freelancer – THE CEO DRIVEHER

THE SECRET TO SUCCESS IS PLANNING

See as a planner I’m good about mapping, and drawing things out, where I lacked was in the area of parking tasks and timing, I sucked at it totally often running behind schedule looking at my well laid plan asking myself why.

“Without a plan, even the most brilliant business can get lost. You meed to have goals, create milestones, and have a strategy in place to set yourself up for success.” – Yogi Berra

I’ve falling in love with the planning process all over again! I must admit I’d been feeling a bit overwhelmed because I just couldn’t seem to find the best planning software nor format for my business and life needs.

As a serial entrepreneur this is majorly difficult, trying to weave seamlessly my life and businesses components. The other day I was out with my daddy have our weekly daddy daughter date and he said something so profound, he said “NuNu (my nickname) one thing about you is you’re a planner and that’s awesome.” He was so proud and amazed of me, he was able to calculate things I’d said even years ago and repeat to me how I’d then made plans. In fact I’ve been like that my entire life, but not without many detours, hiccups, and lost!

My daddy was so proud, but internally I was cringing because I felt everything, but that. See my father has been able to hear my plans, and now see the manifestation of my plans, but I on the other-hand knew of my dirty little secret. That secret being though I can draft some of the best laid planes, I can be bad at executing with precision. I am a planner, buuuuuuuut a lazy executioner, so bad that often times I’m livid at my poor execution because I know the outcome could’ve been a million times better, with less stress, ugh!

Now, for those looking from the outside in you’d NEVER know, but I know, and I carried some shame from it. I’d try so many different things, timers, softwares, planners, outlines, you name it, but it just wasn’t cutting it, that is until one of my clients who is a master at planning and business development, Phyliss of Hulbert Custom Designs, put me on to a new project management software by the name of CLICK UP (https://clickup.com/?fp_ref=kimberly31)!

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

I have tried everything from Trello, to Asana, looked into Dubsado, used HoneyBook, Keap, and other CRM and project management tools. Though they all have their place, hands down from costs, to integration, to format, to ease, to structure and unlimited use…. CLICK UP is the best! See as a planner I’m good about mapping, and drawing things out, where I lacked was in the area of parking tasks and timing, I sucked at it totally often running behind schedule looking at my well laid plan asking myself why. Now, having use CLICK UP the answer punched me right in the face!

I kid you not it seems as thought my production time has dropped immensely allowing for my execution time and volume to skyrocketed! This by default has raised my drive, momentum, and confidence! I am so on it dog gon it! I’m feeling unstoppable! Their system is so awesome I’ve parked all my companies in that one platform, creating various “spaces” and managing everything from there. I love see the planning process, the sub-categories, and the ability to map my time and progress chart from by a simple click of a button. This software is a massive game-changer, so much so I am making it a required tool in my business courses and business development coaching services.

One thing about me, I know something when it can help reshape a business for the better. There’s no way you cannot be profitable using this software, not manage staff/freelancers/contractors, or fail to execute. Success from the planning process rises up off the page and for me forced me to work even harder and execute more tasks.

I went ahead and purchased an annual subscription for the business tier after using the software for 30 minutes! I knew where CLICK UP could take me and my businesses so I dived in head first and I am loving it! If you are a one man band business to a large start-up this is the greatest project management tool! I already cancelled my Asana and I am using my Trello for personal/home use. FYI, I was able to integrate my calendars, emails, and others components. Please be sure to checkout https://clickup.com/?fp_ref=kimberly31 CLICK UP, you will NOT be disappointed!

The Power of Mondays: 5 Ways to Maximize Your Workweek

Monday can be hard – it’s the start of a new week, and you have so much to accomplish before the weekend even begins! As an entrepreneur, there are several ways you can start your work week off right so that the rest of your week goes well, too. Here are five ways to maximize your workweek as an entrepreneur starting with Monday.

Starting Your Week Off Right

Many entrepreneurs make time for self-care on weekends, but there’s power in starting your week off right—not just mentally, but physically. With careful planning and organization ahead of time, you can power through Mondays more effectively than ever before. Here are five key ways that you can schedule your workday so that it’s easier to get through your Monday. And if you know how important starting your week off correctly is to success, why not give it a try? See what works best for you! You might be surprised by how productive you feel at mid-week with these tweaks under your belt. Best practices for staying motivated and organized as an entrepreneur: If there’s one thing most entrepreneurs have in common, it’s their ability to succeed when they simply show up and power through an average day.

The Power Of Mornings

While it’s important to block off time for your side hustle, you don’t want that commitment to detract from your main work. If possible, limit your side hustle commitments during standard business hours. Wake up an hour early each day and power through your Monday—and keep powering through every morning after that. This will help maximize your productivity throughout your week as well as allow you more opportunities for networking with other business owners.

Having a morning routine is one of the most powerful ways you can start your week off right. But what is it? How do you create one? Learn ways to walk through and craft a morning routine that maximizes your success. By following steps that accommodate your style, you’ll feel more energized, inspired, and productive when tackling new projects or making crucial decisions during your day. Plus, research shows that having good self-discipline in the morning will have positive carryover effects throughout your workday—and even in other areas of life outside of work. Find the best tips for starting your week strong by waking up with purpose, this blog has a number of those tips!

For example an awesome morning routine may not even begin with work. Here is an example of my morning routine/ritual to maximize my days especially a Monday (when I actually commit to them, ugh):

Wake up before the sun. There is just something so magical and powerful feeling like you are beating most to the start of a day.
Start straightening up my home like cleaning, moving things around, etc. It’s my thing and cleaning helps clear my mind and revs me up. My environment is a key element in how I produce throughout the day.
Use my French press to make tea or coffee. I think I do this more so for the aromatherapy.
Make a list of tasks/goals to tackle for day and week.
Exercise! 20-minute HIIT or long walk with dog. That morning air is powerful!
Tackle emails. I loath emails, it really effects me mentally. I am still learning was of tackling emails, so I prioritize them and answer those I can grant an immediate response to.

The Importance Of Scheduling

There’s a reason Monday is called New Week, New You. As an entrepreneur, you have so much to juggle every day—from tasks at work and everyday errands to business decisions and your social life. It’s important that you carve out time in your schedule for everything you need to do, otherwise, one thing will eventually fall through the cracks. The key to keeping track of it all? Stay organized with a weekly planner. Plan out exactly what you want to accomplish each week, block off times for specific appointments, keep track of how many hours you spend on each task or project, and set deadlines for both work-related goals as well as personal plans.

Staying Organized

As an entrepreneur, you wear many hats—which is why staying organized and prioritizing your week is essential. If you aren’t already using a tool like Todoist, Assana, or Trello for project management, set up an account ASAP; these tools make it easy to stay on top of things while making sure everything’s moving along according to schedule. Plus, they can integrate with nearly every other platform out there to ensure no task falls through the cracks. Having everything in one place not only helps keep projects running smoothly but also means you’re able to view what needs doing at any given time without spending hours hunting down information.

Staying Motivated

Starting off a new week can be daunting for any entrepreneur, and it’s easy to give up on your bigger business goals when you feel unmotivated. But if you want to power through Monday and maximize your workweek, there are ways you can stay motivated throughout. One way is by following a weekly schedule (hint: try getting stuff done early in your week!) or self-organizing yourself with apps like Evernote and Trello. It’s also helpful to keep track of all of your tasks so that you don’t fall behind—and finally, reward yourself for completion at each stage! Most importantly, remember that just because one day goes wrong doesn’t mean you’re doomed; every successful entrepreneur has had their fair share of setbacks. You’ve got what it takes!

Most Successful Practices Of Entrepreneurs: & Recap

Monday can be the most productive day for entrepreneurs. If you’re not already powering through your Mondays, start now! Here are some best practices that will help get you started. 1. Staying Organized & Staying on Task (Weekly Focus): One of the biggest contributors to success is organization; without organization, an entrepreneur doesn’t have control over their business or their time—which are both very important assets. Starting with a plan helps keep yourself accountable for your tasks and reminds you what exactly needs to get done throughout your week—and it won’t take more than 30 minutes once per week. 2. Listening to Audiobooks While Working Out: It might sound like too much at first, but listening to audiobooks while working out is ideal for two reasons. First, you don’t need to focus on something else during workouts; just listen while continuing other activities such as running or weight lifting. Second, audiobooks allow you to multitask; combining reading books with exercise and workouts becomes even easier. 3. Creating Systems Over Goals: This practice seems counterintuitive because we’ve been led to believe that goals should be set in order to achieve them. However, creating systems around small daily habits yields better results than setting vague long-term goals or big monthly ones—plus they’re easier to create and maintain. 4. Tracking Weekly Effort Hours: In addition to tracking hours worked, keeping track of effort hours means keeping track of how hard you work each day. When efforts exceed expectations, then those efforts become part of your new standards for future days. 5. Keeping Track of Your Daily Routine: It may seem boring and pointless, but keeping a log of your routine makes it easy to assess which parts can be streamlined or improved upon by comparing today with yesterday—or last month with next month.

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?

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.

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.

SMALL BUSINESS MEANS BIG BUSINESS IN 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

APPS YOU NEED AS AN ENTREPRENEUR IN THE GIG ECONOMY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LIST IT OUT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

SUBSCRIBE & LEARN AT THE CEO DRIVEHER

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.

RIDESHARE POSTURE

Rideshare posture is simply a more formal way of simply saying “daily goal”. The thing about posture is it is always subject to change, it allows for you to properly gauge the current climate via apps and market demands; from your assessment you adjust your daily goal that makes you profitable. Merriam-Webster defines “posture” as (b) conscience mental or outward behavioral attitude. I love that last part “outward behavioral attitude; making the perspective more personal and customized to your own individual style and desire in accomplishing your daily goal.

ARE YOU POSTURING YOURSELF FOR DAILY SUCCESS?

The problem I have found in those I coach within the rideshare/gig economy is most are using tips and generic solutions by other “giggers” in the community trying to make it applicable to their own markets when in fact that can do more harm than good (not all the time but some). What matters is your developed perspective. It is like fitting a square peg into a circle, sure it’ll fit somewhere just not there in the circle. What I encourage is you find your wave in your market find out what each day can grant you, but the only way to doing this is by trial and error on a daily basis over time.

You cannot set nor achieve consistent feasible goals unless you consistently work these various platforms; this is how “rideshare posture” is developed! When you develop rideshare posture you become extremely confident in being profitable regardless of how/how much the market change which can literally be on a daily basis. We simply adjust and ride the torental waves of this gig economy lifestyle.

Rideshare posture if compulated with a solid goal plan allows me to expand and maximize my profitability as well as my time! In the Youtube Community Board I posted the following things to consider when setting your daily goals:

Set your hours.
Minimize breaks.
Decide what you going to make within those hours.
Do not detour from your desired goals.
Drink tons of water and no sugary drinks, this is for mental clarity and focus.
Create a route mix (see post for details on route mix).
Set number of trips in accordance of hours being worked (see post for more details).

These are some basic, foundational goals, add anything to this list just keep them reasonable and attainable. Sometimes, if you’re anything like me we dream in bright color and “over reach” with dreamed up unrealistic goals (lolz), so let’s stay grounded in our desires. Now, this principle can and should be used in all your gig jobs and freelancing opportunities. If you seek coaching or a consultation please email me at ceodriveher@gmail.com to inquire of my prices and services.