Do your staff know you drive a Lambo?

[cantwait2]

I play things pretty low key and drive a $10,000 Truck/4WD to and from my office. My staff don't know anything about where we live or the Lambo etc.
I always thought that if they did you would start hearing...

"oh man we should be getting paid more..."
"he can aford a pay rise..."

bla bla...

I've just had a meeting with my team and was setting out where our company is going and the opportunities that are present for them. I'm wondering whether they need a shot of Lambo excitment to really understand that they are part of a successful company and that there are opportunities that could bring them the same rewards..

Thoughts?

Experiences?

[artherd]

Depends entirely on the people. Generally you will want to underplay things, your average person is unwilling to take the risks necessary to earn lambo/jet/fuckpalace money. They actually have no comprehension of what it takes, they just assume you have it 100x easier than they do.

If you are with like minded people, I suspect you would have let them in the know by now/had them to your house anyway.

EDITED to add: anyone you are PAYING, better off not knowing. Anyone sharing OWNERSHIP, absolutely can know and might be fun!

[pdisme]

Probably depends on the size of the business. My company is small and a lot of my co-workers are old friends, so they know about it. Once we start hiring more staff that I don't have history with, only one of those so far, I will probably not drive it to the office and will ensure new staff don't know about it; I think it would be difficult to motivate people making significantly less than you if they feel like their hard work is paying for your life of luxury, regardless of whether you worked for years and years with no rest to build the business that is now employing them.

Of course if you're the big dog in a big company, everyone's going to know your business anyway, even if you try to hide it, so in that case I'd say live your life and then just be good to your employees so they feel good about working for you and hopefully feel like you're making the company that's employing them successful; i.e. a symbiotic relationship.

[cantwait2]

Cool cheers...I have thought along similar lines...

I just want to hype them up on there opportunities for progression. Sometimes I feel they might think "what the fuck does he know, why would I listen to someone who drives a $10,000 Nissan Tarrano"..."Is that the best i can really hope for"

But I think you guys are probably right...I'm not sure how many of my guys will really be superstars so they may be satisfied with the odd payrise and a pat on the back even if it does come from a Terrano driver :)

[roytoy2003]

I totaly disagree...

Of course NOW everyone sees the cars at the office becuase I have them there, some are mine in my collection not advertised or for sale, others are there for sale listed on my site.

However LONG before this I had JUST the alarm company www.fpiseattle.com which I still have. Both business are run out of the same building.

I HAVE always driven my cars to work, had company parties at my houes and pool, have always shared the vacations I take...

BUT I always make sure that my employees (which I prefer to call team partners) are always the best paid best compensated in our field and our area....I also demand the best from them and ALWAYS tell them...be proud of your uniform, the truck with our name on it...we are the best BUT I am ONLY as good as you guys make me...YES I am the ships captain...but without a crew I could not leave the dock. I always make sure they see I worked hard in the begining, that I risked everything...and remind them that if I could do it, they can as well. I always encourage anyone that could do better to take the jump and try it.

Since 1990 I have had 2 GREAT people leave and open their own company for Security/Fire in the NW...and till today we still share work and profit from each others knowledge and companies.

I let them know I work hard and deserve everything I have. That in life I am here to enjoy it for I never know when life is done..

AND for that reason EACH and every team member NEVER works on their Birthday, we know everyones kids and wifes names, we acknowledge all their anniversarys and familys B-days as well with a card or just a small gift..we make sure that everyone is just as improtant as the next.

I honestly think I have made more money by spending a little more with my team members...it is just to exspensive to replace, train and maintain a great CREW!!

And again, as for the PAST 6 years my ENTIRE company will be flying to Las Vegas for 3 days 2 nights, all exspensis paid for NASCAR first weekend in March...the best team building spirit and pay back I have ever ever done!!

So in a short answer, HELL yea drive it in...let them know it could be them 1 day if they give 110%!!

PS I have not lost a single employee to quiting in over 5 years!! That is enough for me...

[j0nnywalker]

I totaly disagree...

Of course NOW everyone sees the cars at the office becuase I have them there, some are mine in my collection not advertised or for sale, others are there for sale listed on my site.

However LONG before this I had JUST the alarm company www.fpiseattle.com which I still have. Both business are run out of the same building.

I HAVE always driven my cars to work, had company parties at my houes and pool, have always shared the vacations I take...

BUT I always make sure that my employees (which I prefer to call team partners) are always the best paid best compensated in our field and our area....I also demand the best from them and ALWAYS tell them...be proud of your uniform, the truck with our name on it...we are the best BUT I am ONLY as good as you guys make me...YES I am the ships captain...but without a crew I could not leave the dock. I always make sure they see I worked hard in the begining, that I risked everything...and remind them that if I could do it, they can as well. I always encourage anyone that could do better to take the jump and try it.

Since 1990 I have had 2 GREAT people leave and open their own company for Security/Fire in the NW...and till today we still share work and profit from each others knowledge and companies.

I let them know I work hard and deserve everything I have. That in life I am here to enjoy it for I never know when life is done..

AND for that reason EACH and every team member NEVER works on their Birthday, we know everyones kids and wifes names, we acknowledge all their anniversarys and familys B-days as well with a card or just a small gift..we make sure that everyone is just as improtant as the next.

I honestly think I have made more money by spending a little more with my team members...it is just to exspensive to replace, train and maintain a great CREW!!

And again, as for the PAST 6 years my ENTIRE company will be flying to Las Vegas for 3 days 2 nights, all exspensis paid for NASCAR first weekend in March...the best team building spirit and pay back I have ever ever done!!

So in a short answer, HELL yea drive it in...let them know it could be them 1 day if they give 110%!!

PS I have not lost a single employee to quiting in over 5 years!! That is enough for me...


i love your mindset!!

[cantwait2]

Good points there Roy, appreciate your feedback. My company is always in serial start-up mode...we seek out opportunities and try and capitalise through innovation and superior business systems.

I've said to my guys that those who have entrepenurial aspirations will have the opportunity to start their own company. My Companies/Brand will back them with seed capital into their own company where they can have 50% equity but still have the security of our systems and guidance.

It's because of this opportunity that I want them to see what's possible if you do lay your ass on the line. Otherwise if all that risk only yeilds a Tarrano why would you bother.

The challenge is, maintaining the excitment of those that don't have entrepenurial ambitions...

I do a lot for my staff also we have done a ton of stuff all expenses paid and I am definately picking up what you are putting down ;)

Maybe I do need to do a little more of that kind of thing so no-one feels hard done by...I will always expect the best from them, just as I do now.

[pdisme]

If I worked for Roy, I'd be more inclined to work hard for ELF's than cars. :lol2:

[roytoy2003]

If I worked for Roy, I'd be more inclined to work hard for ELF's than cars. :lol2:

Sorry ELFS are reserved for me..:fu:

[pdisme]

I quit! :lol2:

[roytoy2003]

I quit! :lol2:

You cant, I fired you first!!:biggerGrin:

[Mike S]

It all depends on the size of your company. I keep low-keyish about my cars as possible. I drive the Cayenne Turbo/M6/ML63/Mini :lol2: etc. to work. Most of them hear rumours about my Lambo, Ferrari etc. but then its just smoke and nothing solid.

The employees that have been with the company for the longest know about the cars, but those are people I can trust 200% so I'm not worried about that.

But if your company employs several thousand people, its best to rather keep it quiet IMO

[pdisme]

I drive the Cayenne Turbo/M6/ML63/Mini :lol2: etc. to work. Most of them hear rumours about my Lambo, Ferrari etc. but then its just smoke and nothing solid.

:lol2: :lol2: Yeah, I drive one of my 18 lower end cars to work but they don't know about the 8 super expensive ones so we're ok. :fu:

[Mikey]

:lol2: :lol2: Yeah, I drive one of my 18 lower end cars to work but they don't know about the 8 super expensive ones so we're ok. :fu:

HAHAHAHA :crazy: :crazy:

[norcal2]

I am to conservative to ever drive any of my expensive cars to work, my personal life is one aspect, work is another, I dont mix them, I have learned by experience.

[pdisme]

norcal, welcome! Is that your car in the avatar?

[norcal2]

yeah its mine! thx..I just posted some dyno results on another thread w tubi

[SuperVixen]

This is a touchy subject. I have clients that don't want any mail or calls at their work because they don't want their employees or co-workers to know how well they are doing. It really is case by case. If your employees feel under appreciated and underpaid than I would avoid it. There's no reason for them to know how well the boss is doing. I agree with an earlier point if you are trying to get partners or investors perhaps it's ok to share, but at the same time you don't want them to think you are doing so well you don't need their $$$. I'd listen to them first and see if they have similar cars/tastes then it can be a way of connecting. I tell people I drive a Toyota. My Lotus is not as expensive as a Lamborghini, but it still turns heads. I just hired a new dog walker. I was going to her house to drop off keys and I was going to park a block away, but she was already standing outside. It made me a bit embarrassed. I haven't even told her what I do.

[roytoy2003]

This is a touchy subject. I have clients that don't want any mail or calls at their work because they don't want their employees or co-workers to know how well they are doing. It really is case by case. If your employees feel under appreciated and underpaid than I would avoid it. There's no reason for them to know how well the boss is doing. I agree with an earlier point if you are trying to get partners or investors perhaps it's ok to share, but at the same time you don't want them to think you are doing so well you don't need their $$$. I'd listen to them first and see if they have similar cars/tastes then it can be a way of connecting. I tell people I drive a Toyota. My Lotus is not as expensive as a Lamborghini, but it still turns heads. I just hired a new dog walker. I was going to her house to drop off keys and I was going to park a block away, but she was already standing outside. It made me a bit embarrassed. I haven't even told her what I do.

I just never understand why anyone one owuld be embarrassed or ashamed for their sucess..YOU work hard...ANYONE in the world can do it if they want...screw it, be proud of your sucess!!

[pdisme]

I just never understand why anyone one owuld be embarrassed or ashamed for their sucess..YOU work hard...ANYONE in the world can do it if they want...screw it, be proud of your sucess!!

I think it all depends on the type of business, size and workers. For example, if you run a call center doing first-line tech support where everyone hates their jobs, the last thing you need to do is roll up in a Lambo. :)

[Minch00]

Just put a Lambo poster on the office wall. Make it out of a picture of your car though, so when an employee walks in and says "Man, I wish I had one of those....."

Take it from there :D

[chaimo]

My dad leaves his m5 at home, and drives to work in a yukon xl. A bunch of his employee's are entry level @ minimum wage so my father is rather low key about his success. My mom sells industrial real estate and drives a 2008 535xi though and is rather proud of it, but then again, her customers regularly pull up in exotics/bmw/mercedes/audi

[eshaun]

...YOU work hard...ANYONE in the world can do it if they want...screw it, be proud of your sucess!!

I agree...however sometimes its just not worth the hassle and better to keep things low key. Unfortunately there are three types of ppl and the other two will never comprehend the driven/entrepreneurial mentality.

[pdisme]

Yeah, I'm leaning more towards that side than Roy's. When I was a teenager and started college I took on any job I could find like washing boats for a summer at the marina, washing dishes at a restaurant, serving, etc. If I was sweating my ass off in a hot kitchen and coming home smelling like ass for barely above minimum wage while the manager drove a Lambo, I'd probably not put in quite as much effort. :)

[Shawn]

I met with a rick analysis attorney about a year ago when we got sued and his single piece of advice was not to become a target in someone's get rich quick eyes. That said, most of my employees do not make much, the most any of them made was about $60k/yr and many of them like $10/hr. So, I feel that if I arrived in the lambo I would be rubbing it in their faces that Im doing better than you and I'm half your age. One of my employees is my friend though (and was before I hired him too) and he knows about my cars and such and knows not to mention anything. Just my opinion. Guess it depends on where geographically you are too. Midwest cannot get away with what California can etc.

[pdisme]

I guess the employee Christmas party doesn't take place at Shawn's mansion. :lol2:

[artherd]

Again, it all depends. My key people all know (AND SHARE IN) the cars and toys and other crap.

The worker bees don't.

Conversely, if my 'fearless leader' showed up in a POS nissan, that would be sending the wrong message too. At least slut it up in a benz! ;)

then again, this is my idea of a subtle, "low profile" ride:
http://www.cdglobal.net/stuff/F350-Lightbar-truck-s.jpg

[artherd]

It's because of this opportunity that I want them to see what's possible if you do lay your ass on the line. Otherwise if all that risk only yeilds a Tarrano why would you bother.
I love the idea of putting a poster (of your car, but looks like a pinnup.) on your wall. Maybe even make it one of those corny "MOTIVATION" inspirational knockoff looking ones. When somebody asks you about it, say "oh yeah, that's mine, that's why we're all here."

[Matt]

personally, I think the lambo may well be a bit much. but i also agree showing up in a beat to hell nissan truck probably isn't giving off the right idea either...

look, now you have an excuse to go out and buy a nice new Porsche!

[gday]

I love the idea of putting a poster (of your car, but looks like a pinnup.) on your wall.At this point I have to contribute.... this is a pic of whats behind my desk. Some stuff has been there for 12 years (not the Georges De Latour - thats 2003).

-mick

[pdisme]

At this point I have to contribute.... this is a pic of whats behind my desk. Some stuff has been there for 12 years (not the Georges De Latour - thats 2003).

-mick

12 year old Vegemite doesn't sound too tasty. :icon_oak: :lol2: :lol2:

[roytoy2003]

At this point I have to contribute.... this is a pic of whats behind my desk. Some stuff has been there for 12 years (not the Georges De Latour - thats 2003).

-mick

USA Flag is on the wrong side!!

[gday]

12 year old Vegemite doesn't sound too tasty. :icon_oak: :lol2: :lol2:
You are right - Its not quite aged yet :lol2:

-mick

[gday]

USA Flag is on the wrong side!!:eek:

But the USA flag pole is 1/2 inch taller - so I'm safe.

-mick

[cantwait2]

I'm thinking something in between is probably the way to go...

Have been looking on and off at an E55 for a while...problem is you can't have everytyhing...if I by the CS I couldn't afford to buy a E55 as well...oh well that's for me to figure out...thanks for the thoughts on that :)

[artherd]

Buy a used E55!

[Minch00]

Buy a used E55!

:stupid:

You can probably get one for what........40k? AMGs drop like a rock!

I remember seeing a one year old S65 for 50% of the MSRP. It was insane.

[Matt]

get a porsche turbo, best of both worlds :)

[cantwait2]

E55 2004+ which is the model I like still goes for $100k NZ which is $80k US so still a reasonable hit if I was to buy the CS as well...ha ha cars, cars what to do :lol2: nice to be able to have these tough decisions to make :)

[artherd]

Import one! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-E-Class-E55-AMG-2004-Mercedes-Benz-E55-AMG-HK-Low-Reserve-RARE-BLUE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6335QQihZ023QQitem Z360022823313QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

$40k USD, they're a dime a dozen over here. Seriously.

[cantwait2]

welcome to NZ car prices

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/MercedesBenz/auction-141718868.htm?key=845471

:(

[artherd]

Hmmm what are NZ import & tax laws like?

[Mike S]

welcome to NZ car prices

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/MercedesBenz/auction-141718868.htm?key=845471

:(

Don't worry, you're not alone. I'm on the same boat :lol2:

http://search.autotrader.co.za/www/cars_search?country=ZA&sort=5&currency=ZAR&modelexact=1&make=Lamborghini&model=&min_pr=&max_pr=&x=48&y=11

take those prices and divide by 6 and you get the price in USD

[Mike S]

2004 E55's are still going for around $110-120k USD

http://search.autotrader.co.za/www/cars_search?country=ZA&sort=5&currency=ZAR&modelexact=1&make=Mercedes-Benz&model=E-Class&min_pr=&max_pr=&x=52&y=13

[Mike S]

:lol2: :lol2: Yeah, I drive one of my 18 lower end cars to work but they don't know about the 8 super expensive ones so we're ok. :fu:

BAH! :fu: :biggerGrin: