Ray Pigott Whether you run a business or not, the car you drive says a lot about you as a person. At the very least, it tells the rest of the world about your priorities. For some people, a vehicle is just a tool for getting from A to B. For others, it’s something that talks about who they are.
For instance, those who are eco-conscious will often buy hybrid vehicles. Ostensibly, the reason for this is that they want to reduce their CO2 emissions – which they usually do. But dig a little beneath the surface, and you soon find out that there are all sorts of other motivations packed in there, such as the desire to appear virtuous.
Now ask yourself what the driver of a convertible wants to tell you. Again, the motivation for buying one of these cars is to be able to feel the wind in your hair as you drive along. But the real reason could be that you want everyone to see you in your expensive car.
While this stuff might sound cynical – and it is – it highlights the importance of the motor vehicle for the woman who wants to create a powerful brand. The car you drive often says just as much about you as the notebook you bring to meetings or the shoes on your feet. It’s a tool you can use to create a big first impression and give people a sense of what you’re all about.
The type of brand you want to create will determine where you shop. If you’re looking for something business-like, sharp and professional, you might head over to your local Audi dealer and explore the range they have on offer there. Similarly, if you’re looking for something a little more flashy, you might want to choose a different kind of car company.
Whatever the case, it helps to pick something that complements the brand you want to create. If you run a healthy, plant-based food business that wants to save the planet, it doesn’t make sense to drive around in a massive, fuel-guzzling pickup. Similarly, if you’re trying to sell merch to heavy metal fans, riding around in a Mini with eyelashes on the headlights probably isn’t the image you want to cultivate. You get the picture.
When it comes to personal branding, it’s essential to see the whole picture. Many things in your life will initially seem disconnected from how you present yourself, like your car. But when you think about it a little more, it becomes evident that these aspects have a real and meaningful impact on the world. You can’t just brush them under the rug and hope they disappear. Most of the time, you’re stuck with them, whether you ignore them or not.
Don’t forget; you can turn your vehicle into a branding tool with wraps. Companies will create bespoke advertising you can slap on your car, letting you brand no matter where you are. That’s super helpful if you don’t have a large marketing budget.
