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Work Space: Hooking people up is her job |
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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Wednesday, 26 April 2006 |
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Rebecca Savidge, 35, of Denver sets people up for a living. She coordinates speed dating events in Denver and Fort Collins and loves what she does.
She heard about speed dating four years ago when she moved to Colorado. So, she called the corporate office and set up an interview.
“I have a recruiting and grass-roots background,” Savidge said. “I felt confident this was something I could do and believed in the concept.”
She sets up various events throughout the month where men and women meet at a bar or restaurant. Each participant has about a 6 minute conversation with about 12 to 16 other people. After each conversation participants check on a sheet if they would be interested in talking with that person again. Results are tallied and sent in an e-mail from cupid.com to each participant the following day.
“I think speed dating has taken the place of match making. The concept provides a more efficient way of dating,” Savidge said.
Her main goal at each event is to make individuals feel comfortable the second after they walk in the door.
“I know I am dealing with people’s hearts, fears and emotions,” she said.
VITAL STATS
Name: Rebecca Savidge
Company: Cupid.com/PreDating
Title: Event coordinator
How long have you worked there: Four years
IN HER WORDS
What is it about this job that makes it challenging? 
The only challenging part is being your own boss. The entire success of the event depends on how much work you put into it prior to the actual date.
Makes you get out of bed in the morning?
My job is constantly creative and there are always more ways I can continue to improve the quality of events for the people who attend. That’s what gets me out of bed every morning – knowing there is so much that can be done to help people who are looking to improve their lives and meet other people who are interested in doing the same.
Things that impress you?
Each month, I’m impressed by the people who step out of their comfort zone to attend the speed dating events, all because they’ve identified there is something missing in their lives and they’ve decided to do something about it. During the event they have a blast and once they leave, they’re always happy they came. However, taking the steps to show up is always the most difficult part.
How do young/new employees get ahead?
The difference between this job compared to other more traditional jobs is that the main goal isn’t to get ahead in the company. Coordinators are completely in charge of their territory from deciding on venues, event dates and specialties, marketing and advertising. This way our success is based completely on how much energy, time, creativity and care we put into putting together each event.
Did you ever think in a million years you’d work here?
It’s not somewhere I thought I’d be five years ago. However, I didn’t know the concept five years ago either. My success in this position is largely due to my past experience in both education and in the workplace. My educational background is psychology and my work experience is in recruiting and marketing.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you do?
If I weren’t working as an event coordinator, I would be working as a recruiter. I like meeting people who are looking for a better job, a better partner – a better life. I enjoy listening as they describe their ideal situation and then working with them and within my capacity, to help them achieve that success.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever done to make money?
This past March, I teamed up with two other single specialists to run the first annual Rocky Mountain Singles Summit. It included workshops, seminars, key note speaker, dinner and a mixer. We had 450 singles attend the event and it ended up being a bigger success than I could have imagined. Even though the event was not created solely for making money, this was by far the most unusual way I’ve ended up making money.
What do you do during your breaks?
In between events, I work on marketing and advertising for the upcoming events. Because I hold specialty events for Single Parents, Fit/Active Lifestyle, Older age groups, and Gay/Lesbians, it’s important to advertise in areas where people who fall into these categories will see the material and options available for their specific situation.
What’s one thing about your job you would do, even if you weren’t paid to do it?
I would do the entire job, from beginning to end, even if I weren’t being paid. I so strongly believe in meeting other like-minded people, through the method of speed dating, and it’s my pleasure to have the opportunity to manage these events.
Name one thing in your life that really prepared you for your job?
Being a Human Resource Manager. This position provided me with the organization, social responsibility and structure necessary to be successful in this position.
What’s the biggest payoff in your job?
Watching people fall in love.
Are you the boss? Do you think you should be?
I have the best of both worlds. I am my own boss within Colorado however I have the backing and support of a larger organization. There are also over 100 other coordinators with whom I can share experiences and ask questions.
What do you do when you’re not at work?
I do sales for Udi’s Food, which is a corporate catering company. The flexibility of both jobs compliment each other perfectly.
Pets?
I have 2 dogs and 1 cat.
Family?
I have family in Arizona, New Jersey and Florida I have two nieces who live in West Palm Beach, Fla., and I see them as often as I can.
Favorite TV shows?
My favorite TV shows are “Lost,” “King of Queens” and “Will and Grace.”
Movies?
Favorite movies are “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “Lord of the Rings” and “Vanity Fair.”
Books?
Favorite books are “Where the Heart Is,” “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior” and “The Kite Runner.”
Where do you play?
I love to hike and try to get out at least four times a week. I also do yoga and love to play tennis and golf, when I have time.
Favorite spot?
The top of Mount Sanitas near Boulder. | Only registered users can write comments.
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