sandra myers relationship expert
When I was 20 years old, I worked in a telecommunications company. I was selling door to door and started hanging out with some of the people I was with. One of the women he met had ended a relationship with a man. She told me she knew a local company was hiring matchmakers. It was the first time I had a business card that always came naturally! From starting my brother’s foundation to serving clients in senior positions across the country, I knew this was what I had to do.
Can you share the most interesting story that has happened to you since leading your company?
The most exciting thing for me is our immediate success! Our team has decades of experience, so I know it took years to build, but I was amazed at how successful we were in our first 14 months in business. We have created many happy couples and received many positive customer reviews.
Can you share a story about a funny mistake you made when you started? Can you share what you learned from it?
I started my first matchmaking position 25 years ago. I was so excited that I didn’t pay attention to the details. A woman stood about six inches tall, and a gentleman was only 5’7. They were a little surprised when they met, but they had a really good time! Meanwhile, she was walking down the stairs and on her way to the hospital. What started as a genuine mistake led to an incredible friendship between the two. Not a game of love, a game of friendship for life!
None of us can achieve success without someone helping us along the way. Is there anyone you thank for helping you get to where you are? Can you share a story about this?
Last time, the one who challenged me the most made me grow even more! Andrea McGinty was the original owner of Its Just Lunch and hired me with no industry experience. This led me to become a director, radio host, TV suite, and network queen. I was confused and never thought it would work well, yet my office was one of the best in the country during my first year in business. I thank her for seeing the potential in me and allowing me to make a safe choice when she could.
Well, thanks for that. Now let’s get to the main focus of our interview. According to this EY report, only 20 percent of funded companies have women’s organizations. This represents important historical progress but shows that more work is needed to empower women to build companies. In your opinion and experience, what currently prevents women from starting a company?
I think two things hold some women back – lack of confidence and fear of taking risks. I am always confident but risk averse, which is why I have worked as a matchmaker for other people’s businesses for over two decades. 2020 has been a tough year for many people, but this is a turning point for me. I always knew I could get better results for my clients than for the big matchmaking companies I worked for. I made friends with a colleague that I have known for many years, and we decided to take a risk together. We created the dating community, not just for another corporate matchmaking company, but for what a luxury matchmaking company should be!
Can you help identify some things that can be done individually, as a community, or by the government to help overcome these barriers?
I think it’s a matter of personal responsibility. I decided years ago to save money and give myself the luxury of branching out, and I didn’t do it. I think most people are complacent when it comes to work and daily routines. To make an impact in your life, you need to plan effectively and in advance to achieve different results. Whether it’s work, relationships, or health, a goal requires commitment and passion. When you take the time to review your life and think about how you want your life to be, you will make progress and make a plan. I believe that anyone who has the passion can pursue entrepreneurship, especially when you have exceptional talent in your field.
As an institution, this may seem contradictory to you, but I think it is worth mentioning. Can you give some reasons why more women should become founders?
The most important thing in life is a sense of security and confidence in self-control. When you have the luxury of knowing that you are always in a position to make your own decisions and achieve your dreams, life becomes increasingly fulfilling. The most important thing to keep in mind as a teenager is; Do you want a career or love what you do? They do not have to be mutually exclusive. When you are willing to take the risk of business ownership, you are likely to benefit from both.
Any “rumors” about the founder you want to dispel? Can you explain what you mean?
I think a lot of people think that when you’re a boss, you have it easy. This is not even close to the reality of owning a company. Serious business property. You live for others, which is a privilege and a responsibility.
Is everyone eligible to be a founder? In your opinion, what specific characteristics increase a person’s chances of being a successful founder, and what type of person is most likely to find a “regular job” as an employee? Can you explain what you mean?
There is a simple answer… if you want to take it easy and leave the office every day and not think about a job, then business ownership is not for you. You’ll likely thrive in this role if you’re always on the go and have a passion for what you do during the day. I also don’t recommend working for yourself if you can’t multitask. There are many different areas to deal with when supporting a successful business!