ceo driveher – THE CEO DRIVEHER

THE BUSINESS GOLD STANDARD AGAINST COPYCATS

Knowing the realities of business is not always fun, but don’t stress over it, it’s business, not personal; that is until someone violates. Remember, true gold cannot be duplicated!

SET YOURSELF APART BY DOING YOUR PART AUTHENTICALLY”
CEO DriveHer

The other day I wrote a post explaining the importance of not giving too much thought about copycats internet thieves. As a business consultant this comes up often and I’ve found many of my clients suffering from execution paralysis, all because they’re trying to find the perfect safeguard for their business.

Now, I am all about protecting your intellectual properties and even creating safeguards, but if you allow yourself to be held hostage from actually putting yourself or products/service on the market, the would-be copycats have already stole from you. This type of worry brings about anxiety with the production paralysis. You do realize major brands everyday are copied? What is key is when wrongful parties are caught the consequences can be great. Nike, Beyonce, Burberry, Gucci, Chanel No.5, even the U.S. Federal government don’t allow copycats to stop them. Fraud is just part of the nature of the game, just make sure you find ways to rightly protect yourself byway of business insurance, disclaimers, copyright, and contractual agreements.

The copycats and fakesters will always be a few steps behind you when you have an authentic and unique way of doing business. They can’t make a new move until you do! Remember that! This is why I believe personality, strategies, and unique formulas/style matters. People fail to properly brand themselves and create a “deep” digital footprint, hence making it easy for others to duplicate them. My brand is heavily predicated on ME, my life, my experiences, my flow, my style, even to how I communicate. Sure people can and have stolen parts of my business, but bay bay they fail miserably in trying to execute like me. What’s sad is they don’t get the results I do, why? Because I am heavily involved in the process of my procedures products, etc. What I do in business is always changing, some things even by the day, week, or month. This grants me a huge advantage, because I must remain very knowledgeable in my space and grant alternative info if need be. Most copycats will NOT keep up with the craft or info.

So, how what does this have to do with being part of the business gold standard? Everything! Authenticity in business is a gold standard, one the is actually very lacking. Even when it comes to make big name producers, companies, celebrities, you’ll be surprised how un-authentic they are and how they themselves have played copycat. They are always “re-inventing” themselves because often times they never were the real thing. We see this with many fake gurus on theses internet streets, their hand is in everything, they’re an expert on everything, etc., why? Because they’re shooting darks in the dark, hoping to land on target.

So, my little bit of advice is:

Be authentic, but to be authentic you must identify who you truly are, and what are YOUR strong attributes in business that can minimize duplication.
If you need help with business safeguards, get some consulting or a researcher that can help you identify some weak points of entry that may leave you vulnerable to copycats.
Be unique and have a signature process of doing things.
If you catch someone stealing, duplicating, or being a copycat; go after them and have ZERO mercy! Set the tone and prosecute to the fullest extent! Make an example out of them.
Stop living in fear. Understand when you’re authentic you have a deep well of ideas, strategies, and creativity. They don’t!
Always be clear in your contractual agreements, website disclaimer, legalities listed in/on digital products. I do not shy away from making my position clear.
Do a SWOT analysis of your business, and market research to see common points of entries where’s people tend to copy.

Hopefully this blog can ease your anxiety and get you out of production paralysis and you can take that great chance of going into the marketplace with full confidence. Knowing the realities of business is not always fun, but don’t stress over it, it’s business, not personal; that is until someone violates. Remember, true gold cannot be duplicated!

SUNDAY RESET FOR HOME BASE BUSINESS

Monday is for the “weak”, Sunday is for the “strong”, let’s get your home-base business powered up through cleaning and organization.

Sunday is the real Monday. If I not mistaken in a famous song of Kanye titled Selah, in one of his bars he says “they say the weak start on Monday, but the strong start on Sunday” and I totally concur with this notion. Sunday is the most chill day to optimize in your business and here’s why:

Most of the world use/views it as a universal laidback day.
The majority of others are not conducting business.
It helps set the tone for the rest of the week, kicking of your Monday to a galactic start.
You can catch up on emails, no one really responds to emails on a Sunday.
Lay out your project management agenda.
Organize, structure, clean home and home-base (aka home-office)
Rollout and schedule direct marketing templates, posts, blogs, and more!

Monday’s energy is for most is dreadful, regretful, and hectic often feeling as if they’re already behind the curveball. I believe this is due to the intense vibration and expectations for the week, many people put such a demand on themselves that they already feel as though they’ve lost.

Area of operation the KITCHEN! Running a home-base business your world’s tend to collide a little and intermingle and that’s okay, but draw strong boundaries and organize your home and fixtures in a way that doesn’t increase disorganization or a mess. I promise you your kitchen is a major factor of presentation and vibe especially if you have an open kitchen like I do. It is imperative you have a clean kitchen, meals planned, and everything in it rightful space. Here are a few things I am doing in my kitchen today:

Cleaning out refrigerator.
Light cabinet organization.
Meal planning for the week.
Washing dishes.
Making a 1/2 gallon or cold press coffee and 1 gallon of green tea w/mint, limes, and lemon.

My kitchen is a very intimate space for me so how it looks and how I move about in it really effects my mood. I love my little tea sets and coffee cups, spoons, French press machine, etc. It is these little moments of daily rituals that enrich my life. If my kitchen is chaotic most likely so am I.

If your room is a mess so are you. Your most intimate living quarters can serve as a clear reflection of your internal self. It is imperative for home-base business owners to maintain a space the allows for free flowing energy. A lack of organization and cleanliness in these areas weighs on the soul.

A messy bedroom causes you to lose time, immediately invoke feeling of stress, and confusion. If you want to jumpstart your day and wakeup un-groggy with your feet hitting the ground running…. CLEAN YOUR ROOM!

Upon waking up do not scroll on phone, get up immediately and following make up your bed ASAP! I’d dare so say have your daily workout clothes and wardrobe set the night before. Here a somethings I am doing today to set the tone for my bedroom:

Hanging up some new wall decor.
Washing all laundry, comforters, sheets, etc.
Hanging and folding all laundry (this is major). I have a bad habit of leaving clothes on my chaise lounge or worst on the floor in a clean pile. (lol don’t judge me)
Dusting! I live in an old factory loft so dust is life around here.
Maximize and organize some unused space/storage.

Lastly, and of course your home office the home base of operations! If you want to curate productivity, mastery, and functionality CLEAN YOUR OFFICE! This is all about mindset business owners, you want to minimize spacial clutter that we tend to internalize on a subconscious level. My ideas and production increases astronomically, it’s as if I’ve taken a mega B12 shot, filling me with creativity and energy. Here are some things I am working on as I upgrade my home-base:

Refurbishing and painting some repurposed furniture.
Hanging up some pics and wall units.
Putting together my new cafe bar.
Buying and setting up new small refrigerator.
Arranging my plants and repotting some.
Painting my walls GOLD!
Setting up new lighting fixtures.
Organizing files and paperwork.
Some other miscellaneous tasks.

Well, there you have it! Please share what you plan to do? Are you mapping out and maximizing your day for the upcoming week? This may sound like a lot, but in fact this is all very obtainable in less than eight hours. Do not allow volume to discourage you, anything is better than nothing. The awesome thing about this type of start is you can massively smash the majority of your week’s tasks.

Please be sure to comment and share your ideas below, we’d love to hear from you here at CEO DriveHer. For more please check us out at http://www.ceodriveher.shop and email us.

BUSINESS RULES FOR ME

Self-management is hard even with the most disciplined individuals. As a business life-coach I’ve coached hundreds if not thousands and the greatest construct that gets in the way of most success is self-governance. Learning how to set boundaries for “self” takes skill, time, and consistency. You cannot allow yourself to slack in many areas or risk a landslide of issues that takes even more time to regain structure.

Small-business owners love the freedoms of limited rules and structure, but should implement way more than most business types, why because there is often much more to be lost if not. Now, we could discuss business rules on a macro level, but I before we could do that let’s address business rules for self-governance on a micro level. I have witnessed many small business owners have great infrastructure in business, but lack the ability to make applicable structures in their day-to-day life.

Mini / micro elements in that contribute to higher productivity and work-life balance can grant amazing results. Here are some that I highly recommend:

Morning rituals! This is where you set in a daily pattern of actions that serves as a catalyst of success, structure, self-promise, and discipline. When it comes to setting a morning ritual this allows you to serve both God and your self first, not allowing for any other externals to rob you of your precious time. Now, you must find 5-10 actions starting off to set in motion for your morning rituals ex. morning grooming routine, make-up bed, journal entry, make coffee, meditation for 5-10 minutes, no music/social media/t.v./radio etc. for first hour, write daily blog, morning walk/workout, read, pray, etc.
Keep phone on silent! This is a major one for me and it keeps my stress level extremely low. As a business owner we are often putting out many mini fires daily, but you must create safe-guards, and boundaries that limit your immediate involvement. For me hiring staff has helped tremendously in this area keeps me sane. I can to realize that my greatest areas of stress came from daily emails, business phone calls, inbox messages on social media, and certain tech issues. Y’all it would bring me to my knees even to making me physically and mentally ill from stress. I had to set boundaries for myself in these areas and hence was able to set boundaries for customers and those reaching out. Once those boundaries were set others and myself could not violate, and a major part came from simply putting my phone on silent and not answering questions 24-hours a day.
Create hard-stops! Look, in business people can be draining and they will waste your time if you allow it. You must set a tone that allows you to manage time and productivity. Time is money, period. I am all about granting high value, but to do that you must be targeted and know how to execute to maximize the time when dealing with clients so that BOTH of you walk away fulfilled. DO NOT ALLOW FOR WASTED TIME! This is a must for people that are the consulting/coaching space especially. This is still hard for me, but I am getting better at calibrating and minimizing people pulling on me.
Saying no. Every dollar is NOT a good dollar. Some customers just need to go away, no matter how great of a sale may be you want to detour some people as much as possible. You will find that some people/sales bring more trouble and annoyance. Some customers are vipers and literally are the worst. I do NOT tolerate these types of individuals whatsoever! I’ve blocked IP address, emails, contacts, and even formally told people I can not service them and that we are not a good fit. I do whatever I can to detour from my business. Please be open to (but nicely) reject customers that bring annoyance and problems, if you don’t they will cause you money and a great deal of stress.

Photo by ANTONI SHKRABA production on Pexels.com

In all the rules you set in life bleeds over into the rules you set in your business life. Establishing fluid, but strong rules that helps in your personal development simply will minimize stress, aggravation while maximizing self-confidence, productivity, and even profitability.

Your ability to earn is greatly rooted in your ability to be firm, stable, and well self-managed. If we can control our actions, we can most certainly control our business.

Thank you for reading todays blog and for more information please visit http://www.ceodriveher.shop for more home-base and small business resources.

gaining time currency, A GIG WORKERS DAY OF SUCCESS

I am really big on those in the gig space that have an extremely flexible schedule to not abuse their flexibility. The human body craves structure and disciple. If you fail to train it, it will rule over you. Whelp, I fell off to some degree with my scheduling. Day after day though I have plenty of time to spare to the things I it still felt wasted. I soon recognized the common denominator was the times I was getting my day started.

How you start your day is one thing, but when you start your day is another! I know this to be true without a shadow of a doubt. I don’t care what anyone says, but starting your day early (considerably 5am – 8am) is simply magical. I easily am able to triple my workload and have an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, smashing goals from left to right! Also tend to make the most money on those days in the weirdest way, it is as if you’re being rewarded for simply planning and doing with an organized construct.

Getting up early feels like a cheat code of sorts, as if you’ve got a head start on the world or something. The beauty of starting your day early is you can set the rules as you like and work it how you like. I personally like to start by lounging a little and moving slow, you don’t want to over stimulate your mind and body too quick when readjusting to the early morning schedule. I love to make a list of “things to do”, I suggest your list have anywhere from 15 – 25 things outlined that must be done that day. Place the most simplest tasks on that list and don’t worry about how perfect or in order the tasks must be (you can do these tasks randomly, but smash a bunch while early). I am all over the place with my list and put the most random things on it. Some of the tasks are menial while wedging in some larger ones. Here ‘s an example of that list:

Wash 1 load of clothes.
Hang up and fold all laundry.
Write 2-3 chapters in new upcoming ebook.
Send out coupons to email list.
Upload on vlog to Youtube.
Commit to at least 20 gig jobs today on the various platforms.
Hang up new pics in home office.
Walk at least 1 mile today.
Order ink off Amazon.
Don’t forget to journal.
Meditate for 30 mins (split the meditations into 2 session of 15 min.).
Be sure to send email to x, y, and z!
Draft new contract for clients.
Get oil change.
Call Uber in regards to a payment dispute.
Weave in 1 to 2 new types of gig apps.

I think you get the point. You can weave whatever into your daily list equation. the reason I say to create a high volume on your list is because even if you only get 1/2 of those things done, mentally when you check those items off, you will feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. You will also be able to see how to set obtainable goals daily, you will see if you’re an overachiever or just not doing enough. This will help you to calibrate yourself and self-manage on a daily basis!

Now, I use to do this same thing when I would wake up later and already feel defeated because so much of my day had been consumed with sleep. Getting up at 10am to 11am does not compare to the effective time currency you gain from waking up just a few hours earlier.

If you notice I primarily listed regular daily responsibilities, this was done because when home and regular life stuff is taken care of we can be more effective on the the gig platforms, working with less stress and anxiety. How often have you been bogged down in your head while working gigs thinking about things you must do at home. Or worst thinking of what to do and not forget to do while on the platforms? To keep this from happening when you make your list over your favorite cup of coffee of tea be sure to take a screenshot of the task and put it in your phone and reflect over it throughout your day.

So let us all win back our time not just on the platforms and left to feeling rushed to make a dollar, but by being responsible and training the body to work off the natural God given timeframe we ought to stay working within. Waking up earlier with our type of flexible schedules reduces our stress tremendously, we only get one mind one body, take care of it holistically my fellow gig workers.

trade jobs over degrees a massive shift

It is simple to find a trade; look for any skill, and type of work that requires a degree of human concentration and from what can be gathered always primarily need the hand of a human being. I have known for decades that trades are highly underrated and even sometimes look down upon. We live in a highly marketed educational system that is a complete fraud. A college education puts you in debt and quite often you’re forced to not even utilize the degree you obtain.

Then there is the individual that lack the ability to see the value in both trade and higher learning. My position is this, go to college and get the cheapest degree possible and specialize in something that compliments your trade and talents you pursue. Higher learning is great no doubt, but it is great when you learn how to leverage it within entrepreneurship and having trade(s). I also believe a degree should not be pursued until after years of servicing and working in various fields. This would limit debt of most individuals and allow them to truly seek a field that aligns with their purpose, plus most employers will now pay for your education and college degrees.

One time me and a friend went to apply for the same job with a major insurance company. She begged me to apply so I did it for laughs. It was a seasonal job and we both knew we were qualified and looked at it as a way to work together and have fun. At this point I’d been living as a gig worker and entrepreneur for about a year full-time. My friend has a Biochemical degree or something like that. She’s a very smart girl and actually had experience in the job we were both applying for. I on the other hand had zero experience in the medical data field, had only some college, and lack any background info on the company outside of what I studied/researched to prep for the interview.

Long story short… I got the job, my friend did not. Initially they hired us both. In addition I was hired making $2 more than what she was being hired at, making well over $20 an hour. Why? For one I had a great professional background that I knew how to leverage as well as my trades that awarded me the ability to sell myself on interpersonal relationship skills and quick learning. I also knew how to negotiate my wages.

Having served as an interviewer on maybe thousands of interview boards, I personally knew that a degree only will take you so far. Employers are looking for experience and trainability. They want individuals that are well rounded, educated yes, but education is now at the fingertips of everyone and anyone with a smartphone or computer! We can literally watch a Youtube video and do projects and learn skills that may have cost someone a great deal of dollars and time, in a matter of a day!

I encourage online learning and free education by all means. Take up trades that you can put into action within months and build upon the skills you learn within those trades. Look for trade schools and schools offering learning in robotics and coding, this is our future and a very profitable one if you pair education and trade together creating a synchronicity in it.

LOOKING AT THE DRY ERASE BOARD

DRY ERASE BOARDS A PICTURE BOARD FOR THE BRAIN.

A DRY ERASE BOARD WHEN USED IS THE CHAOTIC MIND ORGANIZED TO BRING CLARITY & complete tasks.

It is now 5:47 a.m. so this serves as an impromptu writing of the sorts. I was about to close my laptop, the laptop I’ve been sitting in front of for at least 10 hours today, even when eating my dinner.

As I was finishing up some organizing of my soon to be released ebook, I glanced to the left side of me where my dry erase board sits. I looked over at the numerous listings of tasks that needed to be completed by the close of Sunday evening which is less than 48 hours away. Mind you when I wrote it out earlier I thought I could have it all done by the end of well now morning lol! Wishful thinking I guess. *shrugs*

There with bullet points stand seventeen tasks, most of which are very large in nature. The irony is I felt at peace looking at it. I feel reassured the tasks will be done, now, do I feel overwhelmed? Well of course, but I also have visions and semi feelgoods envisioning the sense of accomplishment I’ll have, having completed them all.

So I just wanted to write this quick reminder of the importance of not only visualizing the end result, but writing out the tasks. See a lot of our anxiety and built up frustration comes from us failing to organize our thoughts. So what happens is the brain goes in overdrive. Though I write a lot for a person like myself I honestly still do not write enough. Every time I pin up, write down, journal, or map out my plans; I am beyond pleased with my outcome and usually finish well ahead of schedule. Writing is the ultimate manifestation weaponry. Write it down and it is sure to happen!

So not only will I complete the missions listed on my dry erase board, I will be thrilled to dry erase those task with pen in the other hand ready to update with newer ones.

Dry erase boards are the new age canvases for thinkers and task rabbits, I don’t think we, well I, use them enough and sadly I have 3 of them that are in my bedroom office, ha. This canvas for thinkers are such a beautiful picture of the mind in a way. As you write on it you can feel your mind come at ease almost reassured that yourself heard yourself. The mind lacks confidence in us, or maybe it knows we’re procrastinators, or maybe it just likes to torment us repetitively with thoughts; either way it seeks reassurance, and that only comes when it can mirror itself on paper, sticky notes, or even a dry erase board. Thoughts are often like looking at an atom through a microscope, just chaotic to see, busy and beautiful, but no order, no structure.

So bust out those dry erase markers of all sizes and colors, hang up that dry erase board, and transcribe those pesky tasks and thoughts of “to do’s” in numerical order and get to work! Heck I even had put on the board “make up bed” and “hang up clothes from laundry day”, write it all, make sure they’re task that you can accomplish within 48 – 72 hours, give yourself some time, but they must be done by then. For longer dated tasks use a separate board and make sure wherever you place these boards they’re highly visible.

For more of my writings and services be sure to check out my website at https://www.ceodriveher.shop and subscribe to my blog for more simple daily prompts and thoughts for the digital nomad. gigger, entrepreneur, and/or freelancer.

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.

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.