I received a flyer in the mailbox yesterday from a local real estate agency.
You know how you get those DL size flyers in the mailbox with the “SOLD” picture of the house?? Then, they put on the back that they’d love to give you a free market appraisal? You know the ones! Well, all good! I like being marketed to! I enjoy seeing what others are doing to drum up business. What I find really interesting though, is the use of photos on these flyers.
What I mean is this. The flyer had the house with ‘sold’ splashed across the middle = excellent! Love it. Turn it over though and there’s 2 agents, 1 on each side of the flyer. It’s got their names and mobile numbers = excellent! At least I know how to get in contact with them!
However, what I noticed was this:
-They both have their arms crossed across the centre of their bodies (this is an example…it’s not the actual photo)
-Their photos have been resized to fit on the flyer and they’ve ended up ‘squished’ – you know, like when you look in those distorting mirrors that make you look short and squat!
My initial reaction was ‘golly’! I wonder what they were thinking!?! What was the photographer thinking?!? They seem closed off – even though they’re smiling. Then I thought, “maybe I’m being a little harsh”… so I did some research on body language. I’ve researched this extensively previously and thought I should probably just make sure that I wasn’t getting the wrong end of the stick! I did find that my initial instincts were in fact correct…it’s what most people would think subconsciously.
My message is this: when you’re marketing your business (it truly doesn’t make a difference the type of business) you want to come across open, friendly, approachable and in most instances, professional yet human. You don’t want to alienate potential customers because you’re sending the messag subconsciously that you’re unapproachable! You may as well send out a flyer with “sold.. but we don’t want your business” on it!
Have your photo on it…branding yourself is as important as branding your business. Perhaps change your stance or do a head shot. I’m not perfect and I know I may notice things that others don’t…but this is where body language becomes so incredibly important!
Some things to ask yourself:
1. If I were reading this, what would I be thinking and noticing?
2. Am I sending the best message to my prospective clients?
3. Am I sending a positive message?
4. Would I employ me?
I’d love to hear your experiences when you’ve noticed body language – positive or negative – and how it’s influenced you in your dealings with others!
N x
0409 656 669