uber drivers – THE CEO DRIVEHER

WILL GIG JOBS FORCE VACCINATIONS ON GIG WORKERS?

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

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

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

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

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

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

GIG RIGGED THE NEW PROFITABLE NORM IF DONE RIGHT

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

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

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

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

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

Why many contractors are taking advantage of the gig economy:

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

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

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

side gigs the new permanent employer

“THE GIG LIFE IS REAL LIFE MONEY”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

PULLUP N GO! A “NEW” RIDESHARE COMPANY THAT MAY BE JUST AS BAD AS TRYP

So there’s this new rideshare app named PULLUP N GO… oh wait it isn’t new exactly; it’s like so many other would be rideshare companies hoping to ride on the coattail of megatron rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft. They’ve been looming in the background waiting and wanting in on the peace of the pie; they actually been on the scene since 2017 from what I’ve gathered. I actually don’t have a problem with that, but what I do have a problem with is would be gig companies and startups alike trying to take advantage of the hard working giggers! I did a simple research sweep of the rideshare company being they used a prop Yung Joc (my opinion) in a recent video having gone viral showcasing the Atlanta rapper/entertainer who is shown to have a net worth of 4-5 million dollars, currently driving for the rideshare company. Y’all if you can see my blank Kanye stare right now *tuh all of this clearly was staged and dummies are taking the bait! Look I get it, I see the point of marketing, I see the point of broadening your base in attempts to gain exposure, but this was just not the move! Anyone having truly driven on a platform for an extensive amount of time and wanting to be profitable could call this hoax for what it is. So here I am going to outline some red flags about this company that seemingly just re-up and reappeared. I will also speak on the foolishness of giggers wanting to actually partake in this and why more than ever giggers you must be mindful of this here today gone before it even starts companies opping on the scenes.

Gig apps can be an awesome cash grab for criminals, hustlers, you name it especially if asking for a “starter fee” *rolled eyes again*. These apps have a lot of the same red flags that seem to come from a MLM (multi-level marketing) playbook full of phony promises, hype, and no return on investments made. In my brief attempt to research and gain collective data on this company (mind you it was shallow and brief because literally any information or data sought after is like non-existent google it for yourself, but I digress), I found nothing, but red flags. Here are a number of them:

Membership fee, or as they suggest a “The Flat Fee Subscription Plan” for $39.99 A WEEK, from what I gathered from their website IG account @pullupngoceo and @pullupngocfo and @pullupngo_ if you sign-up now you will be granted 2-months free. Y’all let’s just stop right here! Ugh, wait why do I have to pay you? For what? This screams broke and scam already. NEVER PAY TO WORK ON AN GIG APP!
Website is trash and poorly functioning. Go to it for yourself and I do not suggest downloading the app, being you’ll be uploading serious documents you cannot risk your data being compromised. I attempted to navigate on the website and much data is either missing or currently unavailable. Also instagram account lacks consistent info and I literally see no Youtube account.
Phone number doesn’t work. They suggested I call their 24/7 support team so I did. And whelp I got an error message stating the number is out of service.
Could not find any driver or rider reviews for nothing! Unless my google is different from your google I couldn’t pull up a thing. How is that so, they list that they are currently in 5 major markets and not a thing.
A famous “prop” using an entertainer in what I believe to be intentional marketing strategy (check video links and see what I mean). All over headlines from Rolling Out mag, to the local channel 2 news it reads “Rapper Yung Joc Shamed for Driving Rideshare”. Newsflash rideshare drivers and delivery persons alike are shamed all the damn time, yet this one goes viral. I can show you thousands of videos of people mocking us giggers, but now “shaming” is of need of coverage. Smells like a pile of horse shit and many people are stepping in it.
Don’t see any investors, don’t see any companies or persons behind this brand? I read on a post on their IG they were turning down investors left and right to maintain staying black owned. That is most likely because the investors are you, those that are going to be paying a WEEKLY subscription.

I have so much more, but I am trying to keep this brief. For more in depth information on this company visit my YouTube channel CEO DriveHer, I’ll definitely be uploading a vlog on this matter. Look this company can actually mean well and have nothing but good intentions, but if you’re going to emerge on the scene I’d hope that a number of basics will have been thoroughly thought out, planned, and executed. The only thing that I see that has successfully launched is their marketing campaign for exposure, hell I had no clue to who they were until my feed was flooded with these Yung Joc videos of him being a rideshare driver. In addition I am not blaming him neither, but understand something my fellow giggers, you are their deep pockets. The person that gets screwed the most and worst on these platforms be-it Uber, Lyft, Doordash, Postmates, etc. are the drivers/delivers unequivocally. These gigs depend on your ignorance and co-dependency. The new marketing approach I see trending just like with TYRP is the whole “keep all your earnings” bit while you’re paying a subscription / member fee each week or month. The apps and websites info is never properly updated, or vague, filled with false promises of “coming soon”.

A lot of these startups I believe are trying to capitalize off the emotional strings of drivers, many of which feel trapped or wanting a way to earn more. Look people if you watch my Youtube channel at CEO DriveHer where we Drive to Fund Our Dreams, you know I always say spread yourself thin, gain as many gigs as possible to put on your belt, this is the ultimate diversify method in the gig economy. But I must caution you about the fake love affair many of you tend to gain for one platform over another. I say look at them all as the beautiful charismatic cheating girlfriend that, yes she’s there most of the time, you can have a great time with each other, but unfortunately she’s a whore and is not to be trusted. Take it for what it is, have fun, but NEVER fully commit! In short gigs are friends with benefits and all parties involved have a clear understanding of the situationship. *wink*

In closing things I want you ask yourself as well as research for yourself when these type of companies just up and appear the following:

Is this gig worth the investment?
Is the company able to publicly provide real drivers, riders, patrons, reviews/testimonials. i.e. quarterly, annually, etc.
Are they asking you to recruit in an obscure manner?
Maybe I should try being a customer FIRST and do my own internal field study.
Is the gig in “LIVE” mode, beta, or simply a “coming soon”?
Go to all their platforms (without downloading the app) see if it’s functional, if the phone number works, email them for more in depth info, etc. Look, if the website is not properly formatted and half-ass working why would you trust downloading their app? In this day of viruses and hacking don’t chance it.
Take a look at what the platforms are actually offering you, is it worth it, can you articulate with proof that the added gig will allow you to immediately earn.
MARKETING! What is their currently marketing strategy, are they even a buzz, are people using their services and if so where?

These are surface questions that you can easy obtain with little effort. People you are a business and you must “mind” how you conduct business. These companies own you information, vet them first before jumping on hyped up bandwagons filled with marketing ploys and false promises. My intentions is to protect the freelance, the gigger, the part-time hustler, the side-hustlers, entrepreneurs who are funding their dreams and trying earn an honest living. Sadly we must be mindful of possible startups being predatory on those who simply want more control of their gigs and higher earnings.

For assistance in your gig business or in need of coaching services visit my website at http://www.ceodrive.shop and for resumes or job search http://www.igotchojob.com

UBER COMFORT; TO CANCEL OR NOT TO CANCEL || IS IT WORTH THE WAIT?

Great morning my fellow giggers, freelancers, and rideshare baggers and baguettes; I hope and pray you are being strategic and profitable out here in these streets. Below is a link to my YouTube vlog on the latest and maybe not so greatest rollout by Uber on their new feature Uber Comfort in regards to the infamous change to cancellations. A lot of drivers are up in arms about the matter yet I have not seen one person post an actual issue to the wait time and cancellation fee.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND CLICK THE BELL NOTIFICATION

So on July 12th, 2019 Uber Comfort officially rolled out of BETA mode and was full throttle. We got to see it in it’s full glory and I must say thus far it’s not that big of a deal… yet! I have been part of the beta testing for 2 1/2 months and was actually liking the Uber Comfort option as a driver. I noticed a number of things and came to some conclusions, but I will save that for a later write-up. Today I want to focus on my very first Uber Comfort cancellation with the newly implemented changes.

Now, a lot of drivers loathed the fact of the extended wait time and “preference mode” these are two hot topics that got drivers pissed beyond measure, but before I could come to any conclusions I felt the need of first experiencing it in its full glory. Below you will see a series of screenshots of the process of the cancellation and what I suggest you do if you find yourself in this situation.

I got the request which was maybe a mile away from Meghan, I quickly arrived and submitted a text as I always do advising I have arrived. The problem is Meghan had input the wrong pickup location. I asked her to update the address and I could come to her. She hung up on me and clearly had an attitude. I sat and waited, I was not going to take the hit and cancel on my end, she would have to do that. I did my part and fulfilled my obligations. I extended the olive branch, use all modes of communication available. Offered to go above and beyond, and she did not want to do what was needed on her end. Now someone may say, well you could’ve just driven and found her, but mind you I did not have an accurate address, if so and if in close range I would have went the distance. I really prefer to pick people up. Constantly cancelling does not help me and my pockets. I want to give the rider the benefit of the doubt! Also if you noticed, Meghan never responded to the multiple texts and she clearly had read them all. This is an indicator to me that she was avoiding the matter in all for whatever reason. When I see people choose not to respond that usually means they are hoping you cancel the ride prior to them having to pay the cancellation fee.

So after about waiting for 8 minutes and 5 seconds I proceeded with the cancellation process. I was not going to wait a second longer. Yes Uber extended the wait time and I was prepared for that mentally so I just used that time to sit in the car and answer emails from my clients in my consulting and coaching practice. Once I was cleared to cancel the ride WITH FEE option checked I made sure I had all my screenshots in case Uber tries to pull a fast one. I always text because phone calls are not tracked and doesn’t prove what was said, but a text thread can help you in situations if anything is ever questioned. I bid you to please use the texting option if possible, this sets a standard with you and riders. Communication is everything and you must effectively do that on a consistent basis.

So my conclusion is it was worth the wait, due to the payout. Now if I had traveled a long distance this could’ve been a lost. Ten minutes zero miles, $7.20 was a win for me. We must be compensated for our time and resources. Don’t allow your time to be wasted my fellow giggers! I believe if they are subject to the consequences it will condition them (them being the rider) to be more respectful and attentive when using the rideshare platform. I can however see this being a loss at times, but as an Uber Pro Diamond driver I am able to use a number of factors to weigh the the costs of it entirely. But this is the chance we take, the game we play, and in all 95% of riders do their part, they are prompt and ready to take off. This was a late night full of Atlanta nightlifers so I totally expect their to be issues and problem children.

So in closing I say before complaining please due your own trial study. See if it is actually a lost or gain or if it balances out for you. I am always open to giving anything a try and maintaining a positive perspective before solidifying any conclusions. I still have some testing to do with this, but overall I don’t think it will be a big deal.

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.

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.

UBER AIRPORT ALGORITHM

I have found that many people that get in the rideshare game may go through YouTube vlogs and see tons of videos on how to make the most money driving for Uber or LYFT; and one of the biggest tips is ” to do airport rides”. The problem is the airport has now become saturated with what I call airport bums seeking that unicorn trip that will pay big dollars. Well that rarely happens and some drivers may find themselves not generating the income they wish to had.

I have found the following issue with a lot of drivers waiting for rides at the airport the end up implementing bad habits such as: 1. Cherry Picking, calling the rider to see where they are going, or actually accepting the ride then cancelling it once destination is viewed. 2. If forced to take the ride and the distance is short they’re rude to the rider. 3. Have a gross expectation of receiving large tips from rider. 4. Complacency, they get real comfortable just doing airport trips. 5. They saturate the market and like hogs don’t grant opportunity to other drivers to benefit from the occasional airport run. 6. Create fraudulent surges, a disgusting practice. Regardless of your stance with either rideshare company this is criminal and you lack proper business ethics. 7. It sorta allows certain drivers to monopolize the system.

THE ALGORITHM! This is where the game will be changed. What is an algorithm | algorithm | noun: a process of set rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer. Basically it is a procedure using numbers to sorta create/identify an equation then solving the problem. The thing about artificial intelligence it often needs tons of data to compute information, identify patterns, and only then the solution is made. Drivers don’t realize that every click of the button in the app, text messages, photos taken, drive time, distances, etc. all contribute to the algorithm setting your own virtual genetic blueprint, displaying your habits. Afterwhile those habits are compared to the habits of others and other things are taken into consideration. These drivers bag habits will facilitate their demise! With these bad practices you are signing your own death warrant in rideshare!

The “digital fingerprinting” which is a calculation of your actions is very real. Just because you have yet to have been caught doesn’t mean you will not be. This is why I encourage those I coach in the gig economy to be creative, in this, you still must work hard and treat what you do like your own personal business. I loath some of the practices of these gig based companies, but you, me, we cannot engage in unethical practices to make a dollar, it just isn’t worth it. I believe Uber particularly due to certain rollouts recently will be revolutionizing the rideshare platform once again and by AI (artificial intelligence). To survive they must change the game and I believe they have the data to do so, it’s now just a waiting game. Look, rideshare is here to stay and though a lot of us may be kicking and screaming at it’s practices I believe it’s best we forged some continuity and together make a better platform. I believe drivers will begin to once again take home 60% – 70% of their earnings due to the fact Uber will be doing a cleansing of their drivers. These unethical ones that believe they are owed so much, yes the pay should be much higher, but unethical practices are not justified.

It is time for the playing field to be leveled and the bad drivers ousted on their caboose so that the drivers that are fair and just can make a good living and riders are no longer being screwed over. Some people actually like the platform and are willing to meet Uber or Lyft half-way, but they will need to give what drivers want most and that is fair earnings.

YOU ARE NOT THE MORAL POLICE… WE SERVE ALL

As rideshare drivers for Uber or Lyft we get to have closer encounter with the general public than most. We are in a weird construct because of how much we see on a daily basis. Whether in a highly populated metropolitan city or the burbs, we see questionable things; things that have us to question our responsibility in the matter. So many times it burden me as an officer of almost 15 years if I was help aiding in a crime or if a crime is actually being committed and now I am the get-away car. But for the most part I have had to go with the following notion, “I am not the police.”. What is that line whereas you’re to intervene? I say it’s when you can clearly articulate and see a crime is being committed, you have an obligation to informing the authorities. If you recognize questionable / conspicuous activity there are hotlines with the local police or with Uber / Lyft to inform them or even the non emergency number at the local police department. Remember these rideshare companies are very aware of criminals using these platforms as vessels to help aid in their crimes, any information is useful and helpful. From my understanding they have complete units dedicated to investigating such claims.

Now, with that stated and with all that we see, we may not understand it, we may not agree with the lifestyles, but we must ask ourselves; 1. Is a crime taking place? 2. Am I or the rider in danger? 3. Does this need immediate attention from the authorities?

Look people your safety means everything, don’t go intergeting yourself into a situation to soon not having all the details. I know we want to help, but safety is first. I had a subscriber to my YouTube channel ask me “what do you do in those situations, do you just kick the person out of your vehicle?” and the answer is absolutely not! That can make the situation more hostile, aggravating a matter when it can end peacefully. Assess the situation carefully, I assure you, you may have the same situation 10x over, but will most likely handle it 10x differently. Be smart, be wise, be safe, and in some cases stay alive!

Today I don’t want to go into the types of activities that are questionable, but rather touch on a subject matter that is concerning to me and that is drivers not wanting to pick up certain types of riders that are legitimately working. I know some people have questionable professions, and we can select who we choose to pickup, but let’s not always throw the baby out with the bathwater. When working late nights I have picked up gentlemen club dancers, female bartenders, strippers, escorts, and those within the trans community that are dancers/performers.

These individuals are preyed upon and often depend on our services especially late at night or early early mornings. I hear their complaints and distress, I let them vent and here’s why I am writing this blog. I encourage you to watch my YouTube vlog for more detailed information, but to sum up the matter, there are measures we can take to helping servicing them without judgement. Their jobs are not criminal, if you pull up to their establishment or they tell you what it is they do you, are to complete the ride and remain professional at all times

This blog will be followed up in a series to cover all basis in hopes to help drivers feel more secure in pickups and drops off while becoming more aware of their situation awareness so they can properly cipher what’s criminal and what’s not.