Cameron Sharpe

Dallas, TX (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal

TheRelationshipCompany.com

Find More Startups Startup
Location: Dallas
Industry: Internet
Year Founded: 2008
Number Employees: 10-50 people
Description: The Relationship Company is an introduction and social networking agency offering adults ages 30-60 the opportunity to meet like-minded singles. The Company offers its clientele private social events, parties, and trips in addition to a secure and convenient way for clients to meet other like-minded singles online. Unlike other Internet services The Relationship Company isn't marauding as a dating site. While there are currently many dating services offering online personals, matchmaking and introduction services, none offer the services or approach offered by The Relationship Company. The Company is interested in establishing longer-lasting relationships with its clients. Over half the adult population in the United States is single according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Forrester Research indicates consumers in the United States will invest over $1 billion in 2009 on dating services. With employees today being asked to work harder and a record number of marriages ending in divorce, The Relationship Company takes a fresh approach to helping single, mature adults meet other compatible singles. Using a proprietary compatibility system, clients meet in person with a relationship counselor to generate a list of personal preferences. Clients then receive concierge-styled service -- clients can tell a facilitator whom they'd like to meet. After making a connection, the Company hears feedback from both sides. This information can be used to encourage repeat dates or to help a client know how to handle future dates. All members are screened in person prior to extending a membership invitation. This selective policy not only ensures each client is financially stable, emotionally ready for a healthy relationship and verifies clients have no criminal history or drug and alcohol related issues. It also serves to make sure The Relationship Company will be able to help the client. The Relationship Company was founded in September 2008 and now operates in the Charlotte, Dallas, Omaha, San Antonio, Salt Lake City and Pittsburgh markets. While some industries buckle from recession, The Relationship Company serves the human need for companionship. Its prescreening process also ensures the clients are willing and ready to seek long-term relationships rather than simple Internet hookups. The Relationship Company fees range from $2,000-$3480 and include monthly dues of $14.08. Memberships can be paid with a personal check or financed at an interest rate of 19%. The services included with memberships include a personal concierge to facilitate dates, dating advice, assistance with profile changes, professional photography, image and wardrobe consulting, discounted travel, social events and personal introductions to like-minded singles. Since its inception, The Relationship Company has enrolled over 3,000 members and has experienced tremendous growth. Membership fees are one of many revenue streams for the company. The introductory interviews also yield valuable data on each member, including each client's likes, dislikes, and buying habits (dining, shopping, travel and more). This enables The Relationship Company to earn revenue from advertisers seeking a higher end demographic. Selling other products and services to an existing and growing client base gives the company a competitive advantage in the marketplace. In return, willing business partners have access to this quality client base. Advertising and marketing partnership agreements have been established with Apple, Macys, Travelocity, Zales, 1-800-Flowers, and over 60 others. The Relationship Company is currently in discussions with other companies offering products and services that go hand in hand with the business of forging romantic bonds. The Relationship Company's marketing strategy includes Internet advertising, radio, television, outdoor media, print, affiliate programs and guerrilla marketing. The Company also ranks among Google's certified preferred partner. The Relationship Company has a unique niche in the marketplace by promoting a variety of brands through targeted advertising on the Company Web site. The vast amount of Information gathered from each client enables advertisements to be specifically targeted to each client's profile preferences. This strategy ensures advertisers a higher click through rate as well as the ability to select a specific demographic. These niche-marketing opportunities exist because of the personal relationship established early on with each client. While some Internet services would be content with enrolling as many customers as possible, The Relationship Company seeks to change the game. In the hands of executives with years of experience in the online dating business, The Relationship Company can be a trendsetter rather than another sheep in the market. It also has the marketing savvy to weather the transition from traditional media to Internet advertising. The human need for satisfying relationships transcends economic conditions, and the Company is poised to be there to help the growing number of adult singles seeking healthy relationships. The Relationship Company seeks to build those connections with a hungry client base, targeted advertising and a commitment to finding clients a love that lasts.