Mystery Shopping -- An excellent part time job or additional income sourceWritten by Steve Pearce
Though name itself may seem a bit mysterious, concept of mystery shopping is actually straightforward. Also referred to as secret shopping, performance evaluations, service checks and frontline evaluations to name a few, mystery shopping allows companies to obtain a “snapshot in time” by trained researchers who know in advance what they are to evaluate. It provides management a method to quickly yet efficiently evaluate their business practices, deliverables, and employees from perspective of a non-biased consumer. Mystery shoppers visit or call businesses posing as ordinary customers and provide detailed evaluations of their experience using written reports or questionnaires.Mystery shopping is used in a wide variety of industries such as retail, restaurants, financial institutions, convenience stores and gas stations, service providers, manufacturers, department stores, travel and entertainment, etc. Though there is a certain level of responsibility and professionalism required to be an effective mystery shopper, you should never have to pay to get a job. There are dozens of companies claiming that by paying them a registration fee they will send you job opportunities and teach you steps to becoming a shopper. This may be true, but is also completely unnecessary. The legitimate mystery shopping companies in industry NEVER charge fees to shopper. Training, tips for improvement, and shopping opportunities are provided free to registered shoppers. Mystery shoppers are either paid a pre-arranged fee for a particular shop, a reimbursement for a purchase or a combination of both. Though it is possible to make a living solely from mystery shopping, it is not very common. Most shoppers view this as a second income source or as a way to obtain fully reimbursed meals, products, and services. The registration process with leading mystery shopping companies has improved over years. Most provide a simple online form that takes only a few minutes to complete. Once you have registered with a company or two, they will start informing you of shopping opportunities. Most of these are “first-come, first-serve”, so be sure to provide company with an email address that you check regularly, and a phone number where you can be easily reached. Be willing to accept last minute assignments and treat bottom-of-the-barrel assignments just like top-of-the-line assignments. At first, take whatever you can get. This will allow you to build a reputation with each company. The old adage, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” is exceptionally true in this industry. Make sure you completely understand instructions for particular shop, be impartial, and focus on accuracy. You may be required to document employee names and descriptions, prices, inventory evaluations, etc.
| | Success at Work: Techniques : Taking InitiativeWritten by Stephen Bucaro
---------------------------------------------------------- Permission is granted for below article to forward, reprint, distribute, use for ezine, newsletter, website, offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are made and byline, copyright, and resource box below is included. ----------------------------------------------------------Success at Work: Techniques : Taking Initiative By Stephen Bucaro Do you have to constantly nag at your kids to do things? Why can't they clean up their mess and get ready for school without being told? Now think about your boss at work. Does your boss always have to tell you what to do. Does your boss have to treat you like a child, or do you take initiative? Employees who need to be told what to do are said to be "reactive". They do something only after boss tells them to, or after need to do something has been pointed out to them. Employees who do what has to be done and solve problems before they arise are said to be "proactive". Bosses like employees that are proactive and willing to take initiative. There are many advantages to taking initiative at work: - By taking initiative you'll gain skills and learn more about your company and market it serves. - You'll be less bored at work because you won't be stuck in same old routine. But before we learn more of advantages, let's consider some of dangers of taking initiative at work. - Is problem within your area of responsibility? By taking initiative with a problem that is outside your area of responsibility you could be trespassing on some else's turf. Before taking on a task outside your normal area of responsibility you should find out who's responsibility it is and involve that person. If a fellow employee is swamped with work and you are facing a lull in work, ask them if you can help. But don't assume they will welcome your help. Some workers think greater job security is achieved by being behind in their work. They may feel that you are threatening their job security. - By taking on an additional task, will your boss think you don't have enough work to do and you're looking for more? If this is a possibility, make sure your boss understands that lull in your work is only temporary, or that you're taking on extra task to avoid boredom and learn something new. If you're not careful, extra task could become part of your job.
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