RSG024: Taking Your Rideshare Game To The Next Level With Bradley Zane

Today’s podcast is one I’ve been wanting to record for a while now.  It seems like almost every day I get e-mails from drivers who are looking for ways to really step up their rideshare game.

Now obviously the simplest solution to earning more money is to work harder but as I’ve talked about before, working hard helps, but working smarter helps even more.

RSG024- Taking Your Rideshare Game To The Next Level With Bradley Zane

I met Brad for lunch in Newport Beach a few weeks ago and right off the bat, I could tell that this was a guy who had a lot of it figured out.  Not only had he spent tons of time researching and perfecting his craft, but he also showed an eagerness to learn and continue his education.  In traditional employment, it’s easy to get complacent since once you learn your job, you do it day in and day out.  Being a rideshare driver does NOT fall into that category though.

If you couldn’t tell by now, this is not the type of job where you’ll be able to get into a routine and do it continuously for the next 5 years.  Things change quickly in this industry and it behooves drivers to adapt to a transformative landscape.  What worked yesterday may not work today and savvy drivers know that it’s all about recognizing opportunity and taking advantage.

If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.

Intro

• I’m moving! From Newport Beach to Long Beach
• Today’s podcast will be a chat with Bradley Zane
• There’s a need out there for diversifying your income. Rideshare drivers are business owners, whether it’s casual or something you’re trying to grow
• Check out my recent article about Vugo
• Today’s topic will help answer questions for those looking to scale up and expand their income

Interview with Bradley Zane

• Dallas Uber and Lyft driver since 2013. Flexibility played a big factor in the decision to drive
• Ridesharing has really revolutionized the taxi industry and made it more competitive
• Philosophy is to become a better driver, always continue learning, and educate others
• Part of the American Dream is to find something you enjoy, without feeling like you’re dragging yourself out of bed everyday

Rideshare Driving in Dallas

• Dallas is very different from San Francisco, LA, NYC
• Dallas/Fort Worth is no where near the saturation point – lots of opportunities for growth, particularly in the suburbs
• A big problem is passengers who worry about having any drivers to take them to the airport or into work
• Until recently, rideshare companies didn’t serve large areas of the Dallas/Fort Worth market
• Lyft in particular has a huge growth opportunity here, would be better served with a regional office

The Importance of Working Smarter

• Educating yourself is important and necessary. Get together with others and talk about growth and opportunities in the rideshare industry
• It’s important to think outside the box, especially for full-time drivers. 50% pay cuts have hurt many drivers
• Going above and beyond doesn’t just help riders, it helps drivers too. By working smarter, you can increase your income without working yourself 24/7

Rideshare Driving Success & How to Expand Your Income

• Communication is key, and once you’ve established a good relationship with rideshare passengers, you can expand your income streams
• Brad’s schedule is mostly Monday-Friday driver, 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. catering to business workers, interspersed with private rides
• Private rides have been a huge success so far
• Important to note you’re not marketing your private services to passengers in your car. That could get you deactivated
• However, after getting the same person several times, it is possible to get people to call you directly for consistent rides. This is more likely for people who live in the suburbs and need rides to the airport, for instance
• Opportunity to be recognized on social media too, as passengers who enjoyed the service you provided will recommend you online
• Expand your income stream by establishing networks and getting referrals from your fellow rideshare drivers
• Big issues are still legal and insurance concerns – Bradley’s insurance knows he’s a rideshare driver and he has a rider on his insurance. Having this peace of mind is important

Tips for Other Rideshare Drivers

• Networking is important: actively reached out to Harry to meet up – showed initiative as a business owner
• Important to reach out, educate yourself, communicate with others to take your business to the next level
• We’re only numbers to ridesharing companies, but at the same time, it’s important for you to separate yourself and be the best driver possible
• Riders are willing to pay for value, so provide the best value you can every time. You’ll be recommended by people online and by word of mouth
• Look for other opportunities, like being a mentor, taking advantage of bonuses, etc.

Future Plans

• A lot of changes within the last 2 years, the field is very volatile
• Continue to increase the private rideshare business
• Driving for Uber, UberX, Lyft is not sustainable long term
• Would love to translate this into a full-time position as an expert in the ridesharing field
• Contact Bradley through his email at [email protected]

Outro

• Bradley gave a really thorough response about how to take your game to the next level
• If you’re doing something that ties in well with this podcast, contact me, leave a comment, or send me a pitch for a future podcast! I’d love to hear how you’re diversifying your income through ridesharing
• As long as you’re continually positioning yourself for the best opportunities, you’ll be successful
• Ask yourself what the Return on Investment (ROI) is for your time, like Bradley mentioned
• I hope this podcast has helped you recognize new opportunities!
• Really enjoying a new-to-me podcast by Tim Ferriss, author of The Four Hour Workweek
• Check out the full transcript here
• Questions, comments, or feedback? Send me an email!
• Sign up for our email list

Show Notes

• Check out our webinars on Maximum Ridesharing Profits
• Check out our Maximum Ridesharing Profits Intro course and the Gold course
• Get $20 off your first service with YourMechanic with the code ‘RSG15‘
• Square Reader for accepting tips and/or doing cash rides.
• CityData
• TripAdvisor
• NextDoor

If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here.

Any questions for Bradley or me about the interview?  Leave a comment below!

-Harry @ RSG