doordash – THE CEO DRIVEHER

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.

WILL GIG JOBS FORCE VACCINATIONS ON GIG WORKERS?

To take the jab, or not take the jab. The latest trend on both sides I must add are shaming those that have or have not taken the vaccination. I will try to refrain from injecting my social political ideologies from this discussion, (“try” highly emphasized) and not be subjective on the matter, so my apologies in advance if I’m not able to.

Right now the trendy thing is to flash your vaccination card on social media or curled arm with kiddy sticker saying I got my shot. This is terrifying! Your medical records should always be kept private unless you really seek to bring awareness to a matter. With all the health discriminations from insurance companies, and jobs why on earth would you publicly speak on anything; as it relates to your health that can later be used against you? (rhetorical question)

Remember, these are still classified as “experimental drugs” that are NOT, FDA approved nor are any of the pharmaceutical companies held responsible / liable for any adverse affects of the drug. Many of the providers have been liable in pass time for unethical practices and issuance of drugs. Have you seen the late night commercials asking if you’ve been diagnosed with an illness or side-effect from a drug / vaccine between the years of 19XX – 20XX? Well, you get my point.

With all that being stated, can and how will this effect our once somewhat protected private medical files? As an independent contractor, gig worker, freelancer, can you see how this degree of possible superimposed measure can lead to other infiltrations that can lead to discrimination? Are you in a financial position that if adverse effects occur you are medically covered or can take the time off needed to recoup? Will we have any financial help for any long-term effects? Most gig workers and freelancers I know do not even have medical insurance.

Who will protect us, and our rights? Right now, absolutely no one! You and only you is your first line of defense in this area. When it comes to gig platforms like Uber, Lyft, Doordash, TaskRabbit, Grubhub, etc. it will be interesting how this all plays out. Can they afford to force a huge part of their bottomline to be vaccinated (us the partners)? As independent partners can they in fact impose this being we are not traditional employees? What about ride-share drivers? If they are forced to take the jab would that not be a requirement of all parties that enter our vehicles? Can we impose that need too?

This is the slippery slop; I can clearly see in not only the gig economy but in all businesses of sorts. But, this is the biggest question; how and if this measure of action is infringing on our constitutional rights as American citizens? We all should have the choice, and each ones choice should be respected and honored! If forced to do this, do we have legal standing in the courts to holding these businesses liable for any affects?

GIG RIGGED THE NEW PROFITABLE NORM IF DONE RIGHT

I will keep saying this and shouting it to the top of my lungs, but we’re living in the best of times as independent contractors, self-employed, giggers, side-hustlers, small business owners, etc. It is as if this time was created specifically for us all and though this time of opportunity is abundant it does come at a cost and readjustments.

For well over a year or two I have been speaking of the importance of gig workers establishing LLC’s. of their own and building a “gig business” of their own. I foreseen the need of the gig economy growing immensely. Some times thinking my calculations may be wrong I always ended up back to the the reality that the gig economy is here to stay and will be the new norm! Now, with Covid-19 my predictions reigns even more true!

So what is the cost of all this? The cost is moreso of an internal one causing for a mental shift and acceptance of this type of work life. As a gig strategist and gig coach the biggest thing that get in the way of most giggers is their need for immediate gratifications and lack of creativity on the platforms. They don’t see all the various aspects of the gig economy that can make them even more profitable, the great thing about this is many of them are exiting the gig economy in droves! This great exodus will become another profitable factor for those of us that do see the massive opportunities within this sector of work. We will begin to see a massive infusion of the professional turned gigger!

In many of my other writings I spoke of mainstream traditional employers embracing the template of the gig economy here’s how/why:

Contracting / Outsourcing employees (in high demand).
Less financial risk with contracted employees.
On-boarding process is quicker.
Doesn’t have to provide traditional incentives for employment.
Serves as a trial run for potential hiring on employees full-time.

Why many contractors are taking advantage of the gig economy:

Flexibility! This is a major one,
Less commitment.
Earn more upfront and use the money to pay into outlets of their choice i.e. retirement, assets, healthcare, etc.
Many can work from home or remotely in the field.
Less demand from authorities and oversight.
Work freely.

The gig economy is not to be limited to delivery services of food and goods, nor limited to rideshare. The gig economy is made up of software engineers, truckers, administratives, virtual assistants, bookkeepers, etc. Covid season has proven this. With the majority of employees working remotely from home this proves to be true. So with this being the case why wouldn’t a business or corporation take this opportunity to minimize costs such as overhead, pay employees more, but as independent contractors? Is this possible? I think it is and know it is! Though with traditional employees still wanting employers to offer great health care options, 401k, and retirement types, that incentive is dying out massively; and employees are preferring their money upfront with the choice of purchasing their own options.

There will be a learning curve and many adjustments as this progress, but I believe if one educates themselves on these options and embrace the gig economy right, they can become highly profitable and more in control of their lives and earnings. The gig economy has a sexiness about it that can catapult you into abundance or serve as a great destruction. What is key is discipline, money management, and creating safe holdings of finances for unexpected issues.

side gigs the new permanent employer

“THE GIG LIFE IS REAL LIFE MONEY”

The gig economy has gotten the recognition and promotion it so desperately needed, it wasn’t a matter of when but how it would come about. So many ups and downs, lawsuits, and confusing legislations “giggers” were left in limbo until this covid-19 season awaken the lack of identity and purpose in the gig world. One minute you’re classified as just some Uber driven, next you’re an essential worker! What, well how I see it we’ve always been essential, no we do not have a fancy title, no we’re not like our awesome military and law enforcement officers guarding our communities, no we’re not like the nurses working endless days under stressed filled hospitals, but we are serving in an odd capacity that awards some appreciation.

Now, I am no way trying to glorify and gas up us as rideshare drivers, delivery persons, and freelanced digital nomads, by no means, but more-so wanting to highlight how the gig economy worker contributes to society in an unprecedented way. The state of gig work is woven now into our lexicon or way of life; it’s a real thing a real task, so real that well over 57 million individuals partake in the gig economy on some level in the United States, that’s massive, that is over 1/3 of our current workforce. We now see the importance of a virtual workforce, a workforce I seen long ago emerging out of the shadows. With this unfortunate event employers are going to jump on this opportunity to taking their business virtual in every capacity we will see a digitalized brick and mortar and they’re justified to do so.

Now, why do I say side gigs are the new permanent employer I tell you why, because if you do not mind the risk, the ability to manage yourself as a gigger, and be open to temporary assignments then your’ ability to virtually be employed be-it for yourself as an independent contractor or employee, it will be endless. With this said, I warn of those within the gig economy getting to comfortable with 1 or 2 gigs, my philosophy is to incorporate and build a rapport with as many as possible (gig platforms that is). You do not want to get trapped as the employee, spread yourself thin and diversify outside of rideshare and deliveries as gigs.

More employers are seeing the added benefit cost wise in outsourcing various tasks that once would require staff, even teams of staff. A virtual assistant, virtual bookkeeper, software engineer that can remotely handle IT issues is a sure win! Less cost in overhead and expenses, mind you often not having to pay into various payroll taxes and incentives. Both sides has its losses, but for many it’s a win win!

There’s nothing really knew about the gig economy, it has been around for decades, but what it new is how its viewed and what exactly it entells. People like myself see endless opportunities and possibilities within it. From Lyft drivers to Doordash delivery person, to virtual handymen, to online medical services the gig economy takes the win for years to come!

The photos you see are from my ebook written earlier this year titled GIG ALERT, whereas I dive in deep on the various aspects of the gig economy and especially a chapter dedicated to businesses to see its ability to maximize its earnings as well as savings by incorporating the gig business model. For purchase be sure to visit my website at https://www.ceodriveher.shop click on the ebooks tab and purchase among many of my other reads.

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.

DELIVERIES IN THE GIG ECONOMY CAN BE A CASH COW & GRANT YOU HUMILITY SIMULTANEOUSLY

the wins….

The delivery aspect of the gig economy I believe is overlooked and underrated. Maybe because of our culture viewing the proverbial “delivery boy” as the low income high schooler side job, no real effort required or needed, just go from point A to point B, easy enough; right? Well I will show you in short how much monies are left on the table because of pride. In this era, in this day academia accomplishments and status still reigns, but at what costs? So many people are choosing jobs/careers/work for status and not essential living, not quality of life, not even money, but reverence from family and peers. Success is cloaked in an illusionary tale and the gig economy has aided in my ability to see what true success is.

I must be honest, I am writing this from both perspectives, I was that judgemental person that thought of these gigs as worthless having no ability to add to the development of an individual’s professional career. Now, do not be mistaken you must, you must, you must ultimately see how to use the gig economy to leverage and develop in your profession of choice; allow its intricate paths to be a guide towards your success. If your only fulfillment in the gig economy is money it will be short lived and not as profitable as you’d like for it to be.

It took me awhile to see the endless possibilities in the gig economy. Once I got over my bitterness, depression, and lack of worth due to my layoff of my job of 15 years, I was truly transitioning as a person in so many ways. It has been 2 years and 6 months roughly since my layoff and I am still learning aspects of myself as an entrepreneur, leader, employee, and individual. I have learned more in this period of my life than any other. I have compounded information, data, and experiences that I would’ve never obtained if not for the gig economy, and I am grateful for that. I thought as an officer dealing with the general public and criminals (usually in crisis) granted me a wealth of knowledge, and it did, but it was one-sided. In law-enforcement I had lost hope, compassion, and patience for people, for society, for government. The gig economy cultivated my ability to care again, to have some patience, and most of all to serve others.

You are probably asking “what the hell does this have to do with the gig economy being a “cash cow”” well I will tell you. I say it’s a cash cow when you see the benefits in it that helps develop you as an individual, you begin to see the fault lines of opportunity so you perfect your craft to be profitable. I have met and watch on YouTube many drivers that for some reason or another make decent/mediocre money doing gigs, but they are unfulfilled as individuals primarily because they lack from my observation, mastery of the gig economy and personal development. They are so fixated on being their own boss that it clouds their ability to be a servant to their craft. They appear to believe they’re owed something, when in fact their entitlement mentality keeps them in a loop of despair and unprofitable. Whether you like it or not, whether you agree of not the gig economy primarily is a gig that requires you to serve others. The good thing about this is the ability to generate more tips for the great service you grant to others. Tips generate $400 – $500 extra to my monthly earnings. My positive attitude, smiling, and common courtesy I attribute to this.

Another aspect of the “cash cow” ability is knowing how to sign up on as many platforms as possible and developing in each one as much as possible; that is in accordance to your market. This takes skills. You must know when it is best to work each. You develop a six sense on these platforms, effortlessly you’ll be able to earn.

I see myself as a professional! I don’t think less of myself or anyone else for that matter for earning a honorable wage, but as a professional we must be and maintain humility, serving in this capacity does exactly this for me. The earning aspect is high and easy when you simply consider the following:

Serving. I assure you you will not like everyone and you will come in contact with some disgruntle individuals, but sometimes those were my best tippers. I have come to learned that most of the time it isn’t personal they are dealing with their own stuff and realize their actions.
Skillset. This takes skills, trial and error, and discipline. The market changes constantly and you must be able to discern the contents tempos.
Goal Setting. This should be done weekly and mini ones set daily. Shoot for numbers. Body counts are my favorite. I know on average every trip averages out for me $10 a ride; 20 rides/deliveries can equal $200.
Time. You must commit the time daily on days of choice. Factor in at least on peak hours slot of the day and work it for at least 2-3 hours. Learn to meed demands at these times in accordance to your market.
Multiple Platforms. You must serve on at least 3-5 delivery platforms in my opinion. Again the demands changes and you don’t want to box yourself in with just one platform.

WHEN DELIVERIES TRUMP UBER & LYFT

Hello my fellow giggers! This write-up will be brief, but highly informative in hopes to get you to consider taking advantage of ALL aspects of the gig economy. So many times we become so fixated on one-or-two gigs which forces us by default to become complacent granting a false sense of security within a gig. I believe a major contributor to the whole burn-out factor in the rideshare community is heavily due to being “stuck” in one aspect of the gig. There’s nothing there to break up the redunantcy, at least for most of the drivers I’ve come across. There’s just limiting reward and motivation outside of making a quick buck. Rideshare is like a race dog at a dog track, the shot goes off and the rabbit on a stick hangs out leading the race dogs along the track at a speed that they’ll never quite catch up to. So how do we combat this? How do we stay motivated to fund our dreams? How do we get continued value outside of just a quick buck? Here’s how… diversity! Yes we hear diversify in many aspects of life, but for us entrepreneurs, creators, giggers, freelancers, etc. we are a unique blend of workers, we like variety, we love not having to invest in the same ole same ole day to day work-life and that can be a blessing and a curse. Why not make your world more colorful with work options. See the real problem is we do not like the feeling of being trapped and committed to one way of income outside of our passions and own business endeavors.

This form of mental fatigue and boredom is the absolute worse, it kills your drive and creativity exponentially simply because we fear and feel the subtle creeping of JOB. So I have yet come to a position within my own business to live off so I must still “drive to fund my dreams” and survive. For me to work I must be vested and have a sincere form of enjoyment to optimally perform, it’s part of my work ethic deeply ingrained into me. I made a promise to myself that I will not work unhappy, the value I grant must be matched on some level and I cannot compromise myself for a dollar if the work becomes a major stressor. The gig economy is volatile, a rollercoaster ride with no seat belts so you must be willing to move and adapt to it’s rapid changes or you’ll have a mental shitstorm that will cause you to live in a panic.

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So deliveries, these modes of freelance/contracted work are just as lucrative and grant 20-times the options due to the various platforms available for you to work. With rideshare it almost a monopoly being the only major players are Uber and Lyft. If you’ve been on these platforms you may need anxiety medication for all the shit it puts you through as a driver. The degree of deception and uncertainty creates a hostile work environment and so much left unknown especially due to the few options of rideshare platforms, but when you venture into the delivery aspects your options become grander and you feel less like an indentured servant, you again are in control and with pun intended “in the drivers seat” of your ability to make money optimally.

How does app delivery services trump rideshare? Let’s review:

More to work in comparison of the two rideshare giants Uber and Lyft. I alone am signed up on eight forms of delivery services.
Versatility, these delivery services are massive granting an abundance of options compared to the only option with rideshare companies is picking up riders.
Underestimated, people have yet to vastly see the financial ability in this area of gig work.
Guaranteed work in certain markets whereas you can lock yourself in on the platform.
Can work multiple apps at one time unlike with rideshare.
Less stressful! This is a big one for me, though I am a communicator dealing with humans especially rude ones forces you to a must needed break.
More time and flexibility. I literally take client calls, listen to audible books, answer phone calls while working, not being locked into the “job” like with rideshare. Sometimes to make a substantial amount of money you must stay plugged in on the platform which limits your ability to do other things.
Platforms do get saturated, but nowhere near as saturated as rideshare platforms.

I can go on and on, the data is substantial that affims deliveries to rideshare are better hands-down. Now if your preference is rideshare and you take up no issues with it, by all means keep doing what you do, just know to have at least five other means of generating income, at least sitting on the backburner ready for you to execute at any moment. I see drivers get wrongfully deactivated off rideshare platforms or come into car issues that prevent them to work temporarily, both of these situations happen to me and I am please to say I was able to not stop a beat from working to fund my dreams.

IS YOUR GIG JOB(s) A LLC?

In this day of the ultimate gig economist, contracted worker, independent contractors, digital nomads, etc., if you fall in any of these categories it is a must you establish your business construct as a LLC. Now, let me preface this with that I am not a financial advisor nor am a business lawyer, these are simply my opinions drafted from my own personal experiences, research, and conclusions. You are free to do what best fits your need, I just want you all to weigh your options so that you:

Protect your employment
Grant yourself some job security.
Be cost effective. maximize your earrings, and cost savings.
Take full advantage of the rewards and opportunities that serve businesses more than individuals.
Limit co-mingling and maintain good bookkeeping.

What is a LLC.? LLC stands for Limited Liability Company which is a corporate structure in the United States whereby the owners are not personally liable for the compan’s debts or liabilities. They have the characteristics of a corporation with those of a partnership or sole proprietorship. Every state differs a bit but the benefits outweigh any other option if you’re an individual (sole proprietor) owner of a company.

Why to create a LLC. compulating all your gig jobs allowing your LLC. to serve as an umbrella/cover (insurance policy) over your businesses. Establishing a LLC. is releatively easy and cost less than $500 which includes everything, but I will explain how to later in this blog. You want to create a LLC. for legal protection, but mainly to use as leverage for your own personal and business finances. Once LLC. is established you can easily acquire the following:

Fuel Cards: these are really good for bookkeeping purposes and you save more money on fuel cost. Most of us are using our own vehicles to complete these gigs.
Electronics: when you use your business credit for tools i.e. phones, computers, laptops, instruments, apps, etc. you can really build business credit and save build using entities such as Dell, Apple, Microsoft etc. They are really good about extended credit which is helpful when you’re first building credit. As a digital nomad and freelance writer this is big for me because I use 2 cell phones, 1 ipad, a laptop, and numerous software. In the event I need a replacement or better equipment I’d prefer to use my LLC. business line of credit instead of straining my own.
Affiliate Partnerships: this allows other businesses to see that you have established a legitimate business and there’s some accountability on your part. Hence they’ll want to do more business with you or even invest in your company.
Better Tax Incentives: hands down if you run your books right and you leverage it right you’ll be able to really save! Rideshare drivers are now seeing tax laws change on mileage and tax write-offs that now is chipping away at their returns.
Financial Protection: this is a highly informative area and varies from state to state so I suggest you research this area for yourself, but to summarize it’s better someone come after your company than you as an individual!
Multiple Streams of Income: self-explanatory, you can structure your business in such diverse ways that allows you to create content, passive income, and merchandise.

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In short I will outline what you need to become established as an LLC., now this is a generic listing being certain requirements differ in various states some more lenient while others can be heavy-handed in acquiring; overall it’s still relatively easy. Ok to get started I suggest the following in this order:

Business Name (make sure you verify it hasn’t been trademarked at
http://tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=searchss&state=4801:opytx7.1.1 from the https://www.uspto.gov/trademark website for trademarks and patents.
Logo: create an unique logo easily for cheap on http://www.fiverr.com
Purchase a Virtual Office: includes actual address and business line this will vary in need contingent on your business structure.
Website & Domain Name: you can purchase this for cheap, no need to be fancy, you can always upgrade, keep it simple to like a landing page or 2-3 pages listing products/service, about page, and pricing. Again keep it simple.
Bio: this needs to be professionally done, you’ll be surprise how many seeks out your credentials. This needs to be short, sweet, but highly informative. FYI I do these professionally part of my http://www.knbresume.com business. If you need one I’d love to write one up for you.
Certificate of Organization: you usually obtain this through the Secretary of State (you must have this for a DUNS# and Business Checking account)
EIN#, Duns & Bradstreet Number: this is your tax i.d. AND IT IS FREE (beware of sites that charge, only go to the IRS website
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin after received apply for your DUNS# at
https://www.dnb.com/ this will allow you not to have to use yourself as a personal guarantee to obtain business credit. Both are free!
Legal Docs: this simple depending on your business, start off with Release of Liability forms, and Non-Disclosures. These help protect you and your intellectual properties.

GAME PLANNING YOUR GIGS FOR THE WEEKEND (VIDEO INCLUDED)

Most gig economist bet on highly profitable days, among those days are weekends and holidays. The problem is they themselves and everyone else are banking on the same thing sometimes causing highly saturated markets causing little to no money being made. You cannot bet blindly, you cannot afford to assume the pickings will be plentiful, trust me I use to do that until I started having a form of strategic planning to maximize my profitability in the gig economy business especially as it pertains to rideshare.

ASSESSING: I say this all the time, but it is key, you must be able to gauge the climates in which you work, yes both natural element climate and economic climate. There are many variables that play into this but for the sake of keeping a short blog I will stick to these few:

Weather, if you’ve done gig jobs weather plays a big part in the construct. If you do gigs such as GrubHub, UberEats, DoorDash, you usually will see a spike in demand because people choose not to travel in the rain especially here in Atlanta when the driving is horrific in the rain. Depending on the time of day you can really make bank.
Events, this seems easy, but you must be strategic here as well. Sure you can simply wait outside of venues hoping to catch a unicorn ride or slight surge but I can assure you a lot of wasted time. I believe if I am out my wheels need to be moving at all times! When you check out the events are sure to check out the venues too, take note of the capacity and see if online the events were sold out. This will help you really see if it’s worth working the area.
Hotels, call your local hotels and ask the help desk if they are booked to capacity or go online and see what rooms are available and the price. If high prices I can assure you the capacity level is high. They raise the prices due to demand!

Assessing the local economy and possible demands will help you game plan. Sometimes I do the complete opposite of what I know most will do. Take for instance big concerts, I avoid them especially at a venue that holds 40,000+, the reason being I know most drivers will flock there in hopes of making big bucks. What ends up happening is the driver is left in gridlock traffic and the probability of a rider going over 10 miles is slim. Unless the pickup is somewhat early and the pickup is strategically placed it just not worth it. I, on the other hand, will work 5-8 outside of that area catching the bleed overs making often much more than those stuck in standstill traffic.

Take for instance the Shaky Knees concert that will be her May 3rd, 4th, and 5th. The draws in a nice crowd full of locals and out of towners. This crowd will be widely spread out and the pick-up area is well organized so it will be worth working. I know this because I’ve already done my research and can somewhat gauge the demands.

Another thing a lot of gig workers that tend to do more of the food delivery services will hop on driving more this weekend, which will leave me the opportunity to play the other side of the field in slow times with rideshare. The human conditions can be very easy to predict, so I use that to my advantage. So let me ask you the following:

Do you plan on using multiple gig platforms?
Are you willing to take 1-2 hours to research some data to see what areas may be profitable to you?
Have you assessed the climate of the weekend? What’s coming to town? i.e. Here in Atlanta we have a 3 day music festival/concert, Amazon is hosting a free conference which has brought thousands, there are other major conferences in town, and Sunday is Cinco De Mayo; as for the weather it is projected to rain Friday, Saturday possible thunderstorms, and more rain on Sunday. All these variable make a huge impact on how one is to work their selected gigs.
Do you have a daily budget and goal of pay?
Do you have specific times you want to work? This is important, you don’t want to just be driving around off and on you ought to and must set time schedules as to when you do your gigs. If you don’t you will burn out!

In all make your assessing measurable, keep it simple, think of a plan, write down the plan, execute the plan. Always leave room for flexibility and chance; if anything changes or through you off at least you have your plan to revise and assess. This will help you with future plans and what will begin to happen is you’ll start noticing trends, profitability, and consumer patterns. This is how you develop a 6 sense if you will for these gigs. I strongly suggest you write down your assessment / strategic plan either on 1 full sheet of paper or in your notes on your cell phone. This will keep you on task and focused on the bigger picture!