I personally thing the old moniker, "She's the brains of the outfit" has new meaning in this thread. Beauty and Brains--whatta combination!

There's a DOGBOOK!!!? I'm going to have to join. I have a couple of other dogs to put on there, too!

But I did not know your dog is going to be SOooo cute!

Are you on Facebook? My dog Duke would like to be your dog's friend on Dogbook

http://apps.facebook.com/dogbook/profile.php?id=1280145

Sylvia

For those two? Dog will be more suitable for now :-)

The only problem with Trulia generic picture is that every time I see that picture, I thought it's J.R., and then many times I was disappointed, really!
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I was thinking of replacing my generic icon with a photo of my dog, but after seeing Jim's link, maybe I should have a photo taken like that, I have large brains myself. :)

This is the one time I can truly say that I am so glad this is only 'Agent 2 Agent'

That's the girl Jim!! Such a brainiac. I suspect Mensa? But do you think she was a right or left brain thinker? Split personality?. I don't think she was a jug-head? Tah-Tahs!!

Dag Nabitz:

http://www.flatrock.org.nz/topics/humour/assets/wish_these_w…

My next photo shoot is going to be a "Charicature" of my little old self. I've got one I use occasinally in email which was done at a convention years back. I think both Jim and I loved the photo of the girl with the "great brains"!!

Yep, J.R. you'd make quite a few people happy from what i read below.

I had to photoshop because I had to take my picture in a hurry, can't remember why, and that was my bad hair day (which is everyday); so I photoshopped away, and decided to stick with it.

The only problem with Trulia generic picture is that every time I see that picture, I thought it's J.R., and then many times I was disappointed, really!

For Jim, I like his real picture better, warmer.

Sylvia

I use my picture, but photoshopped -
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NO! Sylvia! Now I'm thinking of replacing my generic icon with Keira Knightly. :)

I use my picture, but photoshopped - Since I can do it, I decided I don't need to waste money on the 'professional' pictures. Kind of like what I do for my listings.

Personally, if I can't give an asnwer I believe in, then I don't answer the question - there is a choice here - just because we are on online forum, we don't need to answer every question.

I try to give the agents/consumers my best knowledge, but I know i might make mistakes - then I count on all you guys/gals to let me know that I might have say something wrong, then you can either correct me online or offline. I appreciate that input - I try to do that for others also.

I find that as long as I am professional, others treat me as a professional also. This is a two way street. Avatar or not; real etate or other things in life.

Sylvia .

I don't know... I find that having your own contact information (whether avatar or photo) makes certain that you wouldn't give an answer that you wouldn't want your managing broker, or your colleagues to see.

'Cause rest assured, if you say something untoward, your office mates will know about it, and soon thereafter your manager, or regional manager will hear about it.

Thank you Joseph. I also believe there are companies and brokers who would frown on some of the advice and comments given. Avatars also enable the poster to give a more frank answer, as those with their real name and photo have to always sugarcoat what they say.

On your website or blog, use a real photo. Here and on the internet, I vote avatar. JR makes a good point. And online reputation mgt will rise in importance so having a picture will only add to the monitoring concerns. A very good question, I might add. Thanks Beth

In this type of forum, avatar, definitely. These discussions are way to detailed. With a photo, your customer or client will know that you are discussing THEM specifically. I feel many could be a breach of fiduciary responsibilities.

Mott, did you have that taken at the photobooth at Woolworth's ?

The real photo of course!

Well, I have been using my photo on my business cards since the early '90s. I remember the slack my broker gave me, as no one else in Kansas City was using it at that time. I can't say I've ever got a listing because of it, but I do think it helps people remember you. This is particularly true, if there are a lot of open houses on your area. Say a buyer goes out on Sunday afternoon to "shop" for a home. He/she may stop at 4-7 different homes. At the end of the day, they look at all the business cards, and probably can't remember which agent was at which property. Now hopefully, you've done a good job and got THEIR name and number to follow up.

That being said, I do think you need a current & professional photo. In KC that will cost about $75, including the "touch up" . I get compliments almost everytime I pass out my card. Usually, "great photo!"

Remember the card left behind is your image. So what kind of an image do you want?

Crystal Fields

I love the way Elvis always changes his. I don't think I could use my high school picture - that mullet look is really not very becoming and I am very grateful that Patrick is not a Spongebob fan!

Thanks Patrick!

Just dropped by for a visit.

I see someone put my name back on my profile.

For a while it just said Realtor in Pleasanton, CA.

Have a great week!

Ed

Welcome back ED, Beth He means that in a nice way.

Photo's or Avitar's... do you think either one really matters?

I guess it would depend on whether you were trying to attract buyers or the attention of other Realtors. I don't think either an avitar or a photo is going to attract a buyer to the point they will call you to sell them a house. Most Realtors use their high school pictures on their business cards and promotional pieces anyway... ever notice that?

Photos are great if you are going after a date on AmericanSingles.com

Doesen't mean you will be successful but it might start a conversation.

If your intention is to cultivate a buyer or seller here... your time is better spent elsewhere.

But... if you are looking to date a Realtor... this is a good place to be... and I would probably start by using your high school picture.

Realtor chicks dig sexy AVATARS.

I don't do that. I use a real picture of myself.

I like avatars such as " Elvis " who was a well loved entertainer of the past despite his eccentricities (Maybe because of them) Poor Elvis (the real one, not our Trulia icon ) would be pilloried today like poor Brittney and Lindsay are while they struggle with their addictions.

Ginger, the Potato Head are fun. Ruth has always featured her craftsman house. I think those are all consumers, too not RE Pros. Consumers Rock.

I feel that Avatars such as "charlie (manson) " and "Capone" are loathsome because the originals were horrible people. Why would anyone want to adopt such evil personas.