Fresno Famous

The world of matchmaking services will be brought to the public eye once again this October 19th with the start of the fourth season of the hit series The Millionaire Matchmaker on Bravo. This time, professional dating guru and author Patti Stanger moves her matchmaking service from Beverly Hills to New York City.

The world of matchmaking services will be brought to the public eye once again this October 19th with the start of the fourth season of the hit series The Millionaire Matchmaker on Bravo. This time, professional dating guru and author Patti Stanger moves her matchmaking service from Beverly Hills to New York City. Stanger started the Millionaire's Club International in 2000 in order to match millionaires with prospective brides through a discreet and confidential selection process.

Now, Fresno-area residents can enjoy personalized matchmaking services similar to the Millionaire's Club without having to be extremely wealthy or travel to Beverly Hills, thanks to their own version of Patti Stanger. Jennifer Barnett, founder of the www.Cupid4Hire.com matchmaking service, promises to deliver the high-touch service Stanger is famous for to regular folk looking for a little help in the love department.

Barnett explains that while face-to-face matchmaking services have been available in the past, they were geared towards wealthy professionals or executives and could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Barnett goal is to bring that level of service to the masses. As Barnett says, “Its champagne matchmaking on a beer budget.”

Unlike other Internet dating services like Match.com or eHarmony.com which use complex computer algorithms to match daters, Barnett says she personally manages the matchmaking process between potential couples, providing feedback and coaching each client through each step of the process. “I think a woman's intuition and a personal touch are really important in bringing potential soul mates together and starting their relationship off on the right foot,” says Barnett. “This is something a computer program just cannot provide because it's too impersonal”

Barnett meets with each client and interviews them about their lifestyles and areas such as political background and goals. This builds a deep profile that helps her suggest matches with up to four potential partners that have gone through the same routine. She describes the process as similar to how a best friend would suggest dates based on knowing you intimately. After a client chooses someone they would like to connect with, Barnett coordinates the actual date between them and provides coaching on both sides to make the occasion as smooth and successful as possible.

www.Cupid4Hire.com was inspired by Barnett's track record in setting up friends in successful relationships. "A long time ago, I introduced one of my best friends to her husband, and I've always been known for setting up friends," Barnett continues. "I do have a knack for finding that perfect someone, so this is just an extension of something I do for my friends on a day-to-day basis anyway"

The website is sponsored by her current employer, Fresno media and website production company Blare Media, co-founded by Barnett's husband. The website is still in development, but users can set up a free profile online while in its current marketing stage. This will change soon, as the site intends to charge $50 for up to one date per month. Barnett plans to expand the site nationally once it has been in operation for some time.