Time management is a constant battle for almost everyone.
Time is your most precious asset; you can never recover lost time.
I learned this fact early in my career and therefore I try not to waste time and I schedule my time tightly.
The average American spends 100+ minutes a day driving. A Manager’s average hourly wage in the U.S. is $57.65. This means the average person throws away $115 every day sitting behind the wheel of a car –averages to about $30K a year!
That cost doesn’t even factor in wear and tear on your vehicle, parking and gas!
I typically have 2-3 meetings each day out of the office. I lose approximately 2 hours a day just getting to and from appointments, parking, etc. And, while I can make a few calls from the car (not really safe!) – it’s generally very unproductive time.
Two years ago, my car lease expired, and I decided to save money and drive one of my kid’s old cars (no longer living at home) to and from work and rideshare to meetings throughout the day.
Once I started ridesharing (i.e. Uber, Lyft) I became more productive, more focused, more relaxed, and I was saving money!
I’ve been ridesharing to most of my meetings and appointments since then. I never have to stress about traffic, getting lost, or finding a parking space; I’m dropped off at the front door! It’s really like having a private driver at a fraction of the cost – far less than it costs to own, maintain, gas and insure a private car.
The key is to plan. I have it down to a science.
I always take plenty of reading for the ride such as leases/contracts, saved articles, agent statements, or company financials to review (you can’t review these while driving yourself) or, I schedule conference calls or bring a cold call list. Essentially, I set up a mobile office in the back of the car.
Now, when I get to my destination, I’ve knocked out a bunch of work and I’m in a relaxed, focused mindset for my meeting.
My weekly productivity has increased directly in proportion to the amount of time I rideshare.
Let’s face it, driverless cars are coming. Get ahead of the curve now and start ridesharing.
“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” ~ Theophrastus