Joshua Galyon
In today’s ultra-competitive business landscape, the smallest thing can make the difference between clinching that important sale or new account and losing it to a competitor. This is causing us to reflect on every part of how we present ourselves in business, and the car we drive is one of those things that can have an impact. Here are some things to consider.
Cars Can Reflect a Lot About the Driver
Probably where the car you drive impacts your business image the most, of course, is what car it is. Cars, like very few things we own, reflect a lot about ourselves. A flashy and expensive sports car might show that you are successful and wealthy, but it can also depict you as flashy. A luxury sedan or sports car can have the effect of boosting your self-esteem and show your tastes are stylish. You’ll find both with a visit to the European Exotic Center, who are experts in exotic cars Tampa.
The Industry Standard
Your car might also say a lot about how you interact with your business. An executive at a construction company who drives a workhorse of a truck might be more relatable and trustworthy than one that drives a two-seater high performance sports car, for example. Finding that balance between style, cost and suitability is something of an art.
Let’s Talk About Stereotypes
We are always going to be judged by first impressions, and a car can create a powerful one. An old car that has been through it and is rusting with faded paint that shows up in a cloud of smoke isn’t going to create an image of success in business. Think of your car as an extension of the clothes you wear. You must dress to impress, and this is true in the car you drive just as much as the suit you wear.
It’s Not Only About the Car Model Itself
It’s not just about the car make or model when those around us in business make assumptions about us based on the car. No matter what car you drive, it’s not going to do your business any favors if the car is full of mud and splattered with bugs. It also shouldn’t be full of takeout containers and empty soda cans on the floor of the passenger seat either. Keeping a clean and well-kept car is a direct reflection on the driver and therefore the company. Even color can have an impact on how you are perceived.
Just as quickly as the state of your car can have an impact, so can the things inside it. A baby seat in the back seat can reveal you as a family man with a young child, and roof racks or a bicycle rack can reveal you as an adventurous outdoors type. Keep in mind the impression you might leave on your clients and dress your car appropriately.
Selecting a new car can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Look around you at others who do your job and see what cars they drive and take some inspiration from them. Showing success with an expensive, fancy, and exotic car is a practice as old as time and it won’t stop any time soon.
