Networking is often considered a key factor in one's career success, especially in the fashion industry. Statistics show that 50% to 80% percent of jobs are obtained through networking.

 

However, for many people, networking is still a difficult task. If you are still struggling with how to network in the fashion industry, then maybe the following article would help you with these concerns.

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01  

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Changing the mindset of networking

 

These days, "networking" seems to be an objective term. But people’s opinion varies.

 

"I used to always be nervous when I went to social events so I did my best to keep smiling, which helped get rid of the nerves." Says Pip Jamieson, founder of The Dots, an online social platform for creatives and a community of nearly 1 million people.

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You need to constantly and subconsciously make connections, including colleagues, classmates, etc. An effective way to start building a network is to actively connect with people your own age, people with similar qualifications or similar age to you. Networking with your peers will ensure that your relationships continue to evolve throughout your career because you never know where your fellow interns will end up working.

 

02

 

Build a diverse network of contacts

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While peers are an important pillar of your network, this can also limit the perspectives, support and opportunities you are exposed to.

 

"It's important to network with people from different professions because as you develop, you might become a freelancer, and when you have a network of freelancers, they're not necessarily in your area of expertise, but they can be really powerful opportunities to exchange clients." Pip Jamieson said.

 

"Now, too, industries are no longer isolated; we're all working with each other to execute what we're doing in different ways." Pip Jamieson said. She notes that technology is increasingly being used in fashion and textile production, and that the fashion industry needs to draw on expertise outside of fashion's traditional skills to better understand the world of 3D design, augmented reality or Web3.

 

To diversify your network, you also need to meet more senior people or mentors. Engaging with more established professionals may present new challenges, but remember that if they are present in cyberspace, they are indirectly expressing openness. In addition, it is equally critical for senior executives to have a network of people including the younger generation, which is also known as reverse mentorship.

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Actively network in and out of the office

 

The office or workplace is one of the most natural ways to build networks. With the popularity of flexible working and telecommuting, it pays to take time out of your week to connect directly with colleagues.

 

"Look at each job or internship as a foundation for another job or internship - it's the accumulation of experience. This is a group of people you will be working with for a long time. Even if you don't necessarily meet them in the office, you'll meet them at an event or on a trip." says Kenya Hunt, editor-in-chief of Elle UK.

 

Sometimes one of the most effective ways to maintain and grow close relationships is to proactively create your own community outside of your workspace. Freelancers can consider co-working spaces or popular creative hubs and workplaces, in addition to common social media outlets like LinkedIn or The Dots, as well as attending various virtual social events.

 

But with the world opening up again after the epidemic and more offline face-to-face events, you can try to go to as many events as possible to meet as many people as possible.

 

04

 

Keep interacting consistently

 

 

While making new connections at work or at events is a great place to start, you need to make an effort to maintain those relationships. This can start by simply following or connecting online.

 

"When you want to connect with someone on LinkedIn, ask them to add you on LinkedIn on the spot if you can. Otherwise, you may not be able to find that person later." Adds Daniel Peters, who founded Fashion Minority Report in 2020 and has worked with Farfetch, the British Fashion Council and others.

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For those with more established social networks, Dr Amantha Imber suggests a more strategic approach: make time to engage with three people a week, reach out to them, say hello, share some insights, recommend a contact or this one article you might be interested in, etc. "Socializing doesn't have to be about meeting new people." Dr Amantha Imber says.

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05

 

Make your contact memorable

 

When you want to build a deeper relationship with someone, you need to consider the most appropriate medium and manner of interaction.

 

"There's a big difference between communicating with a 20-year-old and communicating with a 60-year-old, and you need to think about what kind of communication method you use to make that person feel more comfortable, whether it's sending them a message on Instagram or giving them a call at their office." Dr Amantha Imber says.

 

"By increasing your professionalism, the chances of your message being read increase. For example, you can prioritize sending an email over Instagram, and if you don't receive a response, keep following up. Remember: be persistent, but don't be an annoyance." Daniel Peters says.

 

 

06

 

Do your research ahead of time

 

If the process of meeting new people feels challenging and socially intimidating, Daniel Peters suggests that you bring a friend with you so you'll have someone to support you. You can open up conversations between you and bring others in.

 

Daniel Peters also suggests that it's essential to do your research ahead of time. You can check out attendees' profiles on social media, which can give you an entry point to the conversation and allow you to find people who share your interests.

 

"Keep in mind not to try to be the loudest person in the room, which tends to turn people off." Daniel Peters says.