What Do You Want?

It’s a question I get asked on a regular basis, what do I want during any potential Earthmovers site visit.

Just last week I was asked this same question about a forthcoming overseas trip, and it’s a recurring theme, when people don’t quite understand what it is that we expect when visiting a jobsite or facility.

Of course, every scenario is different, but for me one of the most desired things is an interesting or maybe even a challenging jobsite location. Jobs with stunning views can also make for some fantastic backdrop images, which really show the machines off working in perfect harmony with the setting.

Of course, by the nature of our industry, that’s not always possible, but equally important is a real-life setting, buzzing building sites for instance create a similar reaction in photos and videos.

Another scenario that often happens, is it turns out that the new machine we are going to see, is just sat in a concrete yard area, that doesn’t make for great imagery, and neither does the practice of taking photos of a new owner and the salesman shaking hands in front of the digger, those types of image are great for a companies office wall, but not that great for readers of magazines, what they and we want is action, action, action.

Regarding new machines, product launces etc, time on the said machines is very important, I like to spend a considerable amount of time in the seat getting a feel of the machine and gaining knowledge as to how it performs, in a variety of tasks, all too often, our time on them is extremely limited, especially if it’s a big group scenario, but most recently I have noticed that some manufacturers have picked up on this requirement from us, especially those of us who can actually operate them to the full capability.

Image: Courtesy of RPA Media

We also want to be sure that site management know we are coming and that everything planned for our visit, I have had the experience where I have driven a significant distance only to be told nobody knew I was coming, and that I would have to come back another day, that costs me time and money, that in most instances, I cannot recover.

And lastly, from my perspective information, without feedback on your machines, job site, history etc then its hard work to make a story that’s factual, informative and above all enjoyable.

Obviously, these are my thoughts on the topic, my fellow contributors may have different views on the matter, but overall, as a guideline I think this fits across the board.