
Behind The Scenes: Finding The Match
You asked, we’re answering.
How does Ambiance Matchmaking find matches for our members?
This week we’re following Founder and Matchmaker, Leslie Wardman, as she seeks matches for her new client, Jeff. Jeff was born in the northern small town of Sinaloa (Mexico), grew up in Mexico City, then moved to Boston to attend Harvard Business School. He now splits his time between San Francisco and Mexico City managing an international tech company he founded ten years ago. When he’s not dominating the tech world, he travels the world competing in Ironman. For anyone not familiar, Ironman is a triathlon on steroids, consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a full marathon (26.22 mile run). Jeff is seeking someone who is just as motivated in business and life.
The Interview
Monday, 7am, Condesa, Mexico City
Leslie flies to Mexico City to meet with Jeff at his office located in the trendy Condesa neighborhood.
She starts by asking a slew of questions about his background and lifestyle; education, career goals, hobbies and sports, favorite music, films and news stations, travel destinations, dietary restricts, drinking habits, and the like.
Leslie then moves into a much bigger conversation; his family and upbringing. Ethnic origins, religious traditions, his parents marriage, his relationship with his siblings, where he was raised, how he was raised. Family and upbringing both play a huge part in how one will navigate a romantic relationship and a marriage.
Finally, Leslie and Jeff discuss an even bigger conversation; what he’s looking for in his match. Does he want to find a relationship or get married? What’s important to him in a match and what are his deal-breakers? Does he want to have children? How does he want to raise his children? Is religion important? Where does he want to settle down?
Jeff provides deep insight into his life, his worldview, and belief system. Leslie takes notes fervently. He describes his upbringing as very loving, his parents were affectionate and respectful of one another, and he seeks the same in his own marriage. He wants two children who are well-traveled and cultured, therefore his wife must enjoy travel and experiencing different ways of living.
Since he splits his time between San Francisco and Mexico City, he loved the fact that we have locations in both cities. However, he is open to finding his wife absolutely anywhere in the world, as long as she is willing to relocate at some point in their relationship.
The 90 minute interview comes to an end. Leslie feels a deep understanding for Jeff; including his energy and overall disposition, which she describes as “cool, calm and confident; the kind of energy that makes one feel at ease.” This is very important when matching two people, and why video calls or in-person interviews are required at Ambiance Matchmaking.
The Search
Monday, 2pm, Condesa, Mexico City
Leslie heads to our Mexico City office to start the matching process. There is someone that immediately came to mind during their interview (which happens very often, even before an official search is done). Leslie calls the possible match, and tells her about Jeff. “He’s 6’1" with chestnut brown hair and golden brown eyes. He’s very driven, and has built his own tech company from the ground up. He is spiritual (not religious). In his spare time, he travels, competes in triathlons, and cooks for family and friends.” Leslie then describes his temperament, and why she thinks the two would be a good match. She agrees (how could she not?), and a date is arranged for that weekend.
Singles Database
The next step is to search her Singles Database using Jeff’s parameters. Leslie types in a variety of preferences; age range, education, ethnicity, religion, and family plans. She searches all Ambiance locations through the US, Mexico, and the UK. The search reveals two handfuls of great matches. He is scheduled for the next two months in Mexico City, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Recruiters
Meanwhile, Leslie begins searching outside of her Singles Database for other possible matches. She first calls Ambiance Matchmaking Recruiters to give them Jeff’s search parameters. Ambiance Recruiters are well-connected in their communities and constantly meet new people through friends and events. When they come in contact with someone that might be a good match for a client, an interview is scheduled with Leslie.
Digital Search
Leslie then contacts Ambiance Matchmaking’s Digital Search Expert with the details of Jeff’s search. Ambiance’s Digital Search Expert utilizes online platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, professional organizations, and private member-only clubs. Client information is never shared online. Each digital search is unique and completely discreet. From this point, she will reach out to possible candidates and request an in-depth interview. If there is a good candidate, Leslie will present the profile to Jeff for reviewal.
Private Matchmaking Network
Finally, Leslie reaches out to Ambiance Matchmaking’s Private Matchmaking Network. Ambiance has built this network over the last 17 years and it includes a very carefully selected group of professional Matchmakers across the globe. Leslie contacts these Matchmakers to provide Jeff’s search parameters. Again, this is a completely confidential process. Under no circumstance can a Matchmaker share client information.
Casting
Tuesday, 7am, San Francisco Bay Area
Leslie flies out the next day to San Francisco for another interview. While visiting, she holds a casting to further expand Jeff’s matching pool. It’s set to take place at Ambiance Matchmaking’s headquarters in the San Francisco Bay Area between 2-4pm. In the two hour window, 15 women come in and out. Some are dressed for a job interview while others have cocktail attire. All are accomplished, but Leslie only chooses two that will fit well with Jeff’s lifestyle, future plans, and character.
Over the course of the week, Leslie has enough matches for the entire length of Jeff’s membership (one year). However, things can always change. Dating is a process. Jeff and Leslie will reconvene after each match to discuss and possibly refine his matching preferences. During his year with Ambiance Matchmaking, he will learn, grow, refine, and pinpoint exactly what he needs in his life partner. It will be exciting and enlightening, with possible growing pains, but completely worthwhile, because at the end of the day, it’s just you and your partner.
Interested in matchmaking services?
Ambiance Matchmaking has been connecting like-minded singles since 2002. Complete an application to get started!