HERE ARE SOME IDEAS: * When I converted spare bedroom to office space a few years ago, I placed industrial shelving in room's large 3-foot by 6-foot closet, creating an efficient storage area lined with office supplies, paper, envelopes, client files, books, computer references, print cartridges, and more--all easy to access, all readily available. No more down time hunting for paper clips!

* On walls, I hung non-work related items such as photos of my wife and children, a painting of a doe and fawn lakeside, photos I've taken of places I've visited (and often would rather be)--all visual cues I can look to when I need to step back from a project and remind myself of what's really important.

* I recently added a semi-dry aquarium to mix, full of shells, sea glass, and mementos of various excursions to sea shores both near and far. What's unique about this mostly-dry aquarium is that at its center in a traditional "gold fish" bowl resides--you guessed it--a gold fish. As I watch fish swim about its watery home, "Flo" has become a companion of sorts, providing me with occasional and necessary mental "breaks" from lengthy stints at computer or on phone.

* I also have a doublewide window that overlooks my backyard and a strategically located birdfeeder that affords occasional glimpses of a flitting jay, chickadee or mourning dove--not to mention sometimes-comical antics of several resident red and gray squirrels as they shinny up steel post from which feeder hangs.

BE "AT WORK" WHEN YOU NEED TO BE By creating your own distinct space, you can truly "be at work" when you need to be. No more trying to mask sounds of jovial children in background as you speak to a client; no more apologizing for being up late with light on, rustling papers as you print latest draft of that important proposal.

Once you get a room for your home office and once you make it your own, you will see a marked difference. With fewer distractions and an increased ability focus, you'll be more productive, more attentive, and that much further along way to making your dreams of successful self-employment a reality.

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Copyright (c) 2004 by Matt McGovern--All rights reserved.

Does it Cost Money to be a Mystery Shopper?

No. There are resources that you may or may not choose to purchase. That is entirely up to you. However, there is no up-front fee to become a mystery shopper.

You may also choose to become certified (which I suggest) for a mere $15. You write a short test which determines your understanding of process. Once you pass that test, you are a Silver Certified Mystery Shopper. Preference is often given to certified shoppers when schedulers are offering assignments. Why, you may ask? Because if someone was serious enough to dole out $15, they're quite often serious enough about mystery shopping to do a good job. You will make your fifteen dollars back from increased number and better quality assignments.

Where do I Sign up?

Check out Mystery Shopping Providers Association and Volition to begin with. They have great resources and fabulous message boards/forums that will help answer all of your questions and get you started as a mystery shopper. You can get certified with Mystery Shopping Providers Association, if you wish.

Where Can I Find More Mystery Shopping Resources?

Check out IFHB's Mystery Shopping Resources!

Also, make sure you have a dictionary and thesaurus available to you while completing your reports. Quite often a digital watch or one with a second hand is required to time a purchase. Also, a small recorder is handy to take notes on once you leave establishment. Neither of these are required unless otherwise instructed but they do come in handy.

Good luck with your mystery shopping and enjoy fabulous perks!!!