The lowdown
A matrimonial consultant or matchmaker looks for a prospective bride or groom for his client. S/he coordinates meetings between their families and looks for possible cohesion between them. Consultants also have to scan profiles and shortlist them according to the preferences of the clients and bring them on board to take the talks further. Their work could involve frequent travel, both in India and to other countries such as Dubai to do background checks on NRI families, etc.
“In the field of matromonial consultancy, 90% of players are working on their own while the rest work with companies or firms,” says Rekha Vaid, senior marriage consultant and counsellor, Sycorian Matrimonial Services Ltd, New Delhi. The work is based on trust and a consultant needs to handle clients with care
Clockwork
10am: Answer queries of a potential client in office. If he wants to sign up, collect the personal details from him. Make him/ her fill up forms, submit documents (ID proof, photograph and divorce decree, if applicable) and pay registration fee
11 am: Visit client’s place for discussions
2 pm: Send selected bio-datas to registered clients
4 pm: Coordinate meetings between families
6 pm: After the meeting is over return home if there’s no work (next day take feedback from the families)
The payoff
The pay depends on your capability and skills
Skills/TRAITS
* Good communication skills and the ability to convince others – which comes handy when both parties don’t agree on small, insignificant issues
* Patience to deal with fussy clients
* Diplomacy and maturity - marriage is a sensitive issue and can involve hurt feelings. A consultant should be able to calm ruffled feathers and see each party is not slighted or made uncomfortable
* Be aware of social trends and mores
Getting there
You don’t need to be a qualified professional to become a matrimonial consultant but you can study communications to hone the skills you require to work professionally. After graduation, you may work for a popular consultant for sometime to learn the ropes of the trade and to widen your network. Once you develop a good clientele, you can branch out on your own. If you are able to pull off some good matrimonial alliances, then word-of-mouth publicity will definitely boost your business. Knowledge of psychology, a good grasp of business affairs, and general knowledge (especially about various communities) is essential for a person handling something as sensitive as a matrimonial alliance
Getting there
You don’t need to be a qualified professional to become a matrimonial consultant but you can study communications to hone the skills you require to work professionally. After graduation, you may work for a popular consultant for sometime to learn the ropes of the trade and to widen your network. Once you develop a good clientele, you can branch out on your own. If you are able to pull off some good matrimonial alliances, then word-of-mouth publicity will definitely boost your business. Knowledge of psychology, a good grasp of business affairs, and general knowledge (especially about various communities) is essential for a person handling something as sensitive as a matrimonial alliance
Institutes and URLs
English/other languages/ you could do courses in psychology to understand human behaviour. BA (hons) in psychology/ English from:
* Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi
www.lsr.edu.in
* Kamala Nehru College, Delhi
www.kamalanehrucollege.org
* Indraprastha College, Delhi,
www.ipu.ac.in
* Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi
www.jmi.nic.in
* BR Ambedkar University, Delhi
www.aud.ac.in
* Indira Gandhi National Open University (distance learning)
www.ignou.ac.in
Pros and cons
* There’s satisfaction in helping two people find life partners
* Money is good
* Uncertain future as online matrimonial solutions pose a threat to their sustainability
The only thing that matters in this work is your confidence, how you speak, and how you understand people’s requirements Rekha Vaid, senior marriage consultant and counsellor, Sycorian Matrimonial Services Ltd, New Delhi