I've seen several posts regarding the importance, or lack of importance on what an agent drives. Many of the postings describe the importance of "looking" successful. I understand the importance of looking the part, but should that be the overall focus? Here's a lesson I learned years ago about looking successful versus being successful.
Many years back when I was a police officer, our police association had invited H. Ross Perot to speak to us regarding the difficult poliitcal times our department was going through. I had been assigned to the parking lot of our association office to wait for Mr. Perot to arrive and make sure he and his body guards were escorted in safely. Our office was not in the best area of town, so I assumed there would be multiple vehicles arriving in somewhat of a motorcade fashion. As I waited, I noticed a car drive up and park in the lot. I assumed by the age and type of vehicle (it was a 3-4 year old mid-sized Buick), that it was another police officer arriving late. Much to my surprise, Mr. Perot himself emerged. What? No bodyguards? No motorcade? No frills? That's right, just an unassuming man in a non-luxury vehicle who could have passed for any of our neighbors....except for the fact that he had a net worth exceeding 3 billion dollars at the time. He took the time to shake my hand and make some small talk as I escorted him into our meeting. I don't think anyone can challenge that this man was in fact successful.
That night will be ingrained in my mind forever, not just because he'll likely be the only billionaire I'll ever meet, but because he did not "appear" to be successful based on my stereotype of a billionaire. This man wealthy beyond belief and he drove the same type vehicle as most police officers would drive.
This is not meant to knock those folks who drive luxury vehicles because it makes them feel more successful. Good for you if that's the case. But I do think we sometimes perpetuate stereotypes that much of the public rails against when we don't look at inner selves rather than just our outer selves.
I'm not hypocritical either...I drive a 2001 4Runner with 177K miles on it and I plan to keep it for several more years.
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