Dear Designers,
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but often it seems like we’re so focused on growing our fashion business, that it’s easy to forget the power of one.
We think we need to do everything big. Go big or go home, right?
I disagree.
The power of one is real. It’s the start of something. And starting something is often the most difficult part.
One signature product that allows you to test the market and avoid wasted money.
One person who loves your product and will tell everyone they know about it.
One social media platform that you do exceedingly well, rather than a bunch that you do poorly.
One blog post a month that you create to build trust with your audience.
One handwritten note.
One reply.
One gesture.
These things have power.
The power to make you feel like you’re on to something good. The power to remind you that someone is out there listening. The power to get you past the beginning and into the thick of it. The power to keep you going.
Believing in the power of one can have a major impact on how you manage to keep going when things feel hopeless.
Now, I’m not saying that you should grab onto the power of one and stick with it forever. No, you need to use it at the start of something to help you get it going and take the pressure off of the need to go “big!”. Then, once you’re movin’, growth becomes the goal.
But don’t let growth be such a focus early on that it blinds you to the power of one.
Because, really, what the power of one indicates is that focusing on one is the first step to doing more. It’s the way to stop feeling overwhelmed and overworked. And it’s the way to make sure that step by step you’re getting yourself (and your business) to exactly where you want to be.
Lots of love and encouragement,
Nonye Okeke
The power of one is definitely real, but as you said, it shouldnt be how it is at all times. I just started my own clothing business, and I started with one product that is still selling very well. However, I also know that my customers will want more than one product so that is what I’m workin on now- building a collection. It is hard to be just one person business, but I know that this is just the start, and I have faith that I’l grow a strong team of individuals who share the same drive, passion, and trust.
Casey Cline
Good luck growing your clothing business, Nonye- it sounds like you are off to a great start and have the right attitude. 🙂
Vanessa Villarreal
This is so simple but so good! I can say from experience I wasted time from trying to balance all social media accounts even though one has always proven to be the best.
Julie Habelmann
Nicole,
I will be launching a resortwear line in a couple months. It is my first go round in the fashion world, but not in business. I was always taught to do one thing well, not to try to be everything to everybody, thus I am putting all my efforts into developing a very special first piece, which I hope to be the signature of my brand. Wasn’t sure if that translates in this industry, as often times it seems to be bigger, better, brighter. But this post gives me an extra little boost I need right now as a neophite.
Thank you!!!!