We already said over and over that connections are absolutely necessary in the fashion industry. Whether you want to work for a fashion company, start your fashion brand or becoming a freelancer, you must know the right people.
Knowing people means getting more work opportunities. Word of mouth is a powerful tool and is the # 1 way to find a new job, so if you do not create your network, you’ll never know about new job offers or projects you’d like to participate in. You could network online using Instagram or LinkedIn, but the most effective way to network is in person. I know this could be a bit intimidating, especially if you’re an introvert but think of it as a normal process in fashion. No one will judge you if you approach a person and introduce yourself, because that’s how it works in this industry, so don’t be afraid to talk to people only because you think they’ll judge you or think you’re crazy. You’ll probably be more normal if you approach them and not if you stay in the corner just looking around and avoiding personal approach. You can start by saying you know them for [this] and because they have done [that] and that you admire their work and then you can introduce yourself and ask about the event, if they like it, how they know about it…things will then go naturally.
Attending fashion events is super important, especially if you’re looking for a new job, you’re a freelancer looking for clients or you own a fashion brand and want to have more people to know about it or need help with everything. When you attend a fashion event you’re sure all the people there are part of this industry.
You’ll never know who you could meet. I suggest you attend at least once an event per month. Take your business cards with you where there is your number, email contact, social profile, and website and also, don’t forget to add your job title: are your a freelancer graphic designer, a fashion photographer, a social media manager, a brand founder, a fashion editor, a marketing person? Add this to your business card (even if you don’t have a current job, add a title that best represents you according to your skills and the job you want to get: if you want to get a job as e-commerce specialist, it would be a good idea to add this to your business card, just make sure you have the right skills to be able to get a job like this) .
Nowadays most of the time you find a job through the people you know, so don’t miss these opportunities and grow your network the more you can.
Another great reason to attend fashion events is that you’ll meet people who work at your dream company. A speaker of our Fashion Conference works at H&M, what’s better than meeting in person with these people and ask for advice or leave them your business cards if you want to work at these companies?
Don’t miss our fashion conference in Milan!!
