As a workshop speaker, my job consists of 100% travel, so when I step off the plane after a long day, it’s nice to know that I don’t need to hunt down a rental car, do paperwork, then head off driving in a city I don’t know. I just need to step to the curb.?
But after talking to literally hundreds of Uber drivers, most of them seem to be trying to make money by working longer and harder, when all they really need to do is to work smarter.?Remember, as an Uber driver you only get a portion of the fare, but you get to keep 100% of the tips.
So I’d like to share some simple work smarter ideas. Most of these ideas came to me over lunch with Alex Stuckey, CEO of Castleworks in Valencia, California. I’ve added a few ideas of my own.?
As an Uber driver, you would not need to take action on all seven of these ideas. Even if you implemented a few, it could make you stand out and make a difference in your tips. Of course, I’m sure you’d also like to hear your passengers say, “That’s the best Uber ride I have ever had!”
- Clean up your act. Most Uber cars look like, well, most cars. Dusty exteriors. Dirt on the floor and back seats. What would you think if YOU got in the back seat of your car?
- Junk in the trunk. When I go to load my suitcases (which I always have with me) in the back of the vehicle, I often need to move jumper cables and the like to make room. Make it look like you are ready for those long (and profitable) rides to the airport. Even better, jump out of the car to handle the passenger’s suitcases yourself at both the beginning and end of the ride. (That way I don’t have to ask myself, “Is the driver going to open the trunk from inside? Or do I have to find the latch somewhere myself?”)
- Are you listening? Remember it’s all about your customer, not you. Sure, you may enjoy listening to heavy metal or National Public Radio while you drive, but your passenger may not. Besides, it may send the signal that?you don’t really want to interact with your customer. Ask the passenger, “What would you like to listen to?”
- Can we talk? I get it. Some passengers are chatterboxes, others would rather be left alone to check email. As a barometer, you could throw out a few harmless questions like, “How was your flight?” and see if and how the passenger responds.?You'll do far better in tips if you make an experience for a passenger, not just a transaction,
- Can I buy you a drink? Have some bottles of water, preferably cold, available in the back seat. You passenger may be stressed, tired and thirsty after a long day. Having something to quench their thirst may make all the difference. Costs only pennies per bottle.?
- Take their temperature. Ask, “Is it too hot/cold in here? Would you like me to roll up/down the windows?”
- Thank them. The most attractive quality a human being can posses is an attitude of gratitude. Say something like. “I really enjoyed riding with you today!” It will leave a lasting impression (especially when the passenger goes to leave a tip for you in the Uber app).?
Very few Uber drivers will ever read this article. Even fewer will take any action. Which could mean a good thing for you if you do!
