The American Dream – Freelancing

Our dream as Americans is to be able to work, live, and be free –without oppression from outside sources.  This dream is still very much alive, and being a Freelancer provides the ultimate ability to be the catalyst of your Dreams.

The internet provides Freelancers the ability to work from anywhere they can make a connection.  Web-based programs have been developed over the past few years to enable freelancers the ability to sell their services, and expertise.  Such websites as ODesk, Freelancer, and even Fiverr have globalized a Freelancers’ ability to make money online.  New on the “Freelance Marketplace” horizon is BrainyGig.

BrainyGig is being developed to help give US Based Freelancers get an upper hand on the global market.  Yes, as a US Freelancer, you still have the advantages of being a member the above mentioned sites.  However, flaws are prevalent while using those services as a US provider.  As someone who uses all of the above websites myself, the most unfortunate thing, in my opinion, is the inability for me to realistically provide for myself and my family on these platforms alone. Why? Globalization.

Many users on Odesk, Fiverr, and Freelancer are from Countries where the prevalence of poverty and extreme poverty is as high as 69% (Living on $2 per day or less). For example:  GDP Per Capita in The US is $53,143, while in the Philippines it is $2,765. I often find that many users on Freelancer and Odesk sell their services for less than $5 an hour.  Fiverr, provides simple tasks and/or services for $5, which could take over an hour to complete. This income would be unsustainable for my personal lifestyle.

Brainygig is not being developed to re-invent the wheel.  It is being developed to help create a “Freelancer Culture” that is sustainable for Freelancers who live in major economically developed nations.

The BrainyGig idea is to have vetted Freelancers available on our virtual marketplace who are eager and ready to produce high quality products at a fair and competitive price.  Our Marketplace will be vast, but not infinite.  An application process will be put in place to make sure Brainygig Freelancers are the best of the best.

We are actively looking for likeminded people to become a part of our development team.  Interested? Become a part of the Brainygig movement by joining our mailing list: www.brainygig.com

Costs of Running a Professional Limo Company

Many considerations need to be made when thinking about starting any business venture.  A professional limo company comes with its own set of financial considerations and operation obligations. Below are some of the expenses a Professional Limo Company can anticipate when in operation.

Payroll: Drivers, Staff, Maintenance

Payroll: When owning any business, payroll will be your biggest expense.  In the instance of running a professional limo company, your biggest expenses are going to come from paying your staff who deal with you customers face to face.  A Driver who operates your EXPENSIVE limousine might make out well with tips- but consideration should be taken if you would like a “low-wage” driver in your company’s biggest asset every night, against paying the extra buck to have a more seasoned professional. Don’t forget any auxiliary staff you may need – Secretary, Accountant, and/or Maintenance Personnel.  Outsourcing all these positions might be a cost effective option, but outsourcing will still be an expense on the business.

Advertising/ Marketing

The “Yellow Pages”, business cards, brochures, rack cards, a website- all of these things could be a way for your limo company to gain customers.  The competition will also have all of these measures in place, and maybe even more. All of these marketing and advertising avenues will cost your business money.  You can do all of this “in house” if you have the willpower and/or knowledge.  The legwork to get your business in the minds of people who want your service will also be time consuming. This can also be done in house, but remember: Time = Money.

Transportation: Limousines, Fuel, Parking, Insurance, Permits

The cost of the limousines themselves will fill the majority of costs associated with running the professional limo service.  Used limousines can cost anywhere from $15,000 - $45,000.  There are many things to take into consideration when making this purchase.  Overall the general rule of thumb is “you get what you pay for”.  Buying an inexpensive used limo in the short term might seem like the right idea, but could be costly for the company for repairs and service downtime. Leasing a limousine might also be a consideration to make.  Fuel will be a flexible expense throughout the business operation. In July 2014, the national gas average was $3.64 a gallon. In the last 5 years, the national average has been as low as $2.80 per gallon and as high as $3.99 per gallon.  Other considerations need to be made about the insurance and permits needed in your local municipality. Figures for these expenditures will vary based on the location of the business.

With any business, profitability is dependent on several different factors. “Newbies” in the industry are heavily persuaded to start small and grow with business when starting out in the industry.  Many new Professional Limo Company owners have ambitious starting points to have 3-6 vehicles when their business opens, but it is often highly recommended to start with one (ten passenger) limousine.  If the business is growing an in manor which calls for additional vehicles, then consider that next investment.

Written as a Fiverr Gig

http://www.fiverr.com/jasonkatsoris

Tips on Having a Great Night Out!

Here are some tips to have a great night out with some of your closest friends and/or family members. The bottom line is to stay safe and have fun!

Plan Early
Planning is key anytime you want to have a great night out.  Getting your close friends involved with your outing is going to take some collaboration.  Keep it simple, and make sure everyone is on the same page.  An easy way to get in contact with everyone is a group Facebook message, or group email.

Pregame

Pre-gaming is when you start the party before you go out. If this outing is going to involve drinks, save a couple bucks by having a drink at home, and eat some food while you’re at it.  Drinking and driving is a NO-GO. Which leads into the next tip:

Have transportation lined up early

Transportation to your destination is key to making sure everyone is safe, and has a way to and from the outing.  Whether you have a black car service or a designated driver from your group, make sure the plan is clear and has a solid timeline for everyone to follow.

Get your posse involved

Get as many people from your group to join your outing! The more, the merry. Call everyone.  Mass text your whole contact list. Some people may not want to go, and others may want to go sooner! The best events always have many of your close friends.  Maybe this is your chance to go out with your love – fine, leave everyone else home!

Get weird

Relax.  Who cares if you can’t dance? That’s right, no one cares.  So get weird! Try those new moves on the dance floor. Get on the microphone at the Karaoke bar.  Dance with that awkward person everyone else is mocking. Everyone is out to have a good time- be the catalysts of your group’s great experience.

Befriend everyone

Everyone at the party or outing is there to have a good time.  Do your best to be friendly with everyone at your event.  There is no need to hold a petty grudge. Maybe this outing can be a new start with an old friend or relationship.  Or maybe it can be the start of something new altogether. Make a friend or two – you can never have enough good friends.

Take pictures

Sometimes there is that person who can’t put the camera down, taking a million pictures of everyone all night long. Even though those pictures may seem redundant at the time, it is always fun to look back at the pictures after the dust has settled.  Plus, you got weird all night – who doesn’t want pictures of that?

Know when enough is enough:  Do not drink excessively. Drinking too much will put a damper on your good time and could affect the time of others in your group. If someone needs to head home early, do your best to make sure they get home safe.

Written as a Fiverr Gig:

http://www.fiverr.com/jasonkatsoris

Find the Right Airport Transportation for Your Next Trip

Airport Transportation

Getting to and from the airport is an important detail when planning your trip. Consider the many options you can choose from.  From taking the bus, to hiring a Black Car Service, there is always something to meet your needs and/or budget.

Shuttle Van

Anyone can hire a shuttle van to take them to and from the airport when going on a trip. Depending on the size of your party, you may have the shuttle to yourself or you may share the ride with other travelers. Shuttle vans often charge per person: on average $40 per person, one way.  Prices will differ from city to city.

Black Car Services

You can hire a black car service to take you to and from the airport.  This service will be classier, and have more of a professional feel than any of the other options listed.  Black car services should also be faster than most of these other options being that you are in a smaller vehicle which moves faster through traffic. Check your local yellow pages, or Google local services for quotes on this type of service.

Taxi

You can take a Taxi to and from the airport.  Typically, Taxis charge a flat rate to take someone to the airport one way.  A taxi will be most convenient when coming back from a trip.  Many Taxi companies wait in the Taxi lines at the airport which are conveniently located right outside the departure terminal. 

Rental Car

Purchasing a rental car is another way to travel to and from the airport with ease.  In fact, you may be able to rent the car from a storefront located in the city, and leave it at the airport when you are finished.  Rental companies offer deals most of the time, but be prepared for them to try and up-sell your purchase to a vehicle you may not need.

Bus

The public bus may be an option if you are traveling to a major metropolitan city.  Buses leave to and from the airport very often, and are very inexpensive.  If you are packing with a very light load, the bus might be a good consideration. If you packed everything you own, the bus might be a huge hassle with all that baggage.

Train, Subway

Again, if you’re traveling to a major metropolitan city, the train or subway maybe an option getting to the airport.  Boston’s Logan airport for example, has a train station right in its airport.  That station connects with the city’s central train hub where you can connect to another train almost anywhere. Packing light would be ideal for utilizing a train system. The train can become costly if you are strictly using the Amtrak System.  If you are looking to save a couple bucks and have the extra time, use the local train system – it is typically half the price.

When traveling in general, remember to give the finer details of your trip to someone at home who will not be going with you.  In the event of an emergency, they should have an idea of where you might be in case you need to be reached.

Written as a Fiverr Gig

http://www.fiverr.com/jasonkatsoris