Matchmaking is the process of matching two people up for romantic purposes and usually with the end game of marriage. It’s one of the oldest professions, and a booming business opportunity in today’s digital world. In fact, professional matchmakers these days can make six figures if they can prove they have a recipe for success.
As of now I’m quite satisfied with my career as a digital marketing consultant and SEO specialist. I’m not looking to change professions or get into the matchmaking game (although the potential income is tempting!). But if I were to change my career right now to a matchmaker, here are the steps I’d take first to be successful:
Market My MatchMaking Business
As a digital marketer by trade, obviously my first step would be market research, industry education, and marketing my service. After establishing that there was a need for a professional matchmaker in your local and digital marketplace, I’d learn more about the matchmaking industry.
I’d even look into getting a matchmaking certification, pick the brains of current matchmaking professionals, and then start the marketing process online and offline. Every extra insight you can gain on the industry and the local market is valuable.
It Takes Two To Tango: The Power Of Partnership
As a matchmaking expert, I feel confident working with men and women of all ages and backgrounds. Usually that confidence is noticed by your prospects and clients, so they are fine with the fact that I am a man.
But not everyone feels that way. Some people are just more comfortable working with a woman. For that reason, I would partner with a female matchmaker as well, at least in a limited capacity. If I bring in a qualified lead on my own and they would strongly prefer working with a woman, I would refer them to my female partner for a fee. Or I would waive the fee if they would do the same for me.
Offer Free Consultations
Not every professional offers free consultations, but if you can make the time then it is an invaluable opportunity to prove your value. A lot of prospects that might be interested in your service will need to speak with you in person first, or at least do a phone call or video conference. Not only will it provide you with the opportunity to close more deals and get more referrals, but it will allow you to hone your sales pitch.
Have My Clients Join A Dating Website
Having your clients join a dating website is a big step to helping them find their future better halves. Not only does it open up their potential dating pool, but it gives them some great preparation and practice before getting out on the dating scene. It also helps them really think about what they are looking for and the values that they hold dear.
There is always a top free dating site to join that provide the opportunity for finding a real relationship. If you need a specific suggestion, the best dating website to try out first is welovedates.com. I would also join We Love Dates as well for aspiring matchmaking startup founders to get a better idea of how the site could become a valuable asset for customers.
Have Them Attend Events
Dating websites are essential to facilitating relationship matches, but you still want your clients to attend some social events IRL. Real relationships don’t just happen behind keyboards, they happen face to face and require social skills.
Ask For Testimonials And Referrals
Once you have at least a modest clientele, it’s crucial that you ask for testimonials and referrals. Requesting testimonials from satisfied customers can become a powerful marketing opportunity. You should post the testimonials on your website, social media, and other marketing materials to prove your value and success rate.
Asking for referrals is just as important or even more important. Ask all of your clients, or even prospects that don’t sign with you, if they know of someone else that could benefit from your services. Chances are high that they know of someone that is looking for a relationship and having trouble. Everyone knows someone that could use a matchmaker, and those referrals could become big paydays. It’s a lot easier to find a great new show to binge on Netflix or find a video to download on a torrent than it is to find a great mate! It takes strategy and expertise to find the right match for your romantic life.
Market Your Own Match
One of the best ways to ensure your matchmaking business is a success is to market your own match. And by that I mean your girlfriend, boyfriend, fiance, husband, or wife and your strong relationship. You can’t be a great matchmaker with a sterling reputation if you can’t prove your own success with relationships. People don’t hire fat personal trainers and they don’t hire life coaches that live in trailer parks. Practice what you preach and be a great example of one half of a successful relationship.