Music City Limo

Welcome to Music City.  Whether you’re a visitor, Nashville native, or fresh off the bus with a guitar in hand, Nashville has a ton to offer.  From local culture, sightseeing, restaurants and entertainment this up and coming city has been growing at an exceptional pace.  Nashville, or commonly referred by locals as “Nashvegas” has just over 1.6 million folks in the metro and surrounding areas.  The Music City capital is home to such professional sports teams as the Tennessee Titans (Football) and the Nashville Predators (Hockey)  Both of which have gained a tremendous following over the years.

Besides the nickname “Nashvegas” Nashville is also touted as the “Athens of the South” for the 35+ colleges and universities it has within about a 30 mile radius.  Located in the heart of Music City is the largest and one of the most prestigious schools, Vanderbilt University.  Vanderbilt is a private research university, founded in 1873, which enrolls approximately 12k students a year.

If you’re interested in music, you’ve come to the right place.  While most people attribute Music City as being just a country music town, this is far from true.  You can find just about any genre of music that fancies you.  (yes I said “fancies”)  From jazz, rock, classical, pop, and rap, Nashville is truly a diverse musical city.  Many don’t realize how Nashville actually earned the nickname Music City.  It can be traced back to 1874 where the Fisk Jubilee Singers from Fisk University performed for England’s Queen Victoria.  She was so happy with the performance that she stated “These young people must surely come from a musical city”.  The name finally stuck in the 1950’s when David Cobb of the Grand Ole Opry radio station, WSM, started using the nickname regularly.

While music is one of the top economies of the Music City, surprisingly it’s not the top industry.  The top industry in Nashville is actually health care.  Nashville has over 350 health care companies which have operations based here.  Other Nashville industries that rival the  music business are the banking and financial institutions, as well as transportation/logistics.  Nashville has become a center hub between such cities as New York, L.A.,  Atlanta, and Miami, and is quickly becoming a “meet you in the middle” city, for industries worldwide.  This is the reason Nashville is close to completing the Music City Center, a 1.2 million square foot convention center in the heart of downtown, scheduled to open early 2013.

Navigating Music City is not very difficult, although you will find several roads that change names a few times before returning to their original street name.  (Not sure why this is)    So again,whether you are a visitor, Nashville native, or fresh off the bus with a guitar in hand,  Music City Limo is here to help you navigate, sight-see/tour, or simply get to and from Nashville International Airport.  Music City Limo operates 24 hours a day with a vehicle to fit every type of need.

 

CMA Awards 2012: Parking tips

     The CMA Awards are upon us yet again on Nov. 1st, 2012 in Nashville Tn.  The Bridgestone Arena will be packed with Country Music Stars and fans alike.  Every year this event sells out with approximately 18,000 people at the show and another 1,000 or so working behind the scenes.  Needless to say, you’re probably not going to find a parking spot up front.  (Unless of course you’ve hired a car service for the night.)
So, here are a few tips on parking.

1. Wear comfortable shoes (or at least bring them along)
-Ladies and Gentlemen:  Plan on walking a ways.  With all of the construction surrounding the Bridgestone Arena, many sidewalks/paths are temporary and not made for beautiful footwear.
2. Make sure you park in a safe/legal place
-If you tell yourself, “I hope I don’t get towed here” it’s probably a good idea to move your vehicle.  Tow trucks are out in full force this night.  Paying $20 now is cheaper than $75 tow fee plus a $25 cab ride to your car.
-Make sure you give money to the right parking attendant.  There are quite a few bums and scam artists walking around collecting money for parking when they’re not authorized.

3. Put anything you don’t want stolen in your trunk
-The parking attendants will probably leave before the show is over.  Don’t let your car be the one that gets its windows broken out.
(I’ve seen windows broken out just to take loose change someone saw in the center console)
4. Charge your phone before hand
-In the past, at the end of the night, I hear people saying they wish they had charged their phone more before hand.  From start to finish the show will last about 3 hours.
-Tip – in the Bridgestone Arena’s Patron Club there is a “Go Charge” station which is a rapid charge phone charge system with hookups for about every type of phone.  (Unfortunately, you must be a Nashville Predators club seat ticket holder to access the club.)
5. Remember where you parked.
-This is not Disney world with tram service to Donald Duck Lot F.  Take a look at cross streets and landmarks so you can find your car at the end of the night.
6. If you plan on leaving your car overnight…

-When you park, make sure you double-check whether or not your vehicle will be allowed to stay overnight.  Some parking will be day of event only and you can run the risk of being towed the next morning.

Most of this is common sense but sometimes forgotten.  I hope this helps and we at 9Seven Executive hope you have a safe, wonderful night.

Training Chauffeur Confidentiality

 

One of the easiest ways that limousine companies lose clients is by not consistently training their chauffeurs and staff to keep “Client Confidentiality”.  As a chauffeur and chauffeur trainer in the Nashville Limo market, I’ve seen first hand how this can cost a company money.

Many chauffeured transportation companies barely break the surface when it comes to client confidentiality.  It seems that it becomes just a paragraph, buried within legal jargon, in a chauffeur’s handbook.  And when it is brought up, it’s almost as if it’s only meant for celebrities. When training a class of new chauffeurs, I like to ask “What type of client is most important for keeping Client Confidentiality?”  And almost every answer involves celebrities or entertainers!  The answer I’m looking for is, Every Single Client!  Here are 3 different types of client confidentiality and reasons why your chauffeurs should be trained, re-trained, and trained again to keep you from loosing clients and money.

1.  Celebrity/Entertainer Privacy

Yes, this is one of the first things that comes to mind when we talk about confidentiality.  The celebrities or entertainers that use your company expect their privacy maintained.  Far too often I’ve seen chauffeurs, dispatchers, and even owners post who they were driving on Twitter, Facebook, and their website.  While it may go unnoticed, the one time it doesn’t can be costly.

In many limousine markets, chauffeurs get approached by autograph collectors and photographers that pay chauffeurs for the Who, When, and Where of celebrity information.  Many limousine employers don’t realize this is even happening.  How many times will a celebrity continue booking trips with your company when every time these groups know their exact movements?

2.  Client to Client Privacy

Training chauffeurs not to talk about clients they’re driving or have driven is also very important.  It doesn’t matter if they are celebrities or not, it can still effect you.

True Story:  A husband and a wife had booked 2 separate airport transfers going to the same hotel.  They were both arriving on different flights but with flight delays, they were landing 5 minutes apart.  The chauffeur decided to ask the wife if she would like to ride with her husband since he just landed as well.  As it turns out, the wife was there on business and the husband was making a surprise visit for their 25th wedding anniversary.  She was surprised and so was the limousine company when the hotel sent all of their business elsewhere.

 

3. Client to Other Chauffeur’s Privacy

All too often, chauffeurs from different companies see each other at the same events, hotels, and airports.  We must all be friends since we’re in the same business, right?  Wrong!  I’ve heard chauffeurs brag about clients they’ve driven, how much they tip, and how many times a week they book trips.  That’s great, now you’ve just given inside information that would make for an easy sales pitch.  Make your chauffeurs aware that when they don’t keep client confidentiality, they lose money because the company loses clients.

How much to tip your chauffeur?

  As a chauffeur for many    years in the Nashville limo market, many clients, friends and family ask “what should we tip our chauffeur”?

 

If you are looking for a quick answer, standard tipping is   between 10%-20%.

If you want to look at this a bit further, there are several factors that you may want to consider.

1. Does the limo company you’re using include automatic gratuity?

– It seems to be split down the middle with companies who include automatic gratuity vs companies who leave it completely up to the client. So, make sure to read over the confirmation/reservation agreement sent to you by the company.

– If a company does include automatic gratuity in your total, it is acceptable to give additional gratuity if your service was exceptional. (Like restaurant servers, chauffeurs work hard for tips.)

– If a company does not include automatic gratuity, most provide a way to add gratuity to your credit card or cash will do just fine.

2. Did you receive excellent service?

– Was your chauffeur on time or early?
– Did they know how to get you to your destination?
– Was the vehicle clean, inside and out?
– Did you feel safe as a passenger while you were being chauffeured?
– Did they meet and/or exceed your expectations?
(Just to name a few)

3. What type of trip were you on?

– Was it a simple airport transfer or all night hourly trip?
– Did the vehicle require any special certifications (like a CDL) for your chauffeur?

These are a few things you should consider when calculating a chauffeur tip.

How to be a great chauffeur in 5 easy steps

So…. You want to become a great chauffeur? Or…. You are a chauffeur and you’re looking to make more money? Either way, this article will help and give you 5 simple steps that all great chauffeurs follow to make more money.

Many limousine companies refer to their chauffeurs as “drivers”. While in a round about way, this may be a true statement, calling someone just a “driver” is considered a curse word at our company. The word “Driver” insinuates mediocracy, or someone that just does the bare minimum. (Like calling a Chef de Cuisine, a cook – or a Maitre d, a host/hostess).

The word Chauffeur encompasses much more than driving. A great chauffeur has a wealth of knowledge about his/her city. They are always several steps ahead of their clients and are prepared for any situation. They are an ambassador, tour guide, reservationist, host, entertainer, butler and mobile concierge. (Just to name a few)

Now that you have a better understanding of what we mean when we say the Chauffeur, lets looks at how to be a great one. These are 5 easy steps that great chauffeurs use to make more money:

1. Learn your city and become an expert on travel routes

Roadway knowledge is one of the most important keys to being a great chauffeur. They are constantly increasing their knowledge of their city. From becoming an expert on the roadway system, traffic patterns, and best travel routes, to a road construction, one way streets, and landmarks, having this knowledge is paramount to making money. The good news is that this free, barring taking some of your time, effort and fuel.

-Take some time to drive around your city at different times during the day.

– Drive a different way to work.

-Try to get lost and find your way back (i.e. not on your way to work)

-Read and research road maps. See where you’re going and where you’ve been. (actual maps or online)

Clients expect their chauffeurs to know general directions and routes. With the exception of a few clients that will give you directions regardless, most clients hate when they need to direct their chauffeur to a destination. (This can certainly make or break your gratuity upon drop off.)

2. Learn your cities history, unique landmarks, and places to go

Again, your knowledge base is key. From the cities history, interesting facts, and “must-see” places, to popular hotels, restaurants, and things to do, great chauffeurs are constantly increasing this knowledge base. Over time you will develop a list of questions that your clients commonly ask. Until then, I’ll share some of the most common.

-How many people live here?

-Where do you recommend we should eat? (Lunch, dinner, steakhouse, seafood, Italian, etc.)
-How expensive will it be?

-What is this city known for?

-How long is the drive to…the airport, our hotel, my business meeting, etc?

-What is the weather going to be like over the next few days?

-Where is the closest store? (Walgreens, shopping mall, pharmacy, liquor store, etc)

These are just a few and every client is different. That is what makes being a chauffeur exciting, 2 clients are never the same. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned chauffeur, increasing your knowledge of your area will increase your income.

3. Dress for success

Most limousine and car service companies have guidelines for attire. The standard is a black suit, white shirt, company tie, and black shoes. Most of the time you will be on your own and not being observed by your office staff, dispatchers or chauffeur managers. It will be up to you to maintain the professional appearance your clients expect. (Believe me, this is a big one).
Imagine you are going on a job interview and when you show up, your shirt collar is stained, you’re wearing a suit jacket that was crumpled in your front seat, and you put a cigarette out as your new boss walks over to meet you….. What are the chances you’ve made a great first impression?

Well, that’s what meeting and greeting a client is like, (especially a new client) its a job interview. Your first impression can set the tone for your entire trip. It could mean $0 gratuity when you could’ve gotten $5 or $5 when you could’ve gotten $20. Taking the extra steps to keep yourself sharply dressed, clean and professional is an easy way to make extra money.

-Keep a lint roller with you

-Keep your uniform pressed or dry cleaned

-Keep an extra coat hanger with you. (To hang up your jacket when you’re not wearing it)

-Keep your fingernails trimmed and clean (Clients notice your hands more than you think)

-Don’t smoke (if you must, make a rule not to smoke at least within an hour of meeting a client)

-Keep a mild fragrance enhancer with you (Such as Febreeze)

-Don’t wear cologne or perfume (if you must, very very little)

-Always keep a back up suit, shirt, tie at your work or nearby

4. Don’t speak unless spoken to! Seriously!!

Now, this is 4th on the list but it’s one of the most important, if not THE most important. Somewhere in your mind you must remember that this is a client, it may be your regular client, but they are still your client. This is not your buddy, girlfriend, wife, or bff that you are driving to go bar hoping or taking to the airport, this is a paying client. You are working for them, so only speaking when spoken to is a Golden Rule for great chauffeurs.

Listen, developing rapport is great, but you need to let the client lead the way. A business man/woman in your back seat working on their iPhone, blackberry, or computer, does not want to hear random banter about your kids, your favorite food, or your opinion about who is going to win Dancing with the Stars. Let them engage in conversation with you, not the other way around.

Again, don’t speak unless spoken to…. I cannot emphasize this enough!

-Let them lead the conversation

-Be friendly when your clients ask a question, but don’t say 100 words when 20 will do.

-Never talk about politics or religion

-Read your clients (A good general rule we teach to our chauffeurs on reading whether or not clients are wanting to chat….
* If they ask you at least 4 questions within a 2 minute span, it’s ok to speak more freely

5. Be prepared for anything, the extras

Clients expect you to drive safe, know your way around, and look professional, although many chauffeurs fall short. The real way to becoming a great chauffeur and increasing your income is by giving your clients more than they expect.

At our company we’ve created a chauffeur bag unlike any other so they can be prepared for the unexpected. The bag has over 100 items which are used quite frequently for our clients needs. These items range from a sewing kit with extra buttons, stationary, bleach pens, and a wine tool to Kleenex, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, gum and mints.

I could fill an entire post with client stories on how these extras helped them in some unexpected way. The point is, great chauffeurs will plan ahead for unexpected client needs. Put yourself in the clients perspective and create a chauffeur bag with items you may need while you we’re traveling, going to business meeting, or even out to dinner. I’ve seen a $1 travel sewing kit turn into a $100 tip, a .99 cent pack of gum be worth $50 to a client who’s ears always pop on an airplane, and having a wine tool make a client not want any other chauffeur.

Great chauffeurs aways look for ways to give their clients more than they expect and in return clients tip more than expected. Being a great chauffeur takes practice, patience, and the ability to learn from your mistakes as well as others.

5 simple forgotten business travel tips

 1. Keep yourself healthy

Whether you’re traveling to make a presentation, making a sale, or meeting a potential client, you simply can’t be your best if you’re not healthy.  Load up on vitamins before you catch that flight and remember to stay hydrated.  We often times only grab that cup of coffee before heading out to catch the red eye.  You land, check into your hotel and very often don’t keep yourself hydrated which opens the door for headaches, irritability and fatigue.  None of these things will help you make a sale or be your best.

2. Relax while you travel

You will have plenty of time to work when you get to your destination. Unless you are under an important deadline, relax on your flight.  This will help you stay focused on your task at hand and be rested when you get to your destination.

3. Check in electronically

While most everyone who travels for business will do this without thinking, this is Business Traveler 101.  Checking in electronically for your flight before you get to the airport will most certainly help you avoid any long lines that could potentially make you miss your flight.  It’s hard to focus on your presentation or sale if you’re worried about just getting there.

4. Stay organized

Keep a folder that is easily accessible that has all of your traveling information in one place: Flight confirmations, car rental, car service, hotel information and itinerary.  Many can do this electronically now.  But creating one place or folder to keep all of your travel information will benefit you greatly.  Scouring through countless emails to find the name of the car service, car rental, hotel confirmation, or itinerary for your meetings is time consuming and causes anxiety.

5. Be prepared

Does the airport or hotel I’m traveling to have WiFi?   How long does it take to get to the hotel from the airport?  Is MY bank close by and if so, what’s the best way I can get there?  What kind of food options will I have within walking distance from the hotel?

– These are just a few questions that you should be asking yourself before you leave the house.  Many unexpected things can happen when you’re traveling and knowing the answers to these simple questions will help you be prepared for the unexpected.