When I first started in real estate, I met a fellow Realtor who gave me his card, only the photo was so old that I almost laughed in his face. I was licensed in 1997, and the photo had a 1970's nature background. The man was probably 60 or so, and he was mostly bald with some gray hair. The business card photo showed a man in the full bloom of youth with a thick head of dark hair.
Although I secretly thought this was ridiculous, I realized recently just how long it has been since I had a professional photo taken. I think my business card photo is from 1998 or so, and I guess I have aged reasonably well, but it would still be a good idea to update it soon. The photo on my blog was taken outside our offices with a digital camera. This is about as dressed up as I get anymore.
When I was first licensed, I was 26 and I used to wear a business suit to listing appointments and even to meet with buyers. Now, I can't remember the last time I wore a tie to work. I am usually found in a polo shirt with khakis or jeans, no matter who the client is. You have to understand that Austin is VERY casual. There is a top-producing agent who specializes in ranches and I have never seen him wearing long pants.
At any rate, what is the oldest (or funniest or oddest) business card photo or theme that you have seen?
Copyright 2007 Austin Texas Real Estate
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Kimberly - That reminds me of a similar thing that happened to me maybe six or so years back. I was scheduled to meet one of the top agents out at Lake Travis in order to preview one of her listings for my clients. She showed up and I am not sure if my expression gave me away or not, but she looked at least twenty years older than her ad and business card photo. The woman on the ad appeared to be in her 50's, while the woman that showed up to meet me looked at least 70.
Its amazing how fast time flies. I love collecting card around here. I have never seen so many prom photos still being flashed around by senior citizens. I don't like aging either but give me a break.
Jason,
I did a personal twist on the use of using an old photo to beat Father Time.
I use a FUTURE photo of myself to project maturity.
I am actually 22 years old but use my savvy older guy photo of when I will be in my 50's.
No complaints so far!
I have had MANY comments by my borrowers regarding this subject. They laugh out loud too....
REALTORS: Update your photos!!!!!!!
Seriously, I have had trouble picking out certain realtors in a crowd.... Because all I had for reference was their photo. There is something wrong with that!!!
Darrel - It really is almost that bad here as well.
Adam - The car photo seems especially lazy to me. Those all made me laugh.
Mike - I would love to see the photo that you are using, just out of curiosity. Maybe they assume you are Mike, Jr. and that you work with your dad who is also an agent.
Tom - This is EXACTLY what I am talking about. We have a Realty Round-Up here in Austin every year, and I am constantly amazed when I meet people in person. Who knew that he was that old? or short? or that he lost ALL of his hair?
Lest anyone think that my comment was judgemental about realtors.... that is not what I meant.
My point is that I hear these comments from the borrowers.... they really look down at this.
a friend recently listed his home. one of his TOP comments about her was the photo.
Hey Jason:
Enjoyed your blog. Great work! Some funny stuff with some neat marketing. Teach your ways! Ha
Have a great evening
Alan
Jason
I once was asked to send my business card in the mail and did so it didn't have my photo a couple of days go by and I get the call can you come over and give a market analysis. I went and the man said to me how come you don't have your photo on your card like these people do, showing me a bunch of cards. I notice one person out of the cards and I chuckled to myself and the seller asked why are you laughing? I said that must have been when she was in High School, he laughed and said your the only Realtor I met that tells the truth, how much is this puppy worth we want to sell it.
That's a funny post because we all know that we see it all the time. I guess I'm guilty too because when I got my last bunch of cards I had facial hair. I proceeded to become clean shaven not 3 months later and here I am with around 6000 business cards that I'm not willing to ditch. Great post!
I think Pre/Post toupee pictures are the funniest! You know how in the 80's and early 90's many men would wear a toupee. Then you see them in real life in 2007 and they still have the same amount of "side-head" hair, but they have a cue ball on the top where they once had a seeming extremely thick head of hair!
I laugh inside so hard!
Diane - I figured that this was ground that had been covered at some point, but I wanted to share my experiences. Great minds think alike!
Alan - See you soon. Thanks for your comments.
Gary - I have had similar things happen to me (e.g. "you are the only honest agent I have met so far", "thanks for being honest", etc.) that result in new business.
Jeffrey - Maybe you should regrow the facial hair for a few years?
Ray - Spot on! I see SO many of those these days.
Jason,
I use the same photo as on my profile.
And that is me... today, not a FUTURE photo. 22 is 32 years ago... :(
:D
About 20 years ago, I had a glamour shot taken for my business cards - except, of course, I did bring my own business-appropriate blouse to the photo-shoot instead of wearing a drape, a boa or ??? Anyway, people would accept my business card and then not-so-subtly look from my business card up to me and back down to the photo on my card - I knew they were thinking, "she doesn't look like that!" If someone commented about the "nice" photo, I would always say something to the effect of it's amazing what the combination of make-up and a good hair day does to make a girl look her best!
Of course, I used that photo for all my marketing for years, because I never looked better!
Jason,
I had some women realtors come to an open house and informed me that I needed to have my picture on my card to be successful. These women had their glamor shot pics from 20 years ago on their card. I usually hold my tongue, but these women were 70+ in white sneakers and telling me how to run my business. So I decided to engage them in conversation. I asked them why they put a picture of someone else on their card. They did not understand what I was saying. I explained to them that they were quilty of false advertising. After I got home I decided to put my picture on my card. Here is the picture that I used. Once I had my cards printed, I forwarded my cards to the four women that I had met. Please let me know what you think of my photo.
Rob - Awesome stories - I think the George Washington look played out in the 1970's?
Shannon - Great comments! Very funny stuff. With regard to the "animals" theme, my previous broker tried this with his goat and his parrot, and NO ONE called him. Then, he switched to a picture of him and his wife and his business grew quickly. He said, "I guess no one wanted to do business with the old man and the goat."
Diane - I agree - it doesn't take long to look different once you hit a certain age (which I clearly have). As for the humorous photo, I might consider this, but nothing too crazy (see my last comment to Shannon).
Mike - Your photo looks great. I was having trouble imagining someone actually using a future photo, but stranger things have happened (just look at the comments here). Thanks for your comments!
Nathan - A few years ago, I had lost quite a bit of weight and I had a "fatter" photo of myself on the website. One of my female clients said, "Who knew that 'hot Jason' would show up to meet with us?" That made me feel good for a year.
Margaret - Who could blame you for continuing to use this great picture of yourself?
Brian - That is a GREAT story. Thanks for sharing, and that is a terrific business card photo.