You’ll be investing both emotionally and financially when enlisting the support of a Matchmaker or Matchmaking Service. Whether you are based here in London or anywhere in the World here are a few pointers to consider:
1) Use an Executive Certified Matchmaker registered with The Matchmaking Institute. This means the matchmaker has been operating for a minimum of 2 years, abides by a strict code of ethics and has passed a stringent interview process.
2) Ask how many clients they are currently working with. Here’s the thing, I’ve heard matchmakers say they have thousands of members. The nature of matchmaking is that it is an incredibly personal one on one service so unless this matchmaker happens to be superwoman she isn’t working with thousands of clients. Ask to differentiate between paying clients and network; does the matchmaker have capacity for a new client?
3) Ask for testimonials and REAL ones! This means pictures, letters, cards, emails you name it. Most matchmakers won’t have their testimonials on the website, usually due to privacy which is completely understandable. However when you meet for a consultation ask them for proof of their success.
4) Do your research. A simple search on Companies House will provide you with the registered address of the business and when it was started. See what comes up when you type in Google, a reputable matchmaker should have some press coverage.
5) Don’t sign on the dotted line…straight away anyway! Think it over, talk to friends and family if it will help and certainly meet with a few matchmakers so you know you’re going with the right one for you.
Finally, don’t forget that one of the most important things is that you can get along well with the matchmaker, after all they will be providing an incredibly personal service for you.