u/PrintersRAnnoying

Hey All,

I am a self employed- work from home- father of two girls, 5mo/5yr respectively. I work hybrid in the sense that my job( Cycle Coaching ) requires me to work primarily online through a platform called TrainingPeaks. It's basically a calendar with attached messaging, workout libraries( that I create and manage) and analytical tools to help breakdown performances. I also do in person work with my athletes or small to large groups. I am self lead in my education and have found many good mentors to help me along the way. However, non of them have ADHD and relate to some of my struggles with organization. In fact, so many of them are really un-organized but are able to deal with it seemingly just fine, or perhaps it doesn't effect them mentally like it does me.

I am looking for advice on how to stream line my work flow to make information storage and recall easier for my brain to handle. I get overloaded when I open my computer, look at my lists( sometimes paper- BulletJournaling- and sometimes online based. BulletJournaling has been really helpful for me, especially around time organization( I am very time blind). but doesn't always work with my daily work flow. I use Google Workspace to try and stay in one system. I use apple computers and know that there are plenty of like options between the both. I use separate google calendars for work, personal, family. Then I use a totally different and non-integrating calendar for all of my athletes.

I can make notes on a scrolling tab within the workflow, although it requires a second window to be open to make it usable as I go. I also do most of my consultations via phone or Zoom( sometimes Meet). I have 45min with each client and there is usually a lot going on. So taking notes while I go really kills my listening ability. I use the Zoom AI note taking and thats useful. I sometimes then Copy and paste that into the TP notes.

My main issue with the TP platform is that they do not have a "reminder" capability. So, I then have to use my Gcal or Reminders to make sure I get follow up things done in a timely manner. It works great except that it's another platform to manage and going between the two can be really challenging for me. I also often forget to go and make reminders because, ADHD and needing to move onto another task.

Beyond the client interface work, I struggle with the financial management of my job too. Setting up qtrly payments for taxes, checking my bank account and paying myself, etc...

I am curious if anyone has a similar job or need for this kind of work flow. How do you manage your notes, set reminders or set up future tasks and follow up? I am really good at my main job, coaching. It's the rest of the business part that gets muddled up. Especially when I have two kids and a spouse who all vie for my attention during the day.

Thanks for the help here.

Hey All,

I am a self employed- work from home- father of two girls, 5mo/5yr respectively. I work hybrid in the sense that my job( Cycle Coaching ) requires me to work primarily online through a platform called TrainingPeaks. It's basically a calendar with attached messaging, workout libraries( that I create and manage) and analytical tools to help breakdown performances. I also do in person work with my athletes or small to large groups. I am self lead in my education and have found many good mentors to help me along the way. However, non of them have ADHD and relate to some of my struggles with organization. In fact, so many of them are really un-organized but are able to deal with it seemingly just fine, or perhaps it doesn't effect them mentally like it does me.

I am looking for advice on how to stream line my work flow to make information storage and recall easier for my brain to handle. I get overloaded when I open my computer, look at my lists( sometimes paper- BulletJournaling- and sometimes online based. BulletJournaling has been really helpful for me, especially around time organization( I am very time blind). but doesn't always work with my daily work flow. I use Google Workspace to try and stay in one system. I use apple computers and know that there are plenty of like options between the both. I use separate google calendars for work, personal, family. Then I use a totally different and non-integrating calendar for all of my athletes.

I can make notes on a scrolling tab within the workflow, although it requires a second window to be open to make it usable as I go. I also do most of my consultations via phone or Zoom( sometimes Meet). I have 45min with each client and there is usually a lot going on. So taking notes while I go really kills my listening ability. I use the Zoom AI note taking and thats useful. I sometimes then Copy and paste that into the TP notes.

My main issue with the TP platform is that they do not have a "reminder" capability. So, I then have to use my Gcal or Reminders to make sure I get follow up things done in a timely manner. It works great except that it's another platform to manage and going between the two can be really challenging for me. I also often forget to go and make reminders because, ADHD and needing to move onto another task.

Beyond the client interface work, I struggle with the financial management of my job too. Setting up qtrly payments for taxes, checking my bank account and paying myself, etc...

I am curious if anyone has a similar job or need for this kind of work flow. How do you manage your notes, set reminders or set up future tasks and follow up? I am really good at my main job, coaching. It's the rest of the business part that gets muddled up. Especially when I have two kids and a spouse who all vie for my attention during the day.

Thanks for the help here.

Hey mechanics/shop owners,

I am in the early stages of research for a new service shop. I am looking to house 1x full time mechanic and myself floating on a second stand. Keeping inventory VERY low. No huge wall of tires etc.

What do you feel like is a healthy foot print for an efficient service area? Not including storage.

Thanks!

Hey all,

I am looking for advice/wisdom/warnings on a possible move into opening a service center. I am very familiar with working in shops and have owned my own coaching business for years but have never owned my own brick and mortar business. It would be based around repair service with some side services like coaching, Indoor training, strength training, performance testing, bike fitting, (maybe rentals seasonally?), and potentially some ride guiding services. The motive is to run a shop with multiple services and with as little overhead as possible. So, little to no retail.

Some back ground.

I live in Western, MA. The town I live in has no bike shop. The town it's self is one of if no the fastest growing towns in the area and we have seen a mass of high income residents and a lot of new bike riders. We have tons of trails all within riding distance from down town and a bike path that runs through the middle of town that gets a ton of use.

Before I raced as a professional for 12yrs I was a mechanic and service manager in bike shops in FL, MA, OR and DC. I am in a transition period now and looking to open my own shop. I am a full time cycling coach to WC level athletes as well as every day athletes. I currently provide bike fits, strength training and skills sessions on top of my online coaching. TBH, I am trying to jump on name recognition while I still have it!

My questions are: * If it looks like a statement I am looking for a Good idea or bad idea opinion.

1. Have you opened or run a service only shop? What has your experience been like? Did you also have other services like I listed above?

2. Buy or rent a space?

3. Does this type of business need a "store front" or foot traffic? Would more parking and a bigger space like an industrial unit be a better option? I am leaning toward the latter.

4. My plan is to buy used as much as possible. I have enough tools at home to do basic repairs and some more specific stuff but would need a better suite of tools over time. My current plan is to purchase what I need and then charge up-front for repairs and order tools ad hoc.

5. My plan would be to start with hiring 1x full time mechanic and have me float for everything else. Eventually hiring on a second fitter/Coach.,The having a strength coach, PT and massage as contract workers that can have their own booking spots online. I would take a fee based off of the end rates.

6. Insurance: I see that there is "bike shop" specific insurance. Does that apply to something like this? Is there a company you like working with?

7. In your opinion, is it better to go with a bank financed or private cash financed operation. By that I mean, I have some offers from a few potential cash partners. It seems like it might not matter a whole lot in this case, maybe I am wrong.

8. Part of my plan is to have indoor training in the winter. I live in Western, MA and we get some real sloppy winters. The last shop I worked at we have a Compu-trainer room and it was a big hit. That being said, it was pre-Zwift etc. IS there a scenario where I can get someone to drive to my shop to train with other people/me?

9. Subscription services. Has anyone had luck with services that pay up front like; Flat fixes for life( A shop locally had this at one time. $50 or something and they get free flat LABOR for life.) Tune up services like buy 4 get 1 free or a service plan with one tune up and 24hr turnaround on other services throughout the year/ free safety checks etc... , Bike fitting plans that include service work or any such things?

10. POS system- The good the bad and the useless.

11. Last one- Part of my plan is to find someone I WANT to work for me. For example- I would take someone who needs training over a more entitled mechanic. I mean no disrespect by this and I am sure you see what I am saying... I have a level of professionalism and respectability I am shooting for. I would rather have a kind and responsible person willing to learn than the other way around.

I am sure I am missing a thousand other things. Thanks in advance for everyone's time and thoughts.