I'm not a witch, but I hope you end up spellbound

What is work?

Work is about satisfaction in what I do - and believing that I really help a new member achieve their aspirations in life.

What was your first job?

PA to the general manager of a large television company.

What is your greatest difficulty at work?

Convincing and reassuring the nervous enquirer that their safety and confidentiality is maintained at all times and that joining a reputable group such as Like Minds is the first step towards meeting a suitable partner - not a chatline column or the net.

What do you excel at in work?

After 10 years in this business you do get a gut feeling about members and can tell who they'll be compatible with. The spoken word helps a great deal and tells me so much more than an application form can. Sadly, we can never provide the chemistry which is so necessary! However, one of my members did ask me if I was a witch after he met his fiancee on his first date after he had been on his own for 18 years.

How do you stay motivated?

Like Minds' success file proves that we really help people seek out a special partner. It may not happen overnight, but you will have fun looking. The satisfaction in getting a phonecall from members to say they are making their relationship more permanent gives me the impetus to go on. One of our members, whose wedding I'm going to in April, is 70 years old. Her partner is 80!

Are you a workaholic?

I used to be, but the business has been streamlined to give me some quality time to myself - a necessary part of life and living.

Do you perform well under pressure?

The busier I am, the more organised I am. Pressure doesn't phase me - I just skip some of the quality time.

Are you a good boss and a good employee?

I like to think so, but those who work with me know I have standards which I expect them to reach too, especially because we're dealing with people's emotions and vulnerability.

What are your favourite working clothes?

When I know I'm not interviewing, slacks and sweatshirt - but when I'm interviewing I like to dress to make the client feel comfortable. I'll follow their lead.

What do you carry in your briefcase?

When I'm going to see a client, I'll have their details as well as information about potential matches to ensure immediate contact can be made. Most people want results there and then, and usually if they have this attitude they are successful in meeting their soulmate. However, where a member is having difficulty in meeting the right partner, we use our database of 3000 members - which is something I don't carry around with me.

Do you e-mail and surf the net?

Like Minds has its own website - www.like-minds.freeserve.co.uk What single change would you make to your working life?

People from all walks of life use our services more and more. We now have an equal number of male and female members on our files - but 10 years ago we had three ladies to every man. That's been a change for the better. But I still get enquirers wanting a woman for the night or offering their services as an escort, and I despise that. They get short shrift. I'm only interested in people like me who know what it's like to be on your own and know how they would enjoy a better quality of life if they had someone nice to share it with.

What would make you leave your job?

An illness, if it necessitated this happening. There is a contingency plan, though, if anything happened to me or Like Minds. Our members would be looked after by another agency I respect.

Do you think talent gets to the top in Scotland?

I think so. The enterprise agencies throughout Scotland are always there to discuss new ideas. The red tape is a bit daunting and the time taken for decisions to be made can put people off - but if someone has an idea and believes it can work, they should never give up.

Like Minds can be contacted on 01294 466540

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