
Loading summary
Heather
When I started podcasting, an online store was the furthest thing from my mind. Now I'm selling my group coaching on the regular and it is just so easy. All because I use Shopify.
Talia
Don't ever over consume alcohol on a first or second date. Alcohol can be a crutch, right? It kicks the nerves out of the way. It just kind of makes you a little bit funnier, more confident, and that's great and all. However, when you tend to drink, you might accidentally say something that you wouldn't ever have said sober. One of the biggest mistakes people make is just over consuming. So my one of my biggest rules is one drink max. That one drink should kill the nerves. And so at that point, that's all you need it for.
Unknown
I'm on this journey with me each week. When you join me, we are going to chase down our goals, overcome adversity, and set you up for a better tomorrow. I'm ready for my close up. Hi and welcome back. I'm so glad you're back here with me this week. Okay. I have received so many DMs about my dating life and every time I put up a post of me and my girlfriend Iman, who are both single, I get 9 million DMs about it. I figured we might as well jump on today with someone who has created an entire business around coaching women. Someone who's written a book about matchmaking. Let me give you a little bit of background. My friend Talia, we met, she's a high end matchmaker, dating coach, speaker and author. You might have seen her on Bravo tv, Access Hollywood. She's all over the place with her new book, how to attract the right Guy. Talia, thank you so much for being here today.
Talia
Thank you so much for having me. All right, first of all, how does.
Unknown
Someone, because this is something I bet you get asked a lot. How does someone become a matchmaker? Like that can't be something that you thought of when you were a little kid.
Talia
No, I know, it's so funny because I did not know when I was younger that this was going to be my end all, be all type of career. But I was always matchmaking, you know, in high school, college, you know, after that and I was working in tech and I called my mentor and I said, I don't think this is my purpose. I just don't think tech is for me. And she goes, okay, honey, well what do you like to do and what are you passionate about? And I go, I love to match make. I know it sounds crazy, but I love Setting people up. And it's really intuitive for me. Like I can just read people's energy and I know who to set them up with. And she said, well, why don't you quit your tech job and work for an agency and just see if you like it and that's a good starting place. And I said, okay. So then I quit my tech job, joined the largest matchmaking agency in the Southeast. And then after that, for two years, I finally said, you know what, I can do this so much better and I can take it to the big league. So I quit my job, booked a one way ticket to New York. I was couch surfing on my best friend's couch for like two weeks, trying to just like figure out how to start a company, you know, how to make the llc, like what do I do? But I knew the big vision and I also had all the tools and the resources that I had learned from my mentors of working at the agency. So finally it was Valentine's Day in 2020 and I launched the company and it went viral. Like everyone reposted it. Everyone was so excited. I was living in New York and the company took off. And then 20 client weddings later, here we are doing matchmaking full time. It's been half a decade.
Unknown
Wow. So something that you just said that I think can benefit everybody listening right now is that you called a mentor. First of all, when you asked question, right? So you turned to someone who had expertise in business and enlightenment was ahead of you. Super, super smart. Two, you went to work for someone that had already established themselves as someone successful in the arena that you were considering so that you weren't starting from scratch, from nothing. And I think for everyone listening, you know, if you're not happy in the role that you're in, the industry that you're in, that's really strong path to take. Jump on a call with a mentor, get some advice and then go to someone who's already doing it. They've taken on the risk, they've taken on really the opportunity to start something from the ground up. Which is much harder than jumping in and seeing how that place operates. So when you jumped in there, you were saying at first, okay, I'm going to learn this business, but by the end you were saying, I could do this better than what they're doing for sure.
Talia
And here's the thing too. I think a lot of people see all my success now and they see all the client weddings and, you know, all this amazing life I get to live. And what I think people don't see is that the come up right? Like I took a six figure pay cut working for this agency. My salary was like $30,000 for two years. Which by the way, you can't survive living in Atlanta with that kind of salary. But I knew that long term learning from the best of the best, like I worked for the OGs in matchmaking, so I knew that I was going to get the tools. So yeah, if you're going to start a business, go learn from the best and then if it's still, if you're passionate about it, then move it forward and start your own business.
Unknown
And when did you know the right time for you had come to jump to take that leap and actually try to do it yourself?
Talia
When all of their reviews on their website said I just want to work with Talia.
Unknown
Wow, that's yeah. The feedback from clients, the feedback, right. It was telling you it was very clear that that was your time, that you needed to do it yourself.
Talia
It was time. And also, you know, I kind of missed that tech money. I was like, okay, like I need to go back to my other life, you know, like I want something bigger than what I'm doing. And I also, I quickly realized I could be my own boss. And I also knew I wanted to start a company. So moving to New York just made sense. So half a decade later, here we are, 20 client weddings later.
Unknown
What was it like starting that company initially? Because so many people listening right now, a lot of my listeners are in pivotal their career, want to leave corporate, want to go to work for themselves. But to actually have the courage and the confidence to make that leap can be tough. I understand what you're saying. You were getting the feedback from clients which is really validating, saying, okay, this is to work with. And it was clear to you, like that was a hello moment. Like I can do this on my own. But to actually leap and start the company and like you said, sleep on your friend's couch, many people make that move. What are some of the pieces of advice you could share for other people so that they can free themselves up to do that?
Talia
I truly think it comes down to confidence. And I know you, you out of all people, you're the queen of confidence. And I think that working for someone else and learning the business model, understanding how matchmaking works and doing it on a professional scale, what that meant, what do packages. I think I gained the confidence from working for someone first. And then I was like, there's just no plan B. Because I believe in myself. I now have the confidence, because I've learned from the best. I kind of felt like I graduated. You know, there's not such thing as matchmaking school, but if you work for the OGs. So I really think it just comes down to confidence. I just had that confidence I needed and it took two years.
Unknown
Have you doubted your decision or have you ever said, ooh, I should have not left technology and. Or do you wake up every day and say, I know this is my passion, this is my purpose?
Talia
Oh, I love that question. No, I mean, I. I love what I do. And I've never second guessed it, actually. No, I get that warm fuzzy feeling that, like, I'm right in my purpose. And I just feel like the universe, God, has validated that for me. In fact, even my book that I wrote, you know, selling over a thousand copies and I barely did any marketing around, it just tells me that there are people out there really struggling right now and with their love life and there's a huge need for help. And so I just love what I do. And I especially love helping women tap into their feminine and like, attracting what they really want, you know?
Unknown
Okay, tell us a little bit about your new book.
Talia
Okay, so it's called how to Track the Right Guy. Well, it's called how to Track the Right Guy. Avoid Situationships and Get him to Commitment. And I would say my favorite chapter that I wrote was chapter two, because I talk about the feminine energy and how when I started my company, I was all in my masculine and how somewhere along the way I actually lost my feminine energy. And I was showing up in New York on these dates in my masculine, and it just wasn't sparking the same type of chemistry as it would in client meetings on these dates. And I wrote in my book, and I talk about how when you lead with your feminine energy, you will get such a different outcome. Because these men, again, I've been working with men for decades now and I'll tell you, they love a girly girl. They love a feminine woman. Like, they get all the masculine energy during their day to day in business that when it comes to their partner, they really want that feminine woman. And I had the hardest time for a while transitioning. Like, okay, we're not in work mode right now. I can't treat this date like an interview and I can't treat him like, you know, this is a business meeting and make it an interviewee style or anything like that. And even my energy I was bringing couldn't be the same as it was in when I was in work mode. So it took a while to figure it out. But then I had that like haha moment and it just changed everything for me.
Heather
Meet a different guest each week. What does the future hold for business? Ask nine experts and you'll get 10 different answers. A bull market. A bear market. Rates will rise. Rates will fall. Could someone just give me a crystal ball please? Until then, over 40,000 businesses have future proof their business with NetSuite by Orac, the number one cloud ERP bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR into one fluid platform with one unified business management suite. There's one source of truth giving you the visibility and control you need to make quick decisions. With real time insights and forecasting, you're peering into the future with actual data. When you're closing the books in days, not weeks, you're spending less time looking backwards in more time on what's next. If I had needed this product, it's exactly what I would use. Whether your company is earning millions or even Hundreds of millions, NetSuite can help you respond to immediate challenges and seize your biggest opportunities. Speaking of opportunity, download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at netsuite.com monahan the guide is free to you at netsuite.com monaho netsuite.com monahan if that sound isn't creating confidence for you and your business, I know what you're missing. You're missing Shopify and I set up my own Shopify page. It is so simple that I could do it myself. You can absolutely do it and start converting potential customers into paying customers, creating confidence for all of us. Upgrade your business and get the same checkout we use with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.commonahan all lowercase go to shopify.commonahan to upgrade your selling today. Shopify.commonahan I ask you to try to find your passion.
Unknown
Showing up as whoever you are is the right answer. And there is, you know, I don't know a better way to say it but like a key for every lock. Like that. For a certain person, they're only going to want to date a woman that wears pink and is always in high heels and always looks pretty. But then someone else is going to want to date Simone Biles and someone who's showing up in workout clothes and is a powerhouse. So where do people differentiate? Okay, this is my authentic self and that's okay. And this will attract the right person versus I'm showing up in feminine energy.
Talia
I know this is going to be very harsh, but I'm after all the data I've done, so I've been doing this total for 10 years with my own agency and before and everything else I was doing. And what I will tell you is I have never had a guy tell me that he is looking for a masculine woman. So I will say that yes, everyone has their own energy and bring their own, you know, whatever. However, men, biologically, scientifically, men want a feminine woman. So you have to figure out a way to transition out of that masculine energy or else you'll keep running into the same vicious cycle of problems of not being able to attract that right guy that you're looking for.
Unknown
That's interesting.
Talia
All right, tell us a little bit.
Unknown
Phenomenon of dating online. Because in my limited experience and the first time I've ever been on dating app has been this year. My whole regular dating life is like, you walk into a restaurant, somebody walks up to you, they ask you on a date, you give them your phone number, and then you already know you have chemistry. And there's like, it's not so confusing. However, what I'm seeing on dating apps is you have no idea if you're gonna have chemistry with somebody because you're not meeting in real life. You have no idea if people are even representing themselves as who they even are. You have no idea if they're just like, it's a marketing campaign. Like, there is no clarity into who people are. And there's so many people, thousands of people. Like, it's endless. The opportunity to date on either side, men or women, it really, in my opinion, changes the dynamic of dating massively. And in my, in my opinion, not for the better. However, plenty of guys that have gone out tell me they think it's so much better because it was so hard for them to walk up to women in restaurants. The way that I was used to getting approached, they said I would have never met you because I would be too nervous to go up. So give me your feedback on what do you think of dating apps and what do you think it's done to dating in general?
Talia
Oh, my gosh. I love dating apps. I think it's amazing. I think that we have technology and we decided to take technology and using it for dating. And it's an opportunity for single people to congregate on an app and to meet each other. So I'm a huge fan of them and I, you know, I do matchmaking full time and I have my company, but I also do one on one coaching and for those people that are just strictly using dating apps because they have a really heavy day to day work life, I think my biggest advice, I would say is to make sure that your profile represents you in the best way possible and that like, think of like what your partner, the kind of person you're trying to attract, you know, if you are an athletic person but you also love to travel and you also, you know, like, just make sure that your profile is your billboard and it represents you in the best way.
Unknown
Tell you it's shocking to me how people lie. Not only happened to me, but I'll be on dates with someone and they'll say, oh, thank God you're who you really said you are. And so I'll always say, tell me more about that because I'm so curious is to find out. And you'll hear people don't even speak the language, I guess that they say that they do. I mean there are some wild. They lie about their age, lie about where they live. I mean it goes on and on. So how does misrepresentation come into play with technology?
Talia
You know, that's just the risk you take. That's the risk you take. Either you hire a matchmaker and someone's fully vetted and you bring that candidate forward and you know everything. You know, you have a full bio about them, you know they've passed a background check. That's just the risk you take with online dating. What advice I get can give anyone who's listening, who is only wanting to do online dating. Always, always, always, always have a face time before you even schedule a date in. What I recommend is just say something like, hey, I think a really, like, let's just say he asks you out, right? He's like, hey, I would love to take you to dinner, blah, blah, blah. You say, hey, you know what? Actually I think a really good starting place would be let's just do a phone call. You know, just that way you kind of start that own vetting process for yourself and you're not getting catfish and you can kind of get a better idea. And you know, something else I talk about in my book is I dedicate an entire chapter to this about using your gut feeling, letting your nervous system speak and pick your partner. And it's really important that when you get on that phone call, you use your intuition, you use your gut feeling. Do you feel like everything is saying is off like, or is he saying all the right things but your entire stomach is turning and your nervous system is trying to warn you about something? So in my book I talk about what are the flags to look for with your body? Because your body will always guide you to Mr. Right. Always. Your nervous system always has your back and it's with you at all times.
Unknown
That's such a great reminder. Someone was saying that to me about picking a business partner too. And it applies to any, to everything. And you feel safe and secure and calm, at ease and, but still energized about the conversations you're having. That is to me, a major green flag. I know you talk a lot about green, red and yellow flags in your book. Talk to us about the difference and give us some examples of each.
Talia
So the yellow flag, I think doesn't get enough hype because I think everyone knows what a red flag. Right? It's when it's when they say something and it's off putting and your gut's like, that's not good. You know, immediate no. Or if someone's like, I'm just looking for something casual and you're looking to get married, red flag, walk away, not your guy. But a yellow flag is, I say it's like, study this more. Look, this is an investigation flag. So for example, if you are Christian and the guy you're going on a date with is Jewish and you're trying to figure out, okay, how does he want to raise his kids though, is he open to raising his kids with your religion or does it have to be his? You know, and if he's like, you know, I'm kind of open to it, blah, blah, blah, and he gives you like a very vague answer, that's a yellow flag. It deserves further investigation because you don't want to waste time with that person and fall in love with that person to then find out that like they want you to convert to their religion. And you know, I've heard it all at this point.
Unknown
So I'll tell you, at this point in my life, I've heard, I've seen it happen with my friends too. Even friends who have been in relationships for 10 plus years. When it comes time down the aisle, suddenly the conversation changes. So you can think you vetted everyone. You can think that you're in love, you can think that you've got the right person. And times and situations do change, especially as you approach marriage and having kids.
Talia
Yes. But I will tell you for the person that goes, there was no red flags. None of us had any idea. It's like, no, there is always. Your nervous system will guide you to Mr. Right. And there's always little weird Things that will happen, like, how well do you sleep next to that person? Are you anxious when you go to bed next? Like, there's little things that I have helped, like coaching people where I've helped them realize the red flags were always there. They just ignored them.
Unknown
It's the same in work situations, too. I remember working in a toxic environment. It happened slowly over time. So it was hard to say. You were always kind of questioning, wait a minute, maybe we'll just go back to how it's been. Maybe people are going through a tough time. You would want to talk yourself into that. Because who wants to leave a career and start over? Much like a relationship, right? However, at some point you have to say, wait a minute, this is the new norm. Or, you know, this does seem like these questions are coming up all the time. This can't be right. Do you see that happen oftentimes in relationships when people are first starting out, that at the beginning, it's amazing. And slowly they're saying, wait a minute, maybe this isn't the way that I thought it was going to go.
Talia
Well, let's not forget that chemistry does not equal compatibility. So the biggest thing I think people make a mistake on in dating, this is men and women is, okay, we have crazy great chemistry. Even like when you're interviewing someone, right, and there's great chemistry and you're like, oh my gosh, I really like that person. Like, the warm energy is there, but it's like, chemistry doesn't equal compatibility. Someone could, you know, you could have a great time with them. However, your value systems are just different. So that's why it's so important that if you are vetting for yourself, that you look at what are their value systems and does it align with your value system.
Unknown
It really, to me sounds no different than hiring people, than building a team at work, right? Because you have this certain profile that you know will work for you. You need not only ask the right questions, probe enough to find out, is there some validation behind this? Is there a story behind this? But what's also interesting is, and I noticed this more so in personal relationships, and I notice it's dating now at 50 versus dating. You know, in my 20s and 30s, people have more baggage because now there's a divorce behind it. This is just what, in my experience, but I'm interested to hear yours. Divorce is a tough, tough life transition to go through for anyone. No matter how long you married, no matter if you left or you were cheated on, doesn't really matter, in my opinion. But Those wounds that people endure going through a divorce oftentimes get brought along to that next relationship. I see it all the time right now in dating now. So many men that have been cheated on have so much trepidation at a date. And when they start dating somebody, they're so afraid that I see it affect the type of person they can date or how they show up in dating. Do you see that often with your clients?
Talia
It's funny that you mentioned this because my entire chapter one is about the self audit, and that's the self audit. If you go through that process in my book, it will immediately tell you if you're ready to start dating or not. Because if someone is scared and jaded and has all this baggage, that means that they don't belong in the marketplace of dating. They belong doing therapy, healing, reiki, whatever works for you. But like, there's a certain level of feeling that needs to happen so that you can then make space in your heart for that next person to come in and for you to not come in and bring all of your projections and you're not projecting all of your stuff on your new person. And so I think the self audit is really important so that you can kind of gauge, am I ready for love? Have I healed the wounds that were left behind for my previous marriage or from my last breakup? Doesn't even have to be marriage. You know, someone could have gone through a traumatic breakup and those wounds are not healed. And then they're just projecting and they're jaded and then who wants to date that? You know, and it's, we're all humans, we all go through hard times. It's about how do you cope with that and then cope with it in a healthy way so that you can show up in this world and be a great next partner to someone.
Unknown
Yeah, I like what you said about the self audit because I know my last relationship, not my marriage, but my last boyfriend, I took one year off from dating. I mean, I would, you know, meet people, go out, my friends, whatever, but everything was very casual. But after it took me one year to be able to say to myself, honestly, okay, I'm healed now. I'm not projecting onto this person, literally treating people like they were my ex boyfriend, you know, when I'd gone on a date with them, when I saw that I was behaving that way, I'm like, I'm living in trigger central and if you can't manage your emotions and you're reacting to, you are not ready to be dating. However, I See it so often. Don't you see it with the dating pool?
Talia
I do. And actually, funny story, I had this incredible client was referred to me, big billionaire, whatever, real estate guy in Manhattan. And after we spoke, he was telling me about his divorce and everything. And I said, look, I'll be honest with you. I can't match you because I cannot put you up in front of these amazing candidates because it's not going to work out. You're not healed. And I said, if you coach with me for 90 days and you graduate from that, then I'm willing to take you on as a matchmaking client and we can look at that. However, I'm not taking you on otherwise because you're just not healed. Like you're going to get triggered in two seconds. So I have seen it. It's actually, I think it's pretty obvious when someone's just not done the work.
Unknown
It's so glaringly obvious. It's pretty wild. And I'm interested to hear your opinion on this. I wonder. I almost only see my female girlfriends and, you know, my female circle, but in dating, it seems that men are probably having a tougher time with this one because there's this whole dynamic that men, you know, aren't typically the ones searching for counseling and searching for support and coaching in their personal relationships in business and in athletics. Yes, you know, all day long. But they weren't applying that in the personal life. Do you think that they're at a disadvantage when it comes to healing from relationships because they're not the ones necessarily asking for help around it?
Talia
Sure, it's unfortunate, but yeah, I do think there might be a disadvantage. But if you're a listener and you're listening to this right now and you are struggling with a breakup or anything like that, and there's so many amazing tools out there and resources that can get you feeling so much better and it doesn't have to take years, you know, so it's about just leaning in a little bit.
Heather
Let's talk about goals for a minute. How are you tracking with the ones you set for your business earlier this year? Are you close? If not, do you know why you haven't hit them yet? I mean, let's be honest. It's so important to track our goals, to set goals. Goal setting is where it all happens, taking us from where we currently are to where we know we can be, this podcast included. We got major goals and every, every day we are getting closer. You've got year end goals, Constant contact has what it takes to help you meet them faster. No matter how experienced you are with digital marketing, Constant Contact has the tools to make your marketing run smoother. Tap email marketing that helps you create and send the perfect email to every customer. Get on your goals and realize them With Constant Contact, it's time to put the go in your 2024 business goals with email, social, SMS and customized marketing campaigns built for you in just a few clicks. Ready? Set. Go to constantcontact.com and start your free trial now. Go to constantcontact.com for your free trial today. Even if you think it's a bit overhyped, AI is suddenly everywhere from self driving cars to molecular medicine to business efficiencies. If it's not in your industry yet, it's coming fast. But AI needs a lot of speed and computing power, so how do you compete without costs spiraling out of control? Time to upgrade to the next generation of the cloud Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, or oci. OCI is a blazing, fast and secure platform for your infrastructure, database, application development, plus all your AI and machine learning workloads. OCI cost 50% less for compute and 80% less for networking, so you're saving a pile of money. Thousands of businesses have already upgraded to oci including MGM Resorts, Specialized Bikes and Fireworks AI. Right now Oracle is offering to cut your current cloud bill in half if you move to oci for new US customers with minimum financial commitment. Offer ends December 31, 2024. See if your company qualifies for the special offer@oracle.com monahan that's oracle.commonahan one of.
Unknown
The concepts that you talk about in your book I only learned about this year and I think that it's incredible the dropping the handkerchief concept. Please dive into that a little bit because it was completely foreign to me. However, after you understand it then you can start seeing when you were doing in your life. But I think it's a great self awareness practice to understand this and be taught it.
Talia
Yes okay, so I love the handkerchief. The modern day handkerchief is when you are out in a public place and you're out with your girlfriends or even by yourself and you're at Whole Foods, whatever that looks like and you see someone that you are attracted to and you want to get his attention and I always recommend first do like a little metal scan, make sure he doesn't have a ring on his finger and if you're clear you know he might be single and just give him the notion that you are available and open and the first thing you have to do is if you were out with a bunch of your girlfriends, you cannot stick to your five girlfriends because that is too intimidating for these guys. Again, I've worked with men for so long, I will tell you, they will not walk up to beautiful girls like all five of you. It's just too intimidating. So you need to, if you see something you like, separate yourself from the group, go to the bar by yourself for a second, just excuse yourself and then drop the handkerchief, give them the look I talked about my book. I'm not going to give it away, but give them the G S E and drop that handkerchief so that he can pick it up and, you know, approach you. I think if you create an environment that men will feel comfortable to come up to you. They will.
Unknown
Yeah. It's interesting as I learned about this concept this year, I started thinking, oh, I've never done that. But the more I thought about it, I learned I did it all of the time. Whether to your point, it's that you're glancing and locking eyes with somebody that you got up to go to the ladies room and so then they were able to approach. But the reality is sit in the center of a path of people. It is very rare that somebody would make that approach because it is intimidating. And the other thing that I was made aware of is if they're cocky enough and or slash confident enough to make that approach, they're not just making that approach to you, they're doing it to a lot of other people. And that was really eye opening for me as well.
Talia
No, for sure. And I don't know how many times in my early 20s, even in my mid-20s, my girlfriends and I would practice it just for fun, just to see how if it was really working. And you would be surprised how when you look at a guy and you give him that warm smile, he is going to be captivated and he's going to be like, wait a minute. Oh my gosh, is she smiling at me? Usually they'll like look behind them to see if you're looking at someone else and it's just so endearing. And then they'll be like, who, me? And then you're like, yeah, you. And then he'll come up to you and say, hi. So you're basically making the first move.
Unknown
In a non aggressive, non masculine way.
Talia
Yes. Did you know that 90% of communication is nonverbal? So you are nonverbally telling him, hi, I'm interested, come talk to me. And you can do that with your eyes, with your smile. There Are so many ways that you can do that from across the room and get a guy to come to you.
Unknown
I was out for a walk the other day with one of my girlfriends and as you know, we live in Miami, so there's always good looking people no matter where you go. And a really good looking guy was running and he ran by us and she said she's not single and I am. And she said to me, heather, oh my gosh, why didn't you lock eyes with them? I said, he was running. Like it wasn't as if we were in slow mo and there was all this time. She's like, next time fall down. She's looking, don't get hurt, but just fall down. It is interesting that when you think of it strategically, that's all that it takes is just getting that you know that whatever it is, five seconds that you're going to have with a person to be able to say, hey, I am interested. I want to get your attention and see if this is reciprocated. Not always the easiest though when you're out for a run.
Talia
No, for sure. I definitely think that there are certain environments that you can thrive in a lot easily. Like for example, a housewarming party or like a barbecue or going out to dinner and then you can go up to the bar or if you know, like Soho House, you can go these membership clubs and all these things. Like what a great place. Because that's more of like an enclosed environment. But yeah, now if the guy's running, that's just. I'm a pro and I wouldn't even do that. Just let him run, let him go for his run.
Unknown
I loved riding. Try to fall, but don't get hurt. Okay, so what are some of the bigger mistakes that you see women making on a day to day basis that you can help give them feedback to correct?
Talia
Oh, two things. One, oversharing on a first date. I think that you just have to remember a first and second date. You have not built rapport with that person. It's just like a new hire. You guys don't really know each other yet. So ease into it and just keep those like deep personal things to yourself. Even when the nerves kick in or when that wine hits you, be self aware enough to keep some. Dial it in, always dial it back because you might never see that person again. So maybe there are things about yourself that you don't want some stranger running around telling people so. Consider that too. But the other thing I would say is just staying in your feminine energy. I Don't know how many of my amazing clients that are boss babes that like, or even my girlfriends that own companies or their CEOs, and they take that masculine energy into the dating world. And again, I've done this myself, so I know, like, it's hard to transition after a work day, but it's so important to get back into your femininity and be back into that, receiving that soft energy, not that tough, powerhouse energy, because men love that soft, feminine energy. And there is, by the way, there's a time and place for everything. You know, if your man is at home sick and he needs you to, like, whip things into gear, like, then, yes, step into your mask. I'm not saying that mask and energy is bad. It's harmonious. You know, you use it when you need it. But on a first date, definitely be in your feminine energy.
Unknown
So you remind me of something I'm super curious to hear your take on.
Talia
So.
Unknown
And you know that people get so much advice, whether it be about your dating life, your professional life, everybody always. It's real quick to give and offer advice on everybody else, right? And oftentimes, as an outsider, it's easy to see what's wrong or, you know, to spot red flags outside looking in on somebody else. So I understand why people do it. However, the advice you get is so incredibly different. And I'll just give you an example. I had people advising me saying, you know, you just really need to start showing up as who you really are. People need to know who you are right out of the gates. That way you don't have to worry you're not going to attract someone who can't handle a strong woman or, you know, whatever it may be. Okay, so that's show up as you and be the all authentic. You write on date one and don't differ. And I had been doing that. I was out for a walk with another girlfriend a few months ago, and she said, I don't understand how you're still single. I'm like, okay, I'll tell you my last three dates. So I tell her, and again, I've dated great guys. There's not. I've not had one date that was horrible. Everybody's been good people, right? Listen, not for me. Maybe there's no chemistry, whatever. But all nice people, some of them lied about their age. Some of them lied about how they look, but that's a whole different situation. Or didn't mention they wanted kids and I don't want kids. Like, some of it is very. Okay, you had to figure that out.
Talia
All right.
Unknown
She says, break down the last couple dates for me. And I tell her it was interesting. One of them was, I was on a very long date with a guy, and he emptied his whole. I mean, he told me everything about his divorce. I. He told me way too much. He was asking. I mean, I needed to get out of there. I was like, this is too much for. Too much for a first date. So I'm.
Talia
It was like a therapy session. He treated it like therapy is what.
Unknown
He did, as if we were about to get married. And it was like he had to let me know everything. And I was like, this as a date. One not. You know, we've been dating for five years. So it was odd. I'm telling her this, and she's like, okay, are you open to feedback? Which I thought was a great, you know, door opener to see, because some people don't want it. They don't want to hear it, right? And I said, yes, I actually am super open to it. She said, you need to read the book, the Rules, which is a very old book. I'm sure you've heard of it before. I don't know. It's a long time ago. Very, very famous book. And it's all about the rules of how a woman should behave while dating. And it's super clear, very black and white. Like, there's no gray area. Like, you can never accept a man's request to go on a date if he hasn't asked you out four days before the date. You all, like, it's, like, very prescriptive. If they don't call you within 24 hours, you don't date them again. You don't stay on a date longer than three hours unless you've been dating for more than a month. Like, it's very, very prescriptive and totally not how I had been living my life at all. But based on this is, you know, friend of mine, she's in a very happy relationship. She's like, heather, all of my happily married friends say they live their life off the rules, and that's why their marriages are so good. Read the book. So I went and I read the book, and I told her, I'm like, listen, I'm just showing up as me being me. Like, whatever my gut says, like, I just do, you know, someone calls me last minute and I'm free and I want to go out, I go, I don't play. To me, this is called playing games. When you're, you know, creating lists of things, you're going to do or not do and then doing them. And she said, just do me a favor and try it for, like, you know, a month. So I tried it for a couple of weeks. And I mean, does it. It changes the way other people show up for sure, right? Because you make it real clear very fast with this game that I'm not taking your phone calls, I'm not going out with you. You know, so you can change the behavior very quickly. But in my opinion, it felt so weird being so forced. Like, it felt like being fake. Because the real me is like, if I'm free and I have nothing to do, I'm like, yeah, let's. I'll run over and meet you. No big deal. Like, I'm easy going that way. However, if I'm busy, what I'm booked. Like, there's no chance that you're getting on my calendar. So it was sort of. I don't know, it was showing up as a different person than who I really am. And I don't know that maybe to her point, it will get you the outcome that you want. Like, it will get these guys chasing you if that's what you're going for, but they're chasing someone who isn't the real you. I felt like there was a ton of mismatch there. What are your thoughts on that?
Talia
So here's the deal. If you were looking to date someone who is on your level, someone who is successful, someone who's ambitious, that man is very much alpha. And he is in his masculine energy, which, Heather, I think that's what you need. Truly, that kind of guy is used to hearing no eight times, and he's still not taking no for an answer until he gets a yes. So guess what? You're ruining your shot with him. When you make yourself readily available on Friday night because you happen to be free and he's like, hey, you want to go out tonight? And you're like, yeah, hold on. These alphas, these go getters, these ambitious men that are super into masculine, don't actually like that because their whole thing is, like, winning, right? That's how they built their empires, how they built their companies, how they're so successful. So if you're trying to date that really successful man, you know what I'm saying? It's all about what you're trying to attract, right? But I know you, and I know that you're trying to date someone who is ambitious because you're ambitious and you kind of have to play the game because he has to Feel like he won you. Or else it's too, it's just too easy. It's like closing a deal. It's like you pitched and then he was like, yeah, demo was great. Sign me up, I'll write the check. It's like, oh, okay. There was no fun in that. It's like. And so you've got to make a mark for it if that's the kind of guy you're going for. Does that make sense though? Does that resonate?
Unknown
Yeah, no, I completely understand what you're saying. I'll just say it's a lot of work.
Talia
Like so much work.
Unknown
And this is why another one people say, why are you single? I'm like one. Read some of the messages that these men send and then you'll understand because I am very picky and I would never go out with people like this ever. That's 1, 2 is it takes so much time. And when you work a lot and have a child, like, and have your friends and have, you know, and you work out and like, there's all these parts of your life. Oftentimes there just isn't a lot of time to manage this unless you're going to shut down. If you're saying yes to something, you're saying no to a lot of other things. So it's like priority standpoint. Yes. My friends that are younger, that still want to have kids, I get it. Like, this is their number one priority in life and it is like they are crystal clear on it and they are like live or die. However, I also see the emotions. I'm sure you see this, Talia. The emotions with younger women who want to have babies and want to have families. It's like when they get back from a date, it's talking my friends off the ledge that I literally, they're crying if it didn't work out and they thought this was the right person. So it's just interesting where you are in your life, what your ambitions are for family, what you're, you know, how important the dating is, can really make or break you and how you respond in these dates.
Talia
No, for sure. I do so much one on one coaching. I've heard it all. And it depends on your phase of life. It depends on what you're going through. It depends on what kind of guy you're trying to attract. Again, if you're trying to attract a high net worth individual who's successful, who's built something incredible, something that you guys can continue to build together because you also own a business or you're a CEO, you know, you kind of have to play the game. And that's just the honest to God truth. So it just depends on what you're trying to attract. And by the way, feminine energy will never fail on you. There has never been the, like a masculine alpha who's been like, I want a masculine woman. It's like, no, no, no. It's never happened. It just never happened.
Unknown
So give us an example of a story of one of the marriages that you put together and like, how it worked out.
Talia
This is so good. The biggest lesson in this story, by the way, is how when you have a very specific type, it can hold you back from meeting your person. It can hold you back from meeting your God divine person that you were meant to reproduce with it. You were meant to build a life with. Because sometimes what we think is meant for us, you know, God has a greater plan or the universe has a greater plan, you know. So my biggest, craziest story of marriage was when I was setting up one of my clients with one of my closest girlfriends. And you know, it's always interesting when you're setting up your girlfriends with one of your clients because it's business and it's also personal, but it's always fun. And she just refused to go on a date with my client. She was like, no, he doesn't have good sense of taste in fashion. I don't like the way this guy dresses in his pictures. And I said to her, I said, you are getting in your own way. I said, I know this is your husband. And I'm not saying this because he's my client. I got paid on this. I'm telling you because I intuitively my gut feeling telling you this is the one. You guys, your values are in alignment, everything. You guys are like the guy girl version of each other. And you guys compliment each other so well. So long story short, I finally convinced her to do it. I sent him a text, said, just send her a text that you got a reservation at this restaurant. It's her favorite restaurant. She will not decline. I know her. So he sent her a text like, I got a reservation for this Friday at 8pm I would love to take you here. Can I send a car at 7:30, whatever, something like that. And she calls me, she's like, he got a reservation at the da da da da da. And I said, really? And so she said, yes. And they've now been married for three years. They just had their second baby. And the jokes on her, you know, she was so caught up in her type and how her man was supposed to look. And by the way, my client was like 6:2, handsome, successful, but she was so obsessed with like being with someone who really knew how to dress himself and all these things. But what I tried to explain to her is that at the end of the day, that's not a character flaw and that's changeable. If a guy doesn't know how to dress himself, he can get a stylist or you can help him. It's so easily fixed. You know, I still can't believe I pulled it off and that they're still married and they're just so happy with babies.
Heather
Meet a different guest each week. Confidence Clear the holiday season is here, which means we're focused on all things holiday festive gifting. Jenny Kane is our go to destination for the very best of the season. With their iconic gift guide leading the way. Jenny Kane makes it so easy and effortless to check everyone off your list, mostly including yourself. Don't forget you Everything Jenny Cain makes is pure luxury. The cashmere is unbelievable. The knits essential outerwear to their homeware pieces like their obsession worthy candles. There's no better place to get into the seasoned spirit than at Jenny Kane. For a limited time, our listeners get 15% off their first order. Go to jennycane.com and use the code confidence15 to get 15% off your order. The Cashmere Fisherman and Cashmere Cocoon are two of my favorites. They are iconic knits. They feel incredible. There is a good reason they are the top of the top. Both deserve a starting spot and your winter wardrobe rotation due to their versatility, ease and absolute comfort. Nobody does the holidays quite like Jenny Kane. They're known for their luxe sweaters, essential candles and cozy throws, all of which make perfect gifts for you too. The Cashmere Jackie sweater just landed and it's nothing short of look incredible. You can button it up to wear it as a turtleneck or unbuttoned for a fresh take on a classic crew neck. It is a must have. If you're eyeing coats, look no further than the Theodore coat and apres coat. Both are a must for the season ahead, bringing added drama and ultimate coziness to your looks. Who doesn't need some added drama? We can't forget about the home essentials like giftable candles and splurge worthy decor. Get some now so you have them ready to give at parties that you go to. Their holiday gift guide just dropped makes gifting a total breeze. Shop Jenny's edit favorites under $250 and plenty of other gift giving categories. Plus they have an incredible rewards program where you can earn up to 10% back with every purchase. And joining is free. Gift yourself and your loved ones the best gift of all. Jenny Kane our listeners get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout. That's 15% off your first order at J E N N N I K a y n e.com promo code confidence 15. Let getting dressed be one less thing to worry about. Confidence clean I asked you to try to find your passion.
Unknown
That's when you know that you're doing so much good. When you know people are creating lives and reproducing and having families. That's amazing. Okay, so crazy break down for everyone your rules. Like how I was mentioning, you know, there are these, that rule book for women. And I know that you don't subscribe to all of these ideas, but like, what are some of the rules? Like you said that you cannot be available on the day that somebody wants to ask you. What are some of the rules that are important to you?
Talia
So there's a couple, right? And in the book I give, it's like the Bill of Rights for dating rules. And there's 10 of them, but I want to cover the first one. And the first one is don't ever over consume alcohol on a first or second date. And here's the reason why. Alcohol can be a crutch, right? It kicks the nerves out of the way. It just kind of makes you a little bit funnier, more confident, and that's great and all. However, just remember that when you tend to drink, you might accidentally say something that you wouldn't ever have said sober. Just like when you're drinking with your employees at drink happy hour and you say something and you're like, you know, that was so personal. I really shouldn't have said that to my employer or to my coworker, really filling it in. And it was the alcohol talking through you. And so I think the one of the biggest mistakes people make is just over consuming. So my one of my biggest rules is one drink max. That one drink should kill the nerves. And so at that point, that's all you need it for. Another big one is always show up on time. I know it sounds silly, but being punctual on dates, you'd be surprised. These men are so sticklers about time and they do value their times very seriously. So you want to make sure that you're putting your best foot forward and showing up on time. And then actually, you know what, I have one more because I don't want share all 10. But another one is being kind to wait staff. And what I mean by that is I have seen people think they're being kind to wait staff, but in reality they're so in a rush and they're so focused on the date that they're shooing off their waiter or being like, yeah, thanks. And it just comes off crass and it might come off rude. And so to make sure that you're representing your brand, your personal brand, that you're representing yourself well in these dates, to just take that extra second to be really kind to the waitstaff because it makes you look so good. You get so many brownie points from that.
Unknown
Okay, great tips and totally agree. What about one of the things I see come up a lot, especially with dating apps. You could be dating so many different people at the same time is when you haven't heard from somebody in let's say a week and a half and then they message you back. What's the direction that you give women when a guy kind of disappeared for a while and then shows back up?
Talia
So you're saying he ghosted and then he's resurfacing and it's been a week and a half.
Unknown
I see it happen a lot that you might not hear from somebody for a week and then they call you or they send you a text and you're. That's odd.
Talia
No. I'm just going to go ahead and say no. Because, you know, in these early stages of dating, if people are putting their best foot forward, is that really the kind of person you want to be with? Someone who's unreliable, wishy washy energy? At the end of the day, if someone is in the state of readiness the way you are in that state of readiness, they will be the hunter. They're going to make effort just like you are being. Oh, wait, hold on. That actually brings up another point to any female out there or any guy out there listening to this. If you are a horrible texter, you are not timely, you are not a good communicator when it comes to dating. I'm not talking about your work life. I'm talking about dating specifically. Just know that that energy will be mirrored right back to you because people typically will mirror your energy. So if you are really good about these dating apps and responding quickly and you're timely with these text messages, people will typically match you there. And if you're being great and they're not Matching your energy and they're taking a week and a half. Good riddance. Such a waste of time.
Unknown
Okay, what about when you go out with someone and they're so nice and just great people, but there's no chemistry, and then they start messaging again. And to your point, you don't want to lead people on. You don't want to be putting negative energy out there because you don't want that coming back to you. What is the right way to handle it, to let somebody know, like, you're a great person. You're just not my person.
Talia
Communication is key, right? You know, you're not going to have chemistry with everyone. And communicating, I just say, like, do how you would want someone to do it to you, right? Instead of being straying along or being ghosted, wouldn't you just rather have someone text you and say, hey, I think you're awesome. I just don't think that we have that chemistry or that romantic click that we need. Let's just call it friends. Or just. Just send them, like one line, one quick text. And by the way, it's like anything in life, the first time you do it, you're going to feel so uncomfortable and you're going to feel like you rejected someone. It's going to feel really icky. But the more you do it and you practice just communicating, like, hey, I just didn't feel that spark that I needed. Let's call it friends. It will come more naturally. And I think that that also puts out good karmic energy for you, and it's going to come back tenfold.
Unknown
Oh, my gosh, this is so funny. I had gone on a date with someone such, like a salt of the earth, great human, really wanted kids. I was super aggressive on the date. Like, I am not having any more kids. My kid is 17. Like, we hit the easy button over here a long time ago, not rebooting. And he's like, okay, well, maybe I can get beyond having kids. I'm like, no, no, you should go meet someone that wants to have kids. Like, I'm the wrong for you. And I said this to him on the date, but we got along very well. It was really funny. Smart guy. Anyhow, cut to. We leave and he messages me like, we really need to go out for a second date. Well, but I knew, and it was on my mind for a couple of days and I did not know how to respond. So I hadn't responded. I went to dinner with one of my gay guy friends, and we're at dinner and I said, to him, I'm like, we have got to resolve this tonight, because I feel like a terror. I would never not respond to someone. I felt terrible. But I didn't know how to say this in the most positive, kindest. I didn't know how to handle it. And so he says, okay. So I told him. He said, empty your glass. I did. I told him everything. He goes, great. Give me your phone, ma'am.
Talia
I'm like, okay, I handled my phone.
Unknown
This is the funniest thing. And he was so right. He was so direct. He was so. No emotion. Because if he hadn't been on the date within 30 seconds, the guy responded and said, thank you. Thank you so much, Heather. Thank you for being honest. Thank you for being. He so appreciated that my friend basically said something like this. I had the greatest time with you. You are smart, kind, a wonderful person. However, I'm not your person. That was. And he was, like, great with it. He thought it was the greatest thing.
Talia
It set him free 100%. We love when a guy is being transparent and straightforward with us. It's no different for the other side. And so actually, I wrote. I don't. It's definitely still somewhere on Google. But I wrote if you type in my first and last name bustle article about the 23 texts to tell someone you're not interested, and you can copy and paste any of these. 23. Like, I wrote out 23 in this article that were just simple and easy, straight to the point. I'm just not interested. I think you're great, but let's just leave it there. And people love the straightforwardness. So ghosting is not. It's just not kind.
Unknown
It allows people to think way too much about what did I do? Did I do something like, you start putting it on you? And that is I. Oh, my gosh. I've had way too many phone calls.
Talia
And this is so funny.
Unknown
A guy that I was out with, like, oh, my gosh. All of my girl. My girlfriends that go on these dates, and these guys are ghosting them. He said. And then they call me, all upset. He said, so now thank God for AI, Heather. He said, I send all of my girlfriends to chatgpt to help.
Talia
Oh, my goodness. That is hysterical. Chat GPT is now involved in dating. Who would have thought? That is wild.
Unknown
I'm not saying that's some good advice, but I found it pretty entertaining. Okay, before we let you go, what else do we need to know? How can people get a hold of you? How can people work with you? What do you want to say before we wrap the show today?
Talia
Oh, well, if you're interested in doing matchmaking, definitely the best way to get in touch with me is through Instagram. Just send me a DM saying match me. And I know that is what it's about. And if you want to do coaching, let's just say that you have a really great network and you have all the right people. You just aren't quite getting your stride in that way. And you just want to do coaching. Send me a DM and say, I'd love to work with you one on one. And so. Oh, my Instagram. It's at Talia, we met. So it's just at first name, last.
Unknown
Name and people that want to find your book.
Talia
It's on Amazon. How to attract the right guy. And I actually have my Amazon link on my bio on my Instagram.
Unknown
All right, Talia, well, keep getting people married. Keep doing your life and keep shining your light. We all appreciate it here.
Talia
Oh, thank you so much for having me.
Unknown
Thank you guys. Until next week, Keep creating your confidence. You know I will be change that dynamic. I couldn't be more excited for what you're going to hear.
Heather
Start learning and growing.
Unknown
Inevitably something will happen.
Heather
No one succeeds alone.
Talia
You don't stop and look around once in a while.
Unknown
You could miss it. Come on this journey with me.
Podcast Summary: Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan – Episode #474: Date on YOUR Terms with Thalia Ouimet
Introduction
In episode #474 of Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan, host Heather Monahan welcomes Thalia Ouimet, a renowned VIP Matchmaker, Dating Coach, Speaker, and Author. The episode delves into Thalia's journey from the corporate world to establishing her successful matchmaking business, her insights on modern dating dynamics, and practical advice for individuals seeking meaningful relationships.
Guest Introduction: Thalia Ouimet
Thalia Ouimet has made a significant impact in the dating coaching industry, gaining recognition from major media outlets like USA Today, CNN, and Steve Harvey. With appearances as a guest lecturer at Harvard and a best-selling author, Thalia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation.
Thalia’s Journey to Matchmaking ([01:36] – [05:19])
Thalia shares her unexpected transition from a tech career to becoming a full-time matchmaker. Initially passionate about matchmaking since high school, Thalia realized her true calling while working in the tech industry. After consulting with a mentor, she joined the largest matchmaking agency in the Southeast, where she honed her skills for two years. Inspired to elevate her craft, Thalia took a bold step by moving to New York and launching her own matchmaking company on Valentine’s Day 2020. This venture quickly gained traction, leading to twenty client weddings and establishing her as a leader in the field.
Key Insight: The Power of Mentorship and Learning from the Best ([03:12] – [05:19])
Thalia emphasizes the importance of seeking mentorship and gaining hands-on experience before starting one's own business. She states, “If you’re going to start a business, go learn from the best and then if you’re still passionate about it, move it forward and start your own business” ([04:04]). This approach not only builds confidence but also provides invaluable tools and strategies essential for success.
The Role of Confidence in Entrepreneurship ([05:56] – [06:32])
Confidence is a recurring theme in the discussion. Thalia credits her confidence to the comprehensive training she received while working at the agency and her unwavering belief in her abilities. She mentions, “I think it just comes down to confidence” ([05:56]), highlighting how essential self-assurance is in making significant career leaps.
Dating Dynamics: Chemistry vs. Compatibility ([18:41] – [19:17])
Thalia differentiates between chemistry and compatibility, explaining that while chemistry can spark initial interest, compatibility ensures long-term sustainability. She advises listeners to focus on aligning value systems and ensuring that both partners share similar life goals and beliefs.
Online Dating Challenges and Solutions ([12:03] – [15:55])
The podcast addresses the complexities of online dating, such as misrepresentation and the overwhelming number of choices. Thalia recommends creating authentic and well-rounded profiles to attract compatible partners. She advises, “Always have a face time before you even schedule a date in” ([14:32]), to minimize the risk of encountering catfish or individuals who are not genuine.
Understanding Red, Yellow, and Green Flags ([15:55] – [17:13])
Thalia elaborates on identifying different types of flags in dating:
Emotional Readiness and the Self-Audit ([20:26] – [23:53])
Emotional healing is crucial before entering a new relationship. Thalia introduces the concept of a "self-audit," a process to evaluate one’s readiness to date by ensuring past wounds have healed. She asserts, “If you’re scared and jaded and have all this baggage, that means that you don’t belong in the marketplace of dating” ([20:26]), emphasizing the importance of entering the dating scene with a clear and open heart.
The Handkerchief Concept: Subtle Communication ([26:11] – [30:29])
Thalia introduces the "handkerchief" concept, a non-verbal signal to express interest without being overtly aggressive. She explains, “There are so many ways that you can do that from across the room and get a guy to come to you” ([28:02]). This technique encourages women to create an inviting environment, making it easier for potential partners to approach them naturally.
Practical Dating Tips ([30:38] – [48:22])
Thalia shares actionable advice to enhance dating experiences:
Dealing with Ghosting and Communication ([46:29] – [51:16])
Thalia advises on handling situations where a date disappears and reappears after a period:
Success Story: A Thriving Marriage ([39:26] – [41:36])
Thalia recounts a successful matchmaking story where she paired a client with her close friend, overcoming initial hesitations. Despite concerns about the client’s fashion sense, Thalia’s intuition and persistence led to a harmonious marriage, now flourishing with two children. This story underscores the importance of looking beyond superficial traits to find genuine compatibility.
Conclusion and Final Tips ([44:12] – [53:09])
As the episode wraps up, Thalia reinforces the significance of confidence, self-awareness, and intentional actions in both business and personal relationships. She encourages listeners to engage in one-on-one coaching and provides avenues to contact her through Instagram and Amazon.
Notable Quotes
Final Thoughts
Episode #474 offers a comprehensive exploration of modern dating challenges and effective strategies to foster meaningful relationships. Thalia Ouimet’s expertise as a matchmaker and dating coach provides valuable insights, empowering listeners to navigate the dating landscape with confidence and authenticity.
Connect with Thalia Ouimet
This summary captures the essence of episode #474, highlighting Thalia Ouimet's expertise and the actionable advice shared to help listeners create confidence in their dating lives.