Successfully Single in Detroit is a social club rather than a dating service. As such, it hosts social events for singles in the Metro-Detroit area that range in size from 40 to 300 people. It does not, however, screen participants or attempt to make matches.
Successfully Single is a non-profit organization started in 2008 by Janet Blair, a former bridal shop owner and Dale Carnegie instructor.
“I found that there just wasn’t that many organized activities for single people,” said Blair. While Blair hopes singles will meet at Successfully Single events, the bigger aim is getting singles out with others and having fun. “As you’re having fun, you’re more appealing to other people.”
She apparently does something right. While Successfully Single started out as a sideline for Blair, it quickly grew to be her full-time job.
Successfully Single quickly found a niche within the Metro-Detroit single scene with 40 to 60 year olds – another organization already addressed the younger, 20-to-30-year-old crowd. The tide, however, may be turning. According to Blair, more and more seniors are discovering her organization. In fact, she may be at the point of categorizing events by age.
In general, Blair finds that singles have a hard time knowing how to approach people. “They want to be in a relationship, but there are a lot of fears revolving…[That’s why] I think it is important for me to facilitate.” She facilitates in more ways than one.
Armed with Dale Carnegie principles, she often includes an ice breaker at the beginning of an event, works personally to make all participants feel welcome, and makes sure people where name tags.
In general, one of Blair’s biggest challenges is to make sure there are an equal number of men and women at her events. The Detroit economy hasn’t helped. “The good guys moved out of town,” Blair joked.
Blair addresses the problem by picking activities that appeal to men and using incentives such as “bring a buddy and get half off admission.” Because guys tend to wait until the last minute to register for an event – sometimes within a half hour of it – she sometimes cuts off registration for women to leave places for the late coming men.
Perhaps the biggest thing Successfully Single offers its members is Janet Blair herself, who gives a face to the organization and actively facilitates a successful experience for those people who attend her events. For instance, recognizing that “women are sometimes sensitive about going downtown by themselves at night,” Blair arranges transportation to the Tigers outing and Detroit Princess Cruise.
In addition to hosting social and recreational events, Successfully Single hosts educational seminars pertinent to singles. Some of the past seminars have included:
The cost of Successfully Single events generally run between $10 and $25.
Dances are favored events at Successfully Single. In fact, Blair recently put together Dancing with the Local Stars, an event that benefited the American Red Cross. She is currently planning a 50s themed dance planned during the Woodward Dream Cruise.
Other events include Euchre parties, two-minute meet ups, dinner and a movie, corn mazes, glow bowling, golf, speed bowling, feather bowling, whirly ball, and laser tag.
Blair attends all of her events and typically uses about six volunteers. At dances, there are usually door prizes and ice breaker games. For instance, Blair sometimes hands out locks to women and keys to men, and a certain amount of mingling is achieved as they go about finding their match.
A DJ with a large variety of music is also on hand, and requests are not only taken, but encouraged. After all, “everyone has different taste in music,” Blair said.
Focus
Successfully Single is a non-profit organization started in 2008 by Janet Blair, a former bridal shop owner and Dale Carnegie instructor.
“I found that there just wasn’t that many organized activities for single people,” said Blair. While Blair hopes singles will meet at Successfully Single events, the bigger aim is getting singles out with others and having fun. “As you’re having fun, you’re more appealing to other people.”
She apparently does something right. While Successfully Single started out as a sideline for Blair, it quickly grew to be her full-time job.
Key Demographic:
Successfully Single quickly found a niche within the Metro-Detroit single scene with 40 to 60 year olds – another organization already addressed the younger, 20-to-30-year-old crowd. The tide, however, may be turning. According to Blair, more and more seniors are discovering her organization. In fact, she may be at the point of categorizing events by age.
Facilitated Events
In general, Blair finds that singles have a hard time knowing how to approach people. “They want to be in a relationship, but there are a lot of fears revolving…[That’s why] I think it is important for me to facilitate.” She facilitates in more ways than one.
Armed with Dale Carnegie principles, she often includes an ice breaker at the beginning of an event, works personally to make all participants feel welcome, and makes sure people where name tags.
Men!
In general, one of Blair’s biggest challenges is to make sure there are an equal number of men and women at her events. The Detroit economy hasn’t helped. “The good guys moved out of town,” Blair joked.
Blair addresses the problem by picking activities that appeal to men and using incentives such as “bring a buddy and get half off admission.” Because guys tend to wait until the last minute to register for an event – sometimes within a half hour of it – she sometimes cuts off registration for women to leave places for the late coming men.
Uniquely Successful
Perhaps the biggest thing Successfully Single offers its members is Janet Blair herself, who gives a face to the organization and actively facilitates a successful experience for those people who attend her events. For instance, recognizing that “women are sometimes sensitive about going downtown by themselves at night,” Blair arranges transportation to the Tigers outing and Detroit Princess Cruise.
Educational Seminars
In addition to hosting social and recreational events, Successfully Single hosts educational seminars pertinent to singles. Some of the past seminars have included:
- How to attract your ideal soul mate
- A renowned face reader who taught participants how to determine compatibility level with another person in less than 10 minutes
- An expert at The Secret
- How to have a more rewarding social life
- An accountant who spoke about tax strategies for singles
Other Events
The cost of Successfully Single events generally run between $10 and $25.
Dances are favored events at Successfully Single. In fact, Blair recently put together Dancing with the Local Stars, an event that benefited the American Red Cross. She is currently planning a 50s themed dance planned during the Woodward Dream Cruise.
Other events include Euchre parties, two-minute meet ups, dinner and a movie, corn mazes, glow bowling, golf, speed bowling, feather bowling, whirly ball, and laser tag.
What to Expect
Blair attends all of her events and typically uses about six volunteers. At dances, there are usually door prizes and ice breaker games. For instance, Blair sometimes hands out locks to women and keys to men, and a certain amount of mingling is achieved as they go about finding their match.
A DJ with a large variety of music is also on hand, and requests are not only taken, but encouraged. After all, “everyone has different taste in music,” Blair said.
More Information
- Successfully Single’s Calendar of Events
- Join Successfully Single’s MeetUp Group