What Do Dating and Starting A Business Have in Common? Ask A Professional Matchmaker

The best conversations in dating weren't factual (conveying information), but emotional (conveying authenticity).

As in relationships, vulnerability was critical. Get real with investors about the struggles of raising funds via Zoom during a pandemic. Instead of talking about accomplishments, share failures.

When you log on to Zoom, most people are not thinking about settings or how buttons feel where they are. They're thinking about meeting someone new, making a good impression, and building relationships.

 Some of the best product designers don't design nitty-gritty elements. Instead, they talk about the emotional journey of a user. 

Great dates don't talk about their hobbies or where they went to college. Instead, they make the other person feel seen. That might mean expressing curiosity in someone's experience growing up in a small town, or gratitude that they chose a restaurant close to you.

As you are brainstorming product features, try to focus on how the end-user will feel navigating it and let that be your guide. All of our new features start with a user journey for how we intend to make someone feel. The result is a stronger user experience. 

Just like any budding romance, you want to put your best foot forward by coming prepared. How do you do that efficiently when you're scheduled in back-to-back sales meetings? For a romantic introduction, a matchmaker might hand you a quick summary before your first date. Getting the facts early gives you time to think about who they are and what they might resonate with.  

Why do most people go on first dates? Not to impress someone the most they've ever been impressed, take them to the fanciest dinner, or land the first kiss. Ideally, it's to lay the foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship.

The most important thing about "dating for business" is that laying the foundation for a long-term relationship always wins out.  

You never know if the person you're meeting will become your next co-founder, hire, or your best friend's future partner. And just like in dating, if you focus on building a relationship, then everything else will be far more fruitful.