Last September I posted a blog called "To Photo or Not to Photo" where I raised the age-old question of whether or not to put your (hopefully) smiling face on your business card. (I vote YES).
One of the comments on that blog was something along the lines of "Can anyone actually demonstrate that their picture on a card resulted in business for them?" Excellent 
question! My response to the commenter was:
"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."
My point in revisiting this debate today is to reiterate that real estate clients find us in many different ways. And when they do, they each bring with them the potential of a significant paycheck - in some cases, even a year-changing paycheck. Depending on your market, your average commission check could be $3,000, $5,000 or even $10,000! Therefore, just one missed opportunity to capture one potential client could cost you $3,000, $5,000 or even $10,000! Not to mention all the business that potential future satisfied past client would send your way...
(Um, still not seeing your point, JA-H).
Okay, getting to it now.
If you miss opportunities to capture potential clients on a regular basis with silly little omissions, carelessness or even (gasp) laziness, you could easily cost yourself $100,000 in the next twelve months (assuming 20 missed opportunities at $5,000 per).
What might those 20 silly little omissions, carelessness'es or even (gasp) laziness'es look like?
Ahhhhhh... Watch This Space for further discussion. (But in the meantime, feel free to share your own thoughts!)
Jennifer - I've learned potential business is everywhere, and I carry business cards (with my smiling face) in my hiking clothes, in my dressed-to-the-nines clutch bag and always in my phone case as I never leave home without the phone or my cards. As they say, when the moment is right...better act on it or someone else will.
No one wants to be a secret agent, or if you are, you will go out of business. A photo on a card could steer business AWAY from you Jennifer if someone does not like how you look.
I need a new picture Jennifer. I'm in a new brokerage - the consensus says a more "down to earth" photo!! I'm with Norma I always try to have a card with me.
Cards with me, always. I've had cards with and without photos, and can't truthfully relate business (or lack of) on the card. But I agree with you that the photo is a good reminder. I need a new photo. Sounds like Kelly (#3, above) does to - suggestions, please!
I removed my photo from my cards about two years ago thinking it was more "professional." But one point you make is standing out, and a card without a photo is just a signature line. On to the photo studio . . .
Hi Jennifer! I have my picture on my signs and sometimes I question whether that is a good idea. I get lots of positive feedback on them, so I guess it's okay.
Gary - I actually disagree that you'll drive people off if they don't like your look - unless you're REALLY scary! The point of the original blog is that you're far more memorable with a picture and unless you're handing out a card in hopes of finding a romantic partner, people don't care all that much how "attractive" you are.
Anyway, my point today wasn't about business card photos (although I love the topic!), but rather other little things that won't make or break your business, but could result in a sale or two... which could certainly make or break your month!
Here's an example... Your "Contact Me" link on your website goes to an email address you rarely check...
Here's another... The primary phone number in your marketing goes to your direct office line instead of to your cell phone (and you're never at your office).
Can you think of others?
As a matter of fact just last week I got a new batch of cards WITHOUT my picture. This is the first time I've gone without a picture. I am btw in violation of the Company Policy Manual. (sshh let's just keep that between all of us)
But to mix things up I added a Facebook logo to my card. Trying something a little different can't hurt can it?
Looking forward to that extra 100K JA-H is promising.
I think having the picture helps build a relationship and helps them remember who you are. I have stacks of cards sometimes and cannot place the card with the face.
Hi Jennifer......I'm not a fan of the photo on the business card, instead, I have a picture of shells (the same picture that's on my website and the newsletter header I send out). Lots of agents here have the beach or the ocean in the background of their cards so I wanted to be different. I get a lot of compliments on my cards but in the end, it's about making an impression with your personality and your knowledge - that goes a lot further than someone trying to "remember" you from your picture on a card.
People are visual, and the photo helps them remember you and your name, it just needs to be fresh and updated... and LOOK LIKE YOU DANGIT!
For women I do think there is a bit of concern with photos, you dont want any creepy stalkers, but I guess that could be an entirely different subject!
In observing the comments so far, it sounds like it's time for me to get a new photo! :-)
I like to have my picture on my card. I also think one can have 2 or even 3 sets of different cards, with pictures or not, and use them on different occasions. One can also try to trace, if cards with pictures bring more business - but that'd be a task in itself.
And btw, can't wait to read your new book - love them, have them all!
My card has a picture of me standing next to a 1957 Chevy. I've sold 4 or more houses because of the car-not me! And no, it's not my car-darn it.
Great post. I'me just about out of cards and am contemplating the subject. I've never had photo cards before. I've also never had photo signs either. So, I don't really have an opinion one way or the other, I'm just enjoying the back and forth (get Guiness, this has got to be a first!).
Thanks!
Thanks for the post. I cannot image handling out a business card without a picture. I have learned from my background in marketing that every impression is important.
You raise some excellent points here...I know I need to make changes to websites and blogs.
Jennifer if I had a face like yours I would carry around 8x10 business cards :-)
I have never had a business card without my picture on it. This is a MUST to me. As someone who does tons of networking, business cards (good or bad) will make you stand out, and a card with a pic definitely stands out amongst the rest. You need to be sure you have a great photographer who catches your personality and not just some head shot. You need to look your best (clean shaven, hair, outfit) and it needs to be "you." I always get TONS of compliments on my card and believe me, they never forget me!
I have reached the point in life where results fuel my business.....if I had to run on looks, I would be bankrupt...
I honestly don't like RE business cards without pictures. It is so much more personal when there is a face on it....and definitely more memorable.
I agree that you should never be without cards however, your card should be represent your professionalism (which can't be captured by photography) as opposed to your beauty (which is in the eyes of the beholder anyway). If you are knowledgeable an passionate about your work, what you leave through conversation will be memorable enough for someone to keep your card.
This topic has been the discussion of many an office meeting and I appreciate all of the comments. After much deliberation, I vote for the photo opp!
Hi Jennifer! Truer words could not be said. Real Estate is a "game of numbers" and an opportunity can arise from virtually any form of marketing. It's critical for agents to establish consistency in systems and processes...and the rest will come!
(I vote for picture!)
My business card now uses the cartoon avatar version of myself that you see on the left.
It's something that's showing up across a variety of diverse mediums now, visually establishing my identity, and hinting at the personality behind it. And it DOES stand out!
Yes, I know I'm taking a bit of a risk by doing this - but it's an informed, considered risk. And taking risks is part of building our businesses. (And so far, the reaction has been mostly good!)
The biggest risk, IMHO, is that potential clients will be turned off by what they see as a lack of seriousness. But, I am limiting the "playfulness" of my branding to just this one avatar, and I'm making sure the execution or marketing materials where it appears is done top-notch. - Everything else on my business website is rather straightforward and serious.
But I do let my personality show though on ActiveRain, and my website directs people here.
My cards definately have my pic on them. I think the only way I'd remove the picture is if I was strictly working investments or property management, something like that.
I definitely see the advantage of carrying a variety of business cards, so as to leave the appropriate card matched to the situation.
Some with a pic, some without.
A playful card might be good for first-time homebuyers. A more serious card for investors. Maybe a high-quality card for upscale markets.
Cards that have different marketing taglines for different clients.
I can't see a negative to the picture, so....there it is. And your greater point, missed opportunities, how do we know what causes them.
Jennifer, I agree with you. Why NOT have our photos on there. I know when I go to conferences I come home with stacks of cards. I would never remember who was who if there weren't a photo.
It is traditional for Realtors to have photos on their business cards. It is a way of connecting with the public and establishing trust. People want to to know who they are dealing with. The omission of a photo sends the wrong signal - like perhaps you are hiding who you really are.
I have always had a photo on my card. I remember when I first became an agent reading somewhere about how everyone knows famous people because their face is everywhere! I use my picture so hopefully people will remember me and maybe even recognize me. I don't charge for autographs...lol
Jennifer - Well, as of today I can attest that this works. I put my photo on my sign riders and my business cards. Since I have 12 listings in a one square mile area, the sign riders have an impact. I was in the local market today and a man came up to me and said you're a real estate agent, aren't you? Turns out he already had an agent listing his home, but he recognized me from my photo. I like the fact that my face makes people think about real estate!
Picture or no picture? Well my previous business cards had my photo... a very dated photo, good thing I still somewhat resembeled the photo! I've more recently changes by business card format to no longer include a photo- I'm currently using vibrant colors and an extrememly sleek layout.
My name is what sets me apart and quite frequently gets me "remembered". Most times when I introduce myself or when I am introduced to someone, I am asked "Bee Sen Dra, is that Spanish"? Which leads me to the story of my name (look for it in a later post) and whom I was named after.
The key is giving your new "prospect" a reason to remember you...
Jennifer it is quite easy lose out on at least 20 additional commissions a year, easily! Forgotten email, phone call, lost info, incorrectly written contact information. The list goes on and on....
I actually lost one recently (still beating myself up about it) just by not checking my spam folder in my email, seller sent 3 emails over a 4 week period wanting me to sell her home. Turns out that the email was flagged as spam because the seller had a weird image attachment included in the signature line of the email. Go figure!
I agree that you should never be without cards. I don't agree, nor use a photo. Even in this day and age, whether subliminal or not, there is a certain amount of bias. I encourage agents use what works for them.
Jennifer- Great topic for discussion. Agents miss many opportunities for business for all sorts of reasons. Our faces are on our website and newsletters. Our photos are not on our business cards any longer. We stopped that when we opened up our company because we are moving towards branding the company and recruiting agents to work with us. We are moving a new phase of life and business and starting to work on that exit strategy;) People in our community know us very well, know our names, know our faces. The rest can google me to see what I look like:) Hope all is well with you! We need to catch up and chat soon. Katerina
Jennifer - Thank you for the reminder not to be lazy. There are things that I know that I need to be doing.
Thank you for the post. I have my picture on my cards but was wondering if it would be a good idea to have cards without a picture.
Just npicked up some spam points from #38 & n39 ! 2011 is shaping up to be a very good year !!!!!!
Thanks for all the comments! I just posted the follow-up with 19 more ways to make or NOT make $100k this year... see what you think! http://activerain.com/blogsview/2236113/20-ways-to-make-100k-this-year-or-not-part-deux-the-20-ways
I had a buyer contact me because she found me on the internet, and liked my picture. "You can tell a lot about a person from their eyes," she said. So yes ma'am, I'm keeping my photo out there! As long as my eyes are open! ; )
Just like listing picture speaks for itself. I have my pictures every where and people have recognized me when I am at an event or grocery store.
Great anticipatory post. People have found me online, through blog posts, through a book review, from my license plate, googling one of my listings address or zip codes and even through a very old business card. I stopped business cards for a while but love my new one which is a keeper.
Jennifer ~ A picture can tell a thousand stories but the picture should be updated now and then!!
I've never had a business card without a photo...and that's alot of years....In the REMAX world we call folks who are listed on our company roster 'Balloon Heads' if they do not have a personal photo...
When looking for a referral agent I require a photo...means they care enough to post one...then credentials,,,GRI,CRS, production awards and community service. But it all starts with the photo...
I have never had photos on my cards or my signs. I don't like them, and I've had buyers see cards with photosand comment (both good and bad). I did have a buyer find me on the internet and send me an email, it went to junk, I didnt't respond to it for about a week and a half and when I did I apologized profusely and told them what happend. She was coming into town, had already scheduled with another agent but after hearing from me she promptly cancelled that appointment and met me instead. She said she saw my photo and just knew she wanted to work with me. But, I think it can go both ways - you can gain clients but also lose prospects based on a judgement on the photo (and anything else for that matter) so I think it's a personal choice.
I do appreciate the overall theme of this post, though, and all the "little" things that can cost and make money in the long run.
Hi Jen - nice series of posts and comments.
I would probably add one more answer to the commenter who asked you "Can you demonstrate where a picture generated business for someone?"
Some things can be measured specifically, some things can't - and sometimes we fool ourselves measurements.
For example: On the surface it would appear that hosting an open house can be tied directly to an ultimate deal with a visitor to the open house.
Did the open house generate the sale - no! The open house will not create business for you. It only "attracts the lead." You still have to earn their business.
My comment is not about open houses - it's about lead attraction vs lead conversion.
A business card will not get you a sale. A business card on a photo will not get you more sales than one without a photo.
Advertising on a billboard will not get you a sale - nor will winning a "Best of something" Realtor award.
And on and on.
All of these things are just part of your lead attraction tool kit. The more tools you have at your disposal and the more tools that you master, the more leads you will attract. Then you have to engage your "lead conversion" skills.
Hi Jennifer - I look forward to reading more on your blogs and to reading your book. Just seems we are in tune on this subject matter.
The subject matter of the pic on the business card or on any advertising, from a marketing strategy perspective, I have never been in favor of the practice. I think the idea is old school and based on stereotyping. For 2 reasons.
1. It's not about you as an agent, it's about the client - your marketing must focus on your points of differentiation, not on how you look. Case in point, how many attorneys and physicians put their pics on their business cards?
2. But it's like mass advertising, it's been exploited to the ninth degree, like selling many things in life, if you happen to be a very attractive individual and you use this as your point of differentiation, it provides appeal to this group (of shallow) individuals. Some consumers given the choice may choose on that basis.
Yes to photos - it helps people remember you.
I agree with you Jennifer it is nice to place a face with a name, my cards currently don't have my picture as my hair looks difference every day (natural curly in a damp climate). So I opted out of a picture, but can definitely see the selling points of having it on there now. Have about 300 cards left, better call the photographer! Thanks for the insight!
People are now putting pictures on their resumes. Putting a face with a name and then with the voice on the other end of the phone is very important for many. I don't want to deal with someone who looks greasy and unkept nor someone who is stuck in the 80's with their hair style. If the person doesn't take care of themselves how are they going to take care of me and my needs. With that said, if anyone needs new business cards created, a quote for their current, or any other marketing material creation or reproduction, please feel free to contact me (717.215.0715). I have a photographer I work closely with for those needing a new picture.
Business comes in many different ways. You never know where the next transaction will come from.
I vote picture. I had one without a picture but I even thought it was boring. mark
I do not have a picture on mine now. And agree it is just a forgetable card. I am going back to picture.
thank you very much for the informative and interesting post. I get so much out of the active rain network.
What a great post, Jennifer. In my industry (flooring), it is not standard to add your picture. However, I keep breaking the rules in my industry and have chosen a new positioning calling myself the flooring Girl. Soon, I'm going to make some new biz cards so I may consider this. Katerina brings up a good point, so I need to think this through as we are expanding. we are developing a new logo and it has a line design of a girl/me, and it looks like me, so this may be my potential solution. I have to think it through.
Jennifer~ I believe that a photo on your business card is a must have. Someone is more likely to recognize me than to remember my name. I don't want ANY missed opportunities. I can't AFFORD it! (BTW, found your post because Debbie Gartner (#64) reblogged your follow up post.
Fun to have an old post resuscitated!