THE CEO DRIVEHER

SMALL BUSINESS MEANS BIG BUSINESS IN 2020

With all the fear and despair I am overly hopeful and cheerful. I talk to people who are so content and defeated in the belief this pandemic has or soon will deplete us of resources and money. I believe it to be the very opposite, especially as a small business owner of multiple types. As a business owner I believe we ought to be excited at this leveling of the playing field how things are now going and growing

How and why I have such a strong positive notion of all this, well for one from the start I was not vested emotionally into all of this. I knew I could not afford to give into a state of fear and uncertainty. I immediately understood the worst case scenario, accepted it, and moved toward mentally the best case scenario that could come out of all of this.

So if you’ve been following me on my Youtube channel the CEO DriveHer, you know I had already began sorta shifting in my various businesses and gigs I work. I felt like something of such a great magnitude, and shift would come into play, but never thought that shift would be a pandemic. I quickly began speaking about the benefits of this catastrophe (I know it sounds cold, but I mean it in a respectful way) and how to build off of it instead of collapsing within it. I spoke well over a month ago on my radio show, here on the blog, and youtube of how this could transmute into a good thing.

Yes there is death around us, but with all due respect not trying to be cruel, but if you have life, if you have a means to earn, create, and be profitable well why aren’t you using the good air God has provided to put yourself to use? I cannot understand for the life of me why people are content with staying cooped up until the government frees you? No! I will push every aspect of Covid season to the limits. Be-it I have a 100 years or one day left of life I will not wait and die with such great opportunities to my avail!

I have witnessed countless small businesses literally seemingly overnight revamp their business through innovative and creative means! Yes, some businesses will die, some will wither away slowly, some will never recoup from this, but I dare ask for some of those businesses is it due to the pandemic or their inability to redefine and recreate their brand and how they service? Look, just because you have a business it does not mean you’re guaranteed success. We all must adapt on some level and the fact of the matter is we just all will not be able to and that’s okay.

Now us newbies, the ones that have been lingering in the shadows waiting for an area opportunity, well here it is! If you are innovative and have the bare necessities to operating a business, well you are in business for sure especially if it is service based that can be virtually carried out. I’ve seen countless brick and mortar business go into a virtual space and they are not only experiencing cost savings, but gaining an influx of new clientele. I must encourage many of you to ride this wave for as long as possible and to be honest this wave will last for some time. I myself invested in hiring a virtual assistant, purchased some new software, and upped my marketing to reach a broader base of individuals they may need my services. When I pulled just a week’s worth of analytics off my website it stated ORDERS were up 1,167% and REVENUE up by 661% and my conversion rate now up to about 33%, mind totally blown! Just me simply doubling down on my skills, creating content and digital products and re-investing in my business I am more profitable than I’ve been in the past 3 months! Be sure to grab my free ebook “THE GEAR UP ON THE GIG BUSINESS” on my website https://www.ceodriveher.shop (click link here) and click below to see the vlog preview of the free ebook. (Be sure to use promo code: FREEBIE)

What about competitors? Well, what about them; right now it is free game for all. Larger companies are sitting on their cushing of cash, not all, but many are good for a while. Even if you have yet to start a business, if you have a service you can provide, a service that ties into the virtual space using technology for accessibility, etc. then you need to quickly establish yourself as a business entity and move on the low cost savings for starting a business now! You literally have no excuse, also I believe for us small businesses that have doubled down and revamped ourselves that our return on our current business(es) will see major major gains before the year end! I am most certain of it, don’t not believe into the lies of a recession and the stock market tanking. This country will have the quickest reemergence ever in history and for those that weighed through the heaviness of it will cash-in greatly!

So, who all stand a chance to gain in the Covid season? I’d say at least 70% of businesses. Look something I’ve noticed is that people are still spending money, and many are working from home that had corporate jobs! Just because you don’t see people in buildings doesn’t mean everyone is chilling at home at the crib. I dare to say many people have gotten hired in this time, whereas before they couldn’t get employment. Look y’all all there was, was a shift of key holders and how things are conducted. Yes unfortunately there are some that are unemployed, laid-off, etc., but many have received provisions for such cases. Don’t allow someone’s elses situation damper on your ability to grow and flourish in this time. Is it fair? No, but when is is ever.

Be sure to read my other blogs and gain a perspective of small business ownership and the gig economy. Also be sure to subscribe to my Youtube channel CEO Driveher and feel free to shop around on my website https://www.ceodriveher.shop and until next time you all be blessed and double down on today’s oppurtunities!

HIDDEN WEALTH IN THE GIG ECONOMY IN COVID-19 SEASON

The gig economy is in a great place of opportunity for both platforms and independent contractors.

I want to be the first of those within the gig world to declare that we all are on the brink of the greatest transference of wealth like never before! Unfortunately many giggers, independent contractors, freelancers, and those self-employed will fail to take advantage of all the assistance, loans, grants, and opportunities made available by our current administration.

I have been warring internally as a gigger and entrepreneur, I’ve continued to work within the gig economy focusing primarily on deliveries for Ubereats, DoorDash, and Roadie with far and few rideshare opportunities. I found myself doubling down in this “Covid-19” economy and though it’s been sort of a sharp shift I am earning maybe just 20% less working the same amount of hours in not less as well, but nowhere near as hard. I’ve taken this opportunity to learn different strategies, studying the market, seeing how deliveries are thriving, and how patrons in this downtime are still spending lots of money. Our cities are ghost towns but the virtual online world is booming with business!

As a gig strategist this time of work is providing me with great data and an inside look into the human condition through my work in the gig economy. My finds are amazing and I will later in the future share those findings with you.

But back to my internal war, on one end I struggled with should I allow myself to be susceptible to this climate of uncertainty, I definitely don’t have personal health insurance and the last thing I need to be is sick. As a freelancer, self-employed, gigger, etc. we aren’t allowed sick days, hell we barely take off any days from work, so am I being negligent? On the other hand I have a strong work ethic, and fear comfortability, I seen the possibility of serving within this time and what it may bring about in the future, and that future in my opinion is bright!

As I scroll through online posts and videos I see so many bragging about the “free money” they’re opting in to receive. People are actually excited about the $1200.00 stimulus check and the unemployment insurance. I do believe many people need both of these and should take total advantage of this provision, but as for us giggers, self-employed, entrepreneurs, etc. I dare to second this amenity. I am the owner of numerous businesses as well as work various other gigs that are app based, the last thing I want or need to do is collect unemployment. The unemployment wage is peanuts compared to the SBA grant which is provided on http://www.sba.gov under the disaster relief tab. They are offering a forgivable upfront $10,000.00 grant advance that doesn’t need to be paid for regardless if your loan is approved or not! Now I am not a mathematician, but I easily crunched the numbers in my head and clearly seen the win factor in selecting this over unemployment.

Yes, this is a bold assumption and I totally understand the uncertainty in this current state of affairs, but what do you have to lose that you already haven’t. Most Americans cannot afford to go a week without a paycheck being we live paycheck to paycheck in addition less than that have $1000 or even $300 in a savings account, but if you’ve noticed people are not in the streets starving, there isn’t any rioting, and I’ve not heard of anyone being evicted. We all are managing somehow which is actually quite odd considering the majority of Americans are not working or earnings are significantly lower.

I believe it is because of the guaranteed provisions in place to protect most Americans. Now I’ve heard of some municipalities violating federal and state orders to not shut off utilities, etc. but those stories are far and few. Right now cellphone companies have deferred payment of bills out anywhere from 60 – 90 days, all you have to do is call and ask. Utility companies are ordered to not disconnect essentials such as water, gas, and electric. Cable companies are deferring payments as well. Landlords of both commercial and residential properties are ordered to not pursue any evictions for if I’m not mistaken 60 – 90 days; in addition there are provisions for them for earnings lost due to not meeting their business costs too. So in short the buck has been passed and the majority of cash flow is on pause. With the being said what an awesome opportunity to invest in yourself, your business, your future to ensure you’re never in a situation whereas you do not have access to capital. I believe that time is now upon us and with all the available grants, loans (at low interest), deferment of student loans, and debt. forgiveness please take advantage of this! Also right now online courses, business kits, and resources are extremely cheap. Online sellers are itching to move product and selling things at awesome bargain prices, prices that I don’t think we’ll see again for a long time. You can actually purchase your blog website through WordPress for $1. I myself have invested in 4 kits/business courses to help me in this downtime to reshape, restructure my businesses and mindset. Some of the riches things of value come in the form of information and tools, especially as a business owner!

So giggers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, contractors, self-employed etc. seize this moment of hidden wealth, double down on the opportunity of “club quarantine” and maximize your earnings by acquiring knowledge and investing in your business(es). We literally have a break from most bills and have the opportunity to still make money. Don’t allow the immediate gratification of sitting at home to just collect an unemployment check fool you to thinking you’re fulfilled and getting over. I assure you if you do so you’ll later regret your actions. Take advantage of the unemployment if you must, but remember it’s for those that need it not those seeking to abuse the systems or get a break from work. For us blessed with able bodies and employment keep doing so until the well dries up, unemployment is available until the end of 2020 so you have plenty of time to determine if its actually needed.

For my coaching, consultations, or any of my other services please visit my website at http://www.ceodriveher.shop and I’d love to help you in learning how to fund your dreams.

GIG ECONOMY, CORONAVIRUS, & LESSONS ALL GIGGERS OUGHT TO LEARN FROM IT

And just like that the world has been stopped in its tracks, labor force, government workers, bartenders, and hospitality find themselves at a screeching halt, paralyzed from the daily duties of the traditional workforce, but as for the gigger things are sorta blurred, but steady. This time may have served as a wakeup call to all workers, but if anyone should see it differently right now is the gig worker serving in the gig economy.

As an intuitive gig worker and having served now officially in this for almost 3 years I have been able to horn in on key elements for new giggers to watch out for and manage. Here are a few of those elements:

Diversification of Gigs – simply put, work periodically multiple gigs, don’t limit yourself. I received numerous emails and comments wishing they’d listen to my suggestion of doing so. Now they are scrambling for work due to limited demands.
Investing – actually putting money into various forms of investment accounts weekly don’t focus on the amount just focus on disciplining yourself in depositing towards your future.
Continued Education – this is very big for me, be-it Youtube university, taking a class on SkillShare, reading personal development books, going to meetups, or investing in attending webinars, you must continuously stimulate your mind.
Personal, Money, Spiritual, and Physical Management – this is self explanatory and there’s an abundance of information such as my various ebooks on https://ceodriveher.shop that can help you develop in these areas.
Saving – this is still a hard one for me, money just seems to burn my pockets, but I tend to hold on to it much better these days. As giggers we have so many unexpectant situations that we must keep a reserve of funds for the unknown.
Market Assessment – this element is pure GOLD! So many giggers fail to known their market and those neighboring, understanding how both other giggers and patrons move will help you to become highly profitable.
& Learning how to Fund your Dreams i.e. business ventures, education, wealth, etc.- basically using the money you earn to some degree to reinvest in your own endeavors, hopefully endeavors that will ultimately lead you out of the gig economy on some level.

You’re probably saying, well duh, of course you should do this, everyone should do this, but let me ask you; “Does everyone do this?” I can answer that for you, the answer is “No!”. Most people from me guesstimating in the traditional workforce don’t and for those in the gig economy many of which do not and on a much higher level.

So you’re lookin at this blog like what does any of that have to do what is going on now with coronavirus, well I said all that to help draw a conclusion of what is problematic in the gig economy for giggers and how this season of unpredictability ways even heavier on us all. If there was ever a time to evaluate and assess who you are in the gig world and what needs to be adjusted, it is now.

In this blog though I can speak from my observations of the traditional workforce I will focus primarily on those in the gig economy. Many giggers I coach fail to properly manage which is the biggest fault of them, their lack of preparedness is scary and disheartening. It isn’t until times like this which could be enjoyable and a deserved downtime that drivers are forced to rethink their decisions in the gig economy. Remember my list of elements in this article? Well here’s another list of takeaways for giggers to immediately begin to implement while we’re in this temporary recession:

Budget!
Know your Limit.
Live as Basic as Possible.
Cheap is not Weak.
Open an Investment Account(s).
Apply for Gigs of all Types.
Be Willing to Work for Less.
Gratitude!
Don’t Fear Don’t Worry.
Develop a Management Plan & run with it!

I don’t mean to come off like some drill sergeant nor do I want to bore you to death with typical bullet points, but you guys it really is this simple, the key to its simplicity is your consistency to doing these things daily, weekly, monthly. Doing these things will literally make you grow in confidence more and more day after day! You begin to become the security blanket you’ve sought from outside sources as it pertains to your livelihood. Giggers we do not have the luxury of going to HR and getting paid medical leave, we do not have the luxury of having our IRA accounts matched by our employers, we don’t have the luxury of having off days sometimes, but you can create all these if you learn to implement things learned in times like this.

In closing the coronavirus has highlighted many of the fault lines within the gig economy, and the responsibility in minimizing those fault lines are on our backs and no one else! If you choose to live by this means to earn and build a business you must choose to be dedicated to the responsibilities that come along with it. You are the captain, the king, the queen of your domain, only way your kingdom fails in the gig economy is by you and you only.

This needed illumination has shown us all just how vulnerable we all are and the importance of limiting economic woes, always be prepared to ride the waves of tumultuous times. I see this trying time as an opportunity to perfect what we’ve embarked on. We ought to sharpen our irons going forward and master our trades our businesses! This too shall pass, now let’s continue to build.

PULLUP N GO! A “NEW” RIDESHARE COMPANY THAT MAY BE JUST AS BAD AS TRYP

So there’s this new rideshare app named PULLUP N GO… oh wait it isn’t new exactly; it’s like so many other would be rideshare companies hoping to ride on the coattail of megatron rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft. They’ve been looming in the background waiting and wanting in on the peace of the pie; they actually been on the scene since 2017 from what I’ve gathered. I actually don’t have a problem with that, but what I do have a problem with is would be gig companies and startups alike trying to take advantage of the hard working giggers! I did a simple research sweep of the rideshare company being they used a prop Yung Joc (my opinion) in a recent video having gone viral showcasing the Atlanta rapper/entertainer who is shown to have a net worth of 4-5 million dollars, currently driving for the rideshare company. Y’all if you can see my blank Kanye stare right now *tuh all of this clearly was staged and dummies are taking the bait! Look I get it, I see the point of marketing, I see the point of broadening your base in attempts to gain exposure, but this was just not the move! Anyone having truly driven on a platform for an extensive amount of time and wanting to be profitable could call this hoax for what it is. So here I am going to outline some red flags about this company that seemingly just re-up and reappeared. I will also speak on the foolishness of giggers wanting to actually partake in this and why more than ever giggers you must be mindful of this here today gone before it even starts companies opping on the scenes.

Gig apps can be an awesome cash grab for criminals, hustlers, you name it especially if asking for a “starter fee” *rolled eyes again*. These apps have a lot of the same red flags that seem to come from a MLM (multi-level marketing) playbook full of phony promises, hype, and no return on investments made. In my brief attempt to research and gain collective data on this company (mind you it was shallow and brief because literally any information or data sought after is like non-existent google it for yourself, but I digress), I found nothing, but red flags. Here are a number of them:

Membership fee, or as they suggest a “The Flat Fee Subscription Plan” for $39.99 A WEEK, from what I gathered from their website IG account @pullupngoceo and @pullupngocfo and @pullupngo_ if you sign-up now you will be granted 2-months free. Y’all let’s just stop right here! Ugh, wait why do I have to pay you? For what? This screams broke and scam already. NEVER PAY TO WORK ON AN GIG APP!
Website is trash and poorly functioning. Go to it for yourself and I do not suggest downloading the app, being you’ll be uploading serious documents you cannot risk your data being compromised. I attempted to navigate on the website and much data is either missing or currently unavailable. Also instagram account lacks consistent info and I literally see no Youtube account.
Phone number doesn’t work. They suggested I call their 24/7 support team so I did. And whelp I got an error message stating the number is out of service.
Could not find any driver or rider reviews for nothing! Unless my google is different from your google I couldn’t pull up a thing. How is that so, they list that they are currently in 5 major markets and not a thing.
A famous “prop” using an entertainer in what I believe to be intentional marketing strategy (check video links and see what I mean). All over headlines from Rolling Out mag, to the local channel 2 news it reads “Rapper Yung Joc Shamed for Driving Rideshare”. Newsflash rideshare drivers and delivery persons alike are shamed all the damn time, yet this one goes viral. I can show you thousands of videos of people mocking us giggers, but now “shaming” is of need of coverage. Smells like a pile of horse shit and many people are stepping in it.
Don’t see any investors, don’t see any companies or persons behind this brand? I read on a post on their IG they were turning down investors left and right to maintain staying black owned. That is most likely because the investors are you, those that are going to be paying a WEEKLY subscription.

I have so much more, but I am trying to keep this brief. For more in depth information on this company visit my YouTube channel CEO DriveHer, I’ll definitely be uploading a vlog on this matter. Look this company can actually mean well and have nothing but good intentions, but if you’re going to emerge on the scene I’d hope that a number of basics will have been thoroughly thought out, planned, and executed. The only thing that I see that has successfully launched is their marketing campaign for exposure, hell I had no clue to who they were until my feed was flooded with these Yung Joc videos of him being a rideshare driver. In addition I am not blaming him neither, but understand something my fellow giggers, you are their deep pockets. The person that gets screwed the most and worst on these platforms be-it Uber, Lyft, Doordash, Postmates, etc. are the drivers/delivers unequivocally. These gigs depend on your ignorance and co-dependency. The new marketing approach I see trending just like with TYRP is the whole “keep all your earnings” bit while you’re paying a subscription / member fee each week or month. The apps and websites info is never properly updated, or vague, filled with false promises of “coming soon”.

A lot of these startups I believe are trying to capitalize off the emotional strings of drivers, many of which feel trapped or wanting a way to earn more. Look people if you watch my Youtube channel at CEO DriveHer where we Drive to Fund Our Dreams, you know I always say spread yourself thin, gain as many gigs as possible to put on your belt, this is the ultimate diversify method in the gig economy. But I must caution you about the fake love affair many of you tend to gain for one platform over another. I say look at them all as the beautiful charismatic cheating girlfriend that, yes she’s there most of the time, you can have a great time with each other, but unfortunately she’s a whore and is not to be trusted. Take it for what it is, have fun, but NEVER fully commit! In short gigs are friends with benefits and all parties involved have a clear understanding of the situationship. *wink*

In closing things I want you ask yourself as well as research for yourself when these type of companies just up and appear the following:

Is this gig worth the investment?
Is the company able to publicly provide real drivers, riders, patrons, reviews/testimonials. i.e. quarterly, annually, etc.
Are they asking you to recruit in an obscure manner?
Maybe I should try being a customer FIRST and do my own internal field study.
Is the gig in “LIVE” mode, beta, or simply a “coming soon”?
Go to all their platforms (without downloading the app) see if it’s functional, if the phone number works, email them for more in depth info, etc. Look, if the website is not properly formatted and half-ass working why would you trust downloading their app? In this day of viruses and hacking don’t chance it.
Take a look at what the platforms are actually offering you, is it worth it, can you articulate with proof that the added gig will allow you to immediately earn.
MARKETING! What is their currently marketing strategy, are they even a buzz, are people using their services and if so where?

These are surface questions that you can easy obtain with little effort. People you are a business and you must “mind” how you conduct business. These companies own you information, vet them first before jumping on hyped up bandwagons filled with marketing ploys and false promises. My intentions is to protect the freelance, the gigger, the part-time hustler, the side-hustlers, entrepreneurs who are funding their dreams and trying earn an honest living. Sadly we must be mindful of possible startups being predatory on those who simply want more control of their gigs and higher earnings.

For assistance in your gig business or in need of coaching services visit my website at http://www.ceodrive.shop and for resumes or job search http://www.igotchojob.com

NO MORE FUNDING MY DREAMS, NOW IS TIME TO ALLOW MY DREAMS TO FUND MY LIFE

Here at the CEO DriveHer community our tagline is “Driving to Fund our Dreams”, but have you ever considered when that time would have you to fully transition in being solely sustained, dependent on the income of your business dream? Well I have over and over again and can now say I have officially reached that point and I am terrified, but ready for the full transition into full-time entrepreneurship. I’ve done enough in the gig economy and it is now time to utilize that knowledge obtained in it putting it to use. I was good at leveraging the platform, but like most things and most humans sorta became codependent in it all. The saying “a creator of habit” never rang so true and like some habits you outgrow them, sometimes forceabley.

So now that I have stepped away from the gig economy, what now? How do I manage without it now? Well I tell you how, I am thrusting myself face forward! I have nothing to lose, but everything to gain at this juncture in my life. I must admit I was still playing it safe working part-time in the gig economy, but was beginning to even hate the few hours I was on the various platforms, not because of the gig economy, but more so I was plagued with mental torment of not finishing and working on my true passions and goals. Can you believe it, here it is I am making money, doing well in the gig economy, but failing to work my dreams! Yes I funding them, but I wasn’t working them to my full capacity, as a writer and aspiring author dreaming of writing numerous New York Times Best Sellers, honestly work was getting in the way of my thought process and creativity. As a writer and creator it’s a bit complicated in regards to the process of developing in projects. There was so much that always needed to be done, but then I’d think of a bill that needs to be paid, investment in other software or add-ons for my businesses, and it was this constant feeling of running in a circle and getting nothing done, spending money to make money and seeing no return and if so, it didn’t last long. I knew with clarity that I had reached a point of drawing the line in the sand and having to call it quits for now in the gig economy, and honestly it is kinda forced. I’ve been at this point in my life before and it always works out for my betterment. But, I am almost petrified, I feel gripped with fear, but I am in survival mode and know I must move forward in this. Movement in thrusting myself in this position in life is my only option and I am willing to do it with vigor. God has me in all of this! I am literally casting all my doubts, fears, thoughts, business plans, ideas, even my writing into his hands. I throw my hands up and trust he, God, is throwing his marvelous hand down towards me to lift me up out of the wreckage of fear.

My dreams I know are multi-million if not billion dollar concepts, my books will sell massively and my clientele will be too numerous to count yet even fathom, I know this to be fact, I see it, I hear it, I feel it! Something I know to be so true seems so distant, yet so within my own reach. What is this called? What is this conundrum? I don’t have the answers, but what I do know is I must move on faith and not look back for now. The gig economy is on the backburner as for working within the field, I am solely focusing on creating content and information to help other giggers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, etc. using my gift of speaking and writing to maximize my reach.

So what is it that I am looking forward to? I am looking forward to having a solid schedule! No more late nights and working into the early morning. No more working off hours and filling my weekends with gig work. I plan of expanding my social life and enjoying activities I’ve placed on the backburner for so long. I am looking forward to going to bed early and early morning workouts like I use to do. I am looking forward to only working for myself and creating all the day long. I am looking forward to putting that same driver, hustling, go pro mentality to my businesses at 200%, this use to bother me the most because I knew if I gave my businesses a fraction of the attention I gave my gigs I’d be producing like crazy and making money hand over fist! I have come to the conclusion that the gig economy at some point began to serve as a security blanket of sorts, a blanket that’s now ripped from off me leaving me exposed to my dreams to manifest them in their totality.

Is it now time for you to let go of that job, the gig, the part-time, that side hustle, and now time for you to put in that work in your own passions? Was that not the point, working to fund your dreams right? Whelp all the money that’s been made is beginning to dry up to force your hand to allow your dreams to now fund your life. I am now going, who else?

If you need help transition out of the traditional workforce into the gig economy, or out of the gig economy into your business checkout my services provided on both sites http://www.ceodriveher.shop and http://www.knbresume.com where I offer an array of services to help you build your business and maximize your earnings!

SLOW MARKET VS WEAK STRATEGY: WHICH IS IT

Right now many drivers and delivers are at their wits ends because of the market. In many markets their only saving grace is inclement weather which helps drive demand, while running some drivers off the road (pun intended) in fear of damaging their vehicle. When the market appears to slow down particularly like times like this after major holidays whereas patrons pull back on their spending; I believe it serves as a true testament to your know-how and inner hustler ability. Do you have what it takes to still earn decent or even big without exhausting ungodly amounts on time on the platform, forced to take anything all to earn a buck? In this quick read I want you to take some things into consideration, truly evaluate your market, see your strengths as well as your weaknesses in the gig economy. Observe and learn from others. I want you to identify if you’re just casting your net into shallow waters hoping for a large almost beached whale, or all you willing to sharpen your skills to pocket strategies that allows you to maximize your earnings regardless if slow or peak season.

How to measure whether your market is slow and your strategy is weak. For one talk to other pro-drivers or observe them via online, see what they’re earning, check the hours they’re putting in. Don’t compare yourself to them entirely, simply calculate from seeing on average how many rides they’re clearing a day, how many days they’re committed too, are they part-time or full-time, etc. I’ve come to learn that high, consistent earners tend to be disciplined, they do not vere off the disciplined path to often. They have a knack for riding the waves of the gig economy not allowing low-demand to deter them nor allow high-demand to make them to comfortable. See how and what drivers/delivers are complaining about, don’t chime in just listen to them via in person or social media, get a balance perspective. Be realistic, understand you signed up in a market that is highly volatile and unstable, you must have a realistic baseline for earning in each change of demands in accordance to the season. Take for instance in my Atlanta gig market for me to average $100 bucks a day between 4 – 7 hours is phenomenal, especially if I chose to use a strategy that minimize fuel. The market is sorta-slow in essence demand is still present, but at very specific times, the demand is locked in split shifts as well as more drivers feel heart-up to make an earning. The scales are tipped a bit, but to the skilled driver it’s not pressed to earn nicely on a daily basis. Skilled drivers, strategic drivers see the market for what it is and act accordingly.

How to strengthen your driver and delivery game I must admit is a variable matter due to the fact each market differs, but I believe some of these generic tips to consider will help you stay fairly or become profitable. It is simple so don’t overthink it. Again see the market for what it is and accept it, don’t over exert yourself. What may look like to be more in earnings if you spend more time on the platform may in fact cause you more in fuel, time, and wear and tear on your vehicle; not to mention the wear and tear on your body. I’d rather spare $50 bucks than work another 10 for $50 bucks, just isn’t worth it. Know your worth. If you’ve ever have a bag of tricks in that money bag of yours I must stress that now is the time to use it. The so call don’ts may be proper do’s at this juncture. Here are so things to strengthen your driver/delivery game:

Stop shutting off the app. Now outside of my bulking strategy I am all for powering down regularly and strategizing. Being demand can be far and few leave the app on.
Moving cars make money, but I suggest extending your wait times in certain areas 3-5 minutes. Don’t be so quick to drive off after a drop-off or delivery. I’ve gotten pings in what seemed to be the most unlikely of places.
Work the city when brought into the city. Some people if they stay in the outer perimeter of a metro area will B-line themselves to highly populated areas and thought that makes sense, I want you to consider that E V E R Y O N E else has had that brilliant idea. This causes saturation of some sort and you most likely expended a great deal of fuel and time making your way into the city. Make every mile count!
Piggy backing on bullet point prior I have a strategy called BUCKS IN THE BURBS. This one is highly underestimated, but does require you to be knowledgeable of the community and those surrounding it. This is like a treasure chest of money when worked right. Here in Atlanta and the metro suburban areas are set up like little mini sub-cities. Community developments weigh in heavy in accommodating their residence and creating an environment and social life that will keep tax dollars and monies spent circulating within their city instead of the money going elsewhere. Take for instance Cumming, GA, Woodstock, GA, Roswell, GA these cities are 30-50 miles outside of Atlanta with a thriving nightlife, full of pubs, and family oriented spaces. These areas often have mini surges and high demands that’ll leave you running back and forth from bar to burbs.
Develop strategies if you have not this is the time. If you can learn to be profitable this is good training ground. It is easy to get money when it is plentiful, but your skill serves as a true testament when the market is tough. This is a great time to learn the market, drive in communities you never have and to explore.
Be patient with riders, some people a trigger happy always quick to cancel a ride for that cancellation fee, but that ride may be worth $50 bucks and you traded it out for $4 bucks, not a smart move and pretty amature move. Sit your ego aside.
Lastly, don’t work no more than 8 hours straight and incorporate working one or both of the rush hours committing 3 hours to the high peak hours no matter what. I make the bulk of my money doing this doing the week. I drive in what I deemed for myself the most undesirable time of the day but my start time is anywhere from 2-4pm ending from 7-9pm. I clear a nice chunk of earnings and ironically not using much fuel. I do strategize in how I move direction wise, but nonetheless I work these hours diligently 3-4 days out of the weak.

So there you have it in a nutshell! I hope you this blog has encouraged you and granted you some awesome reminders and takeaways so that you can remain less stressed and pressed to earning a dollar. Work smart not hard, persistence and observation is key in the gig economy. If at all you’re needing any assistance in developing your own strategies or need an outside perspective to earning, may I suggest heading over to my website http://www.ceodriveher.shop and setting up a consultation for $35. It’ll be the best investment towards mastering the gig economy.

APPS YOU NEED AS AN ENTREPRENEUR IN THE GIG ECONOMY

I am calling this the supa dupa of management, apps that is. Often you hear me speak of business management and the need for constant accountability of finances, time, and data. Entrepreneurs, giggers, freelancers fall for the age old trick of feeling a sense of accomplishment when in fact we’ve done absolutely nothing in comparison to what we thought or think we’re doing. Being self-employed is attractive, seductive, alluring, and can easily grant a false sense of production, because let’s be honest “we’re always busy” with some aspect of our business or the business of others. We go from here to there, drained; seemingly masterminding (talking about what we gonna do) with others yet still getting nothing done. So how can we actually measure our daily productions, information, and income without all the in depth data analysis and time consuming reports? Well, I believe by the use of some simple, easy to use, and free/low costing apps to help you gain perspective on in your gig business life.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you find some way to squeeze in some new app. I am an app groupie, but often I do a cleansing evaluating those I use on a regular basis from those that are taking up space. I am going to briefly showcase some apps that you may want to consider for use that are multifunctional and simple for you daily accountability needs. Some of these apps do cost or have free versions, but I will be honest I found it worth paying the low annual fee if applicable, your investment will yield you a greater return. I have come to realize, growing wise in the notion that we tend to value and use those things which we actually pay/invest in. You want to maximize the operation of these apps so you can maximize your efforts and gain more efficiency and time in your life and business life.

Before I begin suggesting apps for use I must say I am only speaking from being an iOS user. If you use android check and see if available and if not may I suggest reading up on some reviews of apps of its caliber in comparison and consider using those, you may find some that are actually better!

Hours (yes that is the app’s name). This app allows you to list all your gigs and color code them. You can ad in work hours, break, and amount earned. The only thing is you’re only allowed 5 gigs to list so I suggest you list only your 5 top earners or rather those that require a lot of your time weekly. You clock in and out like a real job and can export the data into Microsoft Excel program if you choose. The paid version which is $19.99 annually on iOS is unlimited and well worth it.
House of Gigs. It is a little plain Jane(ish) but I must say my favorite because it’s so simple and you can enter all the info at the end of the day regardless of how large or small the gig was. This app is free and creates awesome goals and charts for you and your earnings. This app is so simple and you can list an unlimited amount of gigs. I do some gigs like Roadie, which is considered an “on the go gig”. The Roadie app doesn’t do a go breakdown of hours worked and earnings in my opinion especially when I literally may only pick up 2-5 gigs a weekly on the platform. This allows me to track my gigs so much better and see actual weekly earnings without penning them down myself.
Dropbox. This is one of my ultimate favs! I have a resume company, publishing company, and media company where I create a lot of content. I use multiple devices and it was tiring having to always convert documents and email them. Dropbox is definitely a great investment. Now the app is free, but depending on the storage and monthly usage you may have to pay a subscription fee. I use a great deal of the app and have yet had to pay. You can have others send you documents for signing or video, etc. without the conversion issues. I store important documents for easy access to, like, drivers license, EIN’s, business certificate, etc. for forwarding or in case I lose them. I highly recommend this app if you’re a serious business owner.
Simple (yes that’s the name of the app). This is a nutrition app specifically for intermittent fasting. Use entrepreneurs either need reminders to eat or something to keep us from eating/snacking throughout the day. Our nutrition tend to fall to the waist-side because we’re constantly eating on the go. As a business owner, gigger, anyone having multiple hustles that vary from day-to-day hands down the best option for us is intermittent fasting. It keeps us disciplined to eating in a specific eating window and keep the weight gain at bay. This app is pricey, the annual cost is $39.99 or month to month for $7.99 on iOS. But, please trust me this app is worth every penny! I absolutely love the app and it grants you awesome data!
Focus Keeper!!! This app is really good for us content creators that tend to like to do 10 things at once. If you create vlogs, blogs, an author, or do consulting and web building, etc. anything that requires in depth concentration and focus this app is perfect. I can get in some great workflows in creating content, but I have a bad habit of wandering in my mind and on my phone while working. I will be on a roll for 10 minutes then check my emails, IG, website, or worst watch YouTube clips of something stupid like cat drives truck, next thing you know 15 minutes and 8 videos in I’ve wasted time and mental space. This app sets work time in increments of your choosing, I usually do 20-25 minutes and take 5 minute breaks in between. It is free and fun to use! I love the low-key ticking sound that subconsciously reminds you you’re running against the clock which for a competitive person like myself is awesome!

These were just a few of the ones I believe will buy you back more time, earn more, and appropriate your time in a manner that will cause you to feel more driven and in control of your work/life balance. So many entrepreneurs stay busy doing absolutely nothing, once you see how much you are actually doing or rather what you’re not doing you will shape up hopefully. Remember we are our own boss, meaning you are actually an employee too! You work for you, now let me ask you this, if you were paying someone (you) would you hire or fire them? Are you working optimally? Well here’s a way to do so if not.

App organization is the key to you being the efficient business owner you envision yourself to be, start today, hold yourself accountable.
CEO DriveHer

Be sure to visit my website at http://www.ceodriveher.shop for my ebooks and consulting/coaching services. You can find many of videos on YouTube at CEO Driveher and follow me on Instagram @ceodriveher for daily motivation and gig info.

THE GIG VISION FOR 20/20???? DON’T GET BLINDSIDED

The power of the number 2020 is massive. New year, new decade, new mindset! In short I want to encourage to take the good, the bad, and ugly and use it as a tool to help you metamorphosis in your gig business. You, me, we are sitting on a wealth of information, experiences, and know-how; but now we must effectively use what we’ve learned to earn more and do more collectively. So let me ask you what is your vision? What have you mapped out for your annual goals? Have you at least made some projections of what you seek to obtain for 2020? Well let me help you begin to do so, let’s go!

LIST IT OUT

This process is simple and is not to be overthunk, the only rules are you cannot second guess yourself nor can you sell yourself short on your desires. You will make a list of 5-25 entries for each. List the following:

For each of the 12 months write in your desired earnings i.e. 4K for March, but 6k for June.
List all gigs currently working and those you will apply for. In the list example briefly job description (1 sentence i.e. food delivery, dog walker, rideshare, handyman, freelancer, etc.
List educational courses that would complement your gigs, those that will allow you to expand/broaden your skill-set so that ultimately you can use towards employment or business.

I believe you get my drift. You’re not limited to just these listings, but this should help you get a head start on things. You cannot afford to take a simple generic approach in planning out 2020 mapping of goals. It is a must your are detailed oriented and laser focus on what it is you want. As I always say the gig economy is here to stay, but not meant to stay in your life for the long-term, you must have a multifaceted portfolio of gigs, jobs, opportunities to be highly profitable and maintain some sort of “gig security” due to the climate of gigs currently.

So, let me ask you “what do you see?”. Is your vision filled with worry, despair, debt, and frustration because of life circumstances and lack of gig opportunity? Or is your vision filled with strategic planning, pivoting tactics, proper money management, and motivation? One thing I have learned about the gig economy is a large portion of it is contingent on your own perception, I am not saying to ignore its ugly truths and harsh sometimes unprofitable realities, but rather allowing your perception to be positive because ultimately you come to the realization that these gigs are to work for you, you don’t work for them, per say. An optometrist would define 20/20 vision as visual acuity, the clarity or sharpness of vision, measured at a distance of 20 feet. Now, believe it or not 20/20 vision isn’t actually calculated as the best, but rather a good balance of sight on average. 20/20 vision does not factor in other important aspects of vision for instance peripheral, depth perception, and to see colors. I say that to say this, as you map out this annual plan of year 2020, clearly outlining your goals, desires, and visions for your work-life, collectively your 20/20 vision gains color and depth; virtually mental, spiritual, and physical clarity; it all becomes sharpen and clear to obtain. Have you ever tried to visualize a map, let’s do a little mental exercise, right now try to envision your current city and picture you in the middle of it with a 10 mile radius of all the stores, gas stations, parks, schools, hospitals, police station, post office, homes, etc.. Now, if you’re pretty familiar with your community you may have a good recollection of things at about 40% – 60%, but it wouldn’t be precise, I guarantee you you’ll either under or over estimate distance, time span to get from point A to point B, you would only be able to guesstimate but so much. Now, imagine you unfolding a map with all the precise miles, distances, homes, stores, etc. it’s so clear and colorful, in fact you may be surprise to find way more streets, avenues, neighborhoods, opportunities, better routes, etc. That is exactly what happens when you carefully create a 2020 visual map of your gig/entrepreneurial life and desired goals.

Again don’t over think this process, all you need right now is a journal, pen, cellphone, and mental glasses for clear vision to map out the future. Get bold in your demands, proclaim were you will be, don’t worry about were you are right now, but maintain sight on the ultimate goal and accomplishments you’ll soon experience! In a later post I will share my Gig Vision of 2020 in depth. As of right now I have the following gigs signed up on.

Uber
Lyft – inactive
Roadie
Door Dash
Lime – on pause
Bird – on pause
Postmates
Wonolo – inactive
Fiveer – inactive
Airbnb
Instacart -inactive
Shipt – inactive

As of right now I have the following businesses in operation.

CEO DriveHer – Multifaceted gig teaching business and business coaching.
LipstickNFit – Holistic Wellness and Life Coaching Practice
Lady Lifter of Life Publishing Co.
KNB Resume & Portfolio Services
Bodacious Media
WhipLashed
YouTube Creator

From that list I will prioritize all gigs and businesses, outline my desired income from each monthly, and hours committed to them monthly. Some gigs are better in the summer than winter so many will only be active partially. Doing this will keep me focused. In addition for them all I will write a master plan for each detailing how I plan to use them, how they will benefit/compliment my other businesses, and how to scale them so I am profitable whether using them or not! I am a firm believer that you ought to be creating some form of passive income from EVERY gig on some level. I do not care if all you are receiving is a $25 referral credit a week, imagine if for all the gigs you’re signed up on that you averaged a total of just $100 bucks a week, that’s $400 added income for doing nothing, but share your information.

Right now I need you to just ponder over it, think of what you’re doing and think of what possibly you can do more of. Yes, maybe you’re busy, but just busy in the wrong type of way. There’s nothing wrong with being busy, what is wrong is being busy unable to scale and manage what it is you’re doing, especially if you’re lacking being profitable in it.

For more of my content and services please be sure to checkout my websites http://www.ceodriveher.shop for gig services, or http://www.knbresume.com for resume and interview coaching, and lastly http://www.lipsticknfit.com (under reconstruction) for life coaching and holistic wellness services.

THE PRETENDERS… STORY OF A WANNABE BOSS IN A NEW DECADE

From ecommerce, to gig economy, to YouTube, and Instagram fame money is at our fingertips like never before with most not needing to contribute anything of much value. We’ve lived in a decade of fame and riches advertised to be easily obtained with little effort and I believe this notion is causing many to self-destruct in their desires of obtaining financial freedom and peer recognition for success.

I’ve always been in business for myself since a teenager on some level. Whether selling cigarettes on campus, babysitting, to life-coaching and resume building I always looked to earn income on the side and grow a business of some sorts, from my early teenage years throughout my adulthood. I loosely say I’ve been an entrepreneur my entire life because a large portion of me being in business for myself I’ve always had the protection of a traditional job looming in the background, hence clouding my true responsibility of managing and scaling my side businesses. It wasn’t until I went full-time entrepreneur and embracing the gig economy that I gain true perspective of business ownership.

In my observation of business owners, which began with myself I quickly seen I had been a fake, playing the role of a boss, a business woman, when in fact I knew nothing of running a business, especially one to be self-sustaining. Now, almost three years of gig hopping, freelancing, and entrepreneurship has taught me more than than any business school or mentorship program in my opinion. It has truly been trial and error for me, constant investing in thousands of hours of university YouTube, reading numerous books, partaking in online classes, and working alongside those that did not run their businesses right, but learning from their wrongs! I am still learning how to articulate all that I have learned, but one thing is certain my keen ability to see those that are lack luster and not true to their business dealings.

The Pretenders. These individuals are not easy to identify from the surface, but to true business owners you’ll identify them in minutes; in just by asking a few questions they easily reveal themselves without their own knowing. Us business owners tend to be smooth talkers, a-whole-lot of talk and very little actions. We are the kings and queens of procrastination, we live in the clouds and rarely come down to the valley of reality. We have a good game plan, but never execute them, we have all the answers for others, but when we have the answers for ourselves we fail to adhere to them. The Pretenders, can be the worse types, they like the idea of success and often they have everything they need to be successful, but lack implementing the hard work and self-investments required to acquire success.

How to quickly identify “The Pretenders”

All talk no fruit of their labor.
Lacks consistency in their endeavors.
Quickly switching earning options.
Fail to invest in higher education i.e. online courses, workshops, etc.
Have the ability to make money, but half-ass complete opportunities.
Lacks advertising their services through various media outlets.
Slow to move on changes required of them to level-up.
They tend to piggyback or rather lurk in the background of others success somewhat posing it off as their own.
Looks to obtaining clients through mere existence and no true connective approach.
Actually lazy! The lazy part seems hard to identify because they come off highly motivated and active, but in fact they’re just good at moving around looking busy.

Pretenders look for help and even welcome it, but once instructions are given they’re slow to move upon suggestions and actions. Pretenders are often highly skilled and gifted individuals, but the problem I believe is they lack from a variation of work ethics. Remember when I opened up in the beginning of the blog with the worker types from this past decade, a bunch of individuals with money at their fingertips with an high expectation of gaining income /clients with little effort. This seems to be the new playbook of ecommerce and business, due less make more, provide little effort and value but inflate costs and make it big! There’s only one major factor, many aren’t being profitable in their approach, and instead of becoming cognizant of the needed change they’ll double down on their methods continuing to earn less to little with this inflated fallacy of business success. Us as entrepreneurs are constant dreamers, creators, of grand ideas for making money, but that execution part and commitment to constant investing is faint.

I have a business that tagline is “Driving to Fund our Dreams”, those there at the CEO DriveHer understand that often we must invest our time diligently elsewhere to make our dreams a reality elsewhere. We’re committed to investing/funding our businesses through learning, earning, and planning; nothing is given all is earned! So I ask you, are you pretending, are you acting like a boss or are you a boss, do you understand that business ownership is not glamorous, nor easy, and when done for earning income you must actually have passion and skill to consistently scale your business for permanent growth. You sir or mam constantly throwing darts in the dark masked as a “boss” or “business owner” will be short lived if you continue to pretend while in your endeavors.

For more blogs and vlogs checkout my website at http://www.ceodriveher.shop where I provide media content on IG and YouTube, also be sure to checkout my services if you need help in the gig economy or business consulting for entry level business owners.

UBER BULKING STRATEGY TRAGEDY

When your best laid plans suck! We all have them in the gig economy, they are to be expected, and it sucks, but I will speak of the importance remaining consistent and how to keep a solid bulking strategy even when it seems to not work. Your intended stack of cash may turn to long hours of seemingly a few coins, but do not underestimate the power of bulking!

Now you’re probably asking “CEO DriveHer what is bulking?” well glad you’ve asked. Bulking is a strategy I’ve developed by default compulated with various modes of strategic operation while working a gig. I am currently creating an eBook on the subject matter. I believe this strategy is phenomenal for giggers that seek to work at least 12-hours a week minimum to 32-hours at most. This strategy is for the more skilled driver, you must be highly intuitive on the road with the ability to quickly assess and predict the flow of demand and traffic. Bulking is a strategy seemingly simple and with actually implementing just a few components it actually is on an easy high demand day. This gist of BULKING is this,

Drive on the platform on a high volume day in accordance to your market.
Drive implementing a high peak high traffic volume time, this may seem to be suicide by traffic, but it all evens out if you plan it right.
Drive for a minimum of 3-4 straight, no breaks, take everything smokin, no cherry-picking, keeping declines to a minimum. TRUST THE ROAD.
Set a financial goal before taking first mini break. I like to be above $100 on a slow money day, but upwards of $200 on a high volume day.
Be sure to have a full tank of gas before beginning, have coffee, water, in car and bathroom break already done! You do not want to stop for any reason. The power of bulking is the getting in the flow!

Those are just a few requirements for bulking, for more be sure to check my website for eBook release, an easy read that will help you change the game in your earnings in minimum time and effort! So why the title, why classify bulking strategy as a tragedy today, well because I am highly competitive and though I like to think my plans, my strategies will always be executed with precision, today it wasn’t.

So today’s goal was set and I dashed off. Plan was to work a solid 8-9 hours on platform, with one mini break after 3-4 hours, amount desired was set low (I thought for certain I’d make more) but set at $200, hours to work was 4:30pm – 12am, no eating, begin just before rush-hour, app stays on no exceptions, 25 asses in the seats, accept all rides. Well I ended up with making about $150 in 7-hours, only 15 passengers, pick-ups started off slow and everything that could go wrong, DID!

I kid you not every pickup was like the most aggravating, just absolutely worst. See the great thing about bulking is getting in the flow, today was everything but a flow. If things would’ve flowed I know for certain I would’ve made goal and then-some! Here are examples of not being in the flow, these things legit happened to me leaving me rolling my eyes up to the back of my head endlessly.

For some oddful reason somehow I picked up multiple groups of people that have multiple drop-off spots. Uber drivers loath this! To add insult to injury I kid you not it wasn’t like hey each stop is a block or a mile in distance from each, NOPE. Each drop off was miles apart one was literally first a 25 minute trip and the second drop-off was another 30 minutes away, bruhhhh! This caused for long trips, meaning shorter turnaround minimizing my body count. Not to mention actually having to help instruct one on how to input the info for ALL THREE STOPS. -_-
Long waits for both UberX and Comfort rides. I like for my pickups to be smooth and effortless, they were all but that. I had to cancel on one comfort ride and I don’t like canceling, but I waited over 10 minutes for a comfort ride at the airport that was going all of 3 miles. At that point I was losing money and wasting time. I had one girl literally decided to request an Uber while at checkout and just a few minutes after the cancellation button appeared she comes walking out.
High-minded uppediy ass rider who clearly felt entitled. He wrongly pinned his address and got pissed at me for his mistake. I was were I was suppose to be he wasn’t. Needless to say I got a complaint and low rating. If I ever see his geeky ass I swear on sight I got a few words for him. *tuh
Unjustified traffic in the weirdest of places.
Unpredicted destinations. I could not have made up some of these routes. Destinations were so out of the way and obscure, sometimes leaving me with dead miles at peak times.
Missed out on my surge areas and boy it was surging high, but I was nowhere near them, ugh.
Damn airport queue did not instantly rematch me once I did my drop off. This contributed to a large gap in my earnings and not getting in my desired area.
Tips were hella low.
Short trip blend were the worst.

Now, ask me if I am going to do it again… You bet your ass I am. This on the surface seems to have been a fail, but in fact it was a great win. I won but knowing how to tighten up my strategy when I begin to see things play out the way that they did. Take for instance not being instantly placed in the airport que on the rematch. I would’ve simply began to work my way back up going north and taking local trips instead of waiting the 30-40 minutes. I would have started me day a bit sooner and driven to a more staging spot. These types of days are the best because of what you learn, it sharpens your skills. We may lose some battles, but we ultimately win the war. In addition this is great conditional and develops your work ethic. So many times I will have a client that has a slow period and they feel defeated, they have a sense of entitlement, a belief that the money and opportunity will be on a constant flow due to their mere existence on the platform. So today will be a greater success, let’s go get them asses in the seats.