The Fashion Industries Favorite Business Network ...
Is a social network beneficial to the Fashion Industry?
In all honesty, I am not 100% certain that a social network is beneficial to the fashion industry. I think that in theory it makes sense. However, is it really practical?
Do middle age fashion industry professionals grasp the idea of social networking? We have been pounded with the idea that this is for kids or people looking for a date. Does anyone really understand the potential in regards to developing business contacts?
In my opinion, business professionals may be hesitant to utilize this type of system. However, many of those people that have used social networking over the past several years (in high school or college), are now old enough to enter the work force. Hopefully, many of them will enter the fashion industry and carry with them the experience of networking. I guess it is possible that they move from using a network to find parties, and start using a professional network like this one to find fabric and trim suppliers.
Anyway, my point is that I am not sure if anyone actually has interest in a fashion industry network. My hopes are that we can all work together to create an interesting social enviroment to make our business lives a bit easier.
Again, I am not sure if this social network for the fashion industry will be a good idea, but I guess we are going to find out...
If you have any thoughts on the subject, please make your opinion known. We look forward to hearing from you.
Do middle age fashion industry professionals grasp the idea of social networking? We have been pounded with the idea that this is for kids or people looking for a date. Does anyone really understand the potential in regards to developing business contacts?
In my opinion, business professionals may be hesitant to utilize this type of system. However, many of those people that have used social networking over the past several years (in high school or college), are now old enough to enter the work force. Hopefully, many of them will enter the fashion industry and carry with them the experience of networking. I guess it is possible that they move from using a network to find parties, and start using a professional network like this one to find fabric and trim suppliers.
Anyway, my point is that I am not sure if anyone actually has interest in a fashion industry network. My hopes are that we can all work together to create an interesting social enviroment to make our business lives a bit easier.
Again, I am not sure if this social network for the fashion industry will be a good idea, but I guess we are going to find out...
If you have any thoughts on the subject, please make your opinion known. We look forward to hearing from you.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Roderick Rowser on
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Maybe a get together would be a great way to get more members...we have time to pass ideas however, the holidays are upon us and nothing is going to happen now anyhow...but if I don't see a post from you guys beforehand MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR , AND HAVE A SAFE AND LOVING TIME WITH YOUR FAMILIES!
Roderick
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Permalink Reply by Apparel1 on
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Roderick - thanks for the comments. The best to you as well... Enjoy the holidays.
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Permalink Reply by Aneta on -
Yes, that sounds great. I am a member of FGI, and through their meetings I found a manufacturer and maybe a buyer. At every meeting the frienships and trust get stronger.
Like I was mentioning to Apparel1, I found the apparelsearch.com a while ago, and very usefull at the time. Only if everybody would update their contact information.
When this site will get stronger, I think that meetings would make it even stronger.
But how do FIN plans to weed the ones that are not really serios in business network on this site? www.zoicamatei.com
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Aneta - you are correct that on Apparel Search it is very hard keeping up to date with the contact details. In all honesty, that is one of the most challenging parts of having a directory site. In regard to this site, it will be equally hard keeping people off the site that do not have serious interest in the fashion business. The only way, is to have help from other members. If anyone sees a profile or comments that does not appear to be appropriate please let me know and I will delete the members. Also, I am trying to read each profile that is submitted and I delete them if they do not appear appropriate. However, I am finding it hard in some cases. Originally, the idea was to only allow people working in the fashion industry. But some people right profiles that really show that they have a love for fashion. I would feel bad deleting them. Therefore, I may allow people to join that are not in the industry, but they must definately have a strong interest in fashion. If you have other suggestions, please let me know.
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Regarding the number of fashion industry workers in NYC, I think that the article you read may have been referring to "manufacturing" jobs in NYC. My understanding is that the city still has a large number of people working in the fashion industry, but the actual "factories" producing garments in NYC has shrunk to ridiculously low numbers. The problem is that the cost of doing business in NY is so high it is nearly impossible for a factory to compete on price. The city is good for sampling and high end product for which cost is not as much of a concern. If you wish to learn more about facts and figures in regard to NYC, I would suggest the GIDC and the Fashion Center. You can find them at a page I previously created for NYC Fashion Industry at my Apparel Search site.
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that was the topic of interest, you are a gentleman and a scholar.....
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Permalink Reply by Jillian on -
"that was the topic of interest, you are a gentleman and a scholar....."
haha i know this is off topic, but my mom always says that to men that open the door for her/do nice things for her. they always get a huge smile across their face when she says it...ok back to fashion... ;)
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Permalink Reply by MIMI on -
Of course it's important. It's not about what you have. It's all about who you know. It rang true in my personal career in this industry. Every person I have met so far has helped me in some way shape or form to get me where I am.
Cheers!
Mimi
www,hautemimi.com
mimi@hautemimi.com
P.S. I wish I had more time to spend on this site. It is fantastic!
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Permalink Reply by Margaret Howe on -
I'm running an outfit organizer website that has a bit of a social component too. I've been worried that people have social network fatigue... that signing up at yet one more place, having to remember that login/password & filling out yet another profile will be annoying to them. But so far, people don't seem to mind so much.
I think that you offer a really niche social network here- focusing solely on this kind of industry really promotes a community feel. Once it grows a little more you'll be able to see how viable it is- and hopefully people will see the great resource they could have here for mentorship & support.
And about worries about spammers, I tend to over do it on my own stuff because I'm so enthusiastic about it (and I'll try to keep it in moderation!), but the true off-topic spammers are rare. My site has been open since September & we've only had 1 naked lady picture uploaded & no spamming comments. Its a fear & a liability that we all worry about, but generally people are fairly good about reporting inappropriate behavior immediately.
I'm really excited for you & your site!
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Thank you for your comments... You mention, "Once it grows a little more you'll be able to see how viable it is". I am thinking that as more members join, it will help with the conversations and knowledge base. However, at the same time, I am concerned that too many members will in some ways become a negative for the site. Anyway, I guess we will play it by ear and see how it all pans out.
Good luck to you and your fashion sites. You are always welcome here...
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Permalink Reply by Kristen White on -
Social Networks are great if they are used in the right way. They can and should used to enhance one's professional growth and also to meet and interact with some wonderful people in the fashion industry.
It is somewhat unfortunate that in some cases it's "who you know" and "connections" that you have will advance you in the fashion industry instead of good and creative talent. Though i i agree that it's important to socialize, I feel that there are other ways to reach new heights.
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Kristen - thank you for your comments... I agree with your statements.
Success in this industry is a mix of talent, good fortune, and the proper connections. Even the worlds greatest designer, would go un-noticed without the connection of a retail buyer to purchase their product...
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