After seeing some threads it's clear that there are chapos here who need a mentor in the romantic arts (tm). Pitch me your best Q's and I'll spit my best A's.
I've been a professional dating coach and matchmaker for the last 6 years.
edit: Wrapped up for now. Thanks everyone and good luck out there, you can do it!
Great question! So this really does depend. I tend to pair both coaching and matchmaking for my clients.
First, I give lessons on how they can improve the way they connect with others and communicate on a date. I want them to be successful! This can take anywhere from a couple weeks to a couple months. If needed, I also refer them to a therapist. Sometimes folks have some very real challenges they need to work through for a bit that I'm not trained to help them with.
Once I feel they're ready for a direct match, then I might pair them with another client. Both clients have to opt into this. I provide them both with a general summary of the other person so they're not going in blind. If they're interested, I then provide them with each other's contact info and create a group text to introduce them. They take it from there, but I'm available to help field any questions. What one client shares with me about any dates is kept confidential and not shared with the other client.
This process varies some depending on circumstances and the client. I also know some other matchmakers in my city and we occasionally match our clients together if one of us doesn't have a great match at that time.