Lookin' out for Y O U (building your Uber biz)

At the risk that some of my readers won't get this analogy, I want to tell everyone how building your Uber business is to selling Avon (or Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One  - take your pick).  Yes you are building your own rideshare service as an individual. Don't be fooled into thinking that just because Uber pings you when someone close by needs a ride that they are doing anything to help you keep busy. Especially if you are in a smaller, or new market.  If you're spending the majority of your time online waiting for a ping (not going from one rider to the next) then you need to spend some time building your business.

Magnetic sign made by a fellow driver

If you have ever heard of Avon (probably the most popular), you may be familiar with how the company operates. You, as the "Avon Lady," go door to door telling everyone that you sell Avon and leaving them your mini catalog.  If someone is interested you take time to show them your samples and make the sale.  It's almost the same with Uber.

When you start driving for Uber the first thing you need to understand is that you are an independent contractor.  The only one looking out for you is Y O U.  Each year you'll get a 1099 from Uber for reporting income to the IRS, you'll be paying taxes on what you make (less expenses of course).  This is very much a little business with you in charge.

Now Uber does have a reputation and some people know the service is available. You'll get pings for anyone in your proximity that needs a ride. Problem is, you may have to sit awhile to get that ping.  You can improve your odds - by letting people know you drive for Uber - just like the Avon lady lets people know she's selling.

Start by ordering your Uber cards with referral code and adding "trade dress" (signage) to your vehicle.

Next, take a look at your neighbors.  Do you know them? How about going around your neighborhood and passing out your cards with referral code.  They can get a free ride from Uber and you'll most likely get the ping because they are your neighbors. Plus! You'll get the $5 referral fee when they do ride. Don't know the neighbors - here is your chance!

Third on the list, take a look at your Facebook page.  How many friends do you have on Facebook?  Most people have an average of 150 Facebook friends. Okay so they aren't all local but when they sign up for Uber, put in your referral code and take that first ride - guess who gets the $5 referral fee.  YOU!  Ask your friends to pass your referral code around too.

What about a spouse, boyfriend or co-workers?  Give them some of your Uber cards and let them know they can use it themselves or give to a friend who hasn't tried the service.

Want to get beyond your circle? Make a flyer and take it around (with your cards) to nearby hotels, restaurants that serve liquor, body shops and the like.   Some people will take your information eagerly.  Others will decline. That's okay - it takes several "no" responses to get to the "yes." And everyone you speak to is one more step closer to building your business.

In addition, don't assume that everyone who gets in your car already has the Uber app.  In the last week alone I have picked up 2 riders who did not order the ride personally - the ride was ordered by a boyfriend / girlfriend.  Each time I gave the pax my card and told them that they can get a free ride the first time they use it with my code.  And they were already in my car.

When picking up multiple people, don't assume the extra passengers have the app.  Ask them and hand out your cards.  You will be surprised how many people just don't have the app on their phone.  And when they load it with your referral code, you'll get the $5 referral perk when they take that first ride - no matter who they are riding with.

After riders are in your car, be sure you have signage that respectfully lets them know that tips are Use your headrests to give passengers a special message, list amenities, explain the rating system and tell them you appreciate the tips!
appreciated.  One cannot live on Uber pay alone, having tips to supplement your Uber pay will really help you get the most from driving.

Finally - check to see if you've got any additional services you can offer in your area.  We are fortunate to have UZURV reservation service in my market. This service allows customers to reserve YOU as their driver then the trip is paid by Uber.  This goes further to assure that you get the money for the ride from Uber plus UZURV has a tips built in.  Some markets have delivery services and other ways you can use your car to make money.

Sounds like work? You don't have to take these steps.  You can be content to take the pings as they come, no matter how few and far between. That's fine too.  It's your business to run your way - Uber on!

Click here to contact me with your questions :)