₦airaland Forum

Word of mouth marketing entails not just getting customers to talk about your brand, but also turning them into brand evangelists.⠀⠀
⠀⠀
In addition to that, word of mouth marketing will also help your business with free advertising, grow at a much faster rate, boost your sales and increase brand loyalty. Here are three strategies you can implement;⠀⠀
⠀⠀
1. Invest in customer experience⠀⠀
⠀⠀
2. Reward loyalty⠀⠀

3. Get user-Generated Content⠀⠀

Read how to adopt these at this link:

https://www.martwayne.com/3-word-of-mouth-marketing-strategies-to-grow-your-fashion-business/

P.S. Do you know you can learn fashion design, sewing and patternmaking from anywhere you are in the world with our online fashion courses?

Visit our website at www.martwayne.com/our-fashion-courses

or WhatsApp 08143402567 to learn more.⠀⠀⠀

Don't let funds stand in your way of achieving your dreams of becoming a fashion designer and starting your fashion business. Visit www.martwayne.com/carbon for details

Earn extra cash from the comfort of your home by becoming a Martwayne Affiliate. Know somebody who wants to study fashion design, learn how to sew, sketch or perfect their skills, simply tell them about us, get them to register and earn money for spreading the word in 5 easy steps.

To know more, visit:

https://www.martwayne.com/martwayne-affiliate-programme/

Relationships take work and the one you have with your business is no exception. It can be hard especially during difficult times, to keep up the same energy and enthusiasm you once felt for your business.⠀

With the harsh economic environment in a country like ours, it can be difficult to keep up the enthusiasm. Yes you have the passion but the reality of the business dawns on you. At times like this, you need to stratigize and people to brainstorm with so you can see things with fresh eyes. When you do, you begin to love your business again. I know because I've been there.

If you take out time to work on your business, you’ll eventually start achieving the results you want.⠀
⠀
Show your business more love this week. Visit www.martwayne.com/blog for more tips on how you can do things differently in your business.

Okay. Will let you know if I find anyone.

Dave0116:
Lekki

True! Lol!

imiski:
I can't help but agree with you. But continous petronage would make them better. After all tecno nah chinko e be before.

People are buying because it is of good quality and it looks good not because they are made in Nigeria. And these dresses are not even good examples. They are all sold out! In fact, for that beige dress, that is the 2nd or 3rd reorder. I just attached the pictures to show great clothes can come from here. I even bought some of her stuff at her retail price even though we produced for her.

Plus the designer is new. She just started last year - an unknown brand if you will. If the product is good, people will buy. But if they know it is Made in Nigeria, they tend to find faults or expect that if it it Made in Nigeria, they can be adjusted to fit their bodies.

For me, I don't necessarily go for cheap clothes. I make clothes and I teach fashion design so what I look out for when I buy clothes - and in fact any other thing - is usually quality.

And as for China goods, not everything produced in China is cheap. I used to produce clothes in China and I know what I paid for production alone not to add marketing. It is what you ask for they will produce for you and send to you. And their factories are heavily subsidized by Government. We are not. Not to mention burning diesel all day!

People don't charge what they do simply because they are made in Nigeria. People charge based on the huge costs they incur in providing the product.

MrBrownJay1:
if your goods were as cheap as China goods then people would buy it.... you cant expect people to buy your goods, just because they are Nigeri made, do you? you gotta build a reputation 1st, and sadly, many manufacturer think that you can just build a brand and sell to millions, just like that.

it doesnt work that way.... look at the local Nigerian cars, as much as it is a great idea, the car is shiit and damn ugly... but some Nigerian would expect people to not buy a sound/sexy looking foreign car and just buy Nigerian motor.

I hear you. But trust me we have a reputation. I lived in South Africa for a bit. That's where I got my fashion degree. I know the things I had to fight, one of them being Nigerian. Whether we like it or not, we have a reputation and not all of it is good. I love being Nigerian and I don't hide it either. I am proud of it!

budaatum:
Reputation "we" have? Funny I don't see that.

I can't hide I'm Nigerian when I apply for jobs in UK. It all in my well known Yoruba names you can tell a mile off, but no one has ever said, "Nigeria has a reputation and so have you". They look at my cv and interview me and hire me if they like what they see.

Yes, some Nigerians do have the mindset that foreign is better, and truth be told, it often iis - try spark plugs where old thrown away tokunbo is better than made in Naija, or health care where MRI machines are scarce, or Ipekere from Cuba sold in UK! But that's our doing for not making quality things and giving ourselves the reputation we might currently have.

Odd though. The world is hungry for quality authentic Made in Nigeria as we have a unique contribution to make to world culture. It's we who need to value ourselves.

I hear you. But trust me we have a reputation. I lived in South Africa for a bit. That's where I got my fashion degree. I know the things I had to fight, one of them being Nigerian. Whether we like it or not, we have a reputation and not all of it is good.

budaatum:
Reputation "we" have? Funny I don't see that.

I can't hide I'm Nigerian when I apply for jobs in UK. It all in my well known Yoruba names you can tell a mile off, but no one has ever said, "Nigeria has a reputation and so have you". They look at my cv and interview me and hire me if they like what they see.

Yes, some Nigerians do have the mindset that foreign is better, and truth be told, it often iis - try spark plugs where old thrown away tokunbo is better than made in Naija, or health care where MRI machines are scarce, or Ipekere from Cuba sold in UK! But that's our doing for not making quality things and giving ourselves the reputation we might currently have.

Odd though. The world is hungry for quality authentic Made in Nigeria as we have a unique contribution to make to world culture. It's we who need to value ourselves.

Where is your location in Lagos? And where can you work? Or is the location of work not important eg can you work in Surulere?

Dave0116:
I'm a professional tailor with over 6 years experience, I stay in Lagos and currently looking for job


My number: 08067658851

That I agree with. Since Nigerians don't value 9ja goods very highly.

But why though? These are outfits we made in our factory here in Surulere. Why should someone not buy it simply because it was made here?

MrBrownJay1:
- maybe they wanna save money
- maybe they want people to believe that it was made elsewhere (since Nigerians dont value 9ja goods very highly)

But it takes money to build a brand. If people don't buy, where will the money come from?

yanabasee:
Because we're yet to produce a thing... We sew clothes... but we don't have a brand... We import inferior items and assemble them and distribute them....

The typical subservient nature right? We do great work so why don't we just give us a chance?

GeniusWannabe:
I guess they believe people won't buy them since most people consider internal products fake. We don't believe in our abilities, and also depend on the whites for so much.

That's what a lot of people have said. So why do we not look at a product for what it is against where it was made?

GeniusWannabe:
I guess they believe people won't buy them since most people consider internal products fake.

It is quite sad actually... But then again... You do come across Made in Nigeria outfits that are badly made. So perhaps this is also responsible for the mindset.

imiski:
We are the ones killing our economy by ourselves. Tomorrow we would heap the whole blame on the government. We are selling ourselves to the white man.

Lol. But some people feel it is because of the reputation we have. So it goes beyond just the clothes but the very mindset that anything foreign is better.

budaatum:
Perhaps we are not so proud of being made in Nigeria. You hear some calling themselves zoo!

Where is your location?

Dave0116:
I'm a professional tailor with over 6 years experienceexperience, I stay in Lagos and currently looking for job


My number: 08067658851

Where is your location?

Why don't we put Made in Nigeria on our clothes if they are made here? Some factories like ours do great production! What do you think the reasons are and what can be done to change things? Could it be because people will not buy the clothes if they discover it was made in Nigeria? Or do designers specifically ask for this? Or did it never occur to us?

Read more at:

https://www.martwayne.com/why-dont-we-put-made-in-nigeria-on-our-clothes/

Meanwhile if you are an SS carrier, check out herbacell.co That herb is a life saver!

If you have the money, consider PGD & IVF. It is very expensive but it is an option. You can research it.

This question is one many designers always have a headache about as it deals with money matters. While many of us shy away from it, it is one major problem everyone has. I’ll limit what I have to say to the one question most designers who run production units ask at every event, every seminar and pretty much at every opportunity:

“Should I pay my workers per piece or should I put them on a salary?”

THAT is the million-dollar question and here is my take on it even though when I revisited the subject of producing for designers, we have a policy which I will share at the end of the post.

https://www.martwayne.com/commission-vs-salary-which-is-better-for-tailors/

What a great way to start a new week and a new Year!

The greatest fear a teacher has is delivering on her promise to make students understand seemingly difficult tasks! The feedback has been consistent and I am so grateful!

There's absolutely nothing to fear with our Online Course in Sewing and Patternmaking. And you get 3 bonus courses instead of 2. It launches on the 1st of February and registration has started. You can register wherever you are in the world.

It is perfect for beginners and those who can already sew. It will be totally worth it!

Visit www.martwayne.com/our-fashion-courses/

to sign up. Discounted rates for payments by Jan 19.

⁣It‘s the start of a new day, the dawn of a new week and a passport to new possibilities. ⠀
It’s time to start putting those goals you’ve set into action.⠀
⠀
This is the time to work towards a better YOU, a bigger outcome and a greater life.⠀
⠀
Have a great week.⠀

www.martwayne.com/our-fashion-courses/

⁣⁣⁣Great ideas come and go, often they come in unexpected moments of inspiration. But what do you do when you need to come up with fresh ideas? How do you jumpstart the ideation process?Here are a few ways to open up your mind and get your creative juices flowing.⠀

▪️Take a walk⠀

A change of scenery will do you a lot of good. It’ll help stimulate your senses, decrease stress, get your blood flowing and before you know it you'll probably be able to generate creative ideas.⠀

Fun Fact: Einstein walked on the beach when he needed to work out complex problems.⠀

◾️Socialize more⠀

Go out, meet new people, attend events, talk to people in and outside your industry or strike up conversations with customers you’re familiar with.⠀

It’ll help you learn more, generate new ideas and refresh your perspective.⠀

▪️Keep an Idea Journal ⠀

You can never really predict the exact moment when a great idea will come to you, that's why it is essential to have a journal where you can record them.⠀

It helps you remember and develop fresh ideas from past recorded ones.⠀

▪️Travel⠀

‘The more you travel, the more learned you are’ – this old saying has proven to be true. And it doesn't have to be outside the country either.

Travelling helps you generate new ideas, knowledge and gain insight previously unattainable.⠀

▪️Try out market research ⠀

Market research can prove invaluable in generating new ideas. It’ll help you find out exactly what your target market wants, key services/products you should be offering and how to get ahead of the competition.⠀

The best ideas come to you when you’re taking a shower or randomly surfing the web, And that’s okay! The important thing is to find what works for you.⠀

P.S. Do you know we offer Online Courses in Sewing and Patternmaking courses, Fashion Entrepreneurship Courses, Sewing Techniques for Perfect Finishing and Creative Patternmaking Courses? And you can register anywhere in the world!

Visit our website at

https://www.martwayne.com/our-fashion-courses/

or WhatsApp 08143402567 to learn more.

Specialization in the Fashion Industry remains a concept which is still so vague in this environment. I recall a conversation I was having with a friend when my big day was coming up.

“I bet you’re sewing your own wedding gown right”?

My response? “Errr…. no.”

Next question, “Why not?”

My response? “Well… first, I really don’t want to stress myself seeing I completed my outfit for my Introduction a few hours before the event” and “secondly, I am not really into bridal wear. I am more into corporatewear”.

Question 3: “But I thought you were an all-rounder”.

My answer? “Well… yes… so are doctors but they still specialize in certain areas”. [Straight-face-emoticon]!

And I believe that was the end of that conversation.

Or what says you? I know I am yet to see a doctor who operates as a heart surgeon, a gynaecologist, a brain surgeon, an ENT specialist, a GP and a neurologist all in one right. And I should know. My dad and brother are doctors and I lived with like 3 medical students in University.

Now don’t get me wrong… my position was not about the design or actual construction of the gown… after all a wedding gown is, more often than not, a corset with a half/full or double circle skirt and I have done both many many times. My major concern was the fact that yet again, I am being put under unnecessary pressure by people who have little or no understanding of the Industry I operate in.

Read more...

https://www.martwayne.com/specialization-in-the-fashion-industry/

True. But there also is a place for some form of education, be it formal or informal, that helps to mould the raw talent.

That’s like asking if you need an education to succeed in life generally. But, I could also argue that many self-made billionaires either never went to school or dropped out of school. Cases in point: Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and also our very own Cosmas Maduka of Coscharis Motors…and the list goes on.

I know you could say well… those people are not in the fashion industry – or the fashion industry is different and a lot more complicated so I’ll bring it closer to home.

Ralph Lauren – yes you know him (many of us own at least one of those tops with a horse on it) – well… he never went to fashion school and also dropped out of business school. The last time I checked, he was worth about $6.5 billion according to Forbes in 2012 and I am sure he is worth a whole lot more now.

So with these reference points, it kind of makes you wonder why you need to put yourself through so much stress and spend all that time and money to get the knowledge right?

Yes, I also asked myself that same question at some point until I realized that although these men may have dropped out of school, they opted for a different kind of learning environment. They got the relevant work experience and spent a long time at it as well.

So lest I digress, on the question of “to go to fashion school or not to go to fashion school?” here is my take on it. I’m listing just a few of the benefits of going to fashion school from the perspective of someone who attended one.

Read more here:

https://www.martwayne.com/do-i-need-fashion-school-to-succeed-in-the-industry/

People tend to have misconceptions about what it takes to operate in the Fashion Industry. Most of these misconceptions stem from certain mindsets about what people think rather than what it actually is. So here I am debunking the various myths people have about fashion and the industry as a whole.

Whilst some aspiring designers seem to think being able to sketch is good enough and being a fashion designer is the perfect escape from a busy 9 to 5 job, others think we designers are a bunch of people who couldn’t really cut it in university or worse are just jobless people who will soon wake up from whatever cloud we always seem to be floating on. And I don’t really blame them, some of us who operate in the industry give them this impression because we are too busy chasing irrelevant things to realize that we are running fashion businesses. And what happens? We become the perfect template of why fashion designers or the industry is too unsafe a haven for potential operators or investors.

Read more...

https://www.martwayne.com/debunking-myths-about-fashion-design/

Finding a fashion brand niche to cater to is very important. How will you ensure you stand out so you are the first company people think about when they need that specific product?

Read more

https://www.martwayne.com/finding-your-fashion-brand-niche/

I had to make a conscious effort to make my 2020 goals about me and not about work. Thankfully my goals are not so long. They are not this short either but if I had to pick the top goals, I would say these would be the top 6. What are your goals for 2020?⠀

Starting a fashion business with very little capital is very challenging, but it can be done.⁠ Sometimes having too much starting capital can be a bad thing, it gives the early illusion of success and leads to wasteful processes and business practices. ⁠

I remember when I first started out. Many people believed in my vision and of course I had lots of support from friends and family who wanted to support my dream. A year down the line, I was out of cash! When I thought back to what I spent the money on, it seemed to be on things that did not directly relate to revenue. It was more about 'branding' - and I use the word very loosely. I spent money on things that, in hindsight, did not seem to matter then such as having the perfect website, employing staff I did not need, spending money on business cards that cost so much but was never delivered and other things.

Read more here:

https://www.martwayne.com/tips-for-starting-your-fashion-business-on-a-lean-budget/

The first time I was asked this question was on some TV interview a while back and of course I answered the question without batting an eyelid. But since then, I have asked both new and practising designers the difference between the two terms and it turned out that whilst everyone, more often than not, knew who a designer was, none of them actually got the definition of a tailor.

So here we are setting the record straight…. with of course “The University of Google”, “The Internet Institute” & “The Wikipedia College” to support my claim. Read more...

https://www.martwayne.com/difference-between-a-fashion-designer-a-tailor/

The fashion world is constantly changing and the success rate of startups aren’t all that great. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful fashion business, though! Here are useful tips that’ll help you develop your fashion business in 2020.⠀

https://www.martwayne.com/tips-for-developing-a-fashion-business-in-2020/