It is the typical good news, bad news scenario.

The good news: after years of perseverance, training and corporate ladder climbing you have achieved success in your chosen profession. Unfortunately, for many, such achievement comes at a high price - the sacrifice of a personal life.

Finding the perfect he or she, even under the best circumstances, is a difficult and arduous process. For someone with a 140-hour workweek who sees more blind copies than even blind dates, there is little time for the mixing and mingling necessary to find either true love or a reasonable relationship.

The isolation of the Internet, commuting alone, office cubicles, lack of neighborhood interaction, the geographic distancing of families, and the stress to advance one's career have made it more and more difficult to meet someone compatible. The skills needed for career advancement are certainly not the keys to romantic success. In the game of love, your heart, rather than your head must make all the decisions. In affairs of the heart, time tables and deadlines don't exist and to try to force them offers a fast track to failure. It's a cliché, but to find true love, you have to shop around - easier said than done when your job barely leaves enough time for a trip to the supermarket.

Eventually, the need for companionship will force you to put down the briefcase and pick up your little black book. But where do you start a search that seems increasingly futile. What are your options? Smoke-filled bars where Jack Daniels seems to be the only guy getting any attention? Giving the "nice boy" your Aunt Hilda met at BINGO a call? Hoping (in vain) that your online chatroom pal doesn't turn out to be a serial killer hunting and pecking from the activities room at a federal penitentiary?

Yes, it is indeed a jungle out there. But, to shine a ray of hope, thousands upon thousands of successful singles are in the same boat. They just never seem to make it to the same dock. Eventually, with perseverance, and the assistance of friends or a relationship company, you will find an interesting he or she and a date will be planned. It doesn't matter if you are a high-powered corporate raider, a pro-wrestler or a test pilot- nothing can unleash a plague of stomach butterflies the way dating can.

In the business world, popular books often tout the "habits" of "highly successful people." In that spirit, we offer the following bits of advice for getting out of the office and back on the beat.

• Try to make plans that are fun and different, but keep it simple and don't plan for a whole day event. The first meeting should be casual. Going out for coffee or a light lunch, perhaps. You are not out to impress the new CEO so don't try too hard.
• As you would with any job-related meeting, be clear about the date, time and place you are to meet. Being on time is crucial if you are to make a good impression, so if you are unfamiliar with the location, get directions and leave a little early to allow for possibly getting lost.
• Even though you may be nervous, maintain your sense of humor. Think about the co-workers you like best and odds are they are the ones that make you laugh. Good humor is both an ice breaker and (if all goes well ) an aphrodisiac. Just stay away from anything too off-color or you risk embarrassing both you and your date.
• After keeping your collar buttoned (literally and metaphorically) for so long you might be tempted to blurt out too much, too soon. Don't wear your heart of your sleeve. There are some things in your personal life that people don't need to know when they first meet you. Keep a positive attitude during conversation and don't dwell on past relationships or other negative aspects of life.
• Don't focus the conversation all on yourself. Ask questions to show you have an interest in your date and his/her interests and views. In a sense, consider your date the way you would someone applying for a job. Listening is as important as telling.
• You wouldn't chug beer on-the-job and likewise you shouldn't drink too much on your first date. It is definitely a turn-off to be with someone who is inebriated and first impressions are crucial.
• Dress neatly and conservatively. Save your torn jeans, T-shirts and sneakers for some other time. By the same token, don't get too fancy. Your killer Armani suit and silk power tie may be overkill for a light lunch and send the wrong message.
• You can never be too cautious with someone you don't know well, so meet in a public place, with each of you taking your own vehicle. To be safe, it is always a good idea to inform a friend or relative of your plans and where you're going.

The most important advice of all is to relax and try not to feel that you are under any pressure. Treat any first date or casual meeting as a great opportunity to meet a new friend - nothing more, nothing less. If the two of you don't hit it off, don't worry. There is no boss to chew you out and no stockholders lining up for a sell-off. If at first you don't succeed…try, try again.