Does the type of car you drive have any influence on your contract business success?

[oversteer]

The bitterness of your average permie (manager) is not to be underestimated


That said, turn up in an older 911 (£10k) and be prepared for disparaging comments like "must be paying you too much if you can afford a Porsche"

.. turn up in a year old Golf (£15-20k) and nobody will bat an eyelid

[MarillionFan]

When I started out, I worked for a guy who believed image was everything.

He wore flash suits, drove a top of the range jag, Rolex all the gear. If we went to a client he'd even product placement. We'd go to Britvic, he'd grab a tango and be drinking it in reception when we were met. In the even if it was a drinks company, he'd make sure he was drinking their Whiskey!

He tried to drum into me the image and presentation were everything!

Now. I bet you're expecting me to say that he was a hopeless businessman. He wasn't. In fact, he was very successful, because besides everything else he was very good at what he did.

I on the other hand am a scruffy bastard, but I am also successful, because I'm also very good at what I do.

So in truth, it's not about image it's about substance. So if it gets you from A to B that's all you need to worry about.

[shaunbhoy]

When I started out, I worked for a guy who believed image was everything.

He wore flash suits, drove a top of the range jag, Rolex all the gear. If we went to a client he'd even product placement. We'd go to Britvic, he'd grab a tango and be drinking it in reception when we were met. In the even if it was a drinks company, he'd make sure he was drinking their Whiskey!

He tried to drum into me the image and presentation were everything!

Now. I bet you're expecting me to say that he was a hopeless businessman. He wasn't. In fact, he was very successful, because besides everything else he was very good at what he did.

I on the other hand am a scruffy bastard, but I am also successful, because I'm also very good at what I do.

So in truth, it's not about image it's about substance. So if it gets you from A to B that's all you need to worry about.

You tell 'em MF.
You didn't get to be "Big Issue" Face of the Month for August 2008 just by virtue of that garish shellsuit, did you?

[MarillionFan]

You tell 'em MF.
You didn't get to be "Big Issue" Face of the Month for August 2008 just by virtue of that garish shellsuit, did you?

Which reminds me. They dropped me a line earlier to say they needed your photo as you've won "Big Issue" Arse of the Year 2010.

[shaunbhoy]

Which reminds me. They dropped me a line earlier to say they needed your photo as you've won "Big Issue" Arse of the Year 2010.

I know. They rang earlier. Photoshoot is in half an hour!

[sasguru]

To answer the thread starter. What a loser question.
No. Next!

[DeludedAussie]

Well I need a new car, and am trying to make up my mind as to what to buy.
Personally I would be happy with an el-cheapo Astra or Golf, but friends have suggested that it is worth getting something a little classy as it would convey the image to clients (and prospective clients at interview) that I am a man of substance who can afford a decent car, and must therefore be worth giving or continuing to give business to.

I don't think this is very likely to be the case - in my experience clients are only interested in how well you do the job, not on any fluff like this. But I thought I'd throw the question open to you guys and girls who might have any opinion or observations on the matter.

i.e. is there a "business case" for getting a smarter car. What type, and what are the numbers?

Ta very much.

BTW I need a new car cos I wrapped the last one around a tree. But that's another story.

None at all - Cruising around in a 10 year old skoda and billing 650 a day

Rock and roll

[MarillionFan]

None at all - Cruising around in a 10 year old skoda and billing 650 a day

Rock and roll

Loaded and unable to get laid? shit: car? No! Aussie fugly.

[KentPhilip]

Never drive a better car than the guy who's engaging you. i.e. don't park the 996 next to the M.D.'s astramax van.

Wise words from the Lizard man. thanks

I doubt you're seeing the number of prospects that would make it worthwhile. It might make 10% of the difference 10% of the time. Most office layouts are such that the person you meet inside the building wouldn't get to see your car anyway.

Yep.

It allows the client to determine he is a before actually interviewing him.

lol

If your dealing with the MD/FD, then the more impressive the car you take on-site the better. When you've got the contract and your dealing with middle managers or the general riff raff then its a no-no.

Sounds like renting a posh motor for a day for this type of situation might be a good move.
Just looking at avisprestige.com and they appear to have some decent deals on at the moment. For example an Audi A5 for £100/day: Audi A5 Coupe or an E-class Merc for £124/day: Mercedes E Class
(Lamborghinis are a £837 a day, before you ask )

Well if you have learned nothing else from this experience, at least you now know which of your circle of friends have tiny nodgers!

Rats! I suppose I better 'fess up on this one; it wasn't my friends suggesting a decent car, it was my mum, bless her. Her reasoning is that she has noticed that sales people always seem to drive nice new cars, so this must indicate that their employers want them to put across a good image to their clients. I had to disabuse her by telling her that the most likely reason is they need a nice car for comfort reasons as they drive a lot of miles; and the cars are always nearly new cos they are lease cars and nearly-new is the only type they ever provide!

The bitterness of your average permie (manager) is not to be underestimated

Oh yes...

To answer the thread starter. What a loser question.
No. Next!

Well that's set me in a cheerful mood for the rest of the day. I'm off to throw myself off a bridge!



Edit:

When I started out, I worked for a guy who believed image was everything.

Just heard the news, Norman Wisdom fan.
RIP that comedy acting legend.

[MaryPoppins]

To answer the thread starter. What a loser question.
No. Next!

WHS.