A Thank You and The Power of Referrals
February 24th, 2007
I have to give a big thanks to Kathleen at fashion-incubator (also author of one of the best breaking-into-the-industry book available, The Entrepreneur’s Guide To Sewn Product Manufacturing), because she was gracious enough to take the time to recommend a friend who might be able to help me get my pattern graded in a pinch.
And, wa-la, I’m on my way to drop off the pattern mid-morning, and I have full confidence because I have a lot of respect for Kathleen. In her book, she talks about the power of a referral in the industry, and I know I’ve talked about it before too. But it can’t be said enough. If you find someone you respect for quality of work and work ethic, utilize that person’s resources as much as you can, ask them for referrals.
You’ll find that people won’t give a referral they can’t stand behind. I made the mistake (at one of my first jobs) of referring a friend for a position, with no clue about her work ethic really. What a mistake that was…she was somewhat of a prima-donna who got pissed when asked to work. After that, I’ve found that I’m very very careful about who I’ll refer, I feel it is a reflection on myself. And in turn, I’ve found that referrals from people I respect prove time and time again to be the best way to find resources and helpful people.
And, I guess if you were to take this one step further, this speaks to the power of networking..unfortunately, not my strong point. I’m very talkative – at home. I have a harder time breaking out of my shell, but I’m working on it. I have to say the blogging helps. I’ve met some cool people from having a blog. Getting out and going after sales helps too. Meeting cool people at the trade show helped. I guess every little bit helps.
And that said, I must say I’m excited to be off to meet a new friend in the industry this morning. And I feel blessed to find someone local who is willing to help me in a pinch.
So, again, thanks Kathleen!
Entry Filed under: The Tools You Need
3 Comments Add your own
1. canadianmompreneur&hellip | February 25th, 2007 at 2:42 pm
Unforunately I found through Kathleen’s site one of my contractors who RUINED my whole line. I hope, that Kathleen would’t recommend him to anyone.
2. Kathleen&hellip | March 22nd, 2007 at 4:48 pm
Who was this? Why didn’t you TELL me? I’ll email you to find out who it was. I’m just sorry I had to find out I gave a bad referral on somebody else’s blog.
3. amber&hellip | March 22nd, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Hi Kathleen – I don’t think you directly referred the person, it sounds like it was someone she found through your site, but I will definitely follow-up and find out who it was and whether or not the manufacturer wishes to share the experience with you.
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