We are reexamining the age-old art form to see if we’re doing the right things to win over the right companion.

Let’s face it: online dating sites have dominated the methods in finding the perfect match and severed seemingly old-fashioned routes in meeting Mr. or Ms. Right. But even online dating must eventually lead to person-to-person contact, and opens the doors for destiny—or disaster—to take place. Luckily for us, we have the help of flirting and dating professionals to make mingling a little more manageable.

According to Rachel DeAlto, flirting expert and creator of FlipMe, the steps to connection first begin with attraction and action. In order to breeze through these steps, follow these helpful tips:

1. It’s all in the smile. “It's the oldest advice ever - smile!” DeAlto says. “You have no idea how it even changes the way you talk!”

2. Engaged much? It’s important to stay as focused as possible. Who knows—you may be talking to your future husband or wife? “At least pretend like you are listening. Everyone wants to feel like someone is paying attention to them.”

3. Wolfpack Woes. Be careful not to come into hot when on the prowl. DeAlto says, “Break away from the pack - most people feel intimidated approaching a group to talk to someone.”

4. Humor is hot! It’s important to have fun, and when you’re having fun, you’re at your most natural state.

5. Their biggest fan? Another caution advisory is to leave their friends alone. DeAlto says, “if you start flirting with their wing man (or woman), they won’t think you are into them (or worse)!”

Need an icebreaker? Dating expert and renowned relationship coach, Joann Cohen, suggests you only need one thing to flirt: a flirting prop. In other terms, something you have with you that will give others a reason to talk to you.

“My vote for the best flirting prop – a dog” Cohen writes on her Web site, joanncohen.com. “Most of us don’t hesitate to immediately start talking to someone with a cute, interesting or ugly dog. Take yours for a walk, to a store that allows dogs, sit outside at a coffee place or anywhere else dogs are allowed and you’ll find yourself quickly in great conversations.”

Join Cohen’s Drab to Fab (for Ladies) or Dud to Stud (for Gents) transformation programs for a more in-depth look at the world of flirting.

For more great tips, visit www.theflirtexpert.com, www.flipme.com, www.joanncohen.com.