At social events, mentioning the word Chauffeur as an occupation, is often met with the question “Have you ever met anyone famous”? For some reason, the word ‘Chauffeur’ relates to fame and celebrity, conjuring up all sorts of intrigue. Of course, the answer to the question is “yes” and each individual I recall is always with a story.
The first celebrity was a well-known 1980’s breakfast TV presenter (with a very distinctive laugh). She was travelling to London so I asked a driver with intricate knowledge of the area to work that day. His claim to fame is that she insisted he ate something and not only peeled a banana but fed it to him while he was driving.
Another time, a finance guru from America (who looked so confident on TV) had an attack of nerves before arriving at an event where he was due to give a presentation. The driver had to pass the entrance, park around the corner, calm him down, reassure him and then build him up before arriving a second time.
Over the years I have met lots of TV presenters and famous singers. Some have even needed to approach me and identify themselves because they have been so unrecognisable – especially if meeting them in a public place. Sometimes it is hard to spot a celebrity even when you are expecting them. Even more so if they have no make-up, or they are wearing a head scarf or have dark glasses - and for some reason they always look taller on TV!
The truth is, driving celebrities or publicly recognised individuals is the exception rather than the norm for us at DrivenByQ but it has challenged us to raise the game and question what we could do to keep VIPs comfortable. Over time this has been positive because we have recognised any special treatment should not be reserved for VIPs. If everyone is treated like a celebrity or a royal then what is the difference? Shouldn’t everyone get special treatment?
You're absoluteley right about how you treat people. Many people refer to Chauffeurs as drivers but if you want a driver then go to a minicab firm. When someone pays good money for a Chauffeur they deserve the VIP treatment. What they achieve in their lives is largly irrelevant because if you charge the same for a honeymoon couple as a TV presenter then they should both get the same high level of care. The trick is to get to know your' regular clients and personalise the care you give, make it bespoke really.
ReplyDeleteIt can take a little bit of time to get to know some people but I agree, treat everyone with respect and courtesy and you won't go far wrong.
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