Fresno Famous

Fresno’s newest matchmaking service promises ‘champagne matchmaking on a

beer budget.’

Passion, romance, excitement, trust...these are the things we are all seeking in love. But meeting a potential partner can be quite stressful, and online matchmaking services can be awkward and indiscrete. Face it, the best way

to meet people is face-to-face, and it helps when a trusted friend filters out the losers from the potential winners before  investing all that time and energy on an actual date. Cupid4hire aims to act like that trusted friend for Fresno area residents. Launched by entrepeneur Jennifer Barnett, the service utilizes a proprietary system that combines the best in computer technology with a component missing in other systems: human intuition. Instead of spitting out random “matches” based solely on dry data, Cupid4hire also carefully considers the personality of each client based on a personal interview. ReelCarpet had a chance to catch up with Barnett and ask her a few questions about her company.

What is your most special matchmaking story?

“It would have to be when my best friend and her husband got together. They met at a party, but never really spoke to each other much after that. I knew that if he asked her out she would have loved to go. However, at the time she was

not really emotionally available so I didn’t press the issue. A little over a year later, I ran into him and, this time, insisted that he call her. At first he was taken a bit off-guard that I was approaching him, but I made him call her right then and there. He did, and they ended up going out on a date that week and

eventually getting married! Without my matchmaking, they probably would never have ended up together. She was a little shy and he probably thought she was not into him. I can’t take all the credit, however, as it does take attraction between two people and some work to make a relationship happen. I just saw the chemistry and gave both of them a little nudge,  and that’s all that some people need!”

Why shouldn’t people just go to Match.com or eHarmony?

“I have always disliked the approach online dating companies take, thanks to

my experience using Match and eHarmony when I was single. When

I received so-called ‘matches,’most of the guys were from another country and did not even speak the same language as me. Not to be rude to foreigners, but how was I supposed to communicate with them? None of them lived anywhere

near Fresno, which was completely annoying! I had an inbox full of the wrong guys that I would never date, and it was frustrating. I knew there

had to be a better way”

What is the best advice you can give to someone who is nervous about a first date with a new person?

“The best advice is to relax and be yourself. The other person is probably just as

nervous as you are. Think of every new date as an experience, and you are just one step closer to finding your soul mate.”

What is the best way to meet new people besides a matchmaking service?

“Ooh, good question. Some of the best places to meet people besides online are:

•The grocery store...think more Whole Foods

or Trader Joe’s than Vons.

•Bookstores.

•Dog parks, for all the dog lovers. They are

man’s best friend, right?

•A dinner party at a friend’s house.

•The gym.

•The local coffee shop.

•Churches. Many of them even offer great singles’  

events.

•Even fast food restaurants during lunch hour like •

Chipotle or a sandwich shop.”

What are the biggest turnoffs on a date?

“No eye contact, poor body language, and the use of cell phones. It is rude when you are on a date and the other person is not making eye contact with you, even

if it is a simple conversation. If the other person is looking at their watch or folding their arms while you are talking to them, that is just plain rude. Most

people don’t realize how important body language is and don’t realize they are even doing things to turn someone off. These habits come off as rude and may ruin the date completely. Regarding phones, please put your phone on silent, or if you are expecting an important call let your date know beforehand.”

Did you use your matchmaking and dating expertise to “hook” your husband?

“In a way I guess you could say I did. We were friends first and if I

remember correctly I used to give him dating advice. Until one day I realized ‘What the heck am I doing? This guy is a great catch!’ So, I decided to keep him for myself!” Jennifer says she is excited to be able to offer her matchmaking skills to many more people with her new business! 

To find out more about Jennifer’s Fresno dating service, visit www.cupid4hire.com