Who Did You Say?

In the last blog I wrote about celebrities and how they can trigger a chauffeur company to raise their game. One thing unmentioned was the pressure a driver can face. Just imagine it - some passengers are surrounded by significance. It is a very odd sensation when all the planning becomes reality and things can feel surreal. Meeting a distinguished individual for the first time can distract a chauffeur and undoubtedly impair their driving ability.

Over time I’ve recognised it is wise to utilize drivers who know nothing of a passenger’s fame or success. If a driver is unaware of status they do not become star-struck. However, they can become surprised at where they end up or who they meet. A classic example was one of our team who took a band to a recording studio. They liked him for being so natural and entertaining. They requested he transport them for another two days. On the last day, he called me from a seat in a very exclusive VIP lounge, situated back-stage at an incredibly popular national festival. He announced “Hey Ray, these boys are big you know – they have gone platinum”!

On the flip side, after meeting an A-list celebrity and managing unexpected developments, future events can be a breeze. I remember the time we waited to meet a well known Canadian singer and his band. They were coming from London on a private jet but got caught in traffic enroute to the airport. As the first person to find out I had the responsibility of calling the Producer and telling him. He wasn’t pleased. He had to reschedule national TV from that call! Arriving thirty minutes late meant the band missed an extra nine million viewers that night. I was just glad we didn’t cause the delay!

Apart from the tension attached to VIPs and celebrities, there is always a buzz or element of fun with anything showbiz related. There are some top tips to organising chauffeur travel for such occasions. Maybe I will share some next time?