Dating can and should be fun.  In fact, we at Executive Search Dating refer to this as ‘Positive Dating’.  ‘Positive Dating’ is also THE BEST way of finding someone with whom you are truly compatible.  However, as a busy professional single, finding the time and motivation to meet high quality, COMPATIBLE singles is sometimes easier said than done.

Here are 4 reasons why finding someone compatible can be challenging as a busy Vancouver single:

1. No time to waste: busy singles value their free time, and typically aren’t interested in going on meaningless dates with people who aren’t compatible with them.
2. Bar scene limitations: bars are a popular way to meet other singles, but not necessarily the best place to meet someone who might become a RELATIONSHIP partner.
3. Online dating limitations: like bars, online dating is a common way to meet other singles, but the complete lack of screening often means that you often have to go on many bad  dates before ever finding someone compatible with you.  As a busy single, this is not always the best approach.
4. Quality vs. quantity: many busy, professional singles would rather go on LESS dates but MORE compatible matches.  That is, matches with whom you feel you have something in common with and that are also ‘relationship ready’. 

In this new TV media piece, Executive Search Dating President Paddi Rice provides some helpful dating advice for Vancouver singles:

http://www.executivesearchdating.com/video_shaw3.2.html

With the Vancouver summer weather finally here to stay, the patios, parks and seawalls of our fair city are filled with incredible singles looking to connect with like minded people.  Here are some tips on why summer in Vancouver is a great time to meet someone new, and where you can find that special someone:

1. Outdoor activity weather: Vancouverites are well known for their love of the outdoors in any type of weather.  Having said that, warm and sunny weather brings people out in large numbers offering ample opportunity to meet someone new.
2. Positive energy: nothing brings out a positive frame of mind more than a warm and sunny day.  Take advantage of the weather to introduce yourself to someone new that you meet… a smile and a friendly ‘hello’ is all you need.
3. Time = Availability: single professionals are often hard to find during the peak business times, but may businesses slow down in the summer time.  This gives professional singles more time to socialize AND more time to date if you meet someone interesting.
4. Sports: the summer beach volleyball, ultimate and dragon boat seasons are now in full swing.  Whatever your particular sporting preference, meeting people who share that same activity can be a great way to start.
5. Road trips: once you have met someone new, summer is the best time for day trips to explore any of Vancouver’s many outdoor attractions from Lighthouse Park, to Bowen Island to Grouse Mountain.

Rethink, the acclaimed Vancouver based advertising firm, created a stunning ‘Precision Cupid’ ad for Executive Search Dating last year.  The feedback we received from the ad was incredible and, as you can see on the link below, it won 2 awards at this month’s 2010 Marketing Awards. 

“We are really pleased with the accolades and the overall response to the ad,” says Paddi Rice, President and Founder of Executive Search Dating. “We were excited when Rethink decided to create the ad for us, and they did an excellent job of capturing our core value proposition to clients: the fact that we are a Dating Headhunter which proactively searches for compatible matches for our clients. In true Rethink fashion, the ad communicates the message in an eye catching and truly compelling way!” 

See Award Winning Ad:  Executive Search Dating’s ‘Precision Cupid’ Ad Wins Big at Canada’s Most Prestigious Advertising Awards Show

Positive Dating, in addition to being a fun way to meet new people, is also the BEST way to find a compatible RELATIONSHIP partner.   Here are some common match criteria that the Professional Matchmakers at Executive Search Dating have found to be POSITIVE indicators that you have met a compatible match:

1. Chemistry: no matter how much you prepare (or don’t prepare) for your date; you never truly know if you have chemistry with someone until you meet them in person.  Some call it mystery; we call it the exciting part of dating!
2. Family values: having similar views on family (positive, neutral or otherwise) can be an important connecter with a new match.
3. Travel: if you are passionate about travel, and intend on doing more of it in the future, it can be great to find someone who feels the same way.  Also, a shared interest in travel can often indicate a similar view of the world AND your own home town.
4. Education: valuing education (even from the ’school of life’), and having had similar educational backgrounds can be a good starting point for a solid partnership.  This can be particularly true if  having a family is in your future plans.
5. Activity level: if you are someone who likes to be outside ALL the time, then you’d be well advised to avoid selecting a life-long  ’couch potatoe’ as a relationship partner.  Do remember, however, that meeting someone new can be a great incentive to learn NEW activities and to become more active.

Dating compatible singles who meet your basic criteria is an important part of the process of meeting someone special.  Meeting high quality singles is also a fun way to meet new people and ‘fine tune’ your own match criteria.  In fact, the Professional Matchmakers at Executive Search Dating have found that ’positive dating’ to be the BEST way to find your perfect match.

With this in mind, here are 5 ways to get BETTER results from your first dates:

1. Be on time: arriving late for your first date with someone new often sends the message that you aren’t interested in them, or that your time is more valuable than theirs.  Neither message will lead you to a second date.
2. Be interested and interesting: try and find an equal balance between talking and listening on your date.  Talking about yourself the entire time, or passively listening the entire date are both to be avoided.
3. Be POSITIVE: talk about fun things, travel stories, summer activities, things that interest and/or excite you; avoid talking about job stress, bad relationships or family issues on a first date.
4. Be focused: turn your cell phone off and avoid checking out other people in the restaurant; focusing on your date, in addition to being common courtesy, is also the only way to really get to know them and discover things in common.
5. Be honest: if you are interested in seeing them again, say so before the first date is done and exchange contact details.  If you don’t feel there is any spark, then a polite call or email to let them know is a good way to avoid leading someone on.

Dating can and should be fun.  But dating is also the BEST way to identify those qualities that are the MOST important for you to find in a romantic partner. 

A key element of successful dating is to meet matches that have a basic compatibility with you.  This leads to “Positive” dating experiences, which makes your dates enjoyable for both parties, thus maximizing the chances of a connection.  Here are 5 ways that “Positive Dating” can lead you to a GREAT relationship:

1. Chemistry happens: meeting someone in person is the only way to determine basic physical chemistry.  Although physical chemistry alone is not sufficient for a lasting partnership, it is an essential starting point.
2. Time flies, conversation flows: equally as important as physical chemistry is a ‘conversational connection’.  Struggling for things to talk about on a first date, although not necessarily a deal breaker, can be a warning sign.
3. Similar views on life: Professional Matchmakers DON’T subscribe to the view that “Opposites Attract”, nor should you. Having some common beliefs on important matters like family, career and travel is a positive start.
4. Identifying your TOP criteria: Criteria ‘on paper’ or in an online profile don’t always lead to a connection in the real world.  Meeting a variety of high quality compatible singles that meet some (but not necessarly all) of your criteria can be a powerful tool in fine tuning your true criteria.
5. The ‘Virtuous Cycle’ of Positive Dating: Meeting high quality, compatible singles allows you to fine tune your match criteria as you enjoy your dates. And knowing your true criteria is an important element in identifying a truly COMPATIBLE relationship partner for yourself.

As Vancouver’s Proactive Dating Professionals, the Matchmakers at Executive Search Dating are often asked “How and where do you find such incredible singles in Vancouver?” 

Here are some tips on how and where high quality singles can be found in Vancouver this summer:

 Read Article

“Thank you Executive Search Dating!  Without a doubt, Christopher is definitely one of that most handsome men that I have ever dated!  In addition to that, he is a great conversationalist and very attentive… My Executive Search Dating Rating for my match with Christopher is 100%.  Once again, thanks Executive Search Dating!”   Valerie on Christopher, (Executive Search Dating couple, matched: May/2010)