So one of the things that I do in my position is to hire new property managers to work with our firm so as you can imagine when we post a job we get tons of resumes. So I was sent one that appeared to be a pretty qualified person, had a nice resume, well written, no spelling errors (we'll save that for a later blog) and I was sending a reply email to set up a first telephone interview. As soon as I hit the "reply to" button I noticed her email address "onecrazymama@something.net" and I had to pause for a second.
So when you are a kid, normally a nickname is something someone tags you with, not your choice. But at home, when no one is watching, and you get to pick your own email address from the infinite amount of possibilities, what does your email address say about you? Would someone judge you, and your ability to get the job done, by your email moniker? Have you ever looked at someones email address and wonder what kind of person they are?
So needless to say I never sent that email to that person who may have been the best employee ever but her email address lost her the opportunity. So when you are looking for a job, a new listing, a new account to manage, whatever your line of work-what does your email address say about you? I have no issues with creativity or freedom of expression, but not when you need to be as normal and professional as you can.
My advice? Change your email address to one that reflects you as a professional, serious person. If you have a crazy one, or a novelty one, keep that for personal use and get a new one for business. There are tons of free providers out there happy to give you a free email, so get two-they are cheap.
How much money do you think your cute or funny email address has cost you over the years?
Marketing means tons of elements, a slew of little things that add up for a big impression that is remembered for the right reasons. The way you market is more than an email address and the creative imagery, video embeds, tons of helpful copy with time and gas saving links means you are making "home deliveries" thinking customer first. If you don't, someone else in your market probably already is. Take charge, be the leader, have fun because we all know real estate is a passionate sport.
With All Due Respect * I have had the same AOL e-mail for 10 years. Old and NEW clients can find me. I think having VANITY e-mails with your HARD-TO-SPELL/HEAR name hurts potential business much more than an AOL * YAHOO * GMAL e-mail.
Wallace: I agree but they could also google you. I think the cute emails that say "2muchbeer@yahoo" would be bad for business.
Andrew: Agreed but remember many times the first contact you have with a new potential client is a return email with your email address and signature.
Dennis, i have seen some crazy emails in this real estate business & it is a great reminder to all...
Don't forget about what you post on Facebook can also effect your image to everyone. If you don't want someone to see it don't post it. Everything you do today is a mirror reflecting back the good and the bad. Private may not be PRIVATE after all in our world today.
Hi Dennis.
That is a scary email.
With all the spam we are getting it make sense to check their email...
Good point. With so many applicants for open positions these days Dennis, folks need to try to avoid giving any reason to eliminate them.
Best wishes for health, happiness, peace, and prosperity in the new year and beyond!