4 Signs to Send a Chauffeur to the Airport for a Client Instead of Picking Them Up Yourself
If you have an important client flying in to visit your company, you'll want to make them feel welcome by picking them up at the airport instead of forcing them to use public transportation or take a taxi. However, you still have an important choice to make: do you book a chauffeur or pick them up yourself?
There are times when the personal touch that comes with picking the latter option will be beneficial, but you'll often find that hiring a chauffeur is the right choice. Here are just four situations in which a chauffeur will be for the best.
1. It's After a Long Flight
If your client is arriving after a flight that lasts for more than an hour or two, they're unlikely to be in the right mood to discuss business arrangements or even engage in some pleasant small talk. This will be especially true if they happen to have crossed multiple time zones. As well as feeling fatigued after a long time sitting down, they probably feel the need to have a shower and change their clothes. A chauffeur will be able to pick them up, drive silently without it feeling awkward, and take them straight to their hotel.
2. The Client is Visiting for Days
It could be that your client was only in the air for an hour in the middle of the day. However, you'll also want to think about how long they're staying. If it's only going to be for a single day, it might be best to go yourself or send an associate in order to get the introductions completed quickly. If they will be staying for a good few days, it's usually nicer to take things a little slower.
3. You Need to Start Work Right Way
On the other hand, you might have critical business that needs to be attended to right away; you need to start hammering out details as quickly as possible, so meeting at the airport makes sense. At the same time, you'll find it tricky and a little awkward to properly discuss in-depth issues if you're also having to keep your eyes on the road. Instead, hire a chauffeur so you can concentrate on the discussion while you drive.
4. You've Never Met
If you've never met with a client face-to-face, things might become a little awkward during a long drive from airport to city. Protracted silences and faltering conversation sets a bad tone right off the bat, and it can often be hard to keep up a conversation when you're driving. Meeting for the first time in the office or at a local restaurant will make it easier to connect.