Are you business owners afraid of what you look like?

rustytruck

rustytruck

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When I'm on this forum I'm always clicking on links to other detailers website's. Many of you have great websites but few of you actually have any info about you or any photos of you(I know a few of you have your pics and bio up) I think people like to see who they will be doing business with. I'm mobile and when I show up at a customer's home I introduce myself they always say"I know I saw your picture on your website" Isn't our website where we really make our first impression? Just thought I would throw this out there as a topic of conversation.
 
I am one of those people that do not have a picture of myself on my website. I just hate having my pic taken, so most of my pics are actually of me making faces or something.

I have considered taking some decent pics myself and posting though. Nice to be able to put a photo with some info. To kind of know who you would be dealing with.

Maybe this is what I will tackle tomorrow since we are once again getting rain...
 
I wouldn't care if brad Pitt was detailing my car or Whoopie goldberg. As long as the car looks good in the end I would be happy. What people want to see is testimonials and pictures. That's it.
 
I have thought about putting my picture up but since I'm a Girl I don't know what people will think. I don't really want someone to hire me just for being a girl or not hire me for being one. That's why I just put pictures of before and afters... and I also don't like my picture being taken, but I was thinking of taking a picture of me on a reflection of a door or something.
 
chances are you've visited my site and seen that my face is on there. I don't know enough about marketing or psychology to sort it all out. But I feel it makes a difference.

you're not just selling detailing. in reality they can get that anywhere. you're selling yourself. your skills and your experience. show them a friendly face along with it.

if people care to look, they can learn a lot about me from the site. These people sort of know me before they pick up the phone. as a result it seems the initial discussion over the phone or email is not as awkward as it otherwise might be.

and... at the risk of rubbing someone the wrong way... I feel people with money can be picky and just don't want certain people at their house. Whether you look dirty or shady or whatever. eliminate that question for them.
 
SeaJay's said:
I am one of those people that do not have a picture of myself on my website. I just hate having my pic taken, so most of my pics are actually of me making faces or something.

I have considered taking some decent pics myself and posting though. Nice to be able to put a photo with some info. To kind of know who you would be dealing with.

Maybe this is what I will tackle tomorrow since we are once again getting rain...
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EXACTLY. So they know who they're dealing with. I feel this especially works well with women. Who knows what they're picturing before they decide to contact you. Show them your friendly face which will then match with your friendly tone when you answer the call because it's a potential client.

pictures and testimonials do go a long way but its not everything.
 
Mr sparkle your sight was one of the ones I really liked when I was putting mine together. It's all about selling yourself especially when people are asking you to come to their home. I think they are looking for someone they feel safe and comfortable with. I think detailers who think "well my work speaks for itself" are ignoring that fact that everyone's work looks great on their website. Who posts bad work on their website? The fact is 80% of the pro detailers out there actually will exceed the customers exceptions. I could drop my truck off at many detail shops, auto body shops, dealers and even a few of those low end Craigslist detailers and go pick a clean shiny car. I really think putting a nice bio and some pictures of you and your truck/van will really separate you from all the other guys(yes those guys can also do nice work) Look at Mr sparkle his is probably the best I have seen. At the very least It should be similar to mine. Remember we all have pictures of our work, and to the customer all they see is really shiny cars in everyone's photo gallery. What makes you different?
 
I do think people just want to see who they're dealing with. I know it shouldn't matter, but in some cases, you are coming to their home, maybe even coming inside, etc. They just want to see you don't look like "a hoodlum"..lol. Again, it shouldn't matter, but for some people it sure does and I think looking somewhat professional is important for that reason. Common sense, really.
 
rustytruck said:
Mr sparkle your sight was one of the ones I really liked when I was putting mine together. It's all about selling yourself especially when people are asking you to come to their home. I think they are looking for someone they feel safe and comfortable with. I think detailers who think "well my work speaks for itself" are ignoring that fact that everyone's work looks great on their website. Who posts bad work on their website? The fact is 80% of the pro detailers out there actually will exceed the customers exceptions. I could drop my truck off at many detail shops, auto body shops, dealers and even a few of those low end Craigslist detailers and go pick a clean shiny car. I really think putting a nice bio and some pictures of you and your truck/van will really separate you from all the other guys(yes those guys can also do nice work) Look at Mr sparkle his is probably the best I have seen. At the very least It should be similar to mine. Remember we all have pictures of our work, and to the customer all they see is really shiny cars in everyone's photo gallery. What makes you different?
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Thanks for the kind words. The site has gotten a positive response from friends and clients

great point. no one will post bad work on their website

I say lift the curtain. show the client what the wizard of oz looks like. it has worked for me pretty well thus far.
 
I like Bryan's website (Mr Sparkle) the best. It hits all of the hot buttons for me personally and professionally.

Why do I say professionally? Although I've been detailing my own cars for the last 8 years, I'm not a professional detailer. OTOH, I spent 14 years in professional sales and marketing, and have designed several websites. Oh, and my name is Dan Clark.

I just introduced myself. Why? To get credibility. To show that I'm a real person and that I may have some some value to add, and not just some pixels scurrying around on your computer monitor. And that is critical...

IMO, it is very important for your website to introduce you - both as a person and as a detailing professional. When I'm shopping for a personal service (like detailing), I'd like to see who I'm dealing with and examples of their work. Mr. Sparkle does that best from several levels, especially from a personal level. His pics show him as a real person (in the first page header) and as a detailer (polishing the fender). OTOH...

There may be reasons NOT to show a pic of yourself. In the Seattle area where I live, your race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation doesn't matter much. That's the culture and my personal preference. However...

In other places in the US, the culture may be different. As a person, it's your choice to fit in or not. As a marketer of your service, it DOES matter whether you fit. Your preferences have to take a back seat to doing what is smart for your business. So...

- What is your target market?
- What are the characteristics of that market?
- Is your race, gender, ethnicity, etc. a positive or negative FOR THAT MARKET? I.e. do you fit the mold or not?
- What can you do to maximize the positives and minimize the negatives?

Once you answer those questions, you can add or delete pics, choose the correct messages, and design your website to meet that market's needs and expectations.

I have some other comments, but have to run to work now. I hope my comments have been useful.

Regards,

Dan.
 
BookemDano said:
There may be reasons NOT to show a pic of yourself. In the Seattle area where I live, your race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation doesn't matter much. That's the culture and my personal preference. However...

In other places in the US, the culture may be different. As a person, it's your choice to fit in or not. As a marketer of your service, it DOES matter whether you fit. Your preferences have to take a back seat to doing what is smart for your business. So...

- What is your target market?
- What are the characteristics of that market?
- Is your race, gender, ethnicity, etc. a positive or negative FOR THAT MARKET? I.e. do you fit the mold or not?
- What can you do to maximize the positives and minimize the negatives?

Once you answer those questions, you can add or delete pics, choose the correct messages, and design your website to meet that market's needs and expectations.

I have some other comments, but have to run to work now. I hope my comments have been useful.

Regards,

Dan.
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So you're saying I need to "fit in" with my target market in order for my business to be successful? I'm a young black male, that targets higher end vehicles. From what you're saying, since I don't "fit the mold" of my target market, I should focus on attracting a different type of clientel.

I was hesitant to put up a picture on my page, but I went ahead and did it for a couple of different reasons, 1) I wanted people to have an idea what I looked like and 2) To see how it would affect my business. No, I don't "fit the mold" of my targeted clientel, but I can get the job done just as well as the next guy who "does fit the mold". And those clients who have given me the chance to work on their vehicle(s) have been more then pleased with the results.

I honestly believe that I've lost leads due to discrimination, (just the reality of it) but I'm ok with that. I know I'm only one person and I can't change the world, but I don't think a persons gender, race or whatever should EVER be a factor in anything. But the sad truth is, whether people admit it or not, discrimination plays a HUGE role in everyday life.

Last but not least, I'm a real nice young man (military veteran & business major), if you choose to get to know me. If not you can kick rocks with NO shoes OR socks!!! That is all. :dblthumb2:
 
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DetailElite said:
So you're saying I need to "fit in" with my target market in order for my business to be successful? I'm a young black male, that targets higher end vehicles. From what you're saying, since I don't "fit the mold" of my target market, I should focus on attracting a different type of clientel.

I was hesitant to put up a picture on my page, but I went ahead and did it for a couple of different reasons, 1) I wanted people to have an idea what I looked like and 2) To see how it would affect my business. No, I don't "fit the mold" of my targeted clientel, but I can get the job done just as well as the next guy who "does fit the mold". And those clients who have given me the chance to work on their vehicle(s) have been more then pleased with the results.

I honestly believe that I've lost leads due to discrimination, (just the reality of it) but I'm ok with that. I know I'm only one person and I can't change the world, but I don't think a persons gender, race or whatever should EVER be a factor in anything. But the sad truth is, whether people admit it or not, discrimination plays a HUGE role in everyday life.

Last but not least, I'm a real nice young man (military veteran & business major), if you choose to get to know me. If not you can kick rocks with NO shoes OR socks!!! That is all. :dblthumb2:
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No. I wrote that, as a businessman, you need to look at a bunch of factors and determine what is best to promote your business. If NOT fitting the mold increases business, then don't fit the mold.

I think that everyone should look at someone's internal value and disregard their race, gender, etc. Folks in the Seattle area come closer to that ideal than any of the other places I've lived (18 states). But we still have a ways to go. Many other places I've lived are far worse. It sucks, but it's a fact of life. (I choose not to live those places.)

I'm a senior contract software developer. Senior in knowledge and experience, and senior in years. I constantly run into young squirts who automatically assume that they know the latest, hottest technologies better than Grandpa (moi). I take great pleasure in "adjusting" their attitude. :cool: Still, it sucks. But it's normal.

Like you, I've learned to deal with it. For me, what works best is not putting my picture and birthdate on my resume. Likewise, I don't list my college graduation date. During a contract interview, people quickly forget my (remaining) gray hair and focus on the job ahead.

I'm guessing that most of your customers quickly forget that you happen to be black. They see a nice guy who does great work. If they can't see that, they're morons. Screw 'em.

Best regards,

Dan.
USAF 1966-1970
 
LOL - good thread..... Im on my site a couple times but as the months pass I get heavier and heavier and add that to my obviously broken nose I am looking even more tedious and the pics of my work are starting to be taken more than that of working pics lol!
 
B&B Tennessee said:
LOL - good thread..... Im on my site a couple times but as the months pass I get heavier and heavier and add that to my obviously broken nose I am looking even more tedious and the pics of my work are starting to be taken more than that of working pics lol!
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B&B,

Nice website. Nice work. OTOH, that nose... :poke:;)
 
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