Tips for Great Calls

Be warm, be specific and be yourself. Say your first name and city, one or two real things about you, and who you'd like to meet. A little humor and a genuine tone go a long way — skip the clichés.

Ask questions and actually listen. People remember how you made them feel, so be curious, be kind, and let the conversation flow instead of interviewing them.

Evenings after 8 p.m. and weekends are the busiest, so you'll have the most callers to choose from. Late nights are lively too. Weekday mornings are quietest.

Confidence and authenticity stand out most. A relaxed, upbeat greeting that sounds like the real you beats a scripted one every time. Mentioning something specific about your city or interests helps the right people connect with you.

Don't be pushy, don't overshare private details early, and don't pressure anyone to meet or share their number. Respect goes a long way and keeps the line good for everyone.

Once you've had a few good conversations and you both feel it, suggest meeting in a public place. Keep it low-pressure and let them set their own pace.