We here at UsTrendy have called upon a designer to start writing columns for UsTrendy which speak to the how things are from a designer perspective. Enjoy. Relate. Comment.
"Okay, You Have The Product(s), Vision, Collateral, Liscense(s); Now What?"
Through my personal experiences and research (discussions w/ other business owners & fashion designers alike, etc.), I have found out that once I had "everything," set, and ready to go, there was this popular question asked of me; Now What? I had legally started my own clothing line without a lot of money and public backing; in which in the fashion industry/world, it does not wait around for anyone and can just as easily forget you even existed. However, I took that risk, that dream, that vision, and made it into a reality. I have loved every moment from the best and worst of times. Thus, if you are thinking about taking that same risk, or have already done so, and would like a personal take on what to do next, I invite you to read about one of my main successes in which helped me push through, "Now What?" which is: Networking.
-Your The Main Spokesperson, Model, Advertisement, etc., 24/7.
Remember that this is your idea, your vision. If you want people to like your product as much as you, do what ever you can to help them see that you are proud of your line and wear it with style! Be open and genuinely share your ideas with your friends, family, and even passerbys who ask you, "where did you get that?" Those remotley interested, let them know. Having the ability to create those genuine relationships, may it be for a few minutes or more instills a memory with those people that may lead to them talking to thier friends, and to thier friends, and so on about you and your clothes!
-Don't Forget The Small People.
You never know when you'll need help in areas that not many people have experience with. For example, you have had a friend/acquaintince that is in the club promotion business, why not ask them if they'd sport a piece of gear from your line when he/she go's out to the clubs? Thus, people seeing that person out wearing your clothes may see it,, thus, a walking billboard! Another example may be that you don't have enough money for a large bulk order of screen printed tees. However, you know of a competitor who has a small, local screen printer business that may cut a deal with you just because you were referred by him/her! Staying in touch with as many people as you can, can only help you out in the long run. You can only do so much, but with a couple of extra hands, you will be able to do accomplish many things in less time without all the weight on your shoulders!
-Befriend Your Neighbor (Your Competitors)
Get to know your competition. Ignoring them and being pessimistic about thier success will only help you fail. More than anything, they are an amazing resource to help you and your business succeed. Being in contact with them, may it be email, phone, meetings, etc. will help you build a strong and positive reputation within your fashion community. Doing your research, finding where they have failed will help you not make the same mistakes. Finding where they have succeeded can help you think about what you can do better. Creating these kind of relationships is always love/hate but having that respect and welcoming vibe between the competition only has positive reprecussions.
-Word of Mouth.
Get the word out about your idea! No one is going to know about anything unless you get people to talk about it and get to know it. Build a reputation starting with the people you are in contact the most and expand from there. Use free advertisment such as yourself, friends, and family! Use the internet as your voice to reach those across the nation, the world even. Getting people familiar with your brand, clothes, logo, anything related to your work is very helpful when it comes to marketing! The best thing about it; it's free.
-Don't Stop.
As said earlier, fashion does not wait. Some times you start making sales once you start selling, although, some times it takes a very long time for just one sale. No matter which stage your line is in, from two shirts to a full inventory of tops, bottoms, and accesories, taking some time away from your line may slow or even stop the growth of your business. Making sure people know you exist is very important. It will keep peoples attention on you. Through the good times and the bad, creating that reputation that your line is here to stay will gain the respect and attention of your fans, customers, and future customers to come.
In Fashion,
Wes J
http://www.ustrendy.com/wes-j-clothing/
