you are ahead of the curve...as you have in your picture.
Well thought out post - I think you win the debate! I tried to stay away from the photo card but since I've gone to it I doubt I'll go back.
Thanks for all the comments! I wondered what was making my email jangle so much this evening...
Couple of thoughts and responses...
I would hate to think that I'm ONLY remembered because my photo is on a business card, but rather that IF someone would remember me more fondly than the other agents they've met at open houses, or got letters from or whatever... I don't want to make it difficult for them to do so by providing only my name on a card. Every little bit helps, right? Sure, if I made a very poor impression on them when we met, my photo-card will remind them of that, too, but obviously, that's not the goal.
While other professions don't typically use photos on their cards, who's to say they shouldn't? Seriously, I wouldn't mind if every business card included a picture - after all - I do struggle remembering names and if I had a photo to go from along with a name, it might make my life a little easier when it comes time to remember who my OB/GYN or accountant is.
I wonder if real estate agents started putting their photos on cards partly because we go into people's homes, so the photo-card functions somewhat as ID.
Obviously, it's a personal choice if someone wants to use a picture or not. But I agree it's a compelling argument that if you want the best shot at being remembered in a crowded field, do the picture.
I was reading Bob Burg's Endless Referrals the other day, and here are his thoughts on pictures in your personal marketing (he's specifically talking about a customized notecard here, but it would apply to a business card if you include one in your mailings):
"The picture is very important. You want them to know without question who sent this note; without your picture, they might not. People today meet many other people during the course of a day. As impressed as they were with you during the meeting, as the saying goes, "out of sight, out of mind." What we're doing is giving them a quick reminder right off the bat.
Although this is only the first step toward having them see your face whenever they or someone they know needs your products or services, it is an important one. For maximum effectiveness, you must put your picture on your individually designed note card."
If I were out shopping for a dentist, or an accountant, or a new doctor...and had seen 4 or 5 that day (like a client might see during a day of Open House visting), I'd have a better chance of remembering who was who if those cards had photos on them.There's just too much information we're absorbing all day long. Any little "memory jog" is sure to be a positive thing!
Another thought. Some say don't put your photo on your website. But consumers like to see who they're dealing with. Especially with one of their largest financial transactions. I think it makes us more "human" in their eyes.
I agree, get the photo cards. It is part of the branding we all do.
I wrote a post about this last year and I still say NO, mainly because the agents RARELY look like the picture on the card! Just sayin'
Thanks - still on the fence - I have a picture on my card, but attended a workshop last week and his thought was that we were pretty much copycatting - still onthe fence, but hadn't thought of it in the way you did - which makes sense - thank you!
Well, Russell... let's qualify my advice with the assumption that if you're going to do it, do it right... just 'cause lots of people don't do it right doesn't mean you shouldn't do it right. Does that make sense? ;-]
Photos=remembered! My face is my logo.
Hi Jennifer. I have done it both ways. I just went back to a photo card and I think I'll stick with that for a bit!
I have always felt it was an ego thing also. It took me a long time to give in to putting my photo on my business card and other materials. That was a long time ago and have had a photo on my cards, etc. for at least the last 20 years - not the same photo :) I don't know why I never thought of it more in terms of being remembered, more so than an ego trip. I do like that thought much better. I have seen a few agents who use caricatures and I have considered that, as I have never been a fan of my own photos either. I think some people are photogenic and others (unfortunately) are just not - and that would be me.
I never thought about it in terms of being remembered or standing out, but there is a husband and wife team on the other side of Houston who use a caricature photo. I talked with them several years ago and I do still remember who they are! I didn't even co-op with them, they just showed one of my listings and I picked up their card and called them for feedback. And Houston MLS has thousands of agents. So to remember them, must say something for their photo (caricature).
Hmm . . . I am due to get new cards . . . may think about that! That might be a case for having two sets of cards. I'm not totally convinced I would be comfortable giving the caricature cards to everyone -- but maybe??
Glad I read this - it has given me something to seriously consider! So, thanks to all of you! And thank you Jennifer for bringing up the subject!
I've never been one to put my photo on my card though it's on some of my other marketing material. I think it's because as a lawyer I never would have considered it. That said, you've given me something to ponder.
I have to say that I have always gone with the photo on the card. I think it is a huge bonus to have your photo on your card because people generally remember faces not names. If a potential client meets you and one or two other Realtors in the same day they will more than likely call if they can actually see your picture on your business card because it will be easier for them to place what they talked about with you with your face, not your name.
I don't think it is necessary to include a photo...but, I have had mine on my card and people say oh your that real estate broker.
I got tired of having my face all over my cards too until I went to a Re/Max Convention a couple years ago. I was handing my card to another agent whom I admired and respected and she said to me "Honey, if you expect me to remember you for any reason, you really ought to have your photo on your card!" She went on to say with as many people as she meets, she never forgets a face. I switched back to the photos the minute I got home from the trip. I do them every couple of years and I call them my school photos.
If the impression I've made on someone is so insufficient that they can't remember my name, then a picture will do little to remind them. I use my photo online and in market materials only, never on my card. In this area, that seems to be the standard for most agents for the clientele we serve.
I do not think I am photogenic, do not want to have a "glamour" shot on my cards either...however I do always put an updated pic on my business card orders, Long before I was a Realtor, I chose my listing agents from open houses over the years. Since I am not good at remembering names, I always needed their picture to remember which ones I connected with best and invited that one or two to meet with me about selling my home and buying another.
My 2 cents:
(that might be 4 cents Worth?)
There are alot of opinions being posted but can anyone testify that they saw their business increase or decrease through the addition or subtraction of their photo?
VL - great question. And my non-expert answer would be that there is no one magic bullet to success. Clients come in from dozens of sources - I got a listing once because my lawn guy saw my RE/MAX signs in the back yard. So, is your business card in itself an important part of your marketing strategy? Probably not - at least, I hope no one is relying on a business card to generate business for them. But if one open house visitor remembers me over the other agents he met that day because my photo was on my card, I'll consider that a valid testimony. If one cross-country real estate agent I met at the NAR convention sends a referral my way because she was able to remember me out of the dozens of other agents she met, again, that's certainly worth having my photo on a card.
I'm just one consumer, but if your marketing materials includes a picture of you with your dog, horse, spouse, children, boat, ATV, motorcycle or sports car, I will NEVER hire you. If you are in some cartoon-like pose, like a bad caricature of a realtor (you know who you are), I will NEVER hire you. Your intention may be to be remembered, but my reaction is this person is unprofessional, clearly interested in themselves and not me, and is offering image over substance.
I have to tolerate the head shots because for some reason, realtors think that is important. I would give bonus points to someone who leaves me charts, graphs or information beyond standard MLS listings/comps that everyone and their mother can pull off the internet now. I would make a point of remembering that person's name, whether or not they have photo. Remember, it's my money buying this house. It's my money from selling this house. It's about me, not you.
I guess it's time to take the plunge. I have used all the reasoning over the years to stay away from photos but I will jump in now. Thanks for the blog.
I'll add another thought (though I totally agree with the argument made here). In the age of social media, it's even more important to have your picture on your marketing material. People are looking for a connection. When I was picking a new doctor a few years ago, the hospital actually had the doctors' business photos on their website and I'll admit (for better or for worse) it did have an influence on my decision. I'm young-ish, and I wanted a young-ish female doctor. I wanted to work with someone who could relate to me, because I knew that I'd be happier and stick with that person long-term. And that's a trend no matter the business. Why not make it easier for people to find someone they connect with? (Along those lines, you'll want to be sure you look pleasant and approachable in your pic...very important, imo.)
I reluctantly added my photo to my e-mail signature, business cards, and now on my sign riders. It's part of branding and much as I dislike it, it has to be done. In this age of social media, everyone expects to see your photo on Facebook, Linked In, etc.
It is a never ending debate isn't?
Reason to not include a pix : I've been told a number of times I look younger than my picture.
Reason to include a pix ; at a chamber event a man who works for the post office reconized me from my pix on my postcards. Walked up and said "you're a Realtor aren't you?"
I asked a new client today why/ how he made a decision to contact me? He said it was a combination of the friendly photo and the testimonials he read on how I handled my transactions.
Dear Jennifer -
Yes - this has always been a BIG issue for me.
Probably easier for you because you are so beautiful and stylish!
Oh, well, maybe a Halloween photo?
Have a happy day -
Lynn