Lunch For Success

Don’t underestimate the role a parking valet can play in your business lunch. Valets can help you in more ways than you think, and they can also be part of the first and last impressions that you can make with your client.

Does this sound familiar? Your business lunch is over, and the masses are returning to work. The valet line is 20 deep and you need to get back to the office. It seems like everyone’s taking forever finding their claim tickets. Then you look up to see someone exit the restaurant, walk to the front of the line, shake the valet’s hand, get his keys, and jump into his car which is sitting right up front. The guy never even showed a claim ticket! Your jaw drops a little, along with the rest of the patrons in line.

Smart business lunch regulars are all in good with the valets. Getting your car right away is just one of the ways that a valet can help you. Here are some other things a valet can do for you.

Valets can make you look good
Like we mentioned above, it always looks good to have your car up front, close to the entrance. It’s also nice not to wait in line or need to dig around for a claim ticket. It makes you look good. A valet can greet your client by name and treat them just as well. That also makes you look good. What about those rare times where you forget something in the car; your phone, wallet, piece of paper, briefcase? A helpful valet will get it for you quickly and discreetly, no problem.

Valets are a wealth of information
Valets can tell you what to order in the restaurant, or maybe how to get on the chef’s good side. They might even be able to get the chef to come to your table. When you’re traveling on business, they can direct you to other good local hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. Just think of them as the all-you-need doormen, giving you local information to make your life easier (Where’s the closest dry cleaner for the suit your waiter just spilled soup on?).

Valets are well connected
Valets can help you get your car started, help change tires, even perform simple diagnostics. I’ve seen a valet fill up a gas tank during the meal for a regular customer that was on a tight schedule. One business lunch regular used to ask us how his guest—a potential hire, or a client—treated us. He felt that if his guest treated the valets poorly, then would he want to do business with that person, or have them represent his company?

Valets are an unrealized asset, and those who choose to treat them with respect and decency will reap the benefits. In my next post, I’ll tell you how to make a valet your best friend.