Turn an Online Meeting into an Offline Date
You’re browsing an online dating site when you come across the perfect profile. Time stands still as you give thanks to your Internet dating service for bringing your potential soulmate into your life. But how exactly do you convert an online encounter into an offline date?
It starts with first contact or the email you send to Mr. or Mrs. Right. Three tips will help you stand out from the crowd. First, show you’ve read your prospect’s profile by commenting on something buried deep in their writeup. Second, look for common ground to establish immediate chemistry. Third, demonstrate a sense of humor to get your prospect laughing.
If you can accomplish these three tips the online banter will come easy. From there you can up the ante and suggest a live phone call. This is your chance to show that the live version of yourself matches the more rehearsed email persona. Keep the first call to twenty minutes or less and focus on building a stronger bond through friendly, engaging conversation. If all goes well you can wrap up call #1 with a suggestion to meet at a public place for an offline date. After chatting over a mocha latte you’ll soon know if the real-life connection matches the cyber-chemistry felt from the beginning. If so, you’ll be on your way to a second date, and maybe more!
Jeff Cohen