Let’s face it, most human beings evaluate a person based on first impressions.
Remember when a new kid arrives to your class in high school? Or the time a friend introduces you to another friend?
Reality is, most of us do it without even realizing it. We evaluate the way a person looks, behaves or talks.
Also, some of us also evaluate a person based on the car he or she drives.
The type of car you drive says a lot (just like your clothes)
- What stage in life you’re at (ex..driving a van means you have a family)
- Level of success (but sometimes people with nice cars can barely afford them..don’t be fooled)
- How you feel (convertible car in your 50’s could mean midlife crisis)
Sometimes, it doesn’t mean anything since you value other things in your life more than the car you drive.
One thing for sure is I’ve noticed that people look at you differently whether you like it or not.
Do you invest in a car simply to improve your personal brand?
First of all, a car is not an investment but an expense unless it’s a Ferrari you’re planning on keeping for a very long time. Second, it really depends the type of personal brand you plan on having. Some people can benefit from having a better looking car since it helps them close deals (ex. real estate agents) while others it might not even affect them (ex. teacher in hight school).
Think it through and plan it right.
Myself, I only got a better car when I was able to afford it and felt it was time. I did it at a time when it matched my stage in life and it did compliment it. It helped me boost my credibility and trust as a person who knows what he’s doing in business (but I was still learning about business).
People often said “If he’s driving this car, then he must be doing well. I should hire him to work with me.”
The car allowed me to generate more leads for my services and it still does.
The car you drive does affect your personal brand whether you like it or not.
Do you agree?