Rideshare drivers are very entrepreneurial by nature and on today’s podcast, I interview a driver who decided to take things one step further. You guys might have heard of Vugo but what you may not know is that one of its co-founders actually came up with the idea while he was driving for Uber.
I know a lot of drivers have bigger plans for themselves and Uber can be a great stepping stone to launch a business or pursue a passion. But what I like about James’ story is that he saw a huge business opportunity and instead of waiting for someone else to take action, he went out and did something about it.
If you’d like to read a transcript of this podcast, please click here
Intro
- Thanks to everyone leaving us iTunes reviews!
- Shout out to 5-star reviewers
- Today’s episode is with James Bellefeuille, one of the founders of Vugo, which has been getting a ton of press lately
- Recently covered Vugo for Forbes
- Special thanks to our sponsor, Stride Health – they can help you if your personal needs change, or if you don’t like to deal with health insurance. It’s a free service you should definitely check out!
Interview with James Bellefeuille of Vugo
- James Bellefeuille, started driving for Uber in Chicago just before New Year’s Eve
- Stopped driving for a few months, then picked it up again and realized earnings were dramatically less
- Started Vugo after including menus from a local restaurant in the back of the car
- Realized drivers’ destinations could be altered through visual advertising
What is Vugo?
- Did not initially think visual advertising was the way to go until Harry covered Vugo in Forbes article
- Started driving to meet new people and to make extra money. Uber was the catalyst for getting started in rideshare
- Vugo uses a tablet with an app, placed in the back of the headrest, that shows targeted advertising to passengers
- Drivers get 60% of advertising revenue
- The tipping feature, while not the core of what Vugo does, has certainly been beneficial for drivers
- Majority of drivers’ income will increase through the tipping feature, but expect revenue to increase as Vugo partners with more advertisers
How to Start a Business
- Having a good team and choosing the right team is one of the best things you can do
- Vugo was created among friends, important to make sure everyone is on the same page – and everyone gets along!
- Total of three co-founders, and everyone contributes different skills and resources
- Incorporating for drivers is different than incorporating for business, and it’s important to make that distinction
Day in the Life of a Start Up
- Never enough time in the day or week to complete all tasks
- You’re going all day, every day. You have to be passionate about your business!
- If you don’t currently have a full-time job, you’re in the perfect position for starting your own business
Challenges Facing Vugo
- Initially worried that Uber would deactivate drivers participating in Vugo
- Uber announced they wouldn’t penalize drivers for using Vugo
- Constantly working with major brands and advertisers in order to bring more revenue to drivers
Upcoming for Vugo
- Really interesting info on the top 20 most common trips Uber and Lyft passengers take
- Follow your passion as soon as you can – you never know where it will take you
- Download Vugo in the Google and iTunes app stores
- Email James at support@govugo.com if you want to get in touch
Outro
- Wanted to show everyone how rideshare is constantly changing
- So many companies emerging to support the burgeoning rideshare industry, like Sherpashare
- Think of your short, mid- and long-term goals and recognize the opportunities as they’re coming
- Thinking of being an entrepreneur? James’ advice is so useful and timely – consider becoming your own boss
- These businesses need drivers – unlike rideshare companies, companies like Vugo need you, and it’s a mutually beneficial relationship
- Have suggestions for who you’d like to see on this podcast? Send me an email!
- Check out the full transcript here
- Thanks to everyone leaving us iTunes reviews! Subscribe here to receive new podcasts every 2 weeks
- Sign up for our email list
Show Notes
- Vugo
- Vugo in the news
- Rideshare Passenger Demographics – infographic
- Contact James from Vugo
- Connect with me on Twitter
- Harry’s article in Forbes on Vugo
- Check out Stride Health – it’s free to use!
- 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
Drivers, what do you think about James’ experience as a startup founder with Vugo? Does this sound like something you’d want to do and is Vugo a product that you would be interested in using to earn more money as a driver?
-Harry
