Steven Covey’s best selling novel “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” discusses seven principles that, if established as habits, are supposed to help a person achieve success in life and the workplace. Could the same methods be used for the dating world? I’m sure you’ve seen those guys that always walk around with a beautiful lady on their arm, go on many dates with interesting women and seem to find the best catch for a relationship. Do they have some form of looks, money or sexual prowess that you don’t? Perhaps. But, my guess is that they know and practice the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Daters. Now it’s your turn:

1. Diversify. Just like you shouldn’t put all your money in one stock, you shouldn’t pin all your hopes on one woman. You should always have more than one prospect you’re working on at any given time. It increases your chances of success and prevents you from becoming emotionally engaged in a female prospect that turns out to be wrong or unavailable.

2. Work Your Friends. Every guy has a network. Few guys make use of it. Your friends likely have attractive female friends, sisters or cousins you’ve never met or done. Host a party and encourage your friends to bring a guest. Ask your buddies to set you up.
Think about it. You get along well with you friend. Chances are you’ll get along with your friend’s friend, sister or cousin.

3. Double Date. Your time is valuable real estate my man. Why waste 2-5 hours an evening on a woman, only to find out that she’s so wrong for you? Try to schedule multiple dates in a day (one woman for drinks, another for the show). Or, if all signs point to failure on a date, end it early and go bar hopping with some friends.

4. Get Out There. You’re not going to score the women of your dreams while lying on the couch watching sports, playing video games or tinkering with your electronics. You probably won’t meet her going to the same old restaurants and sports bars all the time either. Make an effort to get out and try new places and activities as often as possible.

5. Do What You Love. Most great relationships are built on similar interests. The more you do the things you enjoy – ski, drink, spelunk – the more likely you are to meet a woman with the same taste for fun. There are plenty of clubs, social groups and the like that relate to different hobbies – join one. Plus, My Space and CraigsList are great places to find a female with similar interests.

6. Talk To Strangers. If you see a lovely lady at a coffee shop or on your everyday commute to work, take the leap and start talking to her. You don’t have to ask her out right away, just be friendly and get things started. Remember that most relationships come from two strangers striking up a conversation at some public place. Strike guys. Strike.

7. Go To The Women. It’s all a numbers game and if you’re constantly surrounded by guys at work and beyond, just how good are your odds of scoring a girl? You are more likely to find a women if you volunteer, workout or get yourself an eductaion. (For more details, read ScoreHer: Where My Bitches At? )