OPW INTERVIEW - Dec 15 - The internet dating industry should get to know the matchmaking industry a bit better. I thought you’d like some insight, so I interviewed Maria Avgitidis who runs Agape Match in New York.
Agape Match is nominated in three categories at iDate 2012- Best Matchmaker, Most Innovative Company, and Best Dating Site Design.
Why matchmaking? What did you do before?
I come from several generations of matchmakers. I didn’t pick matchmaking! It picked me! After completing my Bachelors of Science at the American College of Greece in International Business and European Affairs, I briefly worked at the US Embassy of Athens before accepting a job in NYC and beginning my graduate studies at New York University in Global Affairs. In the end, my fascination with people’s behavior and interaction would ultimately help pave the route to becoming a matchmaker.
What's your most challenging client been, to date?
Challenging is such a relative term. So many of my clients are awesome and amazing, who let me do my job instead of dictating, which leads to successful relationships. The most challenging clients I have had are those who fail to accept the realistic expectations I have tried to communicate from the beginning.
How are you marketing out your services?
I would attribute about eighty percent of my company to word of mouth. It is an incredible tool. Additionally, I rely heavily on editorial pieces and my singles events, especially within the Greek community, which is my core demographic. Moreover, I’m invested in social media. Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Tumblr... Finally, Google search has been really good to me.
How do you want to work with idating sites?
I receive hundreds of requests from Greeks in the international diaspora and Greece every month. As a niche dating site, I believe there is certainly room to expand within the iDating world, attributing many of the elements I already use. I am looking forward to the 2012 iDate Conference in Miami to further explore these routes.
