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[Richard Bravo Company: Life Force International Contribution Level: 9]

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Whats up forum,
I've got a question for you ...

They say first impressions are everything and a picture is worth a thousand words.
How important is "image" really?

All things being equal, total value delivered, extremely useful stuff, etc., etc.,
from a branding perspective and looking at how a person presents themselves,
which are you more apt to relate to, connect with and TRUST

Someone who is...

Raw, a little edgy and perhaps unpolished, but authentic?
(think Frank Kern, Tim Ferriss, Dean Hunt)

~OR~

Clean cut, polished and professional and of course authentic?
(think Eben Pagan, Emma Tiebens, Mari Smith)


* Are you more likely to "partner" with someone, "buy" from someone,
or "join" someone's business if they fit into one of those profiles more than the other?

* Are you more likely to "like & trust" them if their presentation fits into one more than the other?


What's your take on the subject?
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[Michael B Wilbraham Contribution Level: 4]

Mmmm...Richard, a very interesting question indeed!

I think, for me anyway, it goes more to the VALUE that I perceive I will be getting from whomever I am in contact with.

If you are asking what role a picture/profile plays when deciding if I will look further at them & what they offer - absolutley! You can see a genuine, trusting person a mile away...usually!

Someone who comes across as too serious, not smiling with a frown creasing their brow, will always strike me as someone who is curt,abrasive, unaccommodating, inflexible & selfish. A picture of someone who is smiling, at least shows they are enjoying life & they are probably genuine people, interested in & willing to help others.

Those who are willing to share their personal stories as opposed to those who only have 3 or 4 lines on their profiles also show me that they are willing to open up & they are genuinely interested in sharing with others... "nothing to hide" type people.

The whole issue goes about, as you say - "authenticity"...but what is it that shows you that a person is authentic? To me, authentic means genuine!

If you're genuine you should be able to show integrity, honesty, loyalty & approachability!

Then you will get me to know, like & trust you.

[Daniel Attard Company: Neways Worldwide Contribution Level: 3]

Must depend on the character of the viewer I guess...
People who are all laidback and relaxed don't really care if its both (like me)...I actually like the elegance of the polished and professional and I find the raw and uncut type entertaining - love Dean Hunt's style for example its hilarious.

Some timid people will go oh my gosh and all that when they see a network marketer's website with extremely wierd stuff...and they just hit the x button and move on.

My concluding thoughts are that if you are going to brand yourself out there, do it your own style...either way you are going to find that some people love it and some people don't

Daniel Attard

[Aesha Christian Company: MyVideoTalk Contribution Level: 3]

I don't prefer one over the other...I don't trust one more than the other...it's all about the value that they provide. I love watching raw people because sometimes you never know what you'll get. They keep you entertained. I like watching polished people because, for the most part, you know what you'll get.

I would partner up or join someone's business who is unpolished because they would probably be fun to do business with (as long as they know their stuff Im cool) and the same applies for a polished person I would join them because I know that they are going to be professional in business dealings.

So value first...personality second.

[Dez Futak Company: CarbonCopyPRO Contribution Level: 3]

I reckon you should be as much of yourself as you dare.

Reason? Some will like you, some won't, so they might as well know upfront what sort of person you are!

That's not meant to be a trite answer: I believe that I'll get better results if people will know who I am.

I have to admit, it's taken me a while to get to that point....but at the end of the day, I'd rather show my true colors to give people a chance to know me...

Dez.

[Lilach Bullock Contribution Level: 4]

I do think first impressions count. I think at the end of the day we each are drawn to a certain type of look. Be it professional, raw, young, old, female, male etc. I think it also makes a difference to what you're selling/promoting.

Whatever type of image your portray, it's important to be consistent within your marketing/brand.

Lilach

[Jeff Mitchell Contribution Level: 4]

I love this thread....and here is why!

When packing my stuff for the Trip to Vegas, I called a business partner and asked him if he thought the convention was going to "professional" or "casual" dress. Im not into stylish dressing myself, more of a jeans and polo shirt/t-shirt.

I sported a polo for the first day of the even and then realized, Id rather be wearing a t-shirt and did.

This is why "attraction marketing" works in my casual opinion.

People are more likely to buy from people who are like them..

Look at the most successful marketer in that building, Mike Dillard, a mentor of eveyone who was there. The reason for the No Excuses Summit....Sporting a black t-shirt. And I buy everything from him.

I really can't think of many people that I have bought stuff from who wear a suit...maybe it's cause I hate suits and it is subconscious. ????

Not sure that was a good answer..but it was raw like me!

Jeff Mitchell

[Beki Dunmire Company: SendOutCards Contribution Level: 1]

It really depends on how authentic the person is who is presenting the information. There are pros and cons to both styles and a thin line between effective and off-putting, in my opinion.

For the raw style, I like that it shows people in "real life" and often shows some of the flaws which can be endearing. However, it can be seen as lazy if it's not done correctly.

For the polished style, I like that it shows the person as a professional but if it's too processed, it can come across as hype or fake.

I think the best style to use is the one that fits your personality the best because you can't really go wrong if you play to your strengths. Either method will appeal to people if they can tell the person in the video is genuine.

[Ilka Flood Company: Isagenix Corporation Contribution Level: 4]

Hi Richard,

Wow! Loaded question They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

To me personally, clean cut and polished professionals seem a bit stiff and serious. They don't have to be, but my first impression of them would be.

On the other hand, raw, unpolished people to me seem like fun, creative, not taking life to serious. That doesn't mean they don't take their business serious.

I would look for authenticity in both, ask questions, get to know them ... but at the end of the day, I probably would join with the raw, a little unpolished creative and fun person.

[Mansuur Bey Contribution Level: 2]

Hi Richard, I would have to say if you're part of the social communities and forums just for the fun of it... then you can get away with a raw and uncut image; but if you're part of the communities and forums for business... then the polished and professional is best.

To go on to add, the type of business you're in also dictates the image or brand you should convey. For example, if you're an auto mechanic you would hope the image would be one in overalls and a few grease spots, or if you're teenager you could away with being in jeans and t-shirt attire. Now, if you're one offering consulting services you would hope not to see an image with your shirt off and a beer in your hand.

So I would say use your best judgement where it counts. This was a great post!

All the best,
Mansuur