A Professional Statement

Your Car Represents You & Your Business

by Marcus Dodson, editor

What you drive says something about who you are, not only in your personal life, but also in your professional life as well.  I was having lunch with a few architects the other day, when one of them mentioned that he needed to start looking around for a new car.  He said that instead of the run-down truck that he was currently driving, he wanted a newer more expensive car to show his clients he was successful.

         The person sitting next to him stated that he had it backwards.  He should drive the old truck so his clients wouldn’t think he was making too much money and possibly charging more than he should.  Another architect at the table mentioned that he wouldn’t drive anything but a hybrid, because of the conservation issues that his firm is known for.  He said that driving a big old truck conflicted with his professional views, and that he didn’t want to send the wrong message to his clients or his staff.

         No matter how we looked at it, most agreed that the newer vehicle was the way to go.  There’s an old axiom that says, “success follows success.”  Would you rather do business with a person who is barley making a living or one that is obviously successful in his/her chosen profession?  While you don’t have to rub somebody’s nose in your success, there’s nothing wrong with a few nice material possessions, either for your own pleasure or to show the industry that you’ve arrived.

         Most successful architectural firms, in fact most professional firms in general, make it a point to be located in the nicer part of town, in a well-appointed and tastefully decorated office.  This is not only for the employees, but to show clients, and potential clients, that they are doing business with a well-established firm.  The same holds true for the car you drive.

         I’m not advocating a stuffy atmosphere at work, with dark suits and ties, or ultra elite cars that only few can afford.  There’s nothing wrong with being casual and comfortable in a setting that makes people feel at ease.

         Architectural firms, in particular, should follow this line of thought.  If you’re in the business of designing people’s homes, offices, and environments, you should be setting a good example.  When people walk into your office, or see you drive up to the jobsite, they should think, “This person is professional, knows his job, and that’s why I’ve hired him.  This person’s tastes are similar to mine and it makes me comfortable.”  Your own business environment, where you work, how you dress, and what you drive, all makes a statement about you and your firm.

Marcus Dodson

editor