Lisa Duncan exudes the positive attitude that makes her such a successful Gigwalker.  The skills she developed traveling the world helps her on Gigs: Lisa is always prepared, communicates easily with businesses and infuses her work with a sense of fun.  

Why did you start Gigwalking and what does it mean to you?

I started Gigwalking because it seemed like a GREAT idea! Use my phone to make money?  YES PLEASE!  This year has been difficult financially and it’s the first time in my life I fell behind on bills.  I took on a part-time job at a fast food place but wasn’t happy with the work environment, so I started secret shopping, which I enjoyed, but it wasn’t the right fit for me.  THEN, I started Gigwalking.  WOW!  Not only is Gigwalk fun, but with the speed at which I can do Gigs, I’m making $32 per hour. 

Besides combing the streets for Gigs, what else do you do? 

I’m an Administrative Assistant and I love my job!  My passions are travel, learning new languages and about different cultures.  I lived in the Czech Republic to teach business English and traveled around Europe.  Once I get caught up on my bills, I’m going to save my Gigwalk money for my next trip.  I’m hoping to go to Asia!

How has Gigwalk made a difference for you?

Gigwalk helps me catch up on bills, takes stress out of my life, and gives me an easy and fun way to make money, at my own pace and on my own schedule.  Without Gigwalk this month to supplement my income, I wouldn’t have been able to make my car payment. A few weekends of Gigwalking have not only allowed me to pay my bills, but will help me go Christmas shopping! 

What are your two best tips for new Gigwalkers?

#1 Be PREPARED for anything: Bring a snack, an external battery for your phone, and arm yourself with an answer or a question for store associates or mall security.  Be prepared to be turned away when you ask permission, but also be ready for business owners who are excited about what you’re doing and ask a lot of questions!

#2 Have fun and don’t be shy about asking questions.  The folks at Gigwalk are there to help, and so are other Gigwalkers. 

What was your best Gigwalking experience so far?  

I love Gigwalking at the mall.  I get to shop, and make money at the same time.  Just last night I had two shop owners get REALLY excited about what I was doing.  They both had lots of questions for me, and were happy to be helping me and their business at the same time.  That was great for me.  

Besides Gigwalk, what is your favorite iPhone Application? 

Hands down: Words With Friends! 

Which current event would you be discussing at the Gigwalk Watercooler? 

The unemployment rate, no doubt.  I have so many close friends and family members this has affected.  It’s absolutely awful!

What would be your theme song while Gigwalking? 

It would have to be Whistle While You Work like in Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs….I know it’s silly, but I FEEL like whistling while I’m Gigwalking because it’s just that fun.

Have you ever encountered another Gigwalker in the wild?
(Asked by Phil Scroggs, last week’s Featured Gigwalker)

As of yet I have not run into any Gigwalkers “in the wild”. I think I’ve done a lot of gigging in untouched areas and I’ve been doing a lot of “clean up” with straggler Gigs. I would love to run into a fellow Gigwalker and talk shop so to speak. I love the Gigwalk Talk forum, but meeting another Gigwalk fanatic would be so exciting!

What question do you want to ask the next featured Gigwalker?

Are you the only Gigwalker that you know personally or do you have any other friends who have the Gigwalk fever? 

Phil Scroggs has been Gigwalking in the Seattle area and quickly developed a reputation with our client as the “Leonardo da Vinci” of business panoramas.  It turns out the artful nature of his Gigs comes naturally; Phil is an accomplished illustrator and professional multimedia designer.  

Why did you start Gigwalking and what does it mean to you?

I started Gigwalking just to try out an interesting new app that I had read about. I kept Gigwalking because it was a great way to earn extra money while getting some exercise and exploring parts of Seattle that I don’t usually get to see. 

Besides combing the streets for Gigs, what else do you do? 

By day, I’m a multimedia designer for a healthcare company. I design print materials, presentations, videos and web graphics. When not doing that, I’m usually out shooting photos. The iPhone is just one of several cameras I use. I also make/show/sell acrylic paintings, illustrations and linocut prints as “Phillustrations.” 

How has Gigwalk made a difference for you? 

The main benefit is that my Gigwalk earnings let me say “yes” to things more often. I used to be more cautious when it came to small expenses like stopping for coffee on my way to work or going out to dinner. Now, I don’t think twice about it. With the money I’ve made doing this, I purchased the new iPhone and some accessories that I can use both on and off the job. 

What are your two best tips for new Gigwalkers?

#1 Read the FAQ in Gigwalk Talk and ask questions when you need help.   

#2 Plan your day before getting started. Pick a spot with lots of clustered gigs. If you’re shooting a lot of restaurant gigs, catch them right when they open so there will be fewer customers in your way. If you know of several closed businesses on your map, save those for when the open restaurants will be most crowded.

What was your best Gigwalking experience so far?  

One restaurant owner bought me a coffee of my choice before I got started. Another nice couple of owners boxed up some Chinese food for me to take, insisting that I try it even after I had declined the offer. 

Besides Gigwalk, what is your favorite iPhone Application?

 I love Instagram. It’s fun to shoot with and share your images.

I also like checking out the photo feed to see what other people are posting. 

Which current event would you be discussing at the Gigwalk Watercooler?

I’d probably be talking about the new iPhone and the future of Apple without Steve Jobs. 

What would be your theme song while Gigwalking? Why this song?

I’m going to pick something corny like “Secret Agent Man” by Johnny Rivers.  Although I usually get the business owner’s permission first, I still try to move fast and be as invisible as possible while I’m working. If I can blend into the background during my gigs, I have a better chance of staying out of the way, getting great photos and moving on to the next gig quickly! 

Besides your phone, what accessories do you pack in your bag for the job? 
(Asked by  Fernando Navales last week’s Featured Gigwalker): 

I pack sunscreen, headphones, and my charging cable - in case I stop for lunch somewhere that I can plug in. I also have a Mophie Juice Pack for recharging on the go.

What question do you want to ask the next featured Gigwalker?

Have you ever encountered another Gigwalker in the wild?

I have. Michael S. was trying to work the same restaurant I had just started and couldn’t figure out why the pin had disappeared on him. Great guy - we had a nice conversation about doing Gigs around Seattle.