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Poo
I’ve been having a substantial internal debate about whether or not to post about this, but what it comes down to is that this blog started as documentation of my journey from finance to fashion. It’s not supposed to be a corporate blog, it’s supposed to be a genuine, transparent look at what goes on behind the scenes.
So anyway. I was never the popular kid at school. I used to have this sort of love/hate relationship with birthdays where I loved the idea of parties but hated the disappointment of inviting people who just didn’t show up or would cancel. You’d think this is the sort of thing you grow out of, but fast forward 10 years and I tried to throw an extravagant New Years Eve party complete with gift bags and custom fireworks display… only to have no one but my best friend RSVP.
Now as you all well know, I’m 12 months new to the fashion industry. I completely respect and admire those who’ve worked in the field successfully for many years and I’d love to learn from them. As the sole PR and sales person for Bento, I hate how forced it feels that the only time I talk to many of these people is when I need to sell or pitch them something.
So I came up with an idea called “Breakfast with Bento”.
The thinking behind this plan was that once a month I’d invite a handful of bloggers, writers, stylists, boutique owners, etc. to breakfast. Rather than sell them stuff or try to get them to write about Bento, we’d just get to know each other. You know, networking. Without the wanky small talk charade where you do this funny social dance to try and get something out of each other.
Does that sound reasonable to you? It still sounds like a good idea to me.
The first of these breakfasts was to be held yesterday (Thursday) morning. Invitations went out weeks ago. On Monday this week, I had the perfect group of eight all confirmed. By Tuesday we were down to six. At close of business Wednesday that list had dropped off to four.
Yesterday morning I sat in a beautiful cafe in South Melbourne, having barely slept with nervous excitement, all ready to get to spend time with some people I really admire.
Then I tried hard not to die from embarrassment when only one person showed up. (Again, a thousand thank yous to that person).
I get that things happen and sometimes you can’t be where you need / want to be. I completely understand that. I can’t help, however, but think that what this sort of thing really comes down to is a case of priorities. After all, if I were Karl Largerfeld, I have a hard time imagining this would have happened.
And when you’ve given up your job, a six figure salary and certainty to pursue a dream, it really feels like poo to get all but stood up.
People have totally lost their manners Sam, I see it all the time.
they think it is completely OK to not come, if there is something, better going on,
It stinks, They will never earn 6 figure incomes, they are too self centered and lazy to commit.!
This isn’t a reflection on you Sam, it reflects the integrity of the people not honoring a commitment made. You have gained from the experience , the one person who did show up as they said they would is the only person you need to know. They have integrity. L
Thanks Linda… I’m chalking this one up to experience! I think it all just needs time.
I would have turned up. It’s my day off!
I would have gone.
We sympathise with you Bento. As a recent addition to the fashion field (speaking from the other end as a buyer) we have come across the same ups and downs, frustrations and crushed expectations. We couldn’t have nod our heads any more furiously when you said: “I hate how forced it feels that the only time I talk to many of these people is when I need to sell or pitch them something.”
It is exactly the same for us even as a boutique with the product. I think anyone taking their first steps into the fashion industry gets “stood up” at some point, partially because people are too busy to worry about the new kid when they want to ride off the big profile names. It isn’t a reflection on you or your brand or how good it is…its just simply that they don’t know the importance of who you are yet which of course is the catch 22..
It is refreshing to read about someone who is genuinely passionate to push past the air kisses and has the sincerity to describe it all. It can be annoying to begin with, but you will realise that you are in fact developing strong networks and relationships through consistently pitching your product. Stick with it and it will come! x
Enjoyed reading your ‘Poo’ story. One turned up, next time it will be two then three and before you know it much like Karl everyone will want to brunch with you.
What a poor example of manners! Unfortunately I have experienced the same thing but from the other side. I run a fashion site dedicated to profiling Australia’s emerging designers, and have been ‘stood up’ by designers just starting out.
In such a cut throat industry it would be nice to think that not every meeting needed to be business, and that some could just be about getting to know the people involved. You never know, maybe those contacts will come in handy one day, or maybe it will just be nice to know some other genuine people when we reach the top!