WHAT? It Isn't About Me!

If agents are more focused on their commissions than the needs of their clients, then their clients aren't being properly represented.

You mean it is not about me?  just kidding, I don't matter, I don't use the word "I"  it is all about the client  

Hi Paula,

I do not put my photograph on my business cards or my real estate signs. It has never been about me but always the clients. 

A lot of agents think sellers think that they are thinking you are new and stupid and you improperly priced my home! When in reality they want someone to guide them

Well said, Paula and congratulations on the well-deserved feature Everything we do in our business should be about our clients and their needs, not our own agendas and interests.

Jeff

Good post... it's extremely sad when I see agents that are posting because it's all about them... very grateful to have had a wonderful broker that taught me that 35 years ago. She also taught us to never figure your commission until you were walking back in the door with the check in your hand.... I also removed my photo from my business cards and signage several years ago when the agent in Arkansas was killed. The killer stated that he chose her because of her photo. I really appreciate your point of view on that as well!! 

I differ with your opinion about agents pictures on biz cards, so we disagree. However, you are not less professional simply because your picture is on a biz card, can we agree on that? Pros are paid and not all pros are paid alike, so, does that make a lesser paid pro not professional enough?

Adapting to new technologies and systems are essential for successful careers, so with marketing, take advantage of every opportunity to be seen, heard, understood and accessible. Finally, it is about us, what separates me from you and the other agents competing for recognition in the market? Could it be as simply as a picture?  

Great feature photo and captures your message very clearly. I don't have a photo of myself on my business card, but the logo of Dirt Road Real Estate. Even when I coached real estate agents and other professionals, I was always taken back with photos.  Photos for me are like "riding a dead horse."

PAULA!  I didn't know that you had moved to Granbury!  Well, I will have to tell Rose. She is also moving. Everyone is moving! I don't ever think I will move anywhere even to Granbury; but hopefully, I will see you sometime,

I agree with your message, except with regard to business cards. I do think your photo belongs there, for the simple reason that it makes it easier for people to remember you.

When you meet someone briefly and they have a good feeling about you, they'll associate that feeling with your face - whereas they might have trouble remembering your name.

I think this is always true, but especially so if you attend networking events. When you go home with a dozen business cards in your pocket, can you go back and link each card to the person and remember your impression of them? I think that's more likely if the photo is there.

I agree with most of what you have written.  I also agree with the comment from Marte Cliff.  I think photos on business cards help make us more memorable.   It also helps make us more recognizable when out in public.

I remember a line from Floyd Wickman when someone handed him a card without a photo. When questioned the agent said, "I'm ugly." Floyd replied, " Are you just going to surprise them."

Dr. Paula McDonald  loved your post and clearly I am late to the party, yes this is so true, my business card had all the pertinent information but not my mug shot...... on this platform it is the same mug shot of 27+ years ago.... it is like  a nike logo.... but not about me.... many agents get confused by the stupid TV shows and the agents that are on it thanks to a lot of stupid entertainment industry buyers and sellers... when I sold a $20 million dollar vacant lot it was not about me it was about the land....Endre

Thank You Paula! I am amazed by these so-called celebrity agents who post these "Me Me Me Me" ads with these over-touched images, oftentimes in inappropriate positions. I use a digital card most often and it's simple just the way my customers and clients like it.

Interesting post Paula.  Obviously garnered a lot of attention judging by the comments.  Mark

Dr. Paula McDonald Great Post and loved all the comments.  Although I have always had my photo on my business card, my business is, was and will always be about the client I am working for.  It should never be about me!  My praises come from happy and satisfied clients when they write a review!  Getting to the closing table and making sure the client understands all the details of that transaction are so important.  And in the end?  I have gone from their Realtor to their Realtor Friend for Life!  And when they tell others about their experience working with me, the referral of their family, friend or associate gives me great opportunity to grow my business and build rapport and friendships ... I love people!

I love how you look in your feature photo 😍 but love your eyes more in the photo on your business card. 🙂

This feature photo is 🔥!!!  

Love this post and all your points! I do use my photo on business cards, but mainly because I do a lot of networking events, expos, that kind of thing. When people take my card, stuff it in their purse or desk drawer, and then find it 6 months later, I want them to remember me.  I don't think there's a right or wrong on that, just preference.

Thank you very much, Paula, for sharing some of your successful practices and advice.

Totally agree, my VERY first trainer said the same thing and it work(s) for me...calculation your payday ahead of time. I've outlasted my own imagination from back in the day.  That was in the early 1971...still love my "job" after all these years.