giggers – THE CEO DRIVEHER

HIDDEN WEALTH IN THE GIG ECONOMY IN COVID-19 SEASON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

MONDAYS ARE THE BEST DAYS

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If you ever wanted a great reason to restart anything or to get a fresh start on what you’ve already been doing, then Monday should be a great reason for you too. Mondays are filled with possibilities, you get to from scratch map, plan, set, and visualize your goals and intentions. Monday starts the countdown of a seven day plumb-line (a measuring instrument), it allows you to measure short-term and long-term goals.

Monday – Write out your plans, map your week, itemize your goals from greatest to least. Write out what is of most importance and how much time you need to commit to it for completion. You also want to set a budget! What needs to be paid, what are you planning to invest in, figure out how much money do you need to make this week. As a gigger, freelancer, entrepreneur we have an income that has many variables, so this is key. You do not want to be playing catch-up on anything. If there are bills that need to be paid, go ahead and pay them! If you have to cut back on expenses and you clearly see this, DO IT! Don’t assume the money is coming in, this creates a more stressful environment on yourself mentally.

Tuesday – Execute hard! Go full throttle on you mapped out goals, go as hard as you can, work that day like you have 1-hour to turn in your last assignment which is the biggest grade of the semester. This is a method I use because I notice it gets me way ahead of the curve ball later in the week, plus it sets the tone for good momentum.

Wednesday – REPEAT Tuesday. Review your Monday Mapping plan and see where you are on the plan, are you making progress, are you behind. Read over it daily so you’re reminded of what needs to be done and you don’t risk forgetting.

Thursday – Calculate what percentage of your goals have been completed. See what needs to be dropped and can be reassigned. This happens, don’t worry focus on what can be done and completed. Until you get good at setting measurable goals you often will have to tweak them. Again don’t feel like a failure, we tend to over stretch over reach on our goals, that’s okay; over time you’ll get better and know instinctively what needs to be niched down so that you’re successful accomplishing your mapped out goals/plans.

Friday – Reflect, reflect, reflect. Be real with yourself, ask yourself if you’ve given your best to your goals, have you stuck to landig? Now, while reflecting you’re still working, but working with full intention of completing tasks. Seeing where you can add more umph and drive to what it is you’re doing. Are you gassed up or all gassed out? Calibrate yourself and again be realistic, but know how and when to push yourself more. This degree of self-awareness and mental calibration breeds self-honesty plus you see areas in which you may need to outsource. We cannot do it all, but initially as business owners it is not a must it is vital to the success of our business(es).

Saturday – Coast on out! Ride the wave accept what you’ve done and begin to polish up and close out all tasks left or completion.

Sunday – Rest & Reflect. While going into reboot mode, at this point you’ve slowed down, you’ve accepted your projections, you’ve accepted what you’ve completed or not completed, and you are game planning mentally of what you can do better next week.

In closing I know this may seem like a lot, but in fact what I am asking of you may require only 10-15 minutes of your day exempting Monday which may require 60-minutes and that’s okay. You committing 60-minutes to the rest of your week on a Monday can save you hours of your time and money. Don’t sell yourself short by skipping this weekly ritual. Many businesses, corporations, and government entities use Mondays as a means to power-up and motivate their staff. I worked in government and we always set agendas, quotas, plans of execution so that we all could work optimally. If you’re going to be in business for yourself you must begin to do this immediately! Go in God’s speed, be motivated my fellow entrepreneurs!

12-HOUR SHIFTS WITH RIDESHARE || YAY OR NAY

So I decided two weeks ago to do a small experiment on implementing shift work in the gig economy seeking to figure out the following. 1. Will it increase earnings. 2. Is it a better method in regards to granting an individual more time on the back end. 3. Can you be just as strategic. At the end of it all my conclusion actually surprised me in the oddest way.

So I began this experiment on a Thursday and it was in my opinion an utter fail from the start. Did I make a lot of money over the course of those 4 days, well yes of course, but I made the same amount just a little more than usual. In short my findings proved that working 12-hour shifts doing one solid platform be-it Uber, Lyft, of Door Dash is pointless unless in odd situations whereas the demand is an all time high, but that is rare. I will maintain my firm belief that strategy out weighs work hours in exchange for higher earned income.

First issue with working 12-hour shift, if there is dead time you’re stuck and left to just wait it out when in fact if you stay to strategic split shifts you in turn can make more of a profit, have more time to expend on what you want, and incorporate a nice mix of other gigs. Second issue with working 12-hour shifts, SLEEP deprived! This by far was exhausting and for someone like me that likes to be mobile and fluid in my day-to-day activity this limited me severely. Sitting in a vehicle just isn’t sustainable and extremely unhealthy. As a holistic wellness coach I notice I got more lazy, I started to swell up, and my eating was off big time. A big factor to consider with rideshare or any gig for that matter, for the most part the demands come in waves. Staying logged on in down-time is literally a waste of time, as a business owner you’re best investing that time in other endeavors and contributing more time to resting up. Third with 12-hour shifts, irritability and lack of mental clarity and sharpness. It seemed as if my days were running in to one big lump. I literally felt like a slave to the road, which defeats the point of doing this gig. I refuse to be an employee to it. I work on my rules, terms, and when I wanna.

The surprising overall effect! So after a day or two of recouping I noticed after a few days I was able to work longer hours effortlessly. Working the 12-hour shifts caused me to become adapted in a new way in regards to how I went about doing rideshare. I use to space out my time hoping off and on and not following through on time when logged in. I seen myself declining fewer rides and trusting the process. When logged in I was committed for the long haul. My work time went from averaging 4-5 hours a day to 7-8 hours a day. I was more targeted and strategic in my earnings. I made more money is less than the time I had when working those 12-hour shifts. In all the greatest thing taken from those twelves is I was able to push myself more seeing what I was capable of doing. Me being uncomfortable those few days was enough to quickly condition me to work more efficiently.

So in my humble opinion if your only option is rideshare and you don’t seek to do anything else and don’t mind long dead time then it just may work out for you, but I can guarantee it is not suitable for the long time. If you’re an entrepreneur like myself this is like dying a slow and painful death completely tormenting to the entrepreneurial soul because we seek to be profitable every waking moment. Wasted time is dollars, taking away from us committing time in other avenues.