There was quite a reaction the story we told about a mystery shopper who completed the shop, but failed to get her report in on time.
Several shoppers shared their hints about how to remember the details. From texting names and timing sequences into their phone, to recording the interactions to remember finer details more easily. Others mentioned how a good mystery shopper would never do half of what Fran that weekend.
A good mystery shopper is human… and we all have bad days, weeks and months.
The Mystery Shopper’s Art of Procrastination & Resistance
One habit many of us easily fall into is procrastination. It is amazing how easy it is to put off what’s important. Some people can do this consistently in all areas of their life. This writer calls it the Dark Playground.
Another buzz word for procrastination in recent years is resistance. Resistance is when the universe seems to be working against you accomplishing what you really want to do. It does exist – but you can overcome it!
As a home-based, mystery shopping business owner, resistance abounds. There are many ways to get side tracked. There are many distractions and ‘bright, shiny objects’ to chase after in our lives. Even those that seem like ‘work’.
Have you ever spent the better part of a morning reading Facebook or forum group comments about mystery shopping? Or printed out your instructions, highlighted the important parts and set your GPS – then realized you can’t get to your shop in time?
It’s related to your work, but you don’t get paid to do it! So how do you overcome resistance and procrastination?
The Key to Resisting Resistance
Setting a routine is crucial. Create a ritual for job hunting, responding and submitting reports. And stick to it!
When you:
- Create a daily habit checking email solicits and job boards, you snag the shops you want in the time frame that works best for you.
- Respond to questions and inquiries from schedulers and account managers in a timely manager, you are looked upon favorably as a shopper.
- Submit your reports on time with all appropriate documentation uploaded, you are done with your assignment and can move on to the next one. Or to having fun!
Mystery shop for a few months and you begin to know the regular shops posted from the mystery shopping companies with whom you signed up. Make lists of who and where you want to shop. Know the rotations. Understand what is needed.
Just do it!
Resist the urge to spend a lot of time on line looking for shops – be out there working and making money!
What habits have you created to overcome procrastination and resistance?
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Do you know someone who would be a good mystery shopper? Please forward this post to them! You’ll be sharing the wealth and spreading happiness! And, after all, isn’t that what we all want?