The car you drive is not the only thing that affects how clients and business partners see you, but it does have a significant effect. Thus, if you want to make the best impression on your clientele, business partners, and higher-ups, here are some things you can do when you pick them up in your car:
1. Hire a chauffeur
Hiring a private luxury vehicle for transportation is one of the best ways to impress VIP clients and partners. However, if this is not possible, you can opt to hire a chauffeur to drive your private or corporate car. Aside from making the ride feel more luxurious, having a chauffeur instead of driving the vehicle yourself provides the opportunity to establish rapport with your client in the backseat.
2. Bring the right car
If you’re picking up an important client from the airport, the Honda that you drive on regular days might not be suitable. Instead, bring one of your flashier cars or rent a luxury brand from a rental service. Not only does bringing the right car make a good impression, but it also shows your client how much you value and respect them.
3. Go through the car wash
This is a bit of a no-brainer, but some people forgo the carwash if their car seems clean enough. Don’t make the same mistake. Spending time and money at the carwash is better than having a client find a loose chip or a muddy footprint in the backseat. Think of it as an extension of your body. If you dressed up to meet with this client, then you better dress your car up, too.
4. Review the route beforehand
If you’re taking the client or business partner to a place you’re unfamiliar with, review the way there beforehand. Nothing is more embarrassing than picking up a client and ending up getting lost because you don’t know where to go. Therefore, make sure you are at least familiar with the directions and download the route on your GPS app just in case.
It is also a good idea to check out the traffic on the route you’ve selected. As much as possible, find a path with the least amount of traffic so that your passenger doesn’t have to sit through it.
5. Bring a big enough car
Bring a car that is big enough for all of your passengers if you are traveling with more than one. Don’t forget to take into account their luggage, as well. Otherwise, you might make a bad impression if you force them to ride in a cramped car. Allot at least two extra seats on top of the total number of people you’re riding with so that there is more than enough legroom.
Aside from your grooming, clothes, and attitude, your car is another significant thing that clients and business partners will notice about you. Therefore, if you want to make a good impression, invest in a vehicle that you can confidently bring to your business meetings and corporate functions.
