Surthrive kicked off 2018 by partnering with emerging Atlanta-based clothing brand, God Is Dope, for their first event of the year, Power Talk: Brains Behind the Brands. This fashion-focused panel discussion was the second event of an ongoing interactive event series aiming to empower creative entrepreneurs through conversation and community called Power Talk.

This wasn’t your typical panel discussion, attendees not only learned insightful tips on building your social media following, operating an online store and driving sales but also got a chance to shop exclusive products onsite.

The panelists included:

 

We covered the following topics:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Know Yourself: Brand messaging is one of the most important competitive advantages for a clothing line. Don’t deviate from the brands message or compromise the purpose for sales.
  2. Don’t Wait, Start Now: If you don’t have a big budget purchase a few items, generate awareness for them, and build up for pre-orders before purchasing inventory.
  3. Be Creative: You don’t have to own inventory to make money on selling clothes. Join affiliate marketing programs or use drop shipping to learn about the e-commerce business before starting your own brand.
  4. Start Small: Don’t waste your money on buying a lot of apparel and trying to sell it. Start with giving them to your family and friends.
  5. Build relationships: Most panelists started off doing something else (i.e. graphic design, modeling, videography) and built relationships

Quotes

Resources

Summary:

Before you start selling apparel online you should build relationships first by providing value in form of a service to people you want to eventually wear your clothes. Stay true to your brand and be patient. Lastly, if you don’t have a big budget be creative by taking pre-orders and utilizing drop shipping.

If you want to stay updated on future events like Power Talk pre-register for Surthrive Labs, our online network empowering entrepreneurs through community, eduction, and resources HERE!

Challenge: Setup your online store account with Shopify at Bit.ly/SurthriveShopify.

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