Apart from my love of writing and hearing from readers, I thrive on the connections that are constantly occurring in this literary world. Through social media, conferences, writing groups, there are always new and interesting people to get to know … and, of course, everyone has a story.
The fabulous Christine Hart is visiting with me here today. She’s a Date Coach! Whoops, no pushing now! Please line up in an orderly fashion if you have a question or two you would like to run by her about a relationship in your life.
– a book dedicated to helping women connect with the power of their femininity. Find out more about this book and others by Christine by clicking here.PS – Your choice of career is unique and intriguing. How did it come about?
CH – It really was a natural evolution. It began with getting a degree in Communication Studies and then shortly after, I owned a casting facility for film and television. What I loved most about my job was talking with the actors about their love lives. Then I heard about this concept of speed-dating and it hadn’t really come to Canada yet. I decided to start a business in Calgary and it was very successful. I was always giving dating advice based on the books I was reading and the conversations I was having with my guests. I did a lot of work (and still do) as a Dating Expert on television and then heard there was a career description of a “Dating Coach”. Realizing I was actually doing that but not charging, I formed YourDateCoach in 2007 and have worked full time in that capacity ever since.
PS – You’ve branched out in several directions with a television show and a published book as well as working individually and in workshops with clients. Whew! You are a busy lady. Would you mind elaborating on those different aspects of your work?
CH – Yes, the one-to-one coaching is the largest part of my business and from that several wonderful opportunities have come my way. I am often hired to speak to groups of women or co-ed groups. My extensive training with PAX Programs gives me a unique set of skills where I can advise anyone at any point in their dating life whether they’ve been in a relationship for 10 years or just getting themselves out there. My book came from a workshop I taught on helping women connect with their femininity. I felt that many women saw femininity as being a weakness and didn’t know how to connect with that side of themselves. Since their work required them to be masculine, they wanted to learn to be more feminine in their interactions with men.
PS – What brings you the greatest satisfaction in your career?
CH – I love it when I get a call or email from a client saying, “I just don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t found you”. I have helped hundreds of women and men get better results in their interactions with the opposite sex. I love clearing up misconceptions and helping people relate on a whole new level they didn’t know existed prior to working with me.
PS – When you take time off from this business, what do you like to do? Travel, sports, theatre?
CH – I’m an experiential traveler and love visiting new places all over the world. I love riding my bike and going to hot yoga classes. As a hobby, I sing jazz. I have an EP that I am beginning to market. www.christinehartmusic.com and I’ve sung all over North America and in Central Mexico.
PS – Moving forward with your career, do you see any major changes in the future to what you are doing?
CH – My business is transitioning to being mainly online and via phone. I am building programs and products to further help my clients. I believe that you are best able to help your clients when you yourself, are living an authentic lifestyle that keeps you very happy. Having more of an online business allows me to travel more.
PS – Is there one particular generic piece of advice that you might offer to everyone as a basic guideline in handling relationships?
CH – Men are not versions of women. They are the opposite of women in many ways. What I mean by that is sometimes we look at men and think “Gosh, I would never do that or think that way, what the heck is his problem?!” Both men and women can create an opportunity to gain a lot more peace in their lives through understanding the WHY behind each other’s behaviors. It can be both fascinating (really!) and healing at the same time.
Christine, thanks so much for stopping by! It’s always great fun to chat with you. When I start to work on the revisions for my upcoming new novel (the editor has promised he will have it to me soon), I may have to send a couple of the characters to you for counselling!
For all of you dear readers who want to know more about Christine, here’s a link to her newsletter that’s always bursting with great information and helpful tips!
Great interview, Christine and Patricia! I think it’s important to help women with relationships. Just because we women are smart, doesn’t mean all of us ‘get’ men. And, dating has changed a lot over the past few decades. So, a dating coach is just what they need. On my way to check out the other link about the documentary. Thanks, Ladies!
Marcia, you are one lady who often writes great posts about relationships so you know exactly what Christine means. You are so right when you say dating is a different scene now than even just a few years ago. It’s good to know help is out there!
What a great job to have, Christine. I loved this interview. There are always new things to learn whether we’re still dating or are happily married. Best of luck with your singing, Christine! Thanks for introducing us to this fascinating woman, Patricia.
There’s no question we can always work at improving our relationships. Christine’s beautiful singing voice is just as pleasing when she speaks!
FAB interview you two.
I am totally sending this post to a few of my single pals that I know could benefit from reading and connecting with Christine. 🙂 Thanks for introducing us Patricia…
What a good friend you are! Tell them to be sure and let Christine know how they heard about her.
LOVE it! Where were you when I was single??? 🙂
LOL! A lot of us are asking that question. Christine has lots of married clients too though. She’s there for all of us!
Great interview. I love the comment about men not being women. I think women often think men should be emotionally and communicationally like themselves, but with different body parts. I used to tell my dancing students, “It’s a man. You wouldn’t get mad at a dog for not being a cat, would you?”
Love your quote, Piper! It cuts right to the core of the matter. Thanks for stopping by!
What a fun career! Great interview.
Almost as good as being a writer! Seriously, I agree with you. It would be so rewarding to know you have helped people sort out their relationships.
I love this interview! You two are such treats. It amazes me how many people discover their careers through what they were doing as hobbies. That’s fantastic to know. It’s why I keep writing.
Totally checking out this travel documentary too. I followed a blogger for awhile (she’s been silent lately) but she was a writer who traveled the globe working as a nanny in different places. Don’t you just love people’s stories?
Thanks Patricia and Christine!
I was thinking the same thing Jess. I’ve finally realized that the things I do naturally or as hobbies are the things that’re becoming my career as well. Like the saying goes, do what you love. Fantastic interview!
“do what you love” – Right on, Ingrid … and write on too!
Jess, I love your enthusiasm! Christine is a great example of someone finding their true calling by following their dream.
You are going to be a fan of Christine and Drew and The Wireless Generation. I just know it!
Thank you so much Patricia! That was a fun interview. 🙂 And great to meet everyone too. Patricia speaks so highly of her Blog readers and now I know why! If I can help in any way, feel free to contact me.
Live Love,
Christine~
Please visit any time, Christine! We will have to do an update when you are working from exotic locations all over the world!
What a wonderful alternative career, such a great idea, to have someone not connected to your everyday life to see things from a knowing perspective.
I’m amazed at how you borrow down and find such wonderful, intriguing people Patricia, shining their lights out from under bushels. 🙂
Thanks, Claire! I feel so privileged to meet such interesting women … yourself included!