Catch Me Cupid was originally formed in 2010, and launched as a speed dating event service for busy professionals. We found from feedback from clients, that professionals wanted a more direct and trusted way of dating, instead of the more hit and miss approach of going to speed dating events, and going online.
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We then evolved into a personal introductions service in 2013, which is a much more bespoke approach, which works similarly to an executive search service, where each potential member is met with a matchmaker in person, who conducts a one on one consultation, finding out about each individuals personality, their values and interests. From that information introductions are then coordinated with compatible members.
This cuts out constant and sometimes exasperating searching for singles, and leaving them simply to turn up on dates with people who are also professional, who are verified by us, and have shared values and interests.
Why can it be so difficult for professionals to find a date?
Professionals understandably invest a lot of time into their careers, and find they get into the routine of putting in all the hours at work, and just about have time to spare to see family and friends, it’s not often after you leave education, that you really form new friendships, and there also comes a time, when they find most of their friends are married with children, so you then have less options to go out and socialize, which means the options of getting a date are limited.
They may then resort to trying online dating, but also find it can be quite a time consuming process.
Why are online dating sites so important?
People spend much of their time online, on social networking etc.; it has become much more socially acceptable to meet people online than what it was say 10 years ago. We spend a lot of time interacting with people via the web, so it seems to feel more natural to people to start conversations online. Especially as the vast majority of people use smart phones, so it’s easier to pick up messages, and show interest whilst on the move. It also gives you access to a wide pool of people, who you probably wouldn’t get to, meet otherwise.
Your website boasts many testimonials about the service, so what is the best feedback you have had from a client?
What was really nice for me personally was when I set up a guy where I was temping on a date with a lovely client of mine. This man had been going through a rough time with his divorce, and hadn’t dated in 10 years.
After meeting his date for the first time, he sent me a lovely email, saying how I had got it spot on. They’ve been together for a while now, and seem happier than ever.
I remember seeing him when he came back from that initial lunch date, and was gushing about how wonderful she is, and how he can’t believe I got it so right first time. She’s since put her membership on hold. He was also her first introduction. And he’s gone on to recommend me to several people.
What is the initial process you undergo if joining your dating service?
Initially potential members would need to submit an enquiry via the website.
Often people email me directly through word of mouth, and we then arrange a face to face consultation, usually for coffee near their place of work, and we spend an hour or two, finding out more about them, their likes, dislikes previous relationships, values, and interests.
We don’t use pictures when matching up clients, but we do ask for them to bring in pictures of their ex partners, to understand whether they have a type, and what kind of look to perhaps look out for. If they decide to join as a member, we then ask for a 3 month minimum commitment, and they’ll need to agree to our full terms and conditions. We also ask for a family or friends to act as a character reference who we contact to confirm before accepting a new member, and ask to see photographic ID to confirm identity of each individual. We then create a detailed profile based on the information gathered from the consultation in order to present to potential matches.
How are the potential dates matched?
Once the profile is created myself and the team discuss, and see whether we have potentials within our existing membership database, if not we then have a brief to go out and headhunt on the clients behalf, searching online and offline, conducting telephone and face to face interviews. Our clients go on dates based on our recommendations, as each potential we present are professional, and share similar interests and values, and they’re also likely to be attracted to them. The only thing we can’t guarantee of course is chemistry, which can only be tested once they meet in person.
What would you say to people who feel embarrassed to use dating service?
The great thing about it is, unlike approaching someone on a night out, you don’t have to worry about plucking up the courage to approach someone, as your matchmaker is there to do that and the searching on your behalf. And the people you meet are there because they’ve invested in their careers, now they know it’s wise to invest in their love life too. If they’re paying for a service, it shows they’re also serious and committed, and are in the same position as you. Gone are the days when using a dating service is seen as desperate, its more about knowing what you want and taking charge.
A dating service can often be a last resort, so why is it a good idea to perhaps begin with one?
You’d use a real estate letting agent to find a home, a recruitment consultant to find a job, why not use a matchmaker to look for love? It’s also a very safe approach, as each person you meet has been pre vetted before you get to meet with them.
How the services can helps couples?
Dating is not just for singles, I think to keep that spark in a relationship, it’s important to still have date nights, spending that quality time together doing things that are not just romantic, but fun.
People often complain of their relationships getting too comfortable or the same routine, so we help couples with date and gift suggestions, and have a concierge service where our dating PA makes reservations on member’s behalf.
We also have a personal shopper and stylist to help revamp their look. Men especially love this service, for when they want to go out and buy their partner or wife some new lingerie for example, rather than going in on their own, they have a woman go shopping with them, and help them pick out things from a women’s perspective. We also organize events such as dinner parties for couples to meet and form friendships with other couples too.
Why is it important to keep the spark going when you have been together for a while?
People get comfortable when being together for a long time, and honestly often let themselves go, yes your spouse should love you for better or worse, but at the same time, it’s about trying to be that person they first fell in love with. Just because they’ve seen you with no makeup, doesn’t mean they appreciate seeing you every day in sweatpants in front of the TV, with no makeup on. It’s about making an effort with yourself and your partner, maintaining what it was that made you fall for one other in the first place. People break up often because they get bored in their relationship, mainly because they just stopped making the effort. Or someone came along who made them feel alive again. Keep the passion alive, or the relationship will die eventually.
What is your professional background?
I’ve had quite a varied career; I started out in Sales straight from education, and soon began working in corporate events, which took me out to Dubai for 2 years, running Conferences, training and exhibitions. On my return I continued to work in corporate events, and also began running comedy shows with Choice Fm breakfast presenter Kojo. This was when the idea of Catch Me Cupid was conceived. I’ve also held positions as a PA for Directors both in the UK and Middle East. And I am now training to become a qualified Hypnotherapist, which will be an additional service I intend to offer to members of CMC.
Interview with Siobhan Copland
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