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Inspired by one of GE's think tank concepts employed at their world famous training center (just read an article about it) I thought perhaps the great minds here at SF could help me out with this mini case study which will help me advice a close friend. Not knowing the business end of fashion, I came here for input.
The Rundown:
You are in an industry (consumer goods) in which you do not truly have a passion for the products that you are manufacturing and distributing through major domestic and international retailers. You are successful, love your job, produce strong results and you have a 7000 foot runway (almost unlimited growth potential). Things are good BUT you have realized your true passion lies in fashion. Note: your current company is mid size and highly entrepreneurial and growing.
Your dream job:
Would consist of a blend of your current position within the fashion industry. Lets say VP Of Sales, or Business development for a smaller brand like Tom Ford or some derivative or group of companies where you would be selling high end clothing to major distributors, private retailers and boutiques, BUT also participating in strategic corp planning and business growth initiatives. I chose Tom Ford because many admire what he did with Gucci and also in regard to what he is achieving with his own line(s).
The Upside:
You believe that your true passion for clothing and fashion which will allow you to truly LOVE and LIVE what you do, making you utimantly much more likely to spend the time it takes to become immensely successful. Main point: it wont feel like work be because you truly love it and study your products not because you have to but because it turns your crank.
Here is the main issue:
You do not want to give up your current lifestyle, pay and success without moving into a roll within the fashion industry that offers comparable benefits. For the sake of argument, your not taking less than 150k a year as a baseline gross yearly income. Lets just use this as a baseline figure, I do realize bonus, commisions and other add ins can change the game.
The question(s):
1.) Do you utilize contacts you have built within the industry to gain access to an opportunity where your real world national consumer goods sales expeirience could be of use to a major brand (offering this service at no charge) during your free time? Or do you offer to help out around the office where you can at no charge. Sort of like a consulting internship.
2.) Do you look for a job working as an SA or within a similar function at a retail store of a brand you admire in your spare time, aiming to work your way up?
The idea of this memo is to facilitate ideas and opinions. Please let them flow...
The Rundown:
You are in an industry (consumer goods) in which you do not truly have a passion for the products that you are manufacturing and distributing through major domestic and international retailers. You are successful, love your job, produce strong results and you have a 7000 foot runway (almost unlimited growth potential). Things are good BUT you have realized your true passion lies in fashion. Note: your current company is mid size and highly entrepreneurial and growing.
Your dream job:
Would consist of a blend of your current position within the fashion industry. Lets say VP Of Sales, or Business development for a smaller brand like Tom Ford or some derivative or group of companies where you would be selling high end clothing to major distributors, private retailers and boutiques, BUT also participating in strategic corp planning and business growth initiatives. I chose Tom Ford because many admire what he did with Gucci and also in regard to what he is achieving with his own line(s).
The Upside:
You believe that your true passion for clothing and fashion which will allow you to truly LOVE and LIVE what you do, making you utimantly much more likely to spend the time it takes to become immensely successful. Main point: it wont feel like work be because you truly love it and study your products not because you have to but because it turns your crank.
Here is the main issue:
You do not want to give up your current lifestyle, pay and success without moving into a roll within the fashion industry that offers comparable benefits. For the sake of argument, your not taking less than 150k a year as a baseline gross yearly income. Lets just use this as a baseline figure, I do realize bonus, commisions and other add ins can change the game.
The question(s):
1.) Do you utilize contacts you have built within the industry to gain access to an opportunity where your real world national consumer goods sales expeirience could be of use to a major brand (offering this service at no charge) during your free time? Or do you offer to help out around the office where you can at no charge. Sort of like a consulting internship.
2.) Do you look for a job working as an SA or within a similar function at a retail store of a brand you admire in your spare time, aiming to work your way up?
The idea of this memo is to facilitate ideas and opinions. Please let them flow...
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