Love Connections – Not Just Business Connections – On Linkedin

Has LinkedIn has become a dating hotspot for career-minded singles?

Exhausted and burned out from online dating sites, singles are looking for new and better ways to meet quality singles; they are turning to LinkedIn.

Matchmaker Krystal Walter of Krystal Walter Professional Matchmaking is not surprised by the popularity of career-focused date prospecting that is happening on LinkedIn.

“Our jobs are a big part of our lives and a critical component of compatibility especially for carer-minded individuals. Singles want to connect with people who have similar career paths and educational backgrounds,” explains Walter who specializes in matching busy professionals.

While LinkedIn profiles are far from romantic, they reveal some of the most important information about potential suitors. They make it easy to review possible matches based on information that matters – where you are from, where you went to school and even your interests. These details are significant indicators of potential compatibility.

Walter is not surprised by the popularity of new career-focused dating app BeLinked, which merges the dating lives of app users with their LinkedIn profiles. The app, which matches users based on GPS and “likes” (similarly to Tinder), also features each user’s profession, hometown and education, as well as how they’re connected via LinkedIn.

“With online dating sites, there is often the feeling that the quality of the singles is unknown”, says Walter. “Because the app connects with LinkedIn, there is a higher likelihood that a user’s information is credible and there is an assumption that they will act with a certain level of professionalism.”

The app does blur the line between business and pleasure, though, and it is important to remember that dating co-workers or those who are connected to your professional life can lead to serious problems if things don’t work out. Another flaw in the LinkedIn prospecting strategy is that it is difficult to discern who is single.

Walter advises not to ask people out or imply a desire for a romantic relationship via LinkedIn messages. She suggests using LinkedIn for exactly its true purpose – connecting.

“LinkedIn allows you to see common connections. If you see a profile that sparks your interest, perhaps you know someone in common who can make an introduction. Or if there is a legitimate business reason to reach out – say you need advice in their area of expertise – you can connect directly for that reason. Meet for coffee or lunch and find out more.”

Of course Walter is also quick to note that another more discrete option is to have a professional matchmaker screen the potential suitor and make the introduction only when it is confirmed that they are single.