by Chris Bantly » Thu Jun 11, 2009 02:16 pm
An interesting discussion surfaced this morning, and I thought I'd share the debate here. A friend, also an insurance agent, just bought a Porsche and has begun driving it now that the weather is nice. He normally meets clients at their home, rather than at the office...so they usually will see the car he is driving.
I have always felt that while people desire a professional image, a red Porsche may give the wrong impression. I have several nice vehicles (car fanatic), but ALWAYS drive a Ford Fusion to my appointments. I keep it clean and organized and would never be embarassed if the client walked out with me to the car.
My feelings are that a flashy vehicle can give the client the impression that you are making a lot of money off of them. It doesn't just have to be about vehicles either...it could be the clothes you wear, rolex, etc.
In some sales positions, it would be ok to show your success...such as a real estate agent. I would feel that the real estate agent was going to sell my house and was very good at his job.
What does everybody think?? Does vehicle matter??
I have always felt that while people desire a professional image, a red Porsche may give the wrong impression. I have several nice vehicles (car fanatic), but ALWAYS drive a Ford Fusion to my appointments. I keep it clean and organized and would never be embarassed if the client walked out with me to the car.
My feelings are that a flashy vehicle can give the client the impression that you are making a lot of money off of them. It doesn't just have to be about vehicles either...it could be the clothes you wear, rolex, etc.
In some sales positions, it would be ok to show your success...such as a real estate agent. I would feel that the real estate agent was going to sell my house and was very good at his job.
What does everybody think?? Does vehicle matter??
Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 04:57 am Post Subject:
I guess the way we dress or the type of car we drive is very much dependent on our market.
If you target at certain segment of high net worth market, the clients may expect the people they are dealing with on personal basis or on business basis are their kind of people.
On the other hand, it is also good to have different types of outfits or vehicles that are appropriate for the ocassions or situations. The way we dress speaks a lot about ourselves.
Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 10:11 am Post Subject:
Excellent reply Xoseph :)
Yeah Chris, I kinda agree with Xoseph. Your attire should match the event.
If you are dealing with the senior market you may not wish to flash too much since the clients may get wary about you. But if you are doing business with high net worth clients or businesses; bit of show off may actually help. Then a flashy porches may actually indicate your success.
~ Jeremy
Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 11:27 am Post Subject:
For every client that wants their advisor to look flashy, another one doesn't. Be true to yourself and you'll be fine.
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 09:16 pm Post Subject:
One of the highest earning Male agents I worked with drove a Corvette, wore loud Hawaiian shirts, gold chain, earrings, a rolex, and had a Ric Flair hairdo... Go figure.
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