Four Talking Tips From A Hitch-hiker

Everyone has a story to tell.

Are we listening?

Today, let’s look at four talking tips from a hitch-hiker. It is an inspiring story happening over 2,000 years ago. Modern-day hitch-hikers use Uber or Lyft to get around town. In the few minutes, people are in my car I sometimes get to hear bits & pieces of their history. Usually, I greet them with; “good morning, how are you today”? Responses surprise me sometimes! “terrible”, “great”, “silence”. At times I hear a history of their last year in my 7-minute drive. Everyone has a story to tell, and most would like someone to listen.

My definition of a hitch-hiker is a person walking along a road and he or she is invited to enter a vehicle to go for a ride.

The man in this story fits my description.

There is usually a story within a story which is true in this narrative.

Look, for the four talking tips from a hitch-hiker in this scripture.

Philip, one of the apostles of Christ, could be the first hitch-hiker recorded in history.

It is an interesting story, here is just a snippet of the story found in the Bible’s book of Acts:

The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”

Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

The man replied, “How can I unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. – The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. Acts 8:29-31 & 34, 35

Now, I would not even assume to say that the Apostle Phillip was trying to hitch a ride since he was explicitly told to “go over and walk beside the carriage” by the Holy Spirit. Aside from the beautiful spiritual transformation of the Ethiopian man, we can grasp insight on how to make the most of these chance meetings with people.

This story of Phillip changed the tale of a man and forever is inscribed in the Book for us to read today.

Stick with me here since I have discovered some good insight on how to kick up our conversations a notch.

Here are my four talking tips from a hitch-hiker for meaningful discussions with people, especially those we meet briefly.

We have to make ourselves available to people. Phillip ‘ran over’ to the Ethiopian’s side of the road to be more accessible.
Most people would like us to ask them to tell their story. “Do you understand what you are reading?” the Apostle said.
We just might have to sit and listen to the person for some time. Phillip sat with the man in his carriage.
This last point is the key; It helps to begin with where they are at in their story. Aha! Phillip did this; “so beginning with this same scripture.”

“A suffering person does not need a lecture – he needs a listener.”– Billy Graham

“The word ‘listen’ contains the same letters as the word ‘silent.’” – Unknown

Summing it up on the qualities needed to impact people’s lives are these: Making ourselves available, asking good questions, taking time to sit with the person and giving input beginning with where the person is in their discussion concerning themselves. I think, Phillip, the hitch-hiker did his part well, don’t you? Now it is our turn.

Most of us know what I shared here but hopefully, it serves as a reminder of four qualities needed in the communication toolbox we use every day. Perhaps 2018 is the year to really communicate!

Did one or two of the four tips resonate with you and in what way?

Did I miss something that you would like to add?

Any questions on this post?

Please leave a comment, I’d like to hear from you.

Richard

05/16/2017

Ever run into a ‘brick wall’ when asked this question; “What will this ride cost me”?

What will this ride cost me?

Have you ever had a rider get in your car after requesting a ride on Uber or Lyft and then ask; “What will this ride cost me?”.

Occasionally I have been asked this question. Maybe you have also. Or sometimes when in a conversation someone will ask about a future ride to an airport, they pose the question; “what will this ride cost me?”. I usually hesitate to answer since I’m not quite sure of the cost. I could “pluck from the air” an answer that I assumed would be within the ballpark of the cost.

But now, there is an answer for the question, “What will this ride cost me?”.

The answer is right on your smartphone on the internet.

This will provide not only estimated cost for Uber, Lyft, and Taxi and other rideshare companies. It gets even better since it also shows not only the cost for the rider but the amount that the ride share driver will be paid! Better, better still, it is FREE!

It is; www.rideguru.com

Here is a screenshot from rideguru.com of a trip from Lancaster, PA to the BWI Airport.

www.rideguru will give you a very good idea of what you can answer someone when they ask; “What will this ride cost me?”.

You also have a good idea of what money you can expect to earn on this trip. I think this will be a great help in our ridesharing business. When we know what we know it gives us a greater satisfaction in our driving for Uber, Lyft or some other rideshare company. To me, this is can be a real help in my business. I’m sure it will be in your business as well.

Tell me what you think.

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe

I’d like you to sign up to keep my post coming your way. Leave a comment, question or advice. I will read and appreciate what you contribute.

See you; Wheels Around Town.

Richard

03/29/201705/11/2017

Wheels Around Town

Stories and insights on Ride Sharing

I like meeting people and like driving. In my wheels around town I meet the most interesting people.

They are nice people just wanting to go to work, go home or going out for dinner.

Whatever the reason, they need a ride and I’m there for them.

On these blog post I’ll share my “wheels around town” stories and give some Ride Sharing insights on driving for Uber and Lyft.

Are you a Ride Share driver?

Are you a Ride Share rider?

Do you drive for Uber or Lyft?

When you click for a ride is it, Uber or is it, Lyft?

I’ve driven for Uber for almost 2 years. That’s over 2,200 rides. Lyft just came to our town recently so my totals are much lower for Lyft.

I drive in South Central Pennsylvania. Small market, but has become increasingly busy.

I’m Richard Armstrong and so glad to have you on my site.

I have 3 questions for you. I’m really interested in what you have to say.

1. As a driver, what troubles you the most about driving for Uber or Lyft?

2. As a rider, what did you appreciate the most about your ride?

3. Driver and or rider; what prompted you to use either Uber or Lyft?

Please, write your input on any of the questions I’ve asked in the comment section below.

Let’s get the conversation going.

I promise I will read the comments and have some answers in upcoming blog post.

Parting thoughts:

Diligence pays big
The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5 NKJV)
“It’s simple… go the extra mile and you will stand out from the crowd.” Robin Crow

Thank you,

Richard