GLR Spotlight is an interview series featuring Matchmakers, Dating Coaches & Relationship Experts
Global Love Report – May 20, 2020
Written by: Adrina Ong
About Lori “Matchmaker Lori”
Lori Mendelsohn is a Matchmaker and Dating Coach at Smart Funny Single, which was formed to help divorced, widowed and single professionals in the Milwaukee area.
Linkedin/lorimendelsohn
Smart Funny Single
FB Smart Funny Single
GLR: Hello, Lori! Please tell us a bit more about yourself!
LM: I have been a matchmaker my entire adult life, starting at 18. I randomly started introducing friends, co-workers and connections and they all resulted in marriage. Over the course of my adult life, without it being a business, I “introduced” 15 couples who married, and have kids, grandkids and so on. Professionally, I started Smart Funny Single in March 2019 when I realized that I could no longer deny my calling. My background also included Fashion Design and Product Development for 33 years and then building and selling a service based business.
While owning this company, I learned the importance of strong client connection, how to provide best in class services and have a healthy bottom line. My clientele are those 35 – 75, with moderate to high incomes, equal rations of men/women. My sweet spot seems to be those over 50. I am based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and serve a radius of about 90 miles. In the last year, with a small handful of clients, we have one engagement and one cohabitation, which I am so very proud of!
GLR: Can you share with us what keeps you going in the love industry where you continue helping and working with singles?
LM: What keeps me going is that I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s truly my passion and calling. I am an empath and love helping people connect and find joy!
GLR: Is there anything new you have started doing recently for your business?
LM: Yes. As I can’t meet matchmaking clients in person, I’ve done all onboarding via Zoom or FaceTime, as well as added coaching. I am still having my clients wait to meet matches in person. There is chemistry that takes place in person that you can’t get virtually. As well, I started a weekly zoom call, sponsored by a local restaurant (I mention them, and they advertise on Social Media and send out email blasts for singles who just want to chat and get some tips on dating. We laugh, we commiserate. I’ve also done a couple of Zoom interviews with matchmakers worldwide to weigh in on what is going on in their villages.
GLR: What inspired you to make this change?
LM: “Necessity is the Mother of Invention” so in order for me to continue to support myself, I pivoted to bring in revenue, and following my passion to help others.
GLR: Thank you, Lori! Last question – Do you have any personal tips for fellow matchmakers and dating experts around the world? What are some of your personal routines and mindset?
LM: Be honest, be transparent, be direct. Be kind. Be generous of spirit and purpose. And don’t be phony. People can spot BS a mile away. Don’t promise what you can’t deliver. They don’t want to be sold; they want to be heard, understood and helped. Pull out all stops – check in, send cards, words of encouragement and affirmation – especially those who live alone with non-robust support systems (As you would do in a loving relationship).
