The importance of preparation for chauffeurs

We all know the saying, ‘If you fail to prepare, be prepared to fail.’ But failing to prepare in the case of an executive chauffeur means more than letting myself down, it means letting down my clients, principal guests, their guests and my business.

So as a trusted partner to businesses, scientists, celebrities and politicians across the south, I must always be prepared, and this is why it’s so important.

For my clients

My clients could be executive or personal assistants, agents, house managers, families or corporate travel managers. No matter who they are, the value of preparation for their chauffeur driven journey is as important for everyone.

When the chauffeur arrives on time, and the vehicle is immaculately clean with a full complement of refreshments and a well presented driver, that’s impressive! But my preparation goes beyond what is seen…

My clients expect prompt communications, simple enquiry and booking procedures, and polite, knowledgeable assistance. That takes preparation.

For my principal guests and their guests

The two biggest factors that make an impact when a chauffeur arrives is the condition of the vehicle and the presentation of the driver.

When it comes to preparing the car, my trusted valeter gets to work 3 times a week, sometimes more if the weather is inclement or the roads have been wet. This includes a full hygiene check on the interior, still maintaining covid standard cleanliness.

I arrive at collection with full washer bottles and a full tank of petrol (which took considerably more preparation last year during the fuel crisis).

And I take great pride in providing items that can be requested at the time of booking. Fresh bottled water, fruit, pastries, a fridge, mobile office set-up, baby seats, dog carriers, and daily newspapers all need to be ready in advance.

My principals and their guests don’t experience my preparation before the journey begins, they just enter the vehicle and enjoy the drive.

Preparing for the journey

Whilst meeting my guests and making them comfortable is my favourite part of being an executive chauffeur, I do still enjoy the pre-journey planning! I can prepare 12 hours before, checking for roadworks and accidents for example, but I still rely on live updates and knowing the roads well enough to make last minute diversions when necessary.

If my principals or their guests have requested additional stops along the way, it all gets planned in and the journey times adjusted accordingly. Part of the pre-drive preparation includes communicating this plan to my client beforehand.

Is my business prepared?

There are many things that can impact my business; the aforementioned fuel crisis, airport and rail strikes for example. And seasonal fluctuations in demand such as school transfers and Christmas that make me busy, as do large conferences and the festival season. My business therefore needs to be agile enough to adapt.

I prepare my drivers and network of support drivers for fluctuations and make use of any quieter times (when they come!) to undergo the training we maintain as part of The Guild of Professional Chauffeurs.

I keep watch on my business’ digital presence and continue to assess how I can improve my service, launching the online booking portal for example.

There’s no doubt that I love my business, and I believe my clients and guests do too.

Am I prepared?!

Of course, there are standards of personal presentation to uphold, and I am always prepared to greet my principals and guests in a warm and professional manner, but how am I feeling?

As an executive chauffeur, you simply can’t allow any less than positive feelings colour your mood. No matter if you don’t agree with the politician in your car, or you support the footballer’s rival team, or you’ve just stubbed your toe getting ready – you are the epitome of warmth and good humour.

And just as importantly, you never know what might occur on the road. First responder training and a natural aptitude for protection means I have at times been at risk of bodily harm whilst ensuring the safety and reputation of my principals and guests.

Sometimes preparation doesn’t go far enough, you just have to rely on instinct!

I hope you enjoyed reading how preparation is key for an executive chauffeur, if you’d like me to help you prepare for your guests important event, connect with me on LinkedIn to get to know me better, or visit the website to find the online booking portal.