How to Network In The Fashion Industry

If you dream of working in fashion, I’m sure you're no stranger to the phrase “It’s all about who you know or who knows you”. Truer words have never been spoken. The thought of networking can be overwhelming to some but it's absolutely necessary in this industry! With that said I’m going to share with you my top tips for navigating networking events (this can apply for virtual events as well).

WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS

First things first, make a goal of planning to attend events---- even if it’s just one new event a month. It's important to always be expanding your network.

Next, Make a goal to connect with a certain amount of people.  Your goal needs to be attainable and realistic.  If you say you are going to meet 30 people in one night, that’s just not gonna happen.  If you say you are going to make 5 solid connections, I’d say that’s a great start and very attainable. Quality over quantity is key! I’d rather meet 5 people I can actually build a real relationship with than 30 people who aren’t even really interested in getting to know me or what I’m about.

HAVE AN ELEVATOR PITCH READY

This might sound too sale-sy but you need to have something enticing to say when you meet people.  It can’t sound scripted either.  It needs to be a part of you.  Sit down and write out some fascinating areas of your career that you specialize in that you can pitch to potential contacts or a quick blurb for other helpful connections. 

People have short attention spans as it is, so your pitch needs to tell them who you are and what you do in the first 10 seconds otherwise you've lost them.

RESEARCH WHO'S ATTENDING

Find out who is going to be there and research them! Obviously you are attracted to a certain event, and chances are you will be able to figure out what big names are going to be there if you’re going to an industry event or a panel or conference.  Do your research and get some background info on them.  That way, you’ll actually have something to talk about when you meet them and you can mitigate the awkward silence that tends to come up.

BE A SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Don’t get all co-dependent and only talk to one person or group the entire time. If you bring a friend, split up so you don’t end up networking with the person you walked in with because that doesn’t count.

MAKE SURE YOU ACTUALLY LISTEN

When you meet someone, first make sure you get their business card or contact info then after the conversation, write down what you just learned about that person. I’m going to let you in on something I do at networking events, after I leave I use the notes section of my phone to write down the names of the people I connected with and want to follow up with and write a fact or two about them so they know I was actually listening.

Everyone always feels special when someone else remembers little facts about them. So find out who they work for, what field they specialize in and whatever personal info you can so that you actually remember facts about the person and you have something fun to talk about on your follow up email or conversation. Which leads me perfectly into my next tip, which is

FOLLOW UP

Follow through with a follow-up as soon as you can.  The next day is ideal because we get busy and you don’t want to be that person emailing them 3 months later like hey do you remember me from that fashion week party? No they don’t remember you sis. While you’re following up, figure out how you can help that person and what you can bring to the table. Don’t come straight out the gate asking for favors, that’s one way to get ghosted real quick. 

DON’T BE FAKE

Just be your authentic self and you’ll connect with people in a more genuine way. Speaking of cool – don’t be an energy vampire and hold them hostage! They want to meet more people and make the most of the event as well so keep the conversation brief and exit with thanks and gratitude.

JUST DO IT!!

One of the hardest parts is getting out of the house and actually going and then actually going up to someone and introducing yourself. Just remember at the end of the day “your network equals your net worth.”

Do you have a strategy going into networking events? Comment below!