Thinking Like a Business Owner in the Gig Economy

These are the most important things to think about when deciding to become an independent contractor with companies like Doordash, Uber Eats, Instacart and so many others. Whether you are just getting started or you've been at this awhile, these things will help you take control of your gig work.

We examine eleven reasons that it makes sense to be an independent contractor for delivery companies such as Doordash, Uber Eats, Instacart and Postmates.

While delivery for Doordash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Grubhub and others has a lot of appeal, there are some very real problems. We look at seven warnings that may make you want to reconsider independent contractor delivery.

Does it make sense to deliver full-time for Doordash? Is it a good idea to quit your job because it seems like you could make more with Uber Eats, Instacart and others? We examine seven questions to ask yourself before making such a decision.

What's the difference between a sole proprietor, independent contractor, and an LLC? When should you look at creating a formal business structure for your business?

We examine the most important thing that you need to be successful as an independent contractor with Doordash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Grubhub and others.

You could call this Seven Habits of Highly Successful Dashers (or Delivery Contractors). We examine seven important mindsets for success as an independent contractor in the gig economy.

Why did you want to become a Dasher? What's your purpose behind delivering for Uber Eats or Instacart? We talk about your why, sense of purpose, and how it informs how to run your business.

Who is your customer when you are an independent worker in the gig economy? We examine why the companies like Doordash, Uber, and Instacart are your true customers, and how understanding that truth changes your approach to gig work.

A business is only good if it can be profitable. When is it time to move on from delivering for gig economy companies? How do you know when it's time to move on to something else? We examine what to look for and how to know when to say when.

One of the greatest differentiators for successful business owners is having an exit plan. That includes having an end game and an idea what you will do next. What does life after delivery contracting have to offer for you? How do you see your gig work preparing you for the next phase?

What does it mean to be customer first, and how does that work in the gig economy? We look at how to develop a customer service mindset, and how that can help you develop a successful business.

We examine five attitudes to develop that can help you thrive in your independent contracting business.

Introductory article to the 31 Day Courier MBA series, which focused on Mastering your Business Attitude (M.B.A.). This article was also part of the launch of the Deliver On Your Business podcast.