How long have you been saying that you're going to update your image? Just like the "refresh button" on your computer, I'm here to suggest that you refresh your image and your brand at least once a year.
However, so you don't "shock" your clients and Realtors, and make it easy on yourself too, you may want to make one change at a little time-like a minor update every two months.
Here are my recommended updates:
Your picture: Is the picture on your website, e-mail or business card five years old? Does it still look like you? Should you have two different pictures-one for your more casual clients and one more business-like? If you work with a team, I suggest that you have a group picture taken. Pictures of you with your child, dog or Harley should be saved for your personal blog pages.
Your bio: I'm sure that since the last time you wrote your bio, you've accomplished a little more than your current one reads now. Did you attend training classes? Get your mortgage license? Attend a seminar? Add those to your bio with a short description of what you learned.
Include something personal. Instead of saying "I like hiking, reading and golfing," consider telling a short story: "I like hiking and just finished hiking around Devil's Tower in Wyoming." (Note: If your bio is more than a year old-and you can't add anything new to update it-then you have a different problem that I can't help you with.)
Your e-mail signature: Have you been using the same old signature line or quote on your e-mail? Like, "I love referrals," or "My customer service is awesome?" Consider instead a link to your blog page. Or make a link to a video with a short message from you. Update your picture. Create links to your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn pages.
Blogging: Join and comment on at least three blogs per month, those that interest you. This is where your true personally shines through because you're constantly updating your image and brand when you blog.
Join a new group or club: We get comfortable with our friends and business partners-that's a good thing. But variety is the spice of life and meeting new people is one of the ways to expand your image and your brand. For example, attend a couple of seminars a year that have nothing to do with the mortgage business.
Once you've gone through the five steps (this will take you 10 months) start over again.
An added benefit? It will also make you feel better-and it's good for your self-esteem!
Karen Deis is president of
