lyft – 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?

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!

IS YOUR CAR AN ASSET? WELL DEPENDS HOW YOU USE IT.

I believe in this emergence of the gig economy our vehicles and homes, but in this text we’re focusing on our cars, can be liken to the modern day mule. It’s a valuable work-beast if you allow it to be. I am constantly met with an unjust argument that me, you, others are fools for using a car rental service or our own personal vehicles for the gig economy. I often see on my YouTube channel Kimberly CEO DriveHer these statements “what about the wear and tear on you vehicle” “don’t your car depreciates?” “you’re making less money due to wear and tear and fuel costs” the comments are endless and moronic if you ask me. I believe the only ones that see it that way are those that simply have lacked being profitable in the gig economy and rideshare. Newsflash people, every piece of property you buy, own, rental depreciates on some level, even your bodies people. Now this blog will be not be loaded with statistical data and facts, I don’t have analytical numbers and charts to prove my point, but what I do have is common-sense and perspective. I plan to quickly help alter your perception and mind in how you can and ought to use your vehicle in such a way that you make it more of an asset than what it already is. This is opinion based, but opinions based upon facts for certain. So hear me out and hopefully you can begin to yield a greater return on your investment, that being your vehicle a tangible asset.

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Let us begin with the word “asset” asset is defined in Merriam Webster dictionary as a: an item of value owned; which I believe best sums it up! Whether you are renting, leasing, financing, or own your car in this day to make a valuable return on it, you must use it optimally. Cars and meant to be driven. They produce new vehicles and the production of many of them are low quality and cheap, they are not built to last so you may as well work that mule to the death. Yes take care of your car, yes keep up with the maintenance, yes use it wisely, but for goodness sake USE IT! The argument of wear and tear to justify not doing rideshare is just ridiculous. Now if you have a vehicle on it’s last leg maybe you need to stick to primarily deliveries and not rideshare. Be smart, use your vehicle wisely. If you have a beat-up pickup truck maybe gigs like Byrd, LIme, and Roadie are best suited considering the caliber of jobs and heavy loading.

In the rideshare gig community I believe some people tend to overthink this process, you don’t utilize what they have appropriating it properly. Don’t go out purchasing a new vehicle stay on middle ground, remember things will happen. Newer vehicles cost more insurance wise, that’s risky. Your vehicle in the gig economy is an instrument, an investment, keep all costs low in reference to it so that it yields a higher return financially.

I currently use the Uber rental program and really like the option of not have to pay car insurance, nothing is in my name, and that is one less loan on my credit. As a minimalist to some degree this option works best for me. I use the rental for many of my gigs not just Uber. I maintain the vehicle, keep it clean, get it serviced regularly (at no cost to me on the servicing), and keep it damaged free. The entire cost for me to rent it monthly is $980, but if I complete 75-90 rides I get an extra $120 or $195 weekly bonus. If you subtract that I am actually paying less than $400 a month for the rental! Now, it still requires you to work a bit to get all those rides, but the trade off is sweet overall. I get unlimited miles, can take it anywhere I want, work where I want, and use it to do my other gigs!

So, if in the gig economy stop focusing on wear and tear and focus on profitability, focus on how you can make this “modern day mule” your ultimate work horse. Here are some rules to recap on:

Don’t go into debt trying to get the nicest pricest vehicle.
Use what you got and until you can afford to upgrade using cash no financing!
Keep costs low. Use fuel points, cash back rewards on fuel, etc.
Keep up with the maintenance but but in a cost effective way.
Use you vehicle for multiple gigs, not just one.
Start to see how your vehicle brings you value on a daily basis.
Consider which gigs are best for you to do in relation to the type of car you have.

UBER CANCELLATION FEES & HOW RIDERS CAN AVOID THEM

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Well hey hey hey, have you ever been hit with the cancellation bug? I am a rideshare driver and occasional rider and yes I’ve been the victim of the cancellation bug. As a driver I knew I was at fault for not communicating my location as the rider when it happen to me. I was at a large bank preoccupied on my phone. The bank sat at the corner of a major road and had 2 sides for parking and pickup. The driver never reached out to me nor was it his responsibility to do so. Reaching out to riders is a courtesy not a mandate (LYFT we must call on regular rides but not shared rides). I think it’s our due diligence to do, but that’s the luxury of gig jobs like ridesharing, we can do as we like at our discretion. I was at fault and took the loss, but in this blog I am going to advise you on how to not be the victim of the cancellation bug. For more in depth reasons and ways to avoid cancellation click on the above link for my vlog which is deeply detailed. Click above link!

I believe for the most part drivers don’t want to cancel out rides, there has been a few times I almost cancelled due to wait time and the payout was vastly in my favor. Sometimes the rider seen the inconvenience and greatly tip me, other times it was a long distance trip or had a higher surge than normal. I try to be understanding and put myself in the place of the rider. If I make a courtesy call or text usually I can discern the matter and I am willing to wait. It is those riders that care not to communicate back or totally disregard our time that annoys us rideshare drivers. What we’re asking for is basically communication, respect of time, and understanding of how most rideshare platforms works. We are not the traditional taxi by no means at all, we do not get paid on time! I want you to maximize your rideshare experience, enjoy it, and keeps more dollars in your pockets, so here we go!

THINGS YOU DO THAT CAUSES CANCELLATION FEES:

STOP PINNING your location while still in your office building or apartment. Don’t do this it throws off the GPS showing to possibly be on another street or area oppose to where you are walking to. This causes wasted time and drivers will give up.
DO NOT request an UBER while in an elevator. The elevators tend to take a long time in large office buildings and apartment building. Usually the driver is now forced to waste gas and circle the block and it’s just not worth it. Get to the lobby then send request for rideshare of your choice.
DON’T BELIEVE the arrival time. I have literally shown up 10 minutes earlier than what was projected to the rider, remember it’s just an estimated time. Be ready, be prepared.
STAND distinctly in pickup area! Stand out from the crowd, we cannot drive asking everyone we pass for their name.
(MY FAVORITE) Use the TEXTING feature!!! Communication is everything, text your clothing, where you’re standing, how many people standing w/you, etc. especially in busy areas.
Coordinate w/those you’ve requested an UBER or LYFT for. How can we know who to get if you don’t tell us it’s someone besides you. If you’re a male requesting us to pickup your wife, yet we do to the name see BOB well we’re looking for a male not female.
WALK at least a .25 of a mile outside of major events! If can’t get to you or get to the location and you’re not there I assure you we are cancelling and taking that fee for our lost time. Plus the surge will be lower. *wink wink*
DO NOT REQUEST AN UBER WHILE AT BAGGAGE CLAIM!!!! I refuse to explain as to why, but basically it’s not worth the wait. Walk to the assign rideshare pickup lot then send request.
KNOW ASSIGNED PICKUP LOTS AT MAJOR EVENTS. We are fined high fees in some of these areas if we pickup outside of the assigned lots.
DO NOT CALL OR APPROACH MY VEHICLE W/ATTITUDE!!! Please be respectful!
WRAP UP YA SOCIAL SESSIONS. We are not waiting for you to finish your conversation nor cigarette. This is rude, BE READY!!! When you clearly show disregard for our time that is one of the ultimate forms of disrespect. We don’t care about the .09 cents a minute we get for waiting.

Ultimately we’re out here to make money, drivers don’t make that much on average, they are using their own resources as independent contractors with the rideshare platforms. I love granting great service and giving an awesome rideshare experience, but this is a business, our business and we must be profitable. Wasted time is the death of us. We make most of our money off mileage, but in being able to have quick turn around on those miles; long wait times adds up and just isn’t worth the wait. I hope this piece grants you some understanding and we can continue to bridge the gap between riders and drivers so for the both of us that continuity makes for a better rideshare experience. Take care and be sure to subscribe to my blog and youtube channel!

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.