Dealing with imposter syndrome when you're an actual imposter

Why I've embraced my inner shyster

You know, I might have overestimated how easy it is get on the car review circuit. 

This miscalculation is not entirely my fault. I have a few friends in the car world who made getting on these PR lists sound absurdly simple.

They way it’s been told to me, they woke up one day, whispered under their breath that they like cars, and then stumbled into a new Mitsubishi with keys in the ignition moments later. 

That has not been the case for me. 

The cold emails I’ve been sending out have remained just that. And, on the rare occasion I do get a reply, it’s usually with unreasonable follow-up questions like: how many social followers do you have? How many unique impressions does your website get? Do you have indemnity insurance?

Like guys, please. Don’t make me lie to you. It’ll make us both feel bad.  

So this has lead to a philosophical question I’ve been asking myself this week: if I have no cars to review, am I technically running a car review website?

My answer is yes. 

Some people would call this faking it until you make it. I call it being a loveable shyster.

Isn’t being a shyster a bad thing, you ask?

Not at all! I’m the fun kind. The sort of shyster you’ll invite into your home, who’ll charm your family, play a merry tune, and then leave wearing your best shoes with pockets full of cutlery.  

What has this got to do with cars? I’m actually not sure at this point.

But maybe this is why motoring companies don’t lend me their things. 

So while we’re a little thin on actual review cars at this point, I’ve been having some fun on social media with what’s on hand, including an introductory video to the 2014 BMW I’ve been driving for the last couple of years. You can watch it here.  

And speaking of social media, I asked my Instagram followers to tell me their favourite car commercial of all time. Of course people who follow the Car Pit’s socials have excellent taste, so there were some cracking answers. 

For example, did you know Ridley Scott directed a Nissan commercial that was only played once before being taken off air? Check it out here.

And I’ve also written about BMW’s new concept car. The vehicle looks like a spaceship from the inside out… except for the yellow corduroy seats. No, I’m not joking. See for yourself here. 

That’s it for now. Do me a favour and have a wonderful week. 

I’ll be in your inbox next Monday. 

Steph