This is very helpful. Five NO NO's when networking

Thursday, June 18, 2009Ahh..Mistakes in fashion and networkingYay! My first blog post!Hey everyone its geraldine*jane.. my wonderful partner ms. jamaila has been running the posts because I have some trouble managing time.. but I'm back!Anyway.. over the past month I have been networking and traveling around delaware, pa, ny and nj.. trying to network and get my name out there. I have attended a few seminars and events that have really helped. I have crossed over many mistakes and learned many lessons when it comes to networking.. that you really wouldn't think twice about. So I composed a list of things to do (no particular order) or not to do when you're at an event or even a fashion seminar:1. Business Cards- As a student, I had no idea what to put on a business card... but the main purpose is to use yours to get theirs (obviously). However, if you are a student, a common mistake I have heard complaints about is that students mention what field they are trying to enter as their title.i.e:Geraldine JaneFashion StylistYou do not want to place that there no matter the experience you have.. if you are a student put student.. if youre working at the Gap put Retail Associate.. do not put what job you want in place! Put your current job, because if they ask for your card.. the conversation should have gone far enough for them to know what field you want to enter.- After receiving their card.. e-mail within 2-3 days. I met a photographer in NY and after doing a photoshoot, he has told me that a major mistake is waiting for them to e-mail/call you. Seems like an obvious thing to do... but apparently not many realize it.-*Bring those cards everywhere...you never know who you'll meet.. *sigh* I learned that the hard way.2. Question??- Its true you go to networking events to get a job (hopefully), so you talk about yourself most of the time right? Makes sense? ...I learned that was wrong a few years ago...but I just recently stop doing it. Ask questions and relate to the answers. If the person you are talking to is in your desired field.. they are more pleased when you can relate to it.- Seminar events.. no matter what.. I dont care if you can not think of any.. ask a question. Even if you know the answer to it.. it will make you stand out. You only remember those faces you speak to.3. Sounds better than you think...- I have worked in retail as a sales associate and a visual merchandiser, and I did the basics (register, fitting rooms, store layouts, dressing mannequins, etc.). Now it may seem like I want to stray from it when I want to talk to someone in the styling field, and just talk about the fashion shows and photoshoots I worked at. Makes sense.. but its easier to up your game by making it sound better than it really is. 2 examples:* Fitting Rooms:Reality- I cleaned the fitting rooms and got the sizes and various clothes for customers.New Words- During one of my previous jobs, I assisted in styling various customers. I provided a better fit for their body and helped coordinate their outfits.* Mannequins:Reality- I undressed and redressed mannequins weekly according to store manual.New Words- I styled the mannequins with various shoes, accessories, and clothing based on the fashion season and theme of the store.4. Stand out- May seem like dumb advice.. but really think about it. do you look like every girl in the mall carrying a Coach purse? If you have an outfit that you like, but doesnt really work with trends right now.. just do it. create your own trends.. at any event youre more likely to stand out and be remembered if its an outfit thats your own trend and not teen vogues.5. KNOW CURRENT EVENTS- I just want to say when I was at a networking event.. I easily outshone two people only because they had no idea about some current events. It is important to keep up with fashion news.. but keep up with general news. Subscribe style.com and cnn.com, just know your basic stuff at least!**Theres more mistakes and mishaps I'm bound to come upon, so I'll update this list later. But these 5 things were what I have heard and followed within the past month, and I have been alot more successful. Some of you may disagree, but its what I have learned from experience. Everyone makes mistakes.. but in fashion...no threads can be hanging out at anytime.Posted by couture refills at 4:06 AMLabels: mistakes fashion networking seminars events lessons
http://couturerefills.blogspot.com/2009/06/ahhmistakes-in-fashion-and-networking.html?showComment=1249307911623#c7077763115033142950
JUST SO EVERYONE KNOWS I DID NOT WRITE THIS I FOUND THIS ON SOMEONE ELSES BLOG AND I POSTED UP BECAUSE I LIKED THAT IT WAS VERY INFORMAL THE LINK IS HERE INCASE YOU WANT TO VISIT THE ORIGINAL BLOG POST.