One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching. Laurie Davis
Name: Laurie Davis
Age: 28
Occupation: Founder & CEO, eFlirt Expert
Did you go to college? Where? What did you study?
I’m actually still degree-less and proud of my independent success! I did some college, but mostly I learned by diving directly in to the work force. During and after college, I ran two companies for an entrepreneur – everything from accounts payable/receivable to marketing to managing and hiring staff. Paired with being an Avon representative, it gave me a taste of the entrepreneurial life without the risk associated. I worked in marketing and production for five years, also and then officially started my first company in 2008.
What did you study?
I majored in music, psychology, and business.
Where do you work?
I’m the Founder and CEO of eFlirt Expert. We help singles market themselves to become successful daters online and in-person. Everything from rewriting your profile to analyzing your wardrobe to your social media! You can find out more at www.eFlirtexpert.com.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Canton, MA – total New England suburbia. Now, my business is headquartered in NYC and Boston, but we help singles all over the globe.
Why did you pick this career?
Since I was a tween, I have been intrigued by online communications. To my parent’s dismay, I grew up in chat rooms and on Instant Messenger. Then, 10 years ago, I wrote my first online dating profile. Dating on the web was taboo, so I kept the secret to myself while observing the evolution of online communications. Through trial and error, I learned what to always do … and what to never do. When meeting on the Web became more socially acceptable, I encouraged my friends to join various dating sites. Since I was a first adopter, I quickly became their virtual lifejacket in the sea of online dating and developed a passion for helping singles. Soon, they were getting better response, going on great dates and moving in with their significant others. Now, I fuse my personal experience with my professional background in marketing to help singles communicate in a wireless world.
What are your future plans for your career?
The eFlirt Expert brand will be going national. Certified eFlirters in your area will give daters personal attention and become a local resource for singles. In the coming weeks, a new program for independent and executive singles will be launched and a top secret Web and mobile application is in development.
How did you get involved in this career?
Before eFlirt Expert, I was a marketing consultant. As a result of the Madoff scandal, I lost a major client. I wanted to diversify my career and saw the potential for business in this market. Online dating was a $1B industry in 2009 and thousands of dating sites exist, but there are not many places for digital daters to turn for support. I’m incredibly passionate about helping singles find their matches and it was the perfect time for me to start sharing my unique talent with others.
How did you prepare yourself for this career?
Online dating is marketing your single self. I approach each profile as a personal branding campaign. My professional background in marketing and production really prepared me to work with individuals. In my past life, I was given new clients in varying industries each month. Quickly, I would have to learn a new industry, company, product – and determine the best way to market it. Now, I do the same but for singles! In a short period of time I learn what they’re all about and define their target market, key messages and strategize their eFlirting.
And if you just happened to land in this career what made you stay?
It all comes back to passion! Now that I have recognized my talent, I couldn’t imagine keeping it to myself. I wake up every day and look forward to helping people meet their perfect match.
What are the downsides to this profession?
The hours I keep can be tricky. Singles are available evenings and weekends so I work quirky times. Entrepreneurs hardly ever hit the off switch, though.
What is a typical workday for you?
Every day is different, but that’s part of life as a start-up! You might find me writing a profile, working on a promotion with another brand, attending networking events, interviewing with a media outlet, shooting my weekly web show LoveNation, meeting with new clients, speaking on a panel, tweeting a daily dating tip, ghostwriting emails to my clients’ matches or moderating the dating forum on Divorce Candy.
How might this job be a stepping stone to other professions?
Growing this company is a great stepping stone to other entrepreneurial ventures for me. I do desire to take on more projects since I’m young!
What is the single-most important piece of advice you can offer a person pursuing this career?
To anyone considering entrepreneurship, you should know that you don’t need a degree to be successful, but you have to be passionate. Without passion and drive, you’ll never make it through the tough times and inevitable growing pains.
What steps do you recommend to someone who is planning to pursue this career?
Before you start a business, check out your competition. If your product or service already exists, you’ll want to come up with a new spin on how to penetrate the space. Also – social media, social media, social media. Use it as a tool to engage your community, listen and develop new relationships.
What professional or community volunteer organizations are you currently a member of?
I am a member of the Girls in Tech and volunteer with New York Cares. I also support Father Bill’s Place and On the Rise in Massachusetts.
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