Category: Contributed Articles

Global Love Report – October 19, 2022
by Michelle Begy, Founder and MD of Ignite Dating

Quality over Quantity clients: How Working With Quality Clients Brings the Quantity

When you start out in business it can be tempting to put all your energy into securing as many customers as possible. This makes sense as every entrepreneur in the services sector knows the aim is to build a successful business which has a healthy client base. However, in my experience quantity isn’t everything when it comes to growing a business which’ll go the distance. While a determined focus on attracting a high volume of clients can be tempting, it can be better to sometimes just say no.

Let me explain. My agency Ignite Dating is an elite matchmaking service which puts personalised and hands-on service at its heart. We enjoy working with our exclusive network of high-calibre, professional individuals who all share the goal of finding a life partner with similar values and outlooks on life. This shared goal is key to how we work, because it is our clients play a key role in ensuring their dating journey is a successful one. Matchmaking by design works best if the client you are working with is properly invested in the process and going into it with an appreciation of what they bring to the table. Our job as matchmakers is to help them to understand what they are looking for and to ensure they get there.

So, to be successful in such a competitive industry I’ve found it really pays to concentrate on who you are working with, as quality clients are the key to business success. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some truly amazing individuals over the years and I’ve found there are certain traits a quality client will possess which’ll really help to ensure our relationship is a collaborative and successful one:

Emotional commitment: The person who is looking to be matched will be prepared to put in the work to ensure their search for love is a success. This may be by taking the time to think about the elements of character they want from a new partner, or by being prepared to recognise and challenge hang-ups they’ve had in the past. It may be something physical they’ve decided they want to change about themselves, such as losing weight, and they are fully committed to achieving that goal.

Financial investment: A quality client recognises the importance of the matchmaking process, and they are prepared to make a financial investment because a successful dating journey is so important to them. They recognise the professional service they are receiving and value it, seeing it as an investment in a life priority.

An open-minded approach: Being open-minded when it comes to matchmaking means being prepared to challenge yourself in order to achieve your goal. An open-minded client may recognise that preconceived views about dating haven’t worked for them and will ensure they are not fixated on specifics like age or height. It’s also about being realistic and understanding that making a financial investment in matchmaking doesn’t instantly guarantee them the partner of their dreams.

Trust the process: It’s important that clients trust the process, and this is where matchmakers come in to help manage expectations and make sure that the client is on the same page about how it all works. A quality client will understand that it’s not realistic to expect multiple matches the minute they sign up. They will be honest with themselves that, deep down, they realise it can be hard, but that we are there to help. Matchmakers are like trusted friends, and we can then be there for them if they start giving in to nerves or fears about dating.

They are ready to date with intent:  This means approaching matchmaking being prepared to take it wherever it goes, perhaps all the way to finding a life partner! The client is fully invested and excited about the process, rather than just using it to just see what else is out there.

So why does all this matter? As you can see, matchmaking works best when the client is really prepared to be part of the journey, seeing it as an enriching process which makes the goal of finding a long-term partner fully achievable. Working with great clients brings incredible rewards for my business as well, as many go on to be incredible advocates for our service. We’ve discovered that 90% of clients who are successfully matched go on refer on average 3.2 friends. When it comes to referrals from these existing clients, we convert on average 94% to paid clients.

So, as a matchmaker, it really pays to concentrate on who you are working with – so don’t be afraid to say no to working with people who won’t be fully invested in the process. We have a key role to play in managing expectations and we must value our expertise and the valuable service we are able to offer. Be assured that by concentrating on quality clients the quantity volume will follow and your business will flourish as a result!

(Images source: Pexels, Andrea Piacquadio)

Global Love Report – June 29, 2022
by Michelle Begy, Managing Director and Founder of Ignite Dating

It is always going to be tough launching a brand-new business, but throw a global pandemic into the mix and you have a potential recipe for disaster.

Just 10 weeks after our launch, the whole country went into lockdown. For an industry that thrives on personal contact and building relationships, there was no way of knowing the impact this was going to have on not only Ignite Dating, but the dating industry as a whole. Faced with a situation where our matchmakers were not able to meet their clients face-to-face, and in turn our clients could not meet up in person to date, there was a possibility that this could spell the end for my new venture, before it had even begun.

However, those that know me best have said that they admire my determination and grit, and in the face of adversity, there was only one thing to do. Companies around me were ‘moth balling’ their agencies and the general outlook in the industry was bleak. Instead of following suit, I took a different approach, if there was any money to be spent on matchmaking, I wanted to ensure it was spent with Ignite Dating.

Success comes from strategic risk

As a start up, we had little to lose and to my mind a massive push was required to ensure we did not fall at the first hurdle. While other dating agencies decided to concentrate on the clients they already had to ride out the pandemic, I adopted a “push harder, work smarter and build faster” approach. Instead of waiting to see what happened as the pandemic unfolded, we concentrated on brand building by retaining the services of a PR agency, achieving a vast number of articles and comments in national press publications and numerous broadcast interviews. We also increased our online marketing spend by 200% and expanded the territories throughout the UK that we could offer our service in.

I also saw an opportunity to take advantage of the changes forced upon society rather than see them as impossible obstacles. We embraced the opportunities of lockdown and the more traditional relationship approach that it necessitated. People were looking for companionship and quality of introductions over quantity, so I set myself one rule, always listen to our clients and ensure our personalised service meet their needs. We ensured our clients could still meet their future partner in a safe and responsible way, in line with the ever-changing Government guidelines and offered a completely different perspective on virtual dating, while offering ongoing support and advice throughout every step of their journey, whether they were navigating their first Zoom date or meeting for a socially distanced walk in the park.

This determination to stay positive and swim against the tide allowed us to come out of lockdown stronger and in a better position than ever – something which looks set to continue. As restrictions eased, we saw a 350% growth in people taking up our services and greatly surpassed all original projections we set – despite the challenges that shaped the first two years of the business.

A new world for dating

Now, for the first time in two years, it feels like the panic and disruption of the pandemic is finally coming to a close. While we have witnessed many businesses across a range of industry sectors close their doors for the last time, we have also seen those that disrupted the market and came out stronger than ever before – and Ignite Dating is proud to be in the latter.

The dedication and hard work over the last two years has paid off and we have seen a huge growth in not only our brand awareness but also our position within the market. From a team of two upon launch, we now have 12 Ignite Angels working throughout the UK as well as two offices – a head office in London and a regional office in the Midlands – to run our daily operations from. After such a long period having to keep our distance, it’s great to have my rapidly expanding team together again and we continue to ensure that we make plenty of time for regular catchups in-person for support and weekly team Zoom calls to inspire each other.

Networking has always been an essential part of how I’ve grown the business and it’s great to be out there meeting in person again. Through these events, I am always meeting other matchmakers, potential ambassadors and clients that are interested in the unique way in which Ignite Dating works and the multi award-winning service that we offer.

And it’s not just Ignite Dating that is seeing the benefits of coming out of the pandemic. Now the restrictions have lifted and people are feeling more confident about going out and meeting new people again, the future of dating looks even brighter. Our clients are back to being able to meet and date in person, assisted in their dating journey as always by our talented, expert matchmakers. We are so thrilled every time we hear about yet another successful date, or another engagement – and it makes all the hard work navigating a new dating landscape on their behalf worth it!

If the pandemic has taught me anything, it’s that not everything goes to plan. Despite your best efforts, you can never fully know what is going to happen in the future so it is important to remember that if the plan doesn’t work, change the plan – but never change the goal.

(Images source: Michelle Begy, Ignite Dating)

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)

Global Love Report – December 22, 2021
by Dr. Justin R. Garcia, Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute, a Professor of gender studies at Indiana University, and scientific adviser to Match.

The pandemic has been hard on romantic relationships.

That’s the conventional wisdom—the idea that couples, locked down and scared, looked at their partner in a way they never had to before, and often didn’t like what they saw.

There is some truth to that picture. Many people with relationship problems and difficulties found that these got much worse. It became harder to get breathing room, to step away even for a while, to seek out resources, to develop an exit strategy. That was especially true for people in situations involving domestic violence.

But that sad story masks a much bigger truth: Most relationships thrived during the pandemic, providing all sorts of material and emotional support, and reminding us of the healing power of love. According to research we did at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, some 74% of married couples surveyed in late 2020 felt the pandemic strengthened their marriage, and 82% said it made them feel more committed.

That shouldn’t be surprising. In my research, I’ve argued that one of the main reasons humans evolved the tendency to form such intense romantic bonds was to allow us to master uncertainty, to respond to an unknown, complex, dangerous and opportunity filled world. For romantic partners, this past year became a time to lean into our relationships. It was the ultimate test.

Of course, we always have some interpersonal struggles, and many of us have seen increased tensions and need for compromise and communication during the pandemic. But that wasn’t a death blow to our relationships. Rather, it was a little bit of “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” In fact, a study from researchers at York University in Canada, found that the top three things that couples said promoted growth in their relationships during the pandemic were “disclosure,” “being outdoors/in nature” and “discussing/planning for the future.”

The singles situation

These issues were different for single people. Single people faced questions of securing their social-support safety net. Many worried about getting ill, needing help, having access to stores and resources—and importantly, access to social connection. Humans are social primates; our physiology and brains need human connection to function and thrive. So for singles in particular this was a different social challenge.

Some predicted that vaccinations would drive a “Hot Vax Summer.” But the resurgence in casual sex never came. Rather, the height of sexual hookup culture appears to be in the rearview. Instead, this past year, we saw an increase in the number of singles who want to form meaningful relationships and date seriously.

Our annual Singles in America study with Match found that 62% of singles said they are seeking more meaningful, committed relationships, while only 11% are dating “casually.” Young people in particular were likely to say they want to be in a relationship within the next year: The figure was 81% among Gen Z respondents and 76% among Millennials.

The study also found that one in four single people had sex with a nonromantic roommate in the past year. Still, I think even that is a sign that people were looking to their close social connections to fulfill more of their intimate relationship needs. (“Oh, why did I never consider my roommate? We get along and enjoy each other and know how to live together already.”)

To put into context why singles today place more emphasis on stable relationships that can provide security and support, it’s worth noting that in the past year singles got better at taking care of themselves. Just under three-quarters of singles said they improved their ability to give priority to important things in their lives over the past year, including 66% who were better at caring for their mental health and 53% who were better at caring for their physical health.

Or consider this: In 2020, 90% of singles ranked physical attractiveness as one of the most important traits they want in a long-term partner. In just one year, that ranking fell dramatically to 78%, while trust, communication and open-mindedness took the top three spots for what people want in a mate. In fact, 39% of singles said that emotional maturity is the No. 1 thing they seek more of in a partner, above honesty, kindness and financial stability.

The video date

Meanwhile, technology has fundamentally changed the way people meet and connect, and that trend became only more significant in 2021. Remote work made video chatting commonplace, and single adults are bringing that experience into the dating arena. This year, according to our Singles in America study, one in four singles had a video date before meeting in real life, including half of young singles (51% of Gen Z and 45% of Millennials). About 70% of singles said their video date helped determine whether they wanted to meet in person.

I’ve come to believe that video dating will remain a permanent fixture in the modern courtship process even after the pandemic ends. It is an efficient, economical and effective way to do a “vibe check” before meeting in person.

While texts might seem a ubiquitous way to communicate in 2021, the demise of the phone call may be greatly exaggerated: More than 70% of singles said they prefer to get to know someone by talking to them on the phone rather than through text. Awkward conversations, whether in person or on a device, remain a big turnoff, particularly with older singles. Genuine conversation builds excitement and connection. Good communication is an eternal aphrodisiac.

Taken together, we’re witnessing a sea change in dating attitudes and behaviors. The desire for love and sex is baked into our human existence, but new research suggests that how we find and maintain intimate connections has changed over the past year. The hookup moment has likely passed. Today’s singles are focused on seeking and nurturing close relationships with mature partners over the long term. These trends represent a reset in modern dating culture, and could have the positive outcome of increasing stability and satisfaction in relationships for decades to come.

Originally published by Wall Street Journal.

(Image source: Pexels, Mikotoraw Photographer)

Global Love Report – October 13, 2021
by Margot Finley, Matchmaker and Relationship/Dating Coach

Last month we focused on how love is defined. This month, we consider the impact of differing views of love within a relationship. Does it matter if two people in a couple agree on what “to love someone” means?

This question alone would not have been asked 100 years ago. Today, in a world where marriage is often considered as a bond between equals, this equality may imply that compatible views of marriage roles and love would be relevant.

The shift from traditional marriages (male breadwinner/female homemaker) to modern marriages (men and women are equal) affects how we each define love today. A factor that cannot be overlooked in the changing personal concepts of love in modern marriages is that “both husbands and wives possess some degree of what might be considered masculine traits, such as means-ends problem solving, and feminine traits, such as emotional expressiveness,” per Rob Pascale and Lou Primavera Ph.D., authors of So Happy Together.

However, as we know, two people in a relationship do not always align on what love is, or what it is, if asked. To get an expert view on the question of ‘does agreement on love even matter’, I contacted Dr Terri Orbuch, The Love Doctor, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, research scientist and author, who offered this:

“Partners can differ in their view of romantic love AND how they want/desire romantic love to get expressed in the relationship. Similar views are not what is important.”

If similar individual views on love are not important to a couple’s success, can we just leave that topic untouched in a relationship? Dr. Orbuch says no.

“It is important to identify your own view, communicate that view to your partner, and fully understand your partner’s view,” she explained. “Any differences between you and your partner can be discussed and compromise may be necessary, depending on the differences and wants for the expression of that romantic love.”

How does The Love Doctor define love, I wondered? “Love is a very complex and multifaceted concept. Over the ages, the meaning of love has varied and hence, even today there is no one definition of love. Even psychologists differ in how they define and measure love. People have distinctive experiences of love.”

Singles share with me, their matchmaker, personal desires for the relationship they seek, which inevitably is characterized by a combination of attraction, passion and compatibility. Yet there remains a divide between those who prioritize passion and those who prioritize long term trusted companionship. What does the love doctor have to say about this?

“Research studies show that there appear to be two distinct types of love that occur in relationships: a love full of passion — that’s the first-blush love when the relationship is young — and a love filled with friendship that keeps relationships together and truly happy over the long-term.”

So it is reasonable to want both? In short, yes. “The level of passionate love is high early in a relationship because everything is new and exciting. But as time goes by, the rose-colored glasses come off, and passionate love decreases with intensity after about 12 – 18 months with each other.” While the decreasing passion that accompanies an exciting new relationship is unavoidable, Dr. Orbuch tells us that, “when passionate love does start to decline, it can be reignited by implementing simple small changes. Passionate love and companionate love can occur together in the same relationship.”

Dr. Orbuch says “Even though passionate love declines over time in a romantic relationship, there is good news at the end of the love tunnel. First, “companionate love,” which is characterized by friendship, intimacy, and commitment — has been found to actually increase over the course of a relationship. And, most couples who have been together for a long time say that it is companionate love that is the key factor in their longevity and happiness. Companionate love is what actually keeps couples together over time. Second, when passionate love does start to decline, it CAN be reignited by implementing simple small changes. So passionate love and companionate love can occur together in the same relationship.”

To learn more about Dr. Orbuch go to her website.

(Image source: Pexels, Rovenimagescom)

Global Love Report – August 11, 2021
by Vanessa Oliver, Contributor

It’s easy to think that, due to its prevalence, online dating is performing much better than its offline counterpart. However, matchmaking industry statistics suggest a different picture. Globally, offline dating services have a value of $3.4 billion, compared to online dating at $2.9 billion.

Although offline dating may seem old-fashioned in a tech-savvy world, people are still interested in the tailored, personalized services offered by offline dating businesses. And with advanced technological tools to support your business, there really is no better time to start an offline dating business than right now. Here are four reasons why:

Normalcy may return soon

One potential deterrent to an online dating business is the current COVID-19 pandemic. The current vaccination campaign in the US is aiming to enable a return to normalcy, however. Although the target vaccination rates for 70% to 80% of the population to reach a high level of immunity may take another year, manufacturing capacity is steadily increasing and vaccinations are picking up worldwide.

Notably, the pandemic has also driven people to engage with one another in more authentic ways. Many people are dating more cautiously and intentionally than ever before, so it’s much easier for them to get to know each other seriously. Although options for dating in-person are limited for now, matchmakers can arrange for clients to meet in outdoor settings. Aside from traditional coffee or dinner dates at an outdoor dining area, clients can also visit parks or open-air cinemas for an entirely new experience.

Analytics has improved the industry

Offline dating gives clients the best of both worlds, as even offline matchmakers incorporate online dating and social media into their business models. With 30% of US adults having tried dating apps, the digital landscape provides matchmakers with plenty of data to arrange great matches.

This has even led to a rise in data analytics as an industry, which is more accessible with remote work setups. A lot of professionals have been influenced to upskill and pursue online business data analytics master’s programs that allow them to make better recommendations based on timely, high-quality data. Offline dating businesses have been harnessing this information to gain sharper insights into their clients’ preferences.

People are tired of online dating

There are plenty of reasons why some people prefer dating offline to using a dating site or app. Many online daters believe that it’s very common for people on those platforms to lie about themselves, in order to appear more desirable; women under the age of 35 also tend to experience bothersome or harassing behavior through online dating. Overall, 45% of Americans who have tried online dating in the past year say that it left them feeling more frustrated than hopeful.

Online dating can also be tricky to navigate for people who don’t know what kind of person they’re looking for. The choices can be overwhelming, and no amount of time scanning profiles will actually tell you if there is any chemistry. This is the area where matchmakers can help: by bringing in a personal, human touch to dating.

It’s a meaningful industry to be in

Offline dating businesses buck the trend by providing singles the resources they need to make a connection with someone special. You can offer matchmaking services, provide date night ideas, coach clients on etiquette and conversation, assist clients in picking out their wardrobes, and even host dating events or mixers. The options are endless, and there’s plenty of room for creativity.

And if you’re looking for a meaningful career, offline dating is work that creates an impact. For many people who date online, they may be rejecting their ideal partner based on a purely digital angle — like a poorly taken photo or an inaccurate profile, which don’t really capture who that person is. Matchmakers have the opportunity to help people determine connections where it matters and provide a match the chance they deserve. As an offline dating business, you can build successful romantic relationships, connect with new friends, or help someone discover who they are and what they want.

(Image source: Pixabay, StockSnap)

Global Love Report – January 27, 2021
by Lori Mendelsohn, Certified Matchmaker and Dating Coach

All of us who are in the Love Industry want to make everlasting connections for our clients. After all, it’s why they hired us-correct? They have been unsuccessful on their own-perhaps had a few heartbreaks, divorces, or setbacks along the way. But aside from a normal life of dating and loss of love, how do we kindly and respectfully have our clients pivot to a different mindset of having realistic expectations?

The longer I am in business, the pickier I have become. And the longer I am single, also, the pickier I become. Odd how that works out, right?

I’ll share my experience with a late 30 something gentleman. He was attractive, fit, smart, and accomplished. Had a full-time job as well as owned several businesses. An easy one who you would imagine would be an easy one to make introductions. Nope.

Before he signed up for services, he questioned me quite extensively. I am proud of my track record and marriages I’ve helped initiate, and he focused on the level of attractiveness that he would be receiving in his matches. His criteria were high-grade school education, size 4 or under, at least 5’8’ and on a scale from 1-10, you guessed it. 10. I was so eager to have him on board, I didn’t see the red flags in front of my eyes.

1. He only wanted 10’s. We ladies reading this are of course cringing-but seriously? Was he Hugh Hefner?
2. Wanted to see photos to peruse through before I arranged the dates. Part of what I do is NOT showing people’s photos so they don’t have preconceived notions, immediately dismiss a potentially perfect partner. I complied for a day and then said “no more.”
3. He wanted to chat with them before the date. Another non-starter. For as many of my “this is the way I run my business and I’ve been successful with it” he had a comeback. And to this day, I kick myself that I entered into an arrangement with him, which I walked away from, unpaid. Whoa, did I learn a few lessons there?

What I changed in the future in my interview process:

1. I stress to new clients that I will find suitable people based on their criteria-not their dream. I do not promise them George Clooney when they do not offer that in kind in themselves. (And not just looks, either)
2. Do not expect anymore than what you offer. If you are not emotionally available, then don’t expect that in return.
3. Stress to the client to Invest in making yourself whole. If that means not signing them up right away-go through the healing process of therapy and learning to self-love.
4. What is their emotional state? Are they truly ready to date? If not, then you will be sending singles over and over with zero results other than frustration.
5. I am pickier. I only work with people who I enjoy working with. Sure, I enjoy the income, but the price paid for that is insurmountable.

Take a look at where you are in terms of attracting the right clients. Much like we encourage our singles to manifest a great partner, we also need to do that in our businesses.

Global Love Report – January 20, 2021
by Amie-Leigh Claricoats

The last nine months have been a challenge for everyone. As individuals, we have witnessed massive upheaval in the way that we live our lives, with changes to our routines, our family life, and our ability to socialize. Add to the mix trying to run a business during these unprecedented times and the feeling of giving in when things get tough can be overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Despite the ongoing pandemic and insecurity that ever-changing restrictions bring, it is possible to find success and grow your matchmaking agency during this period of uncertainty. Michelle Begy, Managing Director and Founder of  Ignite Dating has done just that, experiencing the company’s strongest months during these lockdown periods and has found that the key lies in adding value and becoming an information source for those looking for love.

Remain social, virtually
The introduction of remote working, limits to travel, and restrictions to socializing have led to people now having a lot more time on their hands. The inability to meet people face-to-face has meant that thousands of people are now turning to their smartphones for comfort. As a result, social media engagement across the board has increased dramatically during lockdown making it a key platform in your growth strategy.
With an ever-growing potential audience looking for advice and inspiration to help with their dating journey, it is now more important than ever to ensure that your social media channels are full of regular content. From dating tips to relationship quotes, your followers are on the lookout for information to help them navigate the changing dating landscape and ensure that even with restrictions they are still able to meet new people and discover creative ways to make memories with their dates.

Be available across many channels
The ongoing situation has resulted in people realizing the importance of relationships and having somebody to share the highs and lows of life with. As human beings, we are sociable creatures who crave the necessity of human contact and interaction, so it is understandable why months of isolation has led to an increase in people signing up for dating agencies and online apps in the hope of finding love.
To ensure that you are making the most of this growing market and not missing any opportunities, you need to be available for those reaching out for your services. Have a good process in place for answering calls, while it may not be possible to answer every call immediately (particularly if you are running your business without the help of a team) you can put things in place to ensure that any calls missed are called back within a reasonable time frame.
Also, make sure that you have a good follow up procedure, so when people reach out to you whether through email, social media channels, calls, or even website forms you are able to interact with them through their preferred platform to give them the information that they require in a helpful and convenient manner.

Think of the bigger picture
While increased membership sales and company growth are the ultimate goals, do not lose sight of the bigger picture. This new world has thrust us into more virtual reality and there are now more ways than ever to meet a potential partner – making competition fierce. In order to attract the right people to your services, you need to make certain that you are in front of them and providing them with information that adds value.
It is not merely enough to simply promote what you do anymore, you need to stand out from the crowd. Come up with innovative date ideas that allow individuals to still experience the thrill of dating without breaking Government guidelines. Encourage and promote reasons why dating during lockdown is more likely to bring fulfilling and stronger relationships. Listen to what prospective clients are asking because you can guarantee that their worries and concerns are being felt by thousands of other singletons. If you answer their questions and give them new ideas, the relationship and reputation that you gain can prove highly beneficial to your business.

Take it a day at a time
Nobody has a crystal ball and can predict with any real degree of certainty how long these restrictions are going to be in place. Remember to stick with your growth plans and do not slow down. Those that drive their business forward when times are hard, come through the other side stronger. By adopting the above tips and utilizing the various tools at your disposal, you too can increase the value that you give to potential and current clients and forge strong foundations to build and grow your matchmaking agency both in these unprecedented times and far into the future.

Global Love Report – October 28, 2020
by Abba Grande