This may be a silly question but I was searching and have not seen it discussed here. I just moved to a new broker and am about to order business cards. Do you think there is a benefit to having your picture on the business card? I didn't have it at my previous broker because I am not completely fond of the idea. I am curious to know if there is real a benefit? It seems a bit cheesy to me, but is the face recognition really helpful in your business? I am guessing based on all the realtor cards that I have seen that most do add their picture.

I have battled in my mind for years over this topic. As you research, you'll find a huge divide over the issue. I have started using a picture on my card, mainly for easy recognition in the public, and because almost all of my local, successful agents do use a picture.

Don't make it look like a glamour shot, make it REAL. I am drawing the line, though, and NOT putting a picture on my yard signs. That's taking vanity to another level!

I commissioned a local artist to paint me in that pose from the movie Titantic complete with the heart of the ocean necklace!

I had this inserted as a shadow on my cards, flyers, and yard signs. Perhaps it's because I am a guy but my business is WAY down this quarter!

Yes! GO WITH A PICTURE ON YOUR BUSINESS CARD.

It is important because people remember:

- Your name
- Your face
- Your slogan

This is the best way to meet people as well, when people see my ad or my banner somewhere, they always tell me how they say it etc.

MARKETING, MARKETING, MARKETING!

Let me take the opposite side.
Does your plumber or electrician or landscaper or doctor or local police officer have a photo on their business card?

Real estate is one of the few occupations that does. It's more of a vanity thing than anything else. It's not like you're a TV or movie or sports superstar that needs instant recognition.

But if you do - take droll's advice - a nice candid shot not a glamour shot

I actually prefer not to put my picture on my card and that is the direction I am leaning towards. I know putting a name to face can be important but I guess what I was trying to determine is if it really makes that much of a difference.

I do very well and I don't have a picture on my business card.I do have my name and contact number.

With a business card you hand off to someone you have ONE CHANCE to make a first impression..

Let me put it another way. I the customer do errands all day. I come across 5 different agents handing my business cards.At the end of the day I am exhausted from my life and empty my pockets.

Staring at me is 5 cards.4 have vain pictures of an agent on them.The last one catches my eye.

It says "Home buyer guarantee" If you lose your job after buying we will sell it for free!

I throw the 4 head shots away in the garbage and keep the other card.

It's not about the medium it's the offer you are giving the public that sets you apart from everyone else.Some will do business with you because you are friends,they like you,etc.

For volume you need offers to bring in steady business.

I think a really nice looking logo is better than a picture. Let's face it, after a certain age it just doesn't work well. Young first time home buyers would look at your card and go oooh I dont want to work with an old man or old lady. Even though you're only 45. LOL Another problem some young good looking female agents have is getting wierdos that call because of the picture. I know of one female agent who took her picture off cards and advertising just for that reason.

The other thing is that your business may be more sellable if not completely identified with just you. A nice logo symbolizes a professional company not just one person.

It really comes down to whether or not you are good looking. If you are good looking then you should put your picture on the card, as nice looking things get attention. 90% of all agents, like 90% of all humans, are ordinary looking or worse. So no need for the picture. But if your looks are an asset, then by all means get that photo on the card.

My business card does not have my photo, but it has a photo of a nice, pretty home in the background.

My goal was for people to associate immediately what I do (I sell homes, I am a Realtor) when they see my business card, if they see my business card now or in the future.

I am surprised, I would have thought I'd get more responses pushing for the photos but it seems many people feel the same a I do about the photo not being necessary. I like the logo idea and the background home pic.

No pic here...I dont wany to give any former a heads up as to how I look when I meet and greet. Tellin em yous got to go is not good news at all.

Let's not forget Reason, the only thing that separates men from savages, and the trait that is missing from your list without which the rest have no meaning.

There is no photo on my business card either. Instead, I chose to use that space for valuable incentive information for both buyers and sellers. They'll see my image when they take the appropriate action and go to my websites as many of them do. Anything more would seem a bit vain to me.

My recommendation is to test. Why not order a some with and without your image and see what happens.

Here's a different take on photos...

I do speaking engagements from time to time, and I always collect business cards from the audience to give away a few books and other goodies thruout the show. I take the cards home with me and write personal notes to the people I met and REMEMBER enough about to write something personal to.

Without exception, I never remember the agents without photos. I look at their business card and the name means nothing to me.

Most people are "terrible with names" - just ask them and they'll tell you! But they will remember a face (but still probably not the name). If your card has your realistic photo on it, you have a much better chance of being remembered. And if you made a good impression on the person, they'll be much more likely to keep that card around and even USE IT if the need arises!