Are You Living Up to Your Personal Brand?

[caption id="attachment_2897" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Photo Credit: www.kenburkey.com[/caption]

You might be asking yourself, "What's a personal brand?" A personal brand  is one line of key traits that embodies who you are. This idea was developed by Rachel Greenwalt in her book, "Find a Husband After 35." Coming up with this line is tough because of how complex our personalities can be, but your personal brand should highlight your best qualities. After people come in contact with you, they should always leave you or your online profile knowing your most interesting traits.

For instance, let's say your favorite traits about yourself are that you are world-traveler,  health enthusiast, and golfer. On your online  dating profile your byline would be "World-traveling, health enthusiast, golfer." This is just an example. You can pick any three traits for this, but be mindful about wording, because your photos and words are the only way people decide if they want to talk to you online. Express your personal brand through photos by posting pictures of yourself on your travels or while on the golf course. You should always reinforce your brand in some way.

In person, your personal brand should be used like a commercial. As you talk to someone you are interested in, sprinkle in your personal brand. Don't blurt it at random, but as the different parts of your brand fit the conversation. If the topic of traveling comes up, be sure to state some of the exotic locations you have been to. If you discuss things you do for fun, talk about your love for golf and how much fun it was playing last weekend. Talking about food? Be sure to highlight how much you love food and enjoy coming up with fun ways to make healthy dishes taste great. Don't feel pressure to mention every part of your brand, but try to do so, when it makes sense.

The easiest way to share your brand without being awkward, is to have something to say, when people ask you tell them about yourself. You should already know how you would answer this question. Remember, you want the person to leave knowing  your favorite traits about yourself. Tell them enough to get them interested in getting to know more about you.

To learn more about personal branding and how to create your personal brand take a peek at "Find a Husband After 35" by Rachel Greenwalt. Don't let the title deter you. There are great ideas for how to market yourself in the dating world for people of all ages and many of the tips are applicable to men as well.

Until next time, good luck!

One on One and Eight at Eight 

Is the Person I'm Dating Relationship Material?

 

Wondering if someone is relationship material, after going on several casual dates, is common. The question is what is it that makes someone relationship material? Today we're going to give you four key points to help you determine whether or not your sweetie is just for fun or in for the long haul.

1. The person does NOT say, "I don't want a relationship"- If  someone tells you he or she does not want a relationship, believe them.  You can't put what you want on the back burner and hope he or she will eventually want the same thing. You are much more likely to develop a serious relationship with someone who is on the same page as you. Of course, there are always exceptions, but don't put all your hope into someone who has already told you they don't want what you want.

2. He or she let's you into their world- Anyone who let's you get to know close friends or family, especially, probably wants to keep you around for a while. Also, doing routine activities like exercising together is a good sign, because you are now part of their routine. Someone who isn't relationship material will be secretive of their personal life. Often, they will  keep you separate from all aspects of their life, including friends, family and most of their routine activities. If you only see your sweetie on the weekends, when they have nothing else going on, you are not dealing with someone who is ready for a relationship with you.

3. They are NOT the "me, me, me" type- People who care only about themselves are not relationship material. This doesn't mean that they will never find their match, but they need to go through more life experience and have a few revelations about what it means to be in a relationship, before you or anyone enters a relationship with them. Trying to make a  relationship work with someone like this will be exhausting and emotionally depleting. These types of people do not reciprocate emotional support, which is important for a healthy relationship.

4. He or she communicates well- Poor communication can ruin a relationship. Gauge the communication skills of the person you are dating, before entering in a relationship with them. Do they just pop up without asking if you are available? Do they cancel plans randomly? If they are in a bad mood, do they talk to you about what's bothering them or do they lash out? These are all things you should think about.  Not communicating properly about plans or emotions can wear heavily on both you and your relationship.

We hope these tips are useful and that your current sweetie is in it for the long haul!

Until next time, good luck!

One on One and Eight at Eight 

Let's Reminisce....RiRa Happy Hour!

Last Thursday, Oct 3, our One on One and Eight at Eight Atlanta singles took over the newly renovated RiRa Irish Pub. More than 100 professional singles had the opportunity to mingle  and connect.  We appreciate everyone coming out and looking great!

The office was excited to see lots of emails come through this morning with connection requests!

Below are a few photos for attendees to reminisce over. If you didn't make it, take a look at what you missed!






[caption id="attachment_2884" align="alignnone" width="595"] Matchmaker Lindsay looking for connections to make.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2882" align="alignnone" width="595"] Matchmakers Carrie and Alicia greeting the sexy singles[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_2877" align="alignnone" width="595"] Of course, President Sarah Kathryn Smith (middle) couldn't miss the fun![/caption]

 

Be sure to keep a look out for our next event.

Until next time, good luck!

One on One and Eight at Eight 

He's Too Nice- The Reason You're Wrong

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"He's too nice" is such a frustrating sentence. What makes a man or anyone too nice? Is that even really possible?

The reason you're likely wrong about him?

You probably only date "bad boys" (not on purpose):

Most women have been guilty of dating bad boys at some point. A select few never learn how to stop being attracted to them. These men  know how to attract women easily. They know what to say and when to say it. It's not easy to turn down their charming smiles and ability to keep you intrigued, while maintaining a bit of mystery. You have to learn how to look past the smile and hear what a man is really saying, not what you want to hear.

Nice guys are simply foreign to you.  You have to get used to them, if you ever want to date someone who will treat you well.  Think about what your idea of what a man is. If the man pursuing you encompasses all the traits you associate with what man is supposed to be, but he compliments you too much or he is always opening your door or offering to carry things, ask yourself "Why don't I deserve these things?"

That's right. Why don't you deserve someone who compliments you often? Why don't you deserve someone who wants to be a gentleman for you? If you come to the conclusion you deserve these things, let nice men date you and stop complaining about their acts of kindness.

If you feel there is something in your past that keeps you going back to the wrong types of men, consider date coaching to help you break this pattern.

Until next time, good luck!

One on One and Eight at Eight 

What to Do During a Dating Drought

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When you don't work with a professional matchmaker or dating service, you're almost ALWAYS going to have a dating drought. One day it's raining men or women and the next day it feels like the pickings are slim. It may be frustrating, but use this time to prepare for when you are busy dating again.

Do things that you have been meaning to get to and try things that you haven't had time to try. In the process, you will likely stumble across more people to date. Take this time to grow, learn about yourself, and refine what type of person you are looking for.

Dating droughts can be tough, but sitting at home and pouting about it isn't going to get you any more good dating leads. If you are a man looking for a woman, go to where the women are. Take up a cooking class or maybe even a painting class. Ladies, Mr. Right probably isn't at your best girl friend's house. Suggest that you and your friends go to something fun, yet guy-friendly, like a local festival. Beer festivals are especially good at drawing out the men.

These are just a few ideas to get you to have fun during a dating drought, while still putting yourself out there. "The one" is out there, you just have to meet them!

Good luck,

One on One and Eight at Eight 

*Ask us about our national date coaching program- 888-897-8285, coaching@1on1matchmaking.com.

Fresh Dating Tips from Our President

For the Most Eligible Atlantans issue, Jezebel Magazine reached out to our President, Sarah Kathryn Smith, for dating advice that was a little different from the generic tips.  Click the images below to read her interesting dating pointers. (She even tells you how to ask for a second date in a way that is hard to resist!)

[caption id="attachment_2825" align="alignnone" width="491"] One on One Matchmaking's President Sarah Kathryn Smith gives her best dating tips to Jezebel Magazine.[/caption]

 

When to Make Your Move

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Approaching an attractive stranger can be nerve-wracking no matter how much confidence you have. Knowing what cues to take can make approaching someone a little easier. Traditionally, women do not approach men, but times are changing! The tips we are going to share today can help both men and women.

The easiest way to approach someone is to get them to notice you first. Abruptly approaching someone may work for some people, but it is easier to gauge interest, if you have already been noticed.

For example, if you are grocery shopping say, "Excuse me" and reach in front of the person you want to approach. Give a little smile and look at some other items to give them time to react. If you catch them glancing at you (especially with a smile), you have got them where you want them! Make your move and strike up a conversation. Do not forget to make some light-hearted jokes and seal the deal by getting their number.

Another stress-free way to to make your move is by asking for help. This could be applied to most scenarios. For example, go to a new park and ask for help finding the walking or running trail. Most people are friendly about helping others find things, so this makes for a relaxed way to ease into a conversation. Make your move and ask if the person you are interested in would like to go on the trail with you some time. 

Making your move does not have to be scary. Always keep in mind that dating is a numbers game. The fear of rejection will hinder your success. The more moves you make the more dates you will land and the more dates you land the more likely you are to find love.

Until next time, good luck!

One on One and Eight at Eight