Charles Stiles - President, Mystery Shopper Services: Independent Contractors & Maintaining a Positive Influence

Charles Stiles - President, Mystery Shopper Services: Independent Contractors & Maintaining a Positive Influence

Author: Dr. Laura Sicola November 1, 2022 Duration: 37:25

Navigating the needs of a team of independent contractors requires clarity and simplicity. This week Charles Stiles shares how he works with a large pool of independent talent, managing expectations and aligning their goals to the individual businesses they serve. Listen in as Laura and Charles discuss how Mystery Shoppers help businesses stay customer focused, how Charles manages individual and organizational goals, and why positive conversations are the cornerstone to long-term success

 

Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation:

  • The importance of helping customers understand the costs of services
  • How to build trust by communicating challenges to your audience
  • Why leadership has a responsibility to disengage from negative communication
  • How to handle difficult situations that involve multiple team members
  • The KISS strategy for communicating with clients

 

During the 24-Hour Influence Challenge, Charles encourages you to identify and correct any negative comments as you speak them, creating a positive influence on those around you.

 

Charles Stiles owned, managed, and grew numerous retail gourmet food and gift shops with world-class customer service. In 1996, his success led to the creation of one of the most respected and comprehensive mystery shopping and business evaluation companies in North America. In 2014, BES acquired two of the most notable brands in the industry (Customer 1st and BMA). They service a growing cadre of national and international clients, such as Disney, Microsoft, YMCA, and many more.

 

As the host of Food Network’s Mystery Diners, he continues to elevate the customer service evaluation industry by bringing awareness to the importance of customer service to business success. Charles speaks nationally on customer service and culture-building topics to leaders and the media. Charles has been an active member of the Mystery Shopper Providers Association (MSPA), since 2001. Over the years, he’s served on the executive board of directors including President of MSPA Americas, President of MSPA Global, and still holds a chair on the board of directors at large.

You can learn more at: www.mysteryshopperservices.com

 

 

To learn more about Dr. Laura Sicola and how mastering influence can impact your success go to https://www.speakingtoinfluence.com/quickstart and download the quick start guide for mastering the three C’s of influence.

 

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola


LinkedIn Business Page: 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/


YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions


Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions


Twitter: 
@Laura Sicola 


Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions


Speaking to Influence features conversations about the tangible mechanics of leadership communication, moving beyond theory into practical application. Host Dr. Laura Sicola, an expert in linguistic influence, guides discussions that dissect how language, tone, and presence directly impact credibility and outcomes. Each episode brings a perspective from seasoned executives and industry figures who share their real-world experiences-not just their successes, but the nuanced moments where a single conversation changed a trajectory. The focus here is on the actionable: how to structure a message for a skeptical board, modulate your voice to convey authority without arrogance, and read a room to pivot your approach in real time. This isn't about generic public speaking tips; it's a deep exploration of the strategic choices behind influential speech. Listeners gain access to a toolkit for building confidence, commanding attention, and achieving specific professional results through more intentional communication. The podcast operates at the intersection of business strategy, personal development, and the often-overlooked technical art of persuasion, making it relevant for anyone whose role requires them to lead, sell, or inspire through spoken word. Dr. Sicola's background provides a unique lens, ensuring every conversation yields insights you can use immediately to refine your own impact.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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