OPW INTERVIEW -- May 16 -- Robin is an expert on Jewish dating and wrote the book “How To Marry a Mensch.” Here’s our interview with this wonderful lady. - Mark Brooks
How long have you been in the industry?
I started as an author 15 years ago. It was never my intent to become a love coach. I always wanted to be published, and the first book I wrote was “How To Meet a Mensch in New York”. The book did very well. I got on the Today Show, CNN and Good Day New York. I also garnered press in London and Australia. The media attention was beyond anything I imagined. Then I did a 2nd edition of the same title in 1996.
I was on the Workshop Discussion Tour when a friend said to me, “Why don’t you do one on one consultations?” So I started offering private consults to singles to help them lead a more successful social life. I own a great domain, LoveCoach.com, so I think I might have actually “coined” the title love coach, though I can’t prove it.
Then I wrote another book which came out in 2006, called “How to Marry a Mensch”, which is all the stories I’ve accumulated over the years, including my own experience, plus advice.
I blog now on my website called “Relationship Rap with Robin” and aspire to host a radio show and/or teleclasses one day. I would love to come on board with an online dating company to serve as their front person.
So your consultation focuses mainly on how to attract and get a mate or is it more relationship therapy?
I work mainly with someone who is looking for a long term relationship, with someone who has made bad dating choices and doesn’t know why he/she hasn’t connected with Miss or Mr. Right. I work with men and women of all ages and backgrounds.
What would companies like eHarmony or Match gain out of working with you?
My focus is to point people in the right direction socially. I can help people write profiles and choose an effective photo. I’ll even go so far as to recommend wardrobe possibilities or a haircut, if need be. I’m available to online dating companies to serve as a consultant for their clients. I could also be their Dr. Phil, and help promote the website in a more public arena since I’m skilled at doing press interviews. Maybe even write a column or host teleclasses for them, as a value added incentive for singles.
The biggest issue the internet dating industry has faced is customer attention. The average customer is on for 3 or 4 months and then go on. The second issue is the revenue itself. They are looking for additional revenue opportunities. If you were the CEO of Match.com, what would you change to increase their revenue?
I see the web dating scenario as a numbers game. You have to have a fabulous photo; you need to present yourself in a way that reads more than just a resume. My clients often approach it in a perfunctory fashion. They just want to get something up. They don’t take responsibility, and then turn around and say the Web doesn’t work. It would help a lot to have someone guide them during the process so they don’t get overwhelmed.
