Global Love Report

Author: Pamela Lugten

  • Sales Courses for Matchmakers

    sales courses for matchmakers

    Global Love Report – March 2, 2022
    Written by Pamela Stephanie

    Sales skills are incredibly useful in most jobs but especially so for a matchmaker. If you’re a matchmaker who runs their own business, sales skills are absolutely vital. That’s why we’ve decided to list sales courses for matchmakers that you can take online for FREE!

    1. How to sell anything in 3 simple steps by Jenny Tse (Udemy)

    This course is perfect for complete beginners when it comes to sales. And the course is geared towards selling services rather than products, which makes it a perfect addition to our list of sales courses for Matchmakers.

    The sales strategy here is also different from the “hard selling” strategy that is used by a lot of people in sales. So, if you don’t think the hard selling strategy or creating a sales pitch is right for you, you should definitely give this course a try!

    2. 12 Lead Generation Strategies – Used By Sales Experts by Stuart Briscar (Udemy)

    Maybe you’re really great at closing deals—your real issue is actually finding potential clients. This short course will give you an idea of how to find sales leads. It includes learning how to build a referral network, using social media, and it even includes some marketing strategies.

    It’s a particularly great course for someone who’s new in business!

    3. Introduction to Sales Management by Saylor Academy (Alison)

    This Sales course teaches you “Relationship Selling”, which means building a relationship with a lead—which is what you have to do with a client anyway! And it tells you the steps needed to succeed in sales.

    It also gives you an overview of how sales methods are used on social media, as well as on websites and other internet platforms.

    However, please note that one section may not be completely relevant to you because it discusses finding a career path in sales. But you can easily skip that section and go to the next one.

    4. Sales Prospecting and Lead Generation by Saylor Academy (Alison)

    Finding a prospective client can be tough and that’s why we have yet another Lead Generation course on this list. This course covers the basics, such as, identifying your potential clients. And it teaches you about being prepared when approaching any lead and explains the Sales approach to you.

    It’s definitely more comprehensive than the other Lead Generation course on this list. So, if you want the theory as well as the practical steps, you should try this course.

    Interested in other online courses? Check out our list of  useful courses for Matchmakers. Having trouble with Marketing? Then look at our list of Marketing Courses for Matchmakers.

    (Image source: Pexels, Mikael Blomkvist)

  • Global Love Spotlight: Jodi-Ann Salters

    GLR Spotlight is an interview series featuring Matchmakers, Dating Coaches & Relationship Experts

    Global Love Report – February 23, 2022
    Interviewed by Global Love Report

    GLR Spotlight was created to feature some of our industry peers as a way for our community to get to know one another – Learn from what has worked successfully, as well as gain different perspectives and insights into various business strategies. We hope to continuously grow as an industry together by sharing these best practices with everyone!

    About Jodi-Ann Salters

    Jodi-Ann Salters is a proud wife and mother of 3 beautiful children and CEO of Miss Match LLC. She’s currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia.

    She has experienced all that dating has to offer—both the good and the bad—and has developed the skills necessary to navigate the difficulties that arise when dating.

    Jodi-Ann learned over time to communicate her needs and found a partner who shares the same values. Through the dating process and choosing her husband she has also learned tools necessary to find the correct match and build healthy and sustainable relationships through honesty, effective communication, and empathy.

    Over the past 11 years she has been a leadership and management professional which enables her to assess people’s behaviors to help them identify relationship goals. She provides them with the tools necessary to meet the goals.

     

    Global Love Report (GLR): Hello Jodi-Ann, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions! Could you tell us about what your career was before entering the matchmaking industry?
    Jodi-Ann Salters (JAS): Before entering the matchmaking industry, I was a HR Director in the retail industry. Similar to matchmaking I was responsible for hiring, talent assessment, and making sure potential hires were a good fit for the company and the needs of the company. I found joy in listening to employees and help to discover solutions to their problems.

    However, working in the retail industry consumed most of the hours in my day and I needed some of the time back for my family. I went to therapy and in my second session my therapist told me two things that stuck with me.

    He said you are creative, and you are like a caged bird who needs to be freed. If the things you do robs you from your creativity, then you are not truly living.

    At the time I was setting my friends up on dates, planning to attend a few weddings, and was having a lot if conversations about dating and relationships. I was eager to know more.

    I started branding myself as a match maker without knowing the depths of the industry. Soon I began hosting speed dating events, singles mixers, putting together my team, committed to the online matchmaking certification with the Global Love institute, and began recruiting singles.

    I quit my job because I needed to be free.

    Since leaving my career, I have been a full-time matchmaker with my company Miss Match LLC.

    My friends and family have been a tremendous support system. Especially my husband. I get choked up when I think about it. I have inspired others to take a chance on themselves and pursue happiness. I accept that life is not perfect and nothing will be handed to me and I’m prepared to do the work.

    GLR: Why did you decide to become a matchmaker?
    JAS: Why not a matchmaker? This is the most fun I have had working. I have always loved love and love stories. I envisioned my husband and children before I met them. I knew the man that I would marry and the lifestyle we would live. I know it’s possible. I want to be a part of the process for others. I want to simplify the dating process for others.

    My friends also inspired me and I want to see them happy. Whenever they had a dating question, they would call me. Of course they listen more now since I’m a professional matchmaker. I know so many great single people who just haven’t met their match. As a matchmaker, I have access to “the one”.

    I would have been great at doing anything else in life because I’m a hard worker, I’m passionate about people, my personality attracts people, and bringing joy to others brings me joy. However, being a matchmaker is the perfect fit.

    GLR: Did your perception of what a matchmaker is/does change after being certified?
    JAS: My perception of what a matchmaker does did not changed. I saw it as an opportunity to assist others on their dating journey while finding the match they can’t find in their everyday life.

    I give them the luxury of enjoying life and focusing on themselves while I take on the pressure of what is the biggest decision of their life. However, one thing I was happy to learn is how much collaboration exists within the industry.

    GLR: What are you looking forward to as a matchmaker?
    JAs: I am looking forward to helping in the creation of healthier, thriving, sustainable relationships. I look forward to attending weddings as the person who introduced the “happy couple.” I would love to see more love stories.

    GLR: What cities/states/locations do you cover?
    JAS: I cover Atlanta and metro Atlanta, Georgia.

    GLR: Have you met any other matchmakers? Are you open for collaboration in the future?
    JAS: I had not met a matchmaker before embarking on this journey. This experience has been wonderful. Everyone was very eager to assist which made the process fun and rewarding. I love collaborating and I am open, ready, and excited to collaborate with other matchmakers both now and in the future.

    GLR: Do you have any words of advice for people who are still considering if they want to be a matchmaker or not?
    JAS: If you love love, you love people, and love seeing people happy, then this is a career path worth exploring.

    There are so many people out there looking for love in all the wrong places and have no idea where to begin. We need matchmakers to help navigate the dating world and support people on their life journey.

    GLR: Thank you so much for your time, Jodi-Ann!

    Wish to be Featured?
    Contact us: Media@GlobalLoveInstitute.com
    (Image source: Pexels)

  • Korean Agencies Increasing Membership Fees

    membership fees

    Global Love Report – February 23, 2022
    A review article by Pamela Stephanie

    Korean matchmaking companies are increasing membership fees. This is after the country saw price increases for food and drinks, as well as in the retail industry. The service industry in general is increasing its prices. So, it’s no wonder big name companies such as Duo and Noblesse are increasing its fees.

    According to sources, one of the biggest matchmaking companies in South Korea, Duo, will be increasing its fees by 500,000 won (around US$417) by the 1st of March 2022.

    Noblesse has already increased the membership fees of their male clients. It increased from 3.3 million won (around US$2757) to 3.85 million won (around US$3216). And another matchmaking company also raised their price by about 500,000 won.

    Duo is reported to be pushing out a new marketing campaign to obtain new members, at the same time announcing about their current price increase.

    Sources in the South Korean matchmaking industry noted that a combination of factors have led to the increase in fees, including: inflation and labor costs.

    Originally published by The Financial News.

    (Image source: Unsplash, Kevin Turcios)

  • IBJ: 2% of 2021 Marriages Thanks to Us

    2021 marriages

    Global Love Report – February 16, 2022
    A review article by Pamela Stephanie

    IBJ Group, Japan’s largest network of matchmaking agencies, recently announced that they broke a new record. 10,402 couples who met through their agencies were married in 2021. And this amounts to 2% of the total number of marriages in Japan in 2021.

    Thanks to its network of more than 3,000 agencies nation-wide and the trend of people preferring to use matchmaking agencies in order to find a spouse, the IBJ group was able to achieve the feat of marrying 20,804 people.

    This is also in line with one of IBJ’s aim, which is to help solve the declining birthrate in Japan.

    The company also stated that they have set a goal of being responsible for 5% of all marriages in Japan by 2027 and seeks to help create as many relationships as possible.

    Originally published by PR Times.

    (Image source: Pexels, Goran Vrakela)

  • Matchmaking for Young People in the Netherlands

    matchmaking for young people

    Global Love Report – February 16, 2022
    A review article by Pamela Stephanie

    A young person who won’t look at you when he’s talking with you or who’s scared to call someone. Gemma van Grinsven knows: a young person like that won’t be able to get into a relationship easily. And with all the restrictions due to Covid, it has become a lot more difficult: “Three out of ten young people suffer from psychological problems. And that’s a conservative estimate.” That’s why she established a matchmaking agency in Tilburg.

    Gemma effortlessly sums up what many young people struggle with: fear, being chaotic, low self-esteem, and fear of failure. And she immediately clears up a few misunderstandings: this has nothing to do with being stupid or smart and it has nothing to do with looks either: “Come and have a look at us, you won’t see anything. All are normal, nice young people.”

    Gemma has been committed to helping young people with problems for fourteen years. The fact that she has started a matchmaking agency has everything to do with Covid: “They don’t have their regular connections at work or at school. As a result, they have lost their support system and are left to fend for themselves.”

    Gemma knows that communicating through a video connection is difficult: “Because they don’t want to see themselves on camera. You see it when a class is supposed to meet online. We would like everyone to get the chance to build long-lasting friendships or relationships.”

    Gemma works together with psychologist Renske Castricum. They do the intakes in Nijmegen and Tilburg, first covering the provinces of Gelderland and Brabant. Wednesday they will start with the intakes: “Many healthcare institutions around us who know that this is going to start tell us: this could get out of control. I hope not, of course, but it would be fantastic if we could help hundreds of young people.”

    If it goes out of hand Gemma has trained volunteers on hand to help out. Registration can be done from Wednesday on the website. Following that is a intake in Tilburg or Nijmegen and if you would like help, you pay 45 Euros if you’re on benefits, otherwise it’s 90 Euros.

    The Oranjefons (a Dutch charity) is supporting the initiative. “We don’t put any photographs on the website because we know how sensitive that is for young people who are afraid of failure. We will see for ourselves who can be a match and we will bring those people into contact with each other. And we’ll continue to follow that process.”

    Additionally, there will be activities. At first in Nijmegen and later also in Tilburg. “Walking together, cooking or going to the museum? What we will be doing, the group will decide for themselves. You are never alone, there are always supervisors with you. I would find it fantastic if we have helped 25 couples by the end of the year.”

    Originally published by Omroep Brabant.

    (Image source: Unsplash, Randy Kinne)

  • Reasons Why You Need Your Own Newsletter

    newsletter

    Global Love Report – February 16, 2022
    Written by Pamela Stephanie

    Newsletters may seem like just another email to clutter up your inbox. But if a newsletter gives you valuable information, you’re more likely to open it—you may even look forward to it.

    If you’re contemplating starting a newsletter for your existing client base, then we’re here to tell you that you should definitely go for it!

    Cost-Effective

    Having a newsletter as a way to market your business is cost-effective. Especially when you look at the paid alternatives.

    Even taking into consideration the time and effort it would take to put one together, it’s still a worthwhile investment. A thoughtful newsletter with great content will definitely be a good way to do the next thing on our list.

    Building Your Brand

    Are you just starting out? Then a newsletter can be a way for potential clients to see what you’re able to do for them. It’s a way to showcase your talent and knowledge when it comes to dating and/or matchmaking.

    This builds your own credibility and provides you with another platform to build your brand. And as others will be able to tell you, having a great brand will help you find new clients in the future. Whether it’s through client referrals or even referrals from other matchmaker, word of mouth is extremely valuable and will go a long way in helping you establish yourself in the industry.

    A Great Way to Promote to Leads

    Maybe someone signed up to your free newsletter but they’re not yet a client or they’re not even in your database yet. Having your newsletter can be what makes them decide to finally register with your agency!

    Providing relevant and valuable content that is useful for potential clients may convince them to convert from a sales lead to an actual client. (That’s why picking and creating the type of content for your newsletter is very important!)

    Finding Out Who Your Leads/Potential Clients Are

    The newsletter can be useful even before you send one out.

    How so?

    By having a newsletter sign up on your website or social media pages, you will be able to know the people who are still on the fence with regards to paying for your services.

    A lead who is willing to sign up for a newsletter is more likely to become a client of yours in the future. The sign-up page also means that you have their contact details and you know they’re interested.

    This way, you can even create email campaigns that specifically target potential clients.

    Are you looking for ideas on what kind of content your newsletter should have? Come join our LinkedIn Group to read that and other exclusive contents! (Please note that you need to have a LinkedIn account to join the group. You can register here, it’s free!)

    Would you like gain some Marketing knowledge? Check out our list of free online marketing courses.

    (Image source: Pexels, Torsten Dettlaff)

  • Matchmaking Program Continues After Success

    matchmaking program

    Global Love Report – February 9, 2022
    A review article by Pamela Stephanie

    The Ministry of Religion in Solo, Indonesia has re-started their matchmaking agency, Jadikan Aku Halalmu (Translation: “Make me be your halal”) for two weeks now. This matchmaking program is a continuation to a similar program that they released in September 2021.

    The Head of Solo’s Ministry of Religion, Hidayat Masykur, stated that the re-opening of the agency’s matchmaking program is due to the fact that there were a lot of interests in the first stage.

    “For the first stage, we were able to marry seven couples, and it’s possible there are some who are currently in the process [of marrying].”

    Hidayat explained that the total of registrants for the first stage of the matchmaking agency’s opening reached around 500 people. They then went through a selection and verification process. About 380 of the 500 were eligible for the program. “We are still observing and giving pre-marital guidance to all of the verified registrants,” he explained.

    Hidayat mentioned that the program not only facilitated those who wanted to find a partner but also to give pre-marital guidance.

    According to data that he obtained, the number of divorces in Solo city is quite high. And the average marriage last under 10 years. Pre-marital guidance is expected to provide education regarding how to move forward within a marriage.

    “The process from the getting to know stage until marriage is long. We are still giving them guidance until now. They can also have a consultation,” he explained.

    Originally published in Solo Pos.

    (Image source: Pexels, Danu Hidayatur)

  • Waiting on Weight

    waiting for weight

    Global Love Report – February 9, 2022
    by Brigitte Weil, Matchmaker and Food Coach.

    Don’t hate me but I am going to say it: It is really hard to be single and dating right now, and carrying extra weight, for some, makes it even harder.

    We all choose who we want to work with, so some Matchmakers don’t need to address the weight issue with their clients, because their clients fall into the easier-to-match fortunate column of fit and thin.

    I don’t have that luxury. You see, I am a Food Coach and Matchmaker. Many of my Food Coaching clients – mostly women actively on a weight loss journey – ask me to simultaneously take them on as Matchmaking clients. I chose to become a coach so I can help individuals achieve goals that they are not able to achieve by themselves, whatever they are, and I don’t get to choose their obstacles.

    And, as a natural-born people-pleaser, I don’t like saying NO.

    However, in this undeniable fat-phobic society, we need to be realistic and it’s a disservice to our clients to not be candid.

    Most women with some extra pounds already know there could be potential challenges.

    Here is some of what we all likely hear:

    “It’s not a good time to date.”

    “I need to lose this flabby stomach so I’ll fit into my nice dating clothes.”

    “I should wait several months because I’ll have more time to lose weight.”

    Before moving onward, please know this info does not apply if your client is a BBW – a big, beautiful woman who is fiercely body positive and has overcome social stigma regarding body size. There are some proven strategies for matching these confident women which I will save for another conversation. I believe we have a lot to learn from these women, but that is not what this article is about. We can decipher how a potential client self-defines regarding body-image in our first consultation and decide how to best proceed forward as we learn how they see themselves.

    I am also mostly referring to women who want to date men. We all have heard many female clients say they will date men with “a few extra pounds,” or a “bit of a belly is fine.” We rarely hear our male clients express such openness and generosity. This unfair double standard stinks, but it is a reality we all work with. While we can try to challenge and “open up” our male clients, we are still protective and want to ensure our female clients have the most positive experiences. (This is why it’s imperative to be upfront regarding body size with clients and their matches).

    So, how do we address our clients with extra pounds who are exhibiting reluctance to date or a desire to commit to shaving off some pounds?

    With honest, motivating, firm guidance.

    Start with sharing these reminders:

    • Nothing is as appealing or as sexy as a person who feels good about themselves and is working towards being even more fabulous.
    • YOU(your client) sets the tone on a first date: if a strong signal of optimism and confidence is sensed, even if your desired size 4 or 6 or 8 or 10 is not yet achieved, your date receives these loud, very clear, positive messages from across the table.
    • You don’t need to pretend that you are perfect. That is not honest. Allow dates to meet you exactly where you are.
    • It is ok to share that you are on a path to self-improvement or on a weight loss journey – this is an appealing and impressive quality to expose – it exhibits candor, flexibility, determination and the desirable goal for increased happiness and well-being.
    • Never apologize. For anything.
    • Your date wants a happy partner, not necessarily a skinny partner.

    Always tell your clients the truth, just as you would with any issue that you would see as a matching challenge. If your client insisted on only dating 6’2”+ matches, you would have zero qualms telling her that she is narrowing her options.

    It would be a disservice to sugar coat the real dating world as we know it to be, so be direct and kind while encouraging clients towards improved self-care. You are being hired to provide a service and will protect yourself by being open, knowledgeable, and realistic with your client from the start of your Matchmaker/Client relationship.

    If we agree that our greater mission is to help our clients venture into the dating world, learn more about themselves, and pave the way to find happiness and romance, then motivating them to feel empowered and good about who they are, and who they strive to be, will always lead to more positive experiences and optimal dating results.

    (Image source: Pexels, SHVETS)

  • Matchmaking with Love Letters

    love letters

    Global Love Report – February 2, 2022
    A review article by Pamela Stephanie

    Chatting with someone for hours on a dating app only to find out that he’s after something else , has a fake profile or suddenly doesn’t react anymore. Daisy van Tussenbroek was fed up with it all. That’s why she created her own offline dating alternative where you don’t chat with each other but write letters. “It’s super romantic.”

    Daisy couldn’t find what she was searching for: a fun, original way to find a long-term partner. That’s why the 35-year-old woman from Rotterdam decided to take matters into her own hands.

    Lasting Relationship

    She founded Wooing, a platform where people who are looking for a “lasting relationship” can register. They have to write a letter to their upcoming date at the beginning. “You purchase a physical box. The inside contains paper, an envelope, and a booklet with tips and tricks on how to write a good letter,” explained Daisy to EditieNL.

    Candidates also answer a list of questions so it’s clear what they’re looking for. Then it’s on Daisy to make good matches. Candidates receive mail in the letterbox twice per month. “Per round there are two to five letters from people of whom I think, this really be something.” Pictures will also be sent along.

    First Meeting

    Then the candidates can indicate if they’ve received a letter from someone that they would like to get to know. If both sides says “go”, then Daisy plans the first meeting: “a meet cute”, as she calls it. “I try to choose a unique place that is related to their interests. Maybe it’s their favorite bookstore in Rotterdam, for example. At the moment I’m planning these meet cutes outside due to Covid.”

    Matching

    Daisy does not have a background in matchmaking. “I studied (web)design, so something completely different. But I do the matching process together with relationship therapists and sexologists. I do everything else by myself, although that’s hardly possible anymore.” There are now almost 100 registrations.
    Anyone 18 and above is welcome at Wooing, regardless of sexuality or where they live. “The dates are taking place in 32 of the biggest municipalities in the Netherlands. Basically, they’re easily accessible from all corner of the country.”

    Romance

    But is letter writing still relevant today? “Well, maybe not. But I really want to bring it back. I feel that with a letter you get closer to the heart of the matter. You take the time for it and sit on the coach with a blanket and a cup of coffee to read it. It’s tangible and also super romantic.”

    Seed Paper

    If the match turns out to be a success and the two decide to move forward, they can get to work too. The letters are printed on seed paper, which is made from recycled material. If you plant it in the soil, a plant can grow out of it under the right conditions. “So you can see together if something beautiful comes out of your letter.”

    Daisy has not yet managed to find a partner for herself. “I’m still single,” she says. “I’m not going along with this concept. I find the matching fun but for myself, I’m not so concerned with it. And no, I can’t keep the good candidates for myself. I’m very honest with it. I take Wooing very seriously.”

    Originally published by RTL Nieuws

    (Image source: Pexels, Karolina Grabowska)

  • Global Love Spotlight: Jade Bianca

    GLR Spotlight is an interview series featuring Matchmakers, Dating Coaches & Relationship Experts

    Global Love Report – February 2, 2022
    Interviewed by Global Love Report

    GLR Spotlight was created to feature some of our industry peers as a way for our community to get to know one another – Learn from what has worked successfully, as well as gain different perspectives and insights into various business strategies. We hope to continuously grow as an industry together by sharing these best practices with everyone!

    About Jade Bianca

    Jade Bianca

     

     

     

    Jade Bianca is the Founder of Dating After Divorce, an agency that specializes in divorced men and women who are seeking a match.

    She started out as a dating coach but has since expanded her services to include matchmaking as well.

     

     

     

    Global Love Report (GLR): Hello Jade, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions! Could you tell us about what your career was before entering the matchmaking industry?
    Jade Bianca (JB): I was an ESL teacher & nonprofit founder in Morocco. I love helping people, but now I’m doing it through curated introductions and a little bit of grammar!

    GLR: Why did you decide to become a matchmaker?
    JB: I started off as a dating coach for divorced men because, as a divorced woman I know how difficult the transition from “we to me” can be and I felt like the support for men in this area was lacking. I quickly branched into working with divorced women as well. Matchmaking was the next step to help fully service my amazing clients.

    GLR: Did your perception of what a matchmaker is/does change after being certified?
    JB: The matchmaking certification helped to give me the bones of what the matchmaking process looks like. I’m a hands-on learner, so a helpful part of honing my matchmaking “craft” has been working with diverse clients and having some great fellow matchmakers to go to bounce ideas off of.

    GLR: What are you looking forward to as a matchmaker?
    JB: Honestly, I can’t wait to see the photos of my clients’ blended families down the road. It makes my heart happy to give people a second chance at love.

    GLR: What cities/states/locations do you cover?
    JB: I work with divorced men and women throughout the United States and Canada.

    GLR: Have you met any other matchmakers? Are you open for collaboration in the future?
    JB: I’ve met and collaborated with some wonderful matchmakers. I would absolutely love to collaborate with you!

    GLR: Do you have any words of advice for people who are still considering if they want to be a matchmaker or not?
    JB: Take the leap and you will not be disappointed! I had a client tell me last night, “I’ve never had this many options of women who want to go out with me!”

    GLR: Thank you for your time, Jade!

    Wish to be Featured?
    Contact us: Media@GlobalLoveInstitute.com
    (Image source: Pexels)