Real Estate Investor · Fishers, IN · Member since 2009 · 408 posts · 196 votes
In the process of reading "Twitter Power 2.0" and one of the interesting things I read about is your profile picture should be a picture of you, not of your pet, or a landscape scene. This got my attention because it made sense, Make a personal connection via your profile picture. I know on biggerpockets alone I tend to not colleague request people without profile pictures and looking through my colleagues I noticed most had a picture of themselves.
Is there some truth to the psychological aspect of making a connection by a profile picture? Are there success stories on here of building a network faster with a profile picture as opposed to something else?
BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
16y
Absolutely! Your profile pic should 100% be a photo of you.
1 - First, it tells me who I'm talking to. If I can't see who I'm talking to, then I can't ever be 100% who I'm talking to. While someone can certainly put up a fake pic, impersonating someone online is illegal, so I assume that most people aren't stupid enough to do that.
2 - It also helps to create a human/emotional connection with that person.
3 - Finally, it allows you to bridge the gap between online and reality. I could be in a room with Mark and Tod, but would never know who they are because they don't have a personal photo. On the other hand, I have an instant connection with Kevin because of his picture. That makes him more approachable.
I've been doing this for almost 6 years now and I certainly believe that people who use an image of themselves are taken more seriously for all the reasons I already mentioned.
We try to encourage members to use personal images by enforcing a few basic rules about avatars here (no ads, promos, pics of famous people), but some people simply don't want to reveal themselves and others may not know how to take a picture. Nothing wrong with that, but I strongly believe that it puts you at a disadvantage when participating in a professional networking site like BiggerPockets.
Finally, any social media expert will tell you that using your own image is good for business and is the key to personal branding online. You should generally be using the same image across the various networks that you're on (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, BiggerPockets, etc.) to create consistency.
Real Estate Investor · the villages, FL · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
16y
I'd like to change my avatar, but went to profile and couldn't figure out how! One of the vehicles in current avatar is sold anyway. When I learn, I'll change to something else. Rich
BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
16y
RIch -
Go to the DASHBOARD, then click your current avatar (located at the top left side of the dash) and you'll be taken to the avatar upload page. Then, click the choose file button, pick your pic and then click the UPDATE button on the page and you'll be set.
BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
16y
Originally posted by Steve Babiak:
You happy now?
That's definitely a helpful reminder, Steve. Since I wrote the post, I probably should have remembered that, but without the everyday reminder, it is easily forgotten. Thanks.
More reason to use your personal pic for your avatar. I might have walked past Rich thinking he was Captain Sully, without recalling that he is one of the more active guys on BP. :mrgreen:
Real Estate Investor · the villages, FL · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
16y
OK- I posted 2 photos for the price of one! Interesting thread. The picture on the left is of myself when I was extremely heavy. It was also the time when I was making my first few millions. I didn't wear suits and was very casual and down to earth, but pretty talented. If you hadn't partnered with me because of suit or looks, you'd have missed out. 206 different investors looked past that. I don't know how many I lost because of looks.
The other photo is fairly current. Now, you'd buy from me, but I'm not selling anything!! Go figure. Anyway, 2 pics to view. Rich and Rich.
Flipper · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2009 · 973 posts · 679 votes
16y
I always kind of pictured Rich a little like Jack Nicholson.. Thanks for the meet the investor article. And congradulations on all the weight loss Rich!
Investor · Southlake, TX · Member since 2009 · 950 posts · 338 votes
16y
Originally posted by Rich Weese:
If you hadn't partnered with me because of suit or looks, you'd have missed out. 206 different investors looked past that. I don't know how many I lost because of looks.
The other photo is fairly current. Now, you'd buy from me, but I'm not selling anything!! Go figure. Anyway, 2 pics to view. Rich and Rich.
Who wouldn't invest with such a distinguished looking fellow! :D
Landlord · Seattle, WA · Member since 2010 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
16y
Originally posted by Rich Weese:
OK- I posted 2 photos for the price of one! Interesting thread. The picture on the left is of myself when I was extremely heavy. It was also the time when I was making my first few millions. I didn't wear suits and was very casual and down to earth, but pretty talented. If you hadn't partnered with me because of suit or looks, you'd have missed out. 206 different investors looked past that. I don't know how many I lost because of looks.
The other photo is fairly current. Now, you'd buy from me, but I'm not selling anything!! Go figure. Anyway, 2 pics to view. Rich and Rich.
Nice to put a name to a face. I didn't realize who you were at first though when I say you on some other threads.
Flipper/Rehabber · Orlando, FL · Member since 2008 · 263 posts · 147 votes
16y
I like to see faces! Even though I am looking for information I want it from a trusted resource and the face adds to the credibility.
I really like reading J Scott's posts, not only because he has great insights but also because he comes across as belivable - the avatar is part of that persona.
I just wish I looked cooler in mine - must be the five kids and years of abuse of chocolate chip cookies.
TTFN,
Greg
Homeowner · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2010 · 123 posts · 66 votes
16y
I recently began using pics of myself and I am still nervous about it. Just recently someone tagged me on this site, then went on Face Book to leave me a message. It had nothing to do with REI and I don't like that type of interaction.
There's pros and cons with using your real pic and I am still not sure if I made the right decision.
BTW, Kevin K, I bought the networking CD that you recommended as I like it a lot. Thanks