I always feel a burst of disappointment when I see photos of myself. This is less a self-esteem issue than an unwarranted expectation of what I hope to see when I look in the mirror.
As part of my new role at Motors.co.uk I’m determined to increase the business’s exposure. We are a group of c80 employees who are working hard to create something special. I think we need to try harder to let the world know this. People are likely to be surprised by how much we offer and where we’re going.
The beginning of this new drive has seen some coverage in the Automotive Management and Car Dealer titles. Unfortunately, our marketing team demanded a photo to accompany the piece… You can see the outcome here:
I’m mildly proud of my “hand” modelling, though no David Duchovny in Zoolander.
And whilst I have a number of vanity issues with the full length photo, the embarrassment lays in the fact that Garry (our CEO) is standing about TWO METRES behind me!
I’ll admit I’m not the tallest of guys, but neither is Garry…
We were lucky enough to have the photos taken in the Daily Mail’s studio, where fashionistas looked on in dismay at two uncomfortable guys struggling to smile and stand up straight at the same time. I’ve watched America’s Next Top Model, I thought I would have learnt something but my “smize” let me down.
In the early photos, for whatever reason, Garry was standing slightly in front of me. It looked like owner and pet.
Eventually I was moved in front of Garry – snap – “move back Garry” – snap – “keep moving back Garry” – snap – “a bit more” – snap – “that’s it”. I looked around and had to squint to see where Garry was.
The team from AN Creative Services who helped with the shoot were brilliant and made a potentially disastrous photo look vaguely credible.
For my part though, I will work tirelessly to ensure people are aware of the exciting progress we’re making at Motors.co.uk … just don’t expect me to be in the picture!
