Interview with IMSC Co-Founder, Servanne Edlund (And Founder of Edlund Data Services)

@stilllearning did a great interview with @Servanne Edlund. Servanne was one of the creators of the IMSC. She also recently created her own scheduling/editing company. She has a very interesting story. It's well worth the read:

[www.mysteryshoppermagazine.com]

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/22/2015 04:01PM by JacobJ.

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I enjoyed reading your article. Great work!

Thank you stilllearning! It was fun to answer your questions.

If you have further questions for me, forum readers, feel free to ask!

There is no such thing as a stupid question, so ask away! And remember: to each his own.

I agree with Servanne that the future of mystery shopping is in video. But that doesn't help those of us who live in two-party states. There are a few opportunities where it's allowed but not enough to justify the equipment cost. I would invest in a heartbeat if it were legal in my state.

In two-party states, you can still video shop. In that case, the employer of the rep you are shopping will have disclosed, either at the time of employment or later, that a video shop may be conducted. The rep will have signed an agreement to be video shopped, thus giving the "second party" notice of the recording. The two-party state issue only arises when you record (video or audio) someone who has no prior knowledge of the recording. The companies offering video shops would not place you (and therefore themselves!) at risk by not covering this basis. I hope this helps.

There is no such thing as a stupid question, so ask away! And remember: to each his own.

Video recording (without audio) is allowed without consent providing there is no expectation of privacy (bathrooms, dressing rooms, etc). In states where it is 2-party then you need consent if you do any type of audio.

After a misunderstanding regarding the content of the interview, a clarification is needed. Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this interview are solely those of the author. These views and opinions do not represent those of the IMSC.

There is no such thing as a stupid question, so ask away! And remember: to each his own.

I met Servanne at the very first IMSC conference and, from her session on route shopping, learned enough to double my net MS income the following year. I was already well established and doing some video so I figure that a less experienced shopper would have more than doubled based on using the information from that session alone! As frosting on the cake, Servanne is known to have audiences laughing until the tears flow while imparting memorable and valuable lessons for shoppers of all experience levels.

See you in Las Vegas, Servanne!

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.

See you there, wales!

There is no such thing as a stupid question, so ask away! And remember: to each his own.

I can attest to laughing so hard tears were rolling down my face. There was also a workshop going on in the next room. They were pounding on the walls to get us to keep it down because we were all in hysterics

Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.

And that workshop on the other side of the wall was being led by Doug Rector (@dcrector).

I just don't see a point of teaching/learning in austerity! ;-)

There is no such thing as a stupid question, so ask away! And remember: to each his own.

However, I can attest that it really is not fair to schedule any other workshops or conference sessions at the same time as Servanne's. The word is now out; everyone will go to hear Servanne and leave the other session empty!

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.

@cvb42jeb wrote:

I agree with Servanne that the future of mystery shopping is in video. But that doesn't help those of us who live in two-party states. There are a few opportunities where it's allowed but not enough to justify the equipment cost. I would invest in a heartbeat if it were legal in my state.

Opportunities exist in the two states (2 parties) that sort-of surround the smallest one-party state in the union. Where do you live? Maybe it is time to reevaluate that conclusion.

Happily shopping Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut

It's not the first time I've seen someone come to that conclusion. While I don't recommend everyone run out and invest $700 in equipment, the argument about two party states doesn't hold water. In a one party state I do have some opportunities not available to others. Specifically I can complete competitor shops and have been tapped to provide test videos used to market to new clients. I have been able to complete some shops in two party states as long as the client has gotten the authorizations. I've also had instances where the paperwork was not available in time for the project to start so the video became written shops in those areas. In those circumstances there was a slight reduction in the fee, emphasis on slight.

I try to go to all the conferences that I can go to. I have had many wonderful training sessions with Servanne. I have recently worked with her on advance Video shopping training. She was able to assure me that I was doing a good job with my videos and how to get better videos. We have discussed many times what my future in Mystery shopping will be and she has encouraged me to take the next step in many avenues I have checked out. She is willing to listen and give advice and well as acknowledge when I have given her something that she can use in her business. Great lady, mother and teacher always a thrill to see her and visit with her.

Wow. Thank you, Yvette. I am truly humbled by your comment.

I think it is important for everyone involved in the mystery shopping industry to realize that no one holds all the answers, and that we can continually learn from each other. I am grateful for the wonderful professionals I have had the pleasure to either meet in person or interact with online. You have allowed me to grow as a person and as a mystery shopping professional. Without the support you have given me, I would not be where I am today.

There is no such thing as a stupid question, so ask away! And remember: to each his own.

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Interview with IMSC Co-Founder, Servanne Edlund (And Founder of Edlund Data Services)

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