Mike Ciucci

Putting Your Best Face Forward: Keeping Your Realtor Image Professional



Posted: Wednesday, November 18, 2009

by
Carolina One Real Estate

Most Realtors understand the importance of creating a professional personal image to further their career; they spend time and money on dressing well, driving a nice car, and keeping their interactions with clients businesslike on the phone and in person. However, what some agents forget is that what they say or post online with their name attached to it will also contribute to how prospective or current clients view them.

While it's certainly well within your legal rights to say almost anything at all, it is not always a wise decision to express your strong opinions on religious or political issues on any media where your professional name is attached to it. Just like you probably wouldn't discuss your personal views on religious or political matters with potential clients, it's generally a bad idea to do the same thing in an online forum as well. It is a matter of good business to keep your opinions about non-real estate issues to yourself when you are engaged in professional matters and keep your opinion about things like that relegated to your private life.

The social networking sites that you use for professional purposes-whether they are Facebook, Twitter, or just blogging-remember that this is your professional face and it makes good business sense to maintain an image that shows that you are unbiased, non-discriminatory, and fair with your clients. Just as a staged home showcases a property in a good light that can appeal to the largest number of buyers possible, your professional image should appeal to the broadest base of prospective clients by allowing just about anyone to be able to relate to you.

 Many professional people in a variety of different vocations use online networking sites that are open to the public as their business presence online and a private account that is closed to everyone but their family and close friends as their personal account where they can express themselves freely. This strategy allows them the freedom of expression while still maintaining their professional image that is so productive for gaining new clients.

Remember, just because you CAN say or do something doesn't mean it's a good idea when you are a professional who relies on your business image to make a living. If you express extreme opinions about hot current topics then you risk alienating many people who may be looking to hire a realtor.  Show your professional face instead and be approachable to a wider variety of potential clients; you'll be glad you did!

Work with a qualified, dedicated agent for your Sullivan's Island real estate purchase. Find the ideal Charleston S.C. home at BuyingCharlestonRealEstate.com.

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