The Experience

Obviously it is a goal of ours to enjoy unique, memorable experiences in our day-to-day lives but it is also our calling to create those memorable experiences for others.  Whether personally or professionally, whether for ourselves or for those we represent, the impression we give is crucial.  Remaining consistent or "on-brand" as my Graduate Professor of Personal Branding at Fordham, Laura Tessinari, would say allows for this indelible image to resonate with whom we come into contact.

Last week, to mark the beginning of NY Fashion Week, Vogue organized Fashion's Night Out.  This event showed a more human side of  Vogue as the city-wide clothing drive supported 17 AIDS related charities and proceeds from signature t-shirt sales supported the 9/11 Memorial and Museum downtown. 

Hundreds of retailers around the 5 boroughs from boutique to flagship participated providing "on-brand" unique guest experiences to their clientele. Whether partnering with like-imaged brands or generating their own soiree, NYC was bustling, especially downtown. Of my favorites, Adidas showcased a troop of breakers, a local artist designing sneakers and pedi-cabs taxiing guests between their downtown locations.   Club Monaco served champagne in-store while shoppers perused and provided cupcakes from their own vehicle upon leaving.  Also well-done was the Anna Sui for Target pop-up store on Crosby St. just below Spring.  Showcasing the new line based on the styles of Gossip Girl and models who fit the part, this location boasted a line around the block.

As Fashion's Night Out celebrated the industry and the new season ahead, we must consistently check in with ourselves and showcase our victories as well as what is to come. 

With competition becoming more fierce and the world a smaller place, it is crucial that we put forward our best and most accurate characteristics so that we are recognized appropriately.

Diversification and the Anti-Silo

Many fear that embarking on a new endeavor will render deficiency monetary or otherwise; however, more likely than not becoming silohed in experiences eliminates open-mindedness and possibility for productive change.  It is akin to a horse wearing blinders: the only productive path is the next step in the same direction.

Having had the great fortune of working with businesses in industries as film, retail, communications and healthcare over the past few months in providing insight into social media and marketing strategy, it is a great benefit to have an extremely diverse clientele and objectives to satisfy.  The exposure to an array of obstacles has forced my mind to stretch and consider multiple strategies based on these successes and failures as well as the demands in a particular industry.

It is amazing how sources seemingly unrelated may shed light on what may have felt like an insurmountable task previously.  Also, harnessing the similar structural elements of differing industries allows for more innovative solutions in what may have been a historically traditional field.

On a personal note, drawing from experiences in one area of life in order to apply frames of reference to another has proven extremely beneficial.  Whether socially, professionally or otherwise, once a situation is taken out of the heat of the moment and put into larger perspective, the true value is easier evaluated.  At times, the most menial tasks and getting back to basics may cause revelation and generate brilliance elsewhere.  

There is no need to fear the unknown and be wary of its offerings; rather embrace the opportunity of expanding your expertise and self worth! You deserve it!