{"id":1224,"date":"2020-08-12T11:56:02","date_gmt":"2020-08-12T11:56:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/business-economics\/?p=1224"},"modified":"2020-11-24T12:14:36","modified_gmt":"2020-11-24T12:14:36","slug":"you-only-truly-experience-what-its-like-to-start-a-business-once-you-dive-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/business-economics\/you-only-truly-experience-what-its-like-to-start-a-business-once-you-dive-in\/","title":{"rendered":"“You only truly experience what it’s like to start a business once you dive in”"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Pieter Uytterlinde obtained his master’s degree in Organisation and Management in 2012. Recently, he created a new dating platform, called Date A Mate. <\/strong><\/p>

\u201cAfter my studies I worked for the Senate and for the NGO ArmenTekort. In 2015 I founded my first company, a food truck concept. About 4 years later I sold that business but I am still proud of the concept<\/strong> I launched back then. Now I combine part-time teaching with creating and marketing new concepts. \u201d<\/p>

Starting a business<\/strong><\/h2>

\u201cI’ve always been quite entrepreneurial. I love working systematically and giving something my all<\/strong>. I also like starting up my own projects and find it challenging to see whether something works or not.\u201d<\/p>

\u201cDuring my student days, I was already fairly disciplined. I enjoyed student life a lot but if there was a class at 8.30 am, I was there every single time. Even after a night out.\u201d<\/em><\/p>

\u201cIn the Master of Organisation and Management, you get a thorough insight into how a company works<\/strong> and which external influences are at play. That gave me the theoretical background I needed. But you only truly experience what it’s like to start a business once you dive in \u2013 with ups and downs. \u201d<\/p>

Date A Mate<\/strong><\/h2>

Date A Mate was created because I was looking for Mrs. Right myself but I was not sure where to look. I was on Tinder, did some speed dating, … but it was never my cup of tea. Something was missing<\/strong>, and I am not the only one who feels that way. There are so many singles out there looking for a relationship. That group only seems to be getting bigger.<\/p>

\u201cI noticed that people in my environment only realized what was wrong with their relationship after they broke up. I believe that, if people are more self-aware and have more insight into their partner preferences, they will make better choices early on.\u201d<\/em><\/p>

I started doing research about what science says about partner choices<\/strong> and partner preferences. What makes a person satisfied in his or her relationship? Which factors play a role in achieving this?<\/p>

Dating platforms, Tinder for example, usually focus on looks and appearance. This might work in the short term, but not in the long term<\/strong>. At Date A Mate, singles follow an e-learning \/ webinar, after which they complete several scientific questionnaires. After that, they have access to a matching platform and eventually get to do activities in a matched group or in duo.<\/p>

\u201cScientific research indicates that speed dating and online dating models over-stimulate the brain. As a result, people tend to look more at looks. \u201d<\/em><\/p>

Entrepreneurial spirit<\/strong><\/h2>

Recently graduated and entrepreneurial by nature? Here are some of Pieter\u2019s tips<\/strong>.<\/p>

\u201cTry to be creative and position yourself in the market as a niche. Don’t get discouraged, show character and perseverance. Listen to people with real experience. In conclusion, just go for it but be sensible! \u201d<\/p>

Want to know more?<\/h2>