Meet Liverpool’s own self-proclaimed pick-up artist

Not so long ago, James was a shy, timid gosling of a guy, struggling to deal with his stagnant love life and ready to make big changes.

Now, the London born third year spends at least half an hour a day approaching and starting conversations with women, whether it be outside the Sydney Jones, on Smithdown Road or anywhere else in the city.

After years of self-doubt and self-deprecation, he is today a full-grown goose of the pick-up world, with a sizable contacts list to show for it.

On Friday we spent the morning with James to learn more of his lifestyle. This involved a chat over an orange juice and a real-life demonstration of his talents.

A man of philosophy and ambition

In explaining what it is he does as a pick-up artist, James said: “I do self-development which focuses on improving my love life. To do this, I try to have a conversation every day with a girl who I consider beautiful that I’ve never met before. This can be at a bar, on the street, around campus, in a bookstore etc.

“I would say that I get rejected by women far more than the average man; enough so that I now realise rejection simply means ‘no thank you.’ I consider it a good thing because it means I am taking the right risks and making mistakes. Mistakes are the best way to learn and grow in my opinion.”

We were eager to learn more of his methods, but it turns out there is really nothing to it.

The 20-year-old said: “I have no strict method per se, as I like to keep every interaction genuine. For example, I might start a conversation with ‘I saw you and I thought ‘I have to say hi to this girl, otherwise I’ll regret it’…’

“Occasionally, I enjoy using cheesy humour such as ‘has a ginger guy this handsome ever asked you for directions before?’

“At the end of the conversation, I’ll ask if they want to meet again another time and exchange contact details if they agree.”

Much to our delight, James was keen to put his philosophies into practice, so led us onto a damp Abercromby Square in search of beautiful women.

We spent no more than half an hour strolling around campus, and in this time James spoke to five women, all students, getting two numbers and enjoying lengthy chats with all (very lengthy, I got soaked waiting).

For a guy who once wrestled with the pains of insecurity, James approached all five lucky ladies with an air of effortless confidence, engaging them all in conversation before making sure they left with a smile on their faces and a spring in their step.

Frankly, it was incredible (and I was slightly jealous).

Impressed by his success, after enjoying the orange juice that he kindly treated us to, we quizzed on him the lines he used to such fine effect that morning.

“I think one of the biggest misunderstandings people who aren’t familiar with pickup have, is that they think there are ‘special pickup lines’ to deceive girls into infatuation.

“In reality women are incredibly perceptive and have a far greater initiative than men. Because of this, they will know when you’re not being genuine.”

Disappointing I know, but James did have some advice to give to people considering trying out pick-up.

“I think that pick-up is comparable to skateboarding. You have to fall flat on your face many times before you get any good. Every time you recover from rejection or heartbreak, it provides you that extra motivation needed to develop into a stronger person.

“If you are lucky enough to get a date, go for coffee. Coffee is very chilled and relaxed. Meals are so up-front and high pressure.”

Above all else, James was keen to point out that picking-up isn’t just about meeting girls.

“There’s a lot more to it than just getting laid, which is what 90% of people do it for to be honest. I do this because before this something was missing in my life. I had no confidence and was so shy.

“There is no prejudice involved. When you approach someone the only thing that matters is the fact you’re approaching them. I’ve met some amazing people.”

After leaving university, James plans to pursue a career in life-coaching, passing what he has learnt of confidence and self-development onto others.

Apparently, though, a lot of this already goes on in London, so he’ll probably be keeping his wisdom up North.