What I've learnt about networking and how to do so in sustainable fashion
From accidentally running a community focused on the future of fashion to connecting with people in this industry for nearly 20 years, here's everything I have to say about networking.
If there's one topic that comes up in nearly every mentoring call I have, it's about networking. How to do it, who to do it with, what tips to share in terms of how to go about it, and beyond.
I'm definitely no expert in this topic - I too am that person filled with utter dread at a networking room before me where I know absolutely no one. But it turns out, nearly 20 years into my career, I'm accidentally now very experienced at it. Needs must!
Two things happen when you force yourself to do it: firstly, you become more accustomed to how to jump in and just go for it (deep breath), and secondly, you start to always know people, of course. Networking feeds networking. The fashion industry is extremely small; the sustainability side of it even more so.
My biggest tip when thinking about how to network then is to not feel overwhelmed by it. It doesn't have to always mean those big scary events. It can mean an email, a coffee, a short conversation at a conference, an exchange on ideas. A moment in time that leads to a connection that ultimately becomes meaningful for you down the line. It also doesn't have to mean finding the most senior person that can help catapult you forwards, but rather someone else that's in the same boat you're in and also figuring this space out. Small steps can lead to big results.
Here's my example...
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