Platinum Author
As a mystery shopping business owner for the past three decades, I have been interviewed several times. The following questions I've been asked might give you some insight that might help you decide if getting your own mystery shopping clients would be right for you.
Q Why did you want to start your own mystery shopping business?
A. It was very obvious to me that customer service generally could be improved, to the benefit of store owners and customers. I felt that mystery shopping reports would provide a needed service to the retail and hospitality industries.
Q Do you really think that anyone can start their own mystery shopping business? Why?
A. If someone is a seasoned mystery shopper, knows how to keep to deadlines, and knows how to get jobs done well, then they can succeed at their own company. They've got the reporting process down, it's just a matter of getting clients. One can succeed with a specific road map and the perseverance to follow through on each step of that road map.
Q Do you feel it is harder for a new mystery shopping business to succeed today?
A. While there are a lot more mystery shopping companies today than when we began, the same basics of how to succeed still apply. Strip the word "business relationships" away and you have "relationships." Business, at its heart and soul is about forming relationships. That's one constant that I suspect will never change.
In order to form business relationships, one needs people skills. You have got to get out there and "show 'em what you've got!" - in person! Many people today believe that if they create an internet presence, they're good to go. Creating an internet presence will work to bring in some clients, but for a steady successful business, several different sales avenues need to be utilized.
For instance, a store wants a mystery shopping service. They are considering two possible mystery shopping companies for the job. They meet and shake hands with a representative of one company. The other company simply refers them to their beautiful web site. Who will get the job? It's familiarity that breeds clients. A handshake is a lot more familiar and comfortable than a cold web site. Of course, the mystery shopping company representative also has to make a professional presentation and be knowledgeable.
Also, meeting and greeting new people is what makes business fun. And, it's fun that will also keep one successful in business. One should never deny the value of having a good time while making money.
Q In addition to people skills, what would you consider to be another talent that one would need to start and succeed in this type of business?
A. Another talent one needs is persistence! That is simply the ability to keep going on a specific path. Those who succeed will be those who stay on a path without veering off in different directions.
Distraction, to my mind, is the biggest deterrent to success. Persistence and focus are the biggest predictors of success. To help with this, there's an old and simple trick to maintaining that focus. Each morning decide which part of the path you will take that day. Then, make a to do list. My suggestion is to go as far as scheduling each task with a start time and how long it will take.
I would also suggest avoiding one pitfall. Many people I know who do this are overly optimistic and schedule far too many tasks for the same day. Then, what happens? They don't finish their list and are frustrated by this. It is better to bite off just one or two tasks and know at the end of the day you have succeeded with them. That way, you will feel successful each day. If you keep succeeding in small ways each day, then larger success is inevitable!
Not only is persistence vital, but knowing when to make adjustments along the way is necessary. If something does not work, example, you give a speech and put everyone to sleep, you must adjust to improve it for next time.
Q What is the worst aspect of owning a mystery shopping company?
A. The worst aspect is the same as the worst aspect of any new venture. That is getting yourself to take that very first step towards company ownership. (I remember this one all too well!) Just do it, as Nike would say.
Q What is the most rewarding aspect of owning a company?
I'd say it's the knowledge that you accomplished your goal. That will make the accomplishment of all your other goals easier. Why? Because you know you succeeded, and therefore, you can succeed again -- at anything you choose! Personally, maintaining a successful mystery shopping company has given me strength in many other areas of my life.
About this Author
For more information on starting and owning a successful mystery shopping business, please visit http://www.mystery-shopper-business.com. The author, Shari Joseph, has been in the business since 1985, as a mystery shopping company owner, then author, consultant, and workshop leader. She has helped people all over the world to start and run their own mystery shopping company.
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