How to Start a Speed Dating Service in My Hometown
Speed dating is a method through which one individual can meet several potential dates in a short period of time. Usually a client will have two to five mintues to chat with several other clients in attendance at an event, allowing each person to interact with 12 to 30 potential dates in an hour. Professional singles have come to enjoy the benefits a speed dating service can offer, but some towns haven't gotten with the trend. This can be your opportunity to start a business designed to help single people connect. Before you jump in with both feet, make sure you have some basic understanding of running the business.
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Instructions
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Determine what type of singles dating service you want to offer. Dating services can be general, or they can target a niche market. Some popular niches include designing your services for specific nationalities, education levels or religious preferences. If you can think of a niche in your hometown, you may want to use that as a starting point. Keep in mind you can offer services for different niches, potentially reaching a broader audience. For example, you could host an event for Church of Christ singles on one night and one for Baptist singles on another night.
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Find a local venue where you can host your speed dating services. You need an area large enough to accommodate the number of members or registrants you have per event. Some speed dating services network with restaurants, which can provide appetizers and drinks, as well as tables and chairs. For more intimate settings, consider a venue with cozy decorations like candlelight or fireplaces.
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Secure your business permits. The types of licenses you need will vary depending on your state, so make sure you check with your county, city and state to determine what you need in order to operate your business. Most speed dating services offer a service, not a product, which means you shouldn't have to worry about paying sales tax, but check with a local certified public account to verify this. Websites like Business.gov can help you find what licenses or permits you need.
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Advertise your business through a variety of media. Social networking can help you connect to single people in your area and provide a quick way to update your fans or members when you set up a new event. You can make up flyers, business cards, car magnets and door hangers to attract more attention. Network with other businesses to find new clients and advertising opportunities.
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Schedule appointments for your speed dating sessions. Scheduling allows you more control over your event. You know how many people to expect, which can help you plan the venue and menu. In some cases, you may need to limit the number of clients scheduled per event to stay under the maxium occupancy for a venue. To help with scheduling, provide your contact information with any marketing campaign.
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Organize your events. Not only do you need to welcome your guests, you may need to help them feel at ease with the situation. Some cases will require a more hands-on approach. Also consider what to do if someone doesn't show. You'll want to come up with a way to rotate professionals to optimize the speed dating, allowing individuals to meet with as many singles as possible in the allotted time.
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Offer incentives to keep clients coming back. You can offer referral fees to existing clients in order to attract new singles. Keep tabs on success stories and ask if you can use them for promotional purposes.
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Tips & Warnings
Depending on the amount of work you want to do, consider having potential clients fill out profiles to better help you organize which candidates to seat with whom.
In order to determine the price to charge per person, use a profit and loss statement.
You can also check with companies offering franchise services. The parent company often helps you set up your business and may offer training, but you'll have to pay an on-going franchise fee.
