Experienced entrepreneurs say successful start-ups fix problems. As humans, more often than not, we plan and act to achieve success and enjoyment. However, great inspiration can arise from solving a problem. Why not organize a seminar about it? That’s what happened to me.

Why You Should Organize a Seminar

Classroom education is limited.

Please don’t misunderstand me-I adore school. I was, and still am, the kid who was excited about the racks of school supplies at the grocery store during the summer months of August. However, I am sure we can all agree, that sitting in class will always lack an element of reality that is learned from experience. Sitting in class one day–I realized how detrimental this issue could be. Are we basing our futures off assumption? That’s a problem.

I therefore decided to plan a seminar.

During my four years of college, I realized my peers and I had very specific expectations about our futures in the fashion industry. Whether we admitted it or not, the goals we had for ourselves in the fashion industry were largely rooted in the dreams we had crafted as as elementary kids at recess. (Side note: These were the same years we thought Hollister tee-shirts and plaid shorts were the epitome of fashion, and Coka-Cola flavored lip balm was the “real deal” of true beauty products.)

I probably sound like a dream-crusher, however, this is far from my intent! I am a big believer setting goals and working hard to reach them. (Please…I’ve written multiple blog posts on it here, here, and here!) Therefore, because I wanted by peers to succeed, I believed it important to provide myself and my peers with the opportunity to hear from industry professionals. If we understand the world we are about to enter, we will be better equipped to succeed.

The Process

What do you do when you have questions? You find an expert. Then what do you do? Organize a seminar and have them talk.

As my mission was to provide my peers with valuable information, the optimal situation would be to have a dialogue with experienced, industry professionals.

How could a 21-year-old college kid get connected with professionals? Much less get them to speak on a panel?

Thankfully, a friend had recently connected me with the Loni Mbele. Loni is an experienced model, entrepreneur, and leader for a non-profit outreach group called Model’s For Christ (MFC). Amazingly, Loni was looking to develop relationships between MFC and university students to expand the organization and pour into young talent. She was thrilled to organize a seminar. It was a match made in heaven.

Together, Loni and I developed two seminars featuring industry professionals. We were joined by the models Lucas Kerr, John Hip, and Virginia Kramer, as well as designers Lindy Fox and John Llewelyn.

View the live streams for both events here and here.

What I Learned

From PR, Marketing, Communication, and More.

If there aren’t photos, it didn’t happen. We live in a digital age so photos and videos are non-negotiable. Never lose an opportunity to gain content for your business’ website, social media, blog, or personal portfolio. But photography is expensive! True, but experience is a commodity. One of the best things I did for this event was provide a new “photographer” with “internship experience” in exchange for photos.
Traditional marketing is (not) dead. Go crazy advertising on social media. We made reels, posted, re-posted–you name it, we did it. However, do not neglect the power of traditional marketing flyers. Below are two versions my team made on Canva. Especially if your advertising to specific, geographical target market, traditional marketing flyers establish event awareness, enhance your brand recognition, and are relatively inexpensive.

3. Be kind and ask for help. This event would not have been possible without Loni Mbele or each speaker from Model’s for Christ. Why did they decide to do it? Because they were kind and we asked. Never, ever doubt the power of being kind, forming relationships, and going into partnerships.

The wisdom these individuals provided us with was priceless. We heard every story you could imagine–from how to handle uncomfortable modeling gigs, securing jobs at major fashion houses, financially supporting yourself in NYC as a new designer, and much more. (Check out the links above to listen to the livestreams.)

What problem do you see that needs solving? Will you plan a seminar?