Most single guys and gals know it's not easy to find a significant other, especially if you have a lot on your plate. While it's been said by some that Vancouver is a hard city in which to meet people, some local companies are striving to make it easier and more fun.

Think you can find true love in 180 seconds? One such event, put on by Rendezvous Club, which hosts singles events throughout the city, will divide just under 100 people into three age groups, who will then have three-minute dates with each other.

Chris Hall, the company's operations manager, says one advantage of short dates is being able to "weed out the people you're not compatible with, without suffering through the entire evening of a regular date."

Speed dating allows for an atmosphere where singles can find out right away if that initial chemistry is there, says Hall. At the end of the night, they can then check off a 'yes' beside a person's name, and if there's a match, set up a future first date such as drinks or coffee.

Ronald Lee was sick of hearing his guy friends complain about their bad luck with women, so he decided to help them. He created two attraction-coach firms, Happy Sexy You and Man Meets Woman, which offer services to both men and women on personal appearance, first impression and self-esteem skills.

With the time constraints that go along with this new rushed dating craze, Lee says it's important to "convey your personality in an attractive way, and share your passions but also be genuinely interested in the other person's interests."

Singles looking for help can check out the websites: www.manmeetswomen.com and www.happysexyyou.com.

The 100 dates in 100 minutes event happens at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Plaza Club (881 Granville St.).

Call (604) 729-5990 for more info.