The "Go-To" Matchmakers for Entrepreneurs with Amber Lee & Sandra Myers: An EOFire Classic from 2021

0:01Boom! Shake the room, Fire Nation! JLD here and welcome to Entrepreneurs on Fire, the only daily show interviewing the world's top entrepreneurs seven days a week. We're pulling a classic episode from the archives and we'll be breaking down the go-to matchmakers for entrepreneurs. To drop these vibe bombs, I brought Amber Lee and Sandra Myers into EO Fire Studios. Those two ladies are the co-founders of Select Date Society. Their expertise has been featured in Forbes and the Wall Street Journal. They are the go-to matchmakers for business owners and entrepreneurs. And today we'll talk about how life is short, pursue your dreams, and how if we take care of our clients, then our clients will take care of us.

0:38and life partnership is really the key to your success. And oh, so much more. And a big thank you for sponsoring this episode goes to these two ladies and our sponsors. Fire Nation, you have a book inside you and it's time to share your message with the world. That's why I created Author 100, a 100-day program where I will personally guide you one-on-one to create, write, publish, and market your book. If you want daily guidance and mentorship from me, JLD, then head over to author100.com to sign up for a free call with me to chat about the details. Sandra, say what's up to Fire Nation and share something that you believe about becoming successful that most people disagree with.

1:23What's up, Fire Nation? So excited to be here, John. So this is an interesting one. I think that most people believe that partnerships are like a downfall or a high risk situation. And, you know, for us, it's actually our ace in the hole. So Amber and I have known each other since 2009. One of the reasons why we chose to become business partners is her skill set is phenomenal in her areas. And mine is really good in my areas. what we get to do as a partnership is really focus on the things we do well all the time, which makes for happy partners. We appreciate each other. We compliment each other.

2:12And, you know, for us, two are always better than one, but it has to be the right match. It's got to be the right match. I mean, I can tell you over the past decade, I've interviewed people who have just not been the right match. And sure enough, shortly afterwards, you hear about it. And Fire Nation, as I mentioned in the introduction, we're going to be talking about the go-to matchmakers for entrepreneurs, who they are, what they're doing, and why they are having such success. And as I did also talk about in the introduction, we have Amber Lee on the microphone as well who is joining us. So I want to switch it over to Amber so she can tell us the origin story of the Select Date Society.

2:55So Amber, hello, how are you? And take it away. Hey, John, I am so happy to be here. Select Date Society has a lot of history. As Sandra mentioned, her and I met in 2009. We've actually both been matchmakers in the industry since the late 90s. So we both have decades of experience and we met working together at a big franchised dating service. And we always knew that we could do it better. So we always kind of played with the idea, what if we did our own matchmaking firm? What would that look like? And we were really, you know, talking about it, but it was really just this kind of dream, this kind of idea.

3:33And then in the middle of the pandemic in May of 2020, I had just turned 40. I was driving with my family in the car and I suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Out of nowhere, my heart just stopped beating. I had my foot on the gas, drove through four lanes of traffic into a brick home. I don't remember any of this. So it's not as scary for me as it sounds. But I woke up a few days later in a hospital room. And you know what, I just realized in that moment that life is short. And I think that was the biggest business lesson that we got like right out of the gate, like an idea doesn't matter unless you take action.

4:15And so I called Sandra and said, let's get to work. And I was recovering and she was behind the scenes talking to web developers and getting the ball rolling. So that's how it all started. I mean, Fire Nation, I love when there's origin stories that you kind of just like, you know what? Life is short. I mean, we don't know what's happening tomorrow. What am I doing not pursuing my dreams, my hopes, my passions? Let's start having some fun So I can look back, you know, years, decades, hopefully decades and decades and decades from now and say, you know what, that was such a great moment in time where I made the decision to follow and to do what my heart was telling me to do.

4:54And Sandra, I want to move over to you and kind of get a little bit about what your why is. Like, why did you feel like Select Date Society was a project that you actually wanted to tackle in this world? Well, for me, I think it was always being excited about the industry I was in, but never genuinely feeling comfortable that I was doing everything to the extent that I would like to have done it for clients. There was that push-pull, like I love the industry, but I feel like things could be done better. so that was the why for me because genuinely I think Amber and I both had an aha moment of we want to be the Ritz Carlton of matchmaking we want clients to have that experience that when they call who regardless of who picks up the phone everybody knows who they are they know where they're at in their membership they know exactly why they're calling they feel like family and just to bring matchmaking to a level to where it's exciting and it's fun and people actually look forward to their dating experience again.

6:08I love that why. And I really feel like that's one thing a lot of people are missing in their business is their why. And Fire Nation, as you're listening, as you're driving in your car right now or as you're walking your dog or listening to this podcast while you're folding laundry, doing dishes, whatever it is that you might be doing right now, just ask yourself the tough question. Like, is what I'm doing day to day my why? Like, do I have a meaningful why behind what I get up and do every single day in this one single life that we have? And frankly, Amber, getting to seven figures is tough. I mean, I was actually just at an event, fantastic Funnel Hacking Live.

6:49Tony Robbins spoke there and he went through the numbers of what it actually takes. to get to seven figures as a business. And it is a percent of a percent that businesses that launch that actually make it to those numbers. And we're just talking gross. So we're not even talking net. We're talking gross revenue. So there's just so few companies that are able to manage that. But you too did this in your first year. Break it down for us. Yes. So I think that we have an incredible advantage in the sense that Sandra and I combined have half a century of experience. And in this business, reputation and connections are everything.

7:32And so, you know, we have the advantage of having so many people coming to us from direct referral. They know someone who's worked with us in the past. We have an incredible network of matchmakers nationwide and actually worldwide who refer business to us all the time. I think in the very beginning, we just created this mantra that if we take care of the clients, the clients will take care of us. And we've already, you know, we've always operated from that place of abundance. We've never had a scarcity mindset, even in the very beginning. I think we started our business account. We each put$1 ,500 in and that was like a big risk at the time for us.

8:12And we thought like, okay, what are we doing here? And, but we, we never felt like it wasn't enough. We always came from this place of abundance. And I think that your mindset is everything. If you want to hit seven figures, that all starts with your mindset. So again, it wasn't like her trick, Fire Nation, of like, oh, well, we started out with$999 ,000. And yeah, we got to a million dollars. No, it's, they had 1500 bucks each, they put it in and boom, that was a big expense as it is for most people, period, end of story. And they went to work. And we have a lot that we're gonna be talking about after the break on this topic specifically because I'm really passionate about it soon as we get back from thanking our sponsors.

8:55One of the reasons I chose podcasting as a focus for my business is because it gives us complete location independence. At the start of every year, we get to take out the calendar and plan epic adventures across the US and abroad. We've done a 90-day European adventure with just our backpacks. And last year, we did a 23-day river cruise through Europe that was incredible. So if you're like me and love to travel, don't let your home just sit there while you're away. Host on Airbnb. Even though you might be thinking that hosting will be overwhelming, especially while you're traveling, think again.

9:30With the co-host network, it's easier than ever. Now you can hire a high-quality local co-host to take care of your home and your guests. They can do everything from creating your listing to managing reservations to messaging guests and providing on-site support. so if you've got an extended trip coming up and need a little help hosting while you're away you could hire a co-host to do the work for you find a co-host at airbnb.com slash host so sandra as we were kind of talking about before the break this is actually one area that i'm very passionate about which is becoming the number one solution to a real problem in this world And when I say number one solution, I mean it because people will beat a path to the doorstep of the number one solution in this world for their problem.

10:20Like when you have a problem, like you have a brain aneurysm, like let's just throw something out there. You are going to beat a path to find the best number one brain surgeon in the world. And guess what? Number two to infinity, they get ignored. And this is across all businesses, across all solutions, because people want the number one solution to their real problem. Why would you want the second best or the 10th best or the 74th best? So how did you two become the go-to matchmakers for entrepreneurs? Well, I guess being entrepreneurs, you know, we kind of get it. And entrepreneurs know entrepreneurs.

10:59So we're very familiar with the pain of the dating arena. So usually it's because they don't have a lot of time. Entrepreneurs typically are really passionate. It's why they started their business. So to think that they're going to say, you know, I'm going to spend three hours a night dedicated to finding a date for myself. It's not realistic. so we want to take the ache of dating out of the picture so that we go out on your first dates. We take care of all the arduous tasks of dating so you can actually get in front of like-minded singles that you're excited about. So if the chemistry hits, you're off to the races.

11:43We just expedite the process and put our clients in the position to win. I think where the go-to of matchmakers now because they truly understand. And we've gotten referrals off of people we've turned down, John, where I've said to them, what you're asking me for and what I genuinely feel would work for you is not in alignment. So until you can trust us and allow us to do our job, probably we're not a good fit for you. So we actually turn down potential clients all the time. And the only reason we will move forward with somebody is if we genuinely see it happening. I don't know many other firms will do that because I don't even know that the business owners are actually involved in the business.

12:29And Amber and I, we're the ones who are the gatekeepers for the company. So it definitely being directly involved with the company absolutely has an effect on how the rest of the dating community sees us. So I think this is a really important thing to understand, Fire Nation, is that you need to have exactly a understanding and a great grasp about what it is that you do best as an entrepreneur. What is it that you do best? Who do you best serve? And then, as the example that Sandra just gave, when somebody comes to you that is not your ideal client, that you cannot serve at the best possible way, you send them on their way.

13:10You're nice to them, but you're like, I'm sorry. Like, I can't solve your problem for you at this moment in time. And that just makes you stand out even more because you actually know and understands who it is you're supposed to serve and the problem you're supposed to be solving. So Amber, talk about how having the right partner is a key to success. I mean, we've talked about how you and Sandra found each other and how it's worked out so well over time, but how is it really the key to success? Yeah, I think in business partnership, obviously, it's so important. But even beyond that, your life partner is really the key to your success.

13:50I think in all relationships, you're either just surviving or you're thriving. And, you know, when you're single, and you've always just kind of survived in relationships, it's hard to know what you're even aiming for. So with our clients, Sandra and I know exactly what we're aiming for because we're both in thriving relationships. We've both been with our husbands for over a decade each. We have our own incredible love stories. And I think that's what makes us so good at what we do. We're not some single matchmaker thinking that we're going to tell people what to do and how to do it when we haven't even gotten it right ourselves.

14:27And I know, John, you probably don't remember this, but a few years ago, my husband and I were in Puerto Rico thinking about making the move there. And we went on a hike. You were so gracious. You and Kate took a small group on a hike. And as soon as I saw you and Kate together, I just was like, yeah, this is why John and Kate are so successful. They found the right partnership, both in business and in life. And I really think that makes all the difference. And getting back to your last question, when Sandra talked about us being the go-to matchmakers for entrepreneurs, I think most entrepreneurs, if they're single, they realize they've gotten it right in business and now they're ready to get it right with their life partner as well.

15:09Well, I guess the only real question is, Amber, when are we going to be able to convince Sandra to move down to paradise? I know I'm working on it. I'm working really hard. Listen, Sandra, do not move to Puerto Rico until you're ready to keep the money you make. When you're ready to keep the money you make, you can move to Puerto Rico. And you should say that to your clients. Listen, when you're ready to find the person that you want to be spending the rest of your life with, that you want to fall in love with, hire us. But until you're ready for that, don't hire us. I say the same thing about Puerto Rico.

15:40Don't move here until you're ready to keep the money you make because there's just no reason. John, you make perfect sense. No, I'm going to play this for my husband as soon as it airs. Well, Sandra, you work so hard and I just love when people like yourself have the success that you've had. And I love when Amber is able to keep all of that money and do amazing things with it. And I want the same for you. And I also want you to wrap this up. Give us the biggest takeaway that you really want to make sure our listeners get from this entire conversation we've had here today. I know you have a very special call to action and opportunity for Fire Nation.

16:20So share that. And then we'll say goodbye. I think first and foremost, you know, we love Fire Nation and we love the entrepreneurial spirit. So, you know, we're happy to extend to all of your listeners. Today, if you go on selectdatesociety.com, when you drop down to how you were referred, when you pick this podcast, normally you would just go into our database. but we're actually going to move you forward as a listener of Fire Nation into a matchmaking interview. So it's free. It's at no charge. You can get interviewed with one of our top matchmakers. So you're on their radar. So when we're matching our clients, you will have a great opportunity to be chosen.

17:09If you choose to be a client and we accept you and take you on and we're confident in your success, then I personally will do a first date masterclass with you. It's valued at$1 ,500. You will meet with me for an hour. And you know, entrepreneurs like to walk into a boardroom and feel confident and that they've got it before it's even happening. Once they do the masterclass with me, they will feel like that for every first date they go on. So they can either go on the website or they can call us directly at 877-344-9544. So either way, just mention Fire Nation and either a candidate or as a client, you will get that off.

17:50Wow, Fire Nation, this is some serious opportunities. This is some serious time with some really impressive individuals. And you know that time is valuable. You know that you're the average of the five people that you the most time with. You've been hanging out with AL and SM and JLD today, so keep up the heat. Head over to selectdatesociety.com. Do that dropdown. Make sure you select Entrepreneurs on Fire and you will get everything that you need going forward. And head over to eofire.com and type in either Amber or Sandra into the search bar because the show notes page will pop up as soon as you do that with all the links and all the calls action there as well.

18:31So Amber, Sandra, thank you so much for sharing your truth, your knowledge, your value with Fire Nation today. For that, we salute you and we'll catch you on the flip side. Thanks, John. Hey, Fire Nation. Today's value bomb content was brought to you by Amber and Sandra. And Fire Nation, what can 3 ,000 of the world's most successful entrepreneurs teach you? How about how to achieve financial freedom and fulfillment? My first traditionally published book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success, is a 17-step revolutionary roadmap that will lead you to the lifestyle that you've been dreaming about.

19:04This book took me 10 years of accumulating the genius of the world's top entrepreneurs, and you can get it all in one place when you visit UncommonSuccessBook.com. I'll catch you there or I'll catch you on the flip side. Fire Nation, you have a book inside you, and it's time to share your message with the world. That's why I created Author 100, a 100-day program where I will personally guide you one-on-one to create, write, publish, and market your book. If you want daily guidance and mentorship from me, JLD, then head over to author100.com to sign up for a free call with me to chat about the details.