Exploring Behind the Scenes of Meaningful Matchmaking

The Short Version: Matchmaking is growing in popularity as singles look for offline options. Matchmaker Lisa Amador talked to us about the matchmaking process, explained why singles choose matchmaking, and tackled some misconceptions about the introductions process.

There are so many ways to meet the love of your life. My parents met in a sociology class in grad school. Both had grown up just miles away from each other in different neighborhoods of Buffalo, New York, but didn’t meet until that fateful graduate-level class.

I have a friend who’s preparing for a wedding next year. He and his fiancée are perfect for each other, and they’re truly the kind of couple who are best friends. They met on Bumble, after both of them were close to giving up on online dating. 

In college, I had a restaurant coworker who was insistent on asking a regular customer out on a date. The bartender routinely advised her against it, suggesting that she expand her romantic horizons past the bar. My coworker never mustered the courage to ask out the regular, but the bartender soon worked up the courage to ask out my coworker, and the rest is history.

The way we form connections, especially of a romantic nature, is often complicated and unexpected. There’s no right way to meet new connections – it’s all about finding the right way for you.

Matchmaking simplifies many aspects of dating and gives singles the hands-on experience of a dating professional. Matchmakers do more than draw names out of a hat and send them on dates. They make intentional introductions that change lives.

Lisa Amador is the CEO and head matchmaker of Amador Matchmaking, a global introductions service based in California. Lisa talked to us about matchmaking and what couples can expect from the process and dispelled some common misconceptions about the matchmaking world.

“Why wouldn’t you hire somebody who’s going to make your experience better?” Lisa said. “Matchmakers get you to where you want to be. We’re skilled and experienced and know the ins and outs of dating in a way that the average single may not.”

Before Lisa was in matchmaking, she worked as an accountant. One of her best friends opened a matchmaking agency in Washington, D.C., and Lisa started working with her in her free time because she enjoyed the work.

“That friend is the one who encouraged me to do matchmaking,” Lisa said. “I was going through a transition in my life where I wanted to shift directions with my professional career. After working with her, I realized that matchmaking was my calling. I just loved it.”

Lisa said her favorite aspect of matchmaking is getting to know each of her clients. Matchmakers need to get to know each of their clients on a personal level so they can make personalized introductions. A great matchmaker will seek to make authentic connections with their clients.

A great matchmaker is also discerning. “First, I make sure I have the right clients,” Lisa said. “I don’t take on clients who we don’t think we can match. We’re a very boutique business and are very selective in the clients we take on.”

Matchmakers are often exclusive for good reason. Matchmaking goes best when matchmakers have the time and resources to focus on each client and their goals. If they take on too many clients, clients won’t get the individualized attention they need.

Before taking on a client, Lisa makes sure they’re ready for the matchmaking process. Matchmaking is for singles who are ready for a long-term partnership, and a lot more goes into being ready for commitment than deciding to hire a matchmaker.

“Anyone we take on knows themselves, has a lot to offer, and just isn’t finding the right person,” Lisa explained. “We make sure they don’t have issues in their life that would impact the relationship negatively. They’re realistic and ready for the journey.”

Amador Matchmaking’s process centers around confidentiality and highly personalized experiences. The matchmaking process is designed so singles can sit back and enjoy the best parts of dating, without having to worry about the rest.

Every prospective client begins with an initial intake interview. “One of my lead matchmakers will jump on a call and make sure we’re the right match,” Lisa said. “We’ll ask them questions about what they’re looking for and we explain to them what it’s like to be a matchmaking client.”

The initial call helps the client get a better understanding of matchmaking and allows the Amador team to decide whether the company is the right fit for this person. If the team thinks they are, they’ll have a meeting with Lisa. Lisa discerns the best program for the client, whether it’s matchmaking, online dating assistance, or dating coaching.

Amador Matchmaking offers a variety of services to support clients, no matter where they are in their dating journey. If matchmaking isn’t right for a client, they can start with date coaching, where Lisa and the team help them create and achieve realistic dating goals. 

Or, clients can become their own matchmakers by mastering the art and science of online dating with hands-on help from a professional. Dating coaches help clients develop dating strategies, cultivate attractive profiles, and deal with the disappointments that can come with dating.

Lisa said the most exciting part of the matchmaking process is making introductions. “Usually, clients are excited because we’ve done great vetting and they’re ready for a date,” she told us. “We talk to our client and their date after each introduction, so we can get a better feel and make better matches.”

Matchmaking’s efficacy relies on honesty and clarity, from both the client and the matchmaker. It’s essential for clients to feel comfortable with their matchmaker so they can make honest assessments of past dates and future desires.

Despite its far-reaching historical legacy and growing popularity, people still hold some misconceptions about matchmaking. One of these misconceptions is that matchmaking is for the single left with no other options.

Lisa said this notion is so far from reality. 

“The biggest misconception I hear as a matchmaker is why my clients can’t find people on their own,” Lisa said. “I would love it if people shifted their mindsets because, quite honestly, a person who hires a matchmaker knows exactly who they are.”

Lisa said her matchmaking clients know what they have to offer and what they’re looking for in a committed relationship. Matchmaking is a great option for busy singles who don’t have time to waste dating people who aren’t looking for the same things they are.

Self-knowledge goes a long way in dating. When you know who you are and what you’re looking for, and hold true to these things, you’re better at discerning which people and dating experiences will yield the best results. Self-knowledge empowers daters with the tools they need to date authentically.

A great matchmaker honors who their client is and what they’re looking for, and can help remind them of these things when the process gets difficult. Once a single person decides to hire a matchmaker, they should search for one that best fits their circumstances.

Different matchmakers have different age ranges and locations they specialize in. Lisa encouraged singles to find matchmakers who serve their niche and use high-quality databases and matching networks. 

“Most matchmaking clients are professionals, and they hire other professionals to get jobs done,” Lisa said. “We’re one of them. We have a skill they may not, and we help them accomplish their goals with less heartache.”