Fashion networking is members of the fashion industry sharing ideas, sharing contacts and, most importantly, sharing business referrals. People network to expand their career options, to develop sales leads, or to build name recognition for a fashion brand. Trade associations and trade exhibits were once the leading way to meet; technology has since greatly altered how the industry communicates and networks.
Fashion Networking by Apparel
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Fashion Network
In this section you will learn about the
term, "Fashion Networking".
First of
all, what is the primary purpose of networking. Well,
networking is a method for people to share ideas, share
contacts, and most importantly share business referrals. When
discussing Fashion Networking, the concept is
essentially the act of members of the
"fashion industry" sharing ideas, sharing contacts, and sharing
business referrals.
Simply
put, fashion networking involves members of the fashion industry
meeting and communicated with one another regarding business
relevant issues. The individuals purpose may
vary. Some people may wish to expand their career options and
others may simply wish to develop sales leads. While
others concentrate their networking efforts on building name
recognition for their
fashion brand. Although the purpose of
networking may vary the concept and methods are
basically the same.
The art of
networking with members of the fashion industry has clearly
changed over the years. In the past, trade associations and
trade exhibits had been leading resources for members of the
apparel industry to meet one another. These are
still important tools, but in today's business environment they
are only portion of the resources available to members of the
clothing industry or
textile industry.
As with
most things in life,
technology
has greatly altered the way in which we communicate and network
with one another. Rather then networking face to face, we often
conduct networking exercises from keyboard to keyboard. This is
achieved via e-mail and more creatively via online networking
sites. Sites like facebook, and other social networking sites
are good methods, but using specialized business to business
networks is even a more powerful resource.
In regard
to the fashion industry, there is clearly one fashion network
that stands above all others. That site would be the
Fashion Industry
Network. In addition to the Fashion Industry Network
(sometimes referenced as FIN), you can find other fashion
networks online. You may wish to try a few, but be careful not
to spread yourself too thin. It is good to focus on a good
networking site and then build relations with other like minded
people.
Networking
is an essential skill for most business people, but especially
for people working in the apparel industry. For most career
paths in the fashion business, the skill set demands that you go
out into the world and create and maintain business
relationships. This is very important if you work for a
clothing company or are entrepreneurial and develop your own
fashion business. Building relationship through network is key
to success in most industries. It is extremely important to the
fashion industry.
You can
see an examples of a
fashion business
network by going to
www.Fashion Industry Network
By the
way, if you are trying to develop lead, you may also want to try
the
apparel trade lead services.
Learn about more
fashion terms.
Fashion Industry
Network
What is a
Fashion Discussion Group?
Fashion Network Rules
If you are a member of our
fashion network and you have your own fashion website, please consider
adding a
fashion industry network badge on your site.
Fashion Industry Network Gadgets
Here is an example of a profile page on
a fashion network:
Apparel1
Networking That Works
Effective networking is specific: knowing what you offer, what you need, and following up after the introduction. In fashion, where collections, seasons and jobs turn over quickly, a contact made at one trade show may become a buyer, supplier or employer two seasons later — which is why experienced professionals treat networking as a continuing practice rather than an event.
Where the Industry Meets
The meeting places layer on top of each other: trade shows and market weeks for business in person, associations for a trade segment, alumni and school networks for careers, and online communities — covered in the fashion network entry — for daily exchange. The fashion recruiters entry in this directory covers the professional intermediaries whose whole business is knowing who should meet whom.
Common Questions
What is fashion networking?
The act of members of the fashion industry meeting and communicating about business-relevant issues — sharing ideas, contacts and referrals with one another.
Why do people network in fashion?
Purposes vary: some expand their career options, others develop sales leads, and others build name recognition for their fashion brand. The concept and methods are basically the same whatever the goal.
How has fashion networking changed?
Trade associations and exhibits remain important, but they are now only part of the resources available; online networks and social tools let industry members connect continuously rather than only at events.