REALTOR Card With NO Photo?!

ZIDA BORICH is a very talented designer and letterpress printer that I was referred to by another very talented client of mine, Andrew Chan. See samples of both of their work by clicking their names.

Go here to read Zida's blog post about my very special business card.

My response to her post is as follows, and can be seen in the comments section of her blog.

"Zida,

I want to reiterate that I LOVE my cards, and so does anyone and everyone that I would care to make an impression on.
I bashfully admit that when I embarked into this profession, my business cards had a HUGE photo of yours truly on them. It was just the way things were done.
As soon as I got bold and took my photo off (when I started my own company) the feedback was really interesting. My card become memorable because it did NOT have my mug on it. People would say, 'Oh thank GOD you don’t have a glamor shot on here. Why do REALTORS do that?!' It was a great opportunity to jump into a discussion about how my company is different in other ways as well.
For example, it’s not about ME, it’s about YOU the client. I try to take the ego out of the work I am doing, including negotiating. If I do a SUPERB job for the client, they will sell me to their friends and family better than any glamor shot could. And that is the business I am seeking.
I worked on my 'perfect card' for 2+ years with multiple designers. You brought it home for me, and I am really grateful! My card sets the tone, and my service seals the deal. It’s a great combo. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

What do YOU think? Leave a comment and let me know what you think about headshot-driven marketing.

F BP

I'm watching the latest updates on the oil disaster (redundant, I know). The COO at BP is on CNN giving his upbeat spin on the state of affairs. F BP. Does anyone care what they have to say right now? Show me, don't tell me. You have ZERO credibility.

I like the impact that the internet has had on business. There is a high level of accountability and transparency that comes from everyday people being empowered to fact check things for themselves, communicate with others via blogs, review sites, social networking, etc. I mean, who wants to base a major life decision about whether to use a company or not on blah blah blah marketing produced by the company themselves? We're smarter than that now. Right?

As a business owner, there is nothing I value more than the endorsements of my clients. These are people that have actually done the homework, selected us and then had a first hand experience that they can speak about with credibility. What a concept!

If you have worked with strüb residential at any point, PLEASE tell about it. Add a review to our growing portfolio on our page, YELP, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google Local or any of your preferred fact checking sites.

If you have not yet worked with us, we think you should. But don't take our word for it! Check out what others have to say about us. We'd love to hear how we can help.

Open Letter to My Clients

I feel truly honored to have been selected for a role in your life. The trust you placed in me and my company to represent you is very serious to us. The process can be rigorous, but I know you will agree that very few things can compare to the reward of realizing such a momentous goal.

Additionally, the effect of your selection of STRÜB RESIDENTIAL to work with you in this endeavor extends further in support of our ongoing programs for local nonprofits like the Austin Children’s Shelter, Mobile Film School, KUT and other local organizations that share our beliefs and passions.

I'd love to receive feedback about your experience working with myself and STRÜB RESIDENTIAL. Please find a few moments to help us spread the word by submitting a review at YELP.com (search “strub residential”) or via strubresidential.com/contact. You may also follow us on Facebook.com/strubresidential and Twitter.com/strub! But above all of that, there is no greater endorsement I can receive than a referral from you. Repeat and referral business is the foundation of our success. 75% or more of our business is generated in this fashion. This is something we are very proud of.

The mission of STRÜB RESIDENTIAL is to be your real estate resource for life. Our relationship by no means ends with the closing of your purchase. If you have any future questions or concerns, from property value questions to help searching for resources for a repair or upgrade, please remember I am here to help.