February 12, 2026

Pricing in matchmaking is not a marketing decision. It is a risk decision.

In this solo episode of the Matchmaker Mentor Podcast, Arlene Washburn examines why pricing determines far more than revenue. It shapes client behavior, expectations, refund exposure, and the level of accountability your business must sustain. This episode explores: • Why high-end clients often create less day-to-day friction• The difference between operational ease and structural risk• What actually goes into responsible […]

Podcast 0 44 sec read
February 6, 2026

Caring About Love Does Not Qualify You to Be a Matchmaker

Professional matchmaking is not built on intuition, empathy, or good intentions. It is built on responsibility. In this solo episode of the Matchmaker Mentor Podcast, Arlene Washburn examines the professional identity required to operate responsibly in modern matchmaking. The focus is not tactics, tools, or technology. The focus is on how professionals think before they launch, before they charge, and […]

Podcast 0 54 sec read
February 2, 2026

Is Matchmaker Certification Required? The Truth About Licensing and Regulation

Matchmaker certification is not legally required in the United States.

That doesn’t mean matchmaking is unregulated, and it definitely doesn’t mean “anything goes.”

The real risk isn’t operating without a certificate. It’s launching without contracts, compliance awareness, ethical boundaries, and client protection systems.

A PDF certificate won’t protect you when a client asks for a refund, files a complaint, or questions your process. Systems will.

That’s the difference between being certified and being client-ready.

Blog 0 4 min read
January 31, 2026

Why Most Matchmakers Fail in Their First Year (And the Systems That Prevent It)

Most people who call themselves matchmakers never make it past their first year. Not because they lack intuition or care for people.They fail because they launch without the systems required to survive. In this episode of the Matchmaker Mentor Podcast, Arlene Washburn breaks down 10 predictable failure points that quietly take down well-intentioned matchmakers and the infrastructure that prevents them. […]

Podcast 0 1 min read
January 8, 2026

The Future of Matchmaking with Arlene Washburn

Professional matchmaking is changing, and the shift is already affecting how matchmakers run their businesses, serve clients, and manage responsibility. In this episode of the Matchmaker Mentor Podcast, Arlene Washburn breaks down the real conditions shaping the future of professional matchmaking. The focus is not on trends or predictions. The focus is on what is already happening as visibility increases, […]

Podcast 0 1 min read
November 3, 2025

7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Matchmaker Business (And How Certification Fixes Them)

Let’s be direct about something: most matchmakers are running their businesses wrong. They’re making critical mistakes that not only sabotage their own success but also damage the credibility of our entire industry. Every unprofessional matchmaker makes it harder for all of us to be taken seriously. Here’s the reality: the matchmaking industry has no formal government licensing or state-recognized certification […]

Blog 1 7 min read
October 16, 2025

Why Professional Matchmakers Lose Clients Before the First Call

Why do professional matchmakers lose clients before ever getting on a discovery call? It’s not your pricing or process—it’s how unprepared your business looks online. Arlene Washburn reveals the exact mistakes costing matchmakers thousands in lost business: unprofessional email addresses, broken website links, missing privacy policies, deceptive “As Seen On” marketing, and false success rate claims. Learn why Gmail addresses […]

Professional Development 0 42 sec read
September 23, 2025

Protecting Your Matchmaking Business: Compliance, Contracts & Accreditation with Peter Nahmias

Running a matchmaking business is about more than helping people find love — it’s about protecting yourself, your clients, and your reputation. 💼💘 In this powerful episode of the Matchmaker Mentor Podcast, host Arlene Washburn sits down with international attorney and arbitration expert Peter Namas to uncover the critical legal and compliance issues every matchmaker needs to know. 👉 You’ll […]

Professional Development 0 51 sec read
September 10, 2025

Radical Inclusivity in Love: Danielle Selber on Redefining Modern Matchmaking

Today, I’m sitting down with Danielle Selber — a matchmaker who has spent nearly 10 years building love connections in Jewish and LGBTQIA+ communities with her signature approach of radical inclusivity and zero judgment. 💖 In this episode, we dive deep into:✨ Why matchmaking is about community building—not just one-on-one introductions.✨ How cultural competency shapes healthier, more respectful dating.✨ The […]

Professional Development 0 30 sec read
August 26, 2025

Why AI Can’t Replace Matchmakers: The Human Advantage in Love

✨ In a world where dating apps feel like fast food and AI is writing love notes, what role do REAL matchmakers play? In this solo kickoff episode of the Matchmaker Mentor Podcast, Arlene Washburn shares:💡 Why human connection, empathy & accountability can never be automated💡 How today’s swipe culture has stripped away intention in dating💡 The rise of loneliness—and […]

Professional Development 0 33 sec read