This is an episode I’ve been wanting to record for a long time and I’m so glad I found Tiffany to bring on the podcast. On today’s episode, Tiffany shares her experience about what it’s like driving for Uber and Lyft but from the perspective of a female rideshare driver. As you guys know, I like to blog from experience and with this topic, I wasn’t really able to do that on my own.
Tiffany shared some things that I expected but there were a whole host of topics that she provided a ton of valuable insight on. And just in case you’re wondering, this episode contains a lot of great advice not only for female drivers, but there are also some great strategies and tips that will help drivers of all sexes, ages and more.
If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.
Intro
- As much as I try to incorporate my experience into podcasts, I’m not able to bring any perspective here, so I’m interviewing Tiffany to answer some of your questions about being a female rideshare driver
- I’ve been up to a few things, including creating my new website/online resume, HarryGCampbell.com
- Consider creating your own online resume to personalize yourself and your brand
- I’m now working with Stride Health – a company that provides health benefits to independent contractors and freelancers
- Stride Health will help you find a healthcare plan if you don’t have one, they’ll explain different healthcare options and provide you with a free healthcare advocate to answer any questions you may have. It’s free to try!
About Tiffany Hudson-Stroup
- Tulsa, OK Uber and Lyft driver, part-time rideshare driver while working full-time
- No start up costs and flexibility were big factors in deciding to become a rideshare driver
- Did have all the reasonable fears about rideshare driving, especially regarding drunk and belligerent people, being robbed, etc.
- Has had a very positive time being a female rideshare driver, men have gone out of their way to be nice and keep their high passenger ratings
Tiffany’s Experience as a Rideshare Driver
- Be the initiator when welcoming people into your car. You set the tone of the drive and don’t let them treat you poorly – this goes for female and male rideshare drivers
- In Tulsa, people can expect to get you again as a driver, so typically people aren’t very rude
- Find mentors as soon as you can, and get to know the areas where you’ll drive
- Mentors will give you advice and help you feel more comfortable driving
- Strongly recommend starting with Lyft before Uber, because Lyft offers mentors
Can You Bring Along a Husband or Boyfriend?: Concerns From New Women Drivers
- This question comes up a lot, and the answer is always: No!
- This is your business, your car, and you need all the room in the car
- Any personality can do this job, but you have to own the job and embrace your style
- Confidence will make any ride better – you don’t need to bring someone else along as long as you bring your confidence
- If you’re uncomfortable, you can drive during the times of day you want. Don’t drive nights if you’re not comfortable with it, but work mornings and rush hour periods
- You will get some weird people: drunk people, people who won’t get out of your car
- In those cases, you need to know your area – where can you go that’s safe? Where’s the nearest police station? Is there a convenience store you could go to?
Advice for New & Current Drivers
- Just don’t give up! Rideshare driving is constantly changing, but stay true to yourself
- Take notes about what works for you and what doesn’t – this is your side business and take it seriously
- Make people’s rides memorable
- If you’re not sure, just try it. It’s free to try, and if you hate it, you never have to do it again
- Consider carrying something to protect yourself
- Have steps in place to keep yourself safe
- Involve your spouse in the process – discuss concerns together, put an action plan in place in case something goes wrong while driving
Outro
- Tiffany brought up a lot of great points being a female rideshare driver – if you have more questions, leave a comment below!
- Every market has its unique set of challenges, but cities are pretty similar – get to know your city before driving
- Any personality can do this job, but you have to have a certain attitude in order to be successful
- Even though this episode focused on a woman driver’s perspective, Tiffany’s tips are applicable to all drivers
- Check out the full transcript here
- Questions, comments, or feedback? Send me an email!
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Show Notes
- New to rideshare driving? Sign up with Lyft here
- Sign up with Uber here
- Check out Stride Health – it’s free to use!
- Facebook groups for new and current drivers
- Get $20 off your first service with YourMechanic with the code ‘RSG15‘
Stride Health
This episode was sponsored by Stride Health, they’re a company that connects self employed workers with health coverage and health care for free! And even if you already have health insurance, once you sign up, you’ll get access to a personal advisor who you can call to get help with all your health care decisions and more. Sign up here to get free access today!
If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.
Any questions for Tiffany or me about the interview? Leave a comment below!
-Harry @ RSG
