Hey Divas! I just wanted to share with you how networking can be good, but sometimes, it can offend and cause other people to be uncomfortable with who you are.
Last night, I went out to 2 events, and I did what I naturally do…network. The first event was a Sip N Shop at a consignment boutique and as I went in, I began to network, give out my cards and flyers for my upcoming event. I was promptly told, “Can you please stop doing that. It’s kind of like competition.” Now, I wasn’t trying to compete at all. I was simply trying to network, share information, and actually promote an event I am scheduled to do with that same boutique.
I sincerely apologized and told her, “I am so sorry. I definitely wasn’t trying to take your customers.” In actuality, we’re not even in the same market. This boutique offers very high-end clothing and The Discount Diva Thriftique specializes in most items under $20, Vintage, and a few high-end specialty items.
I went back again and explained I was trying to promote our upcoming event in December and was told, “No worries. It’s fine” so I stopped promoting and networking but continued to shop. After complimenting a girl on her nails and talking about how to get Minks on the cheap, she complimented my purse. I told her, “It’s a $5000 Derek Lam I got for $150. She said, “OMG, give me your information.” I gave her my card and she asked, “Do you have a store?” I told her, “Actually, I’m launching a Thriftique, but I can’t give out information in here.” She said, “Just slide me one.” I did and the Security Officer promptly walked up to me and told me, “You can’t promote your event here. If you continue, you will asked to leave.” I repeated that I am having an event there and I am promoting that event. He said, “I am just doing what I was told.”
So now I’m slightly embarrassed and started to have a mini meltdown in my mind (never let them see you sweat). Would the store cancel my event? Did they see me as a true threat, competition, and therefore wouldn’t want to work with me? Was I out of order? At any rate, I stayed another 15 minutes because I don’t let anybody run me out of anywhere and then went to the next event.
This event was at Belk, and again, I did what I do. I was getting footage of the deals and sales for my show, interviewing the President of the Junior League of Atlanta, and networking (passing out cards and flyers). I got VERY positive feedback and many women were supportive.
Then a fellow League member came up to me and said, “You might wanna watch out because the Belk people are complaining about you passing out flyers.” I said, “Ok, no problem” and put them up. I had met an employee earlier who was excited I would be having vintage pieces. She came by and said, “What’s going on lady.” I stated, “Bout to get put up out of here because I’m handing out flyers.” She said, “Who told you that? That’s not true. I’ve been putting them in the bags of the customers all night!” She then said, “I love what you are doing. Give me some more flyers. I’ll hand them out for you.”
Moral of the story…Sometimes, you don’t have to do anything, but just be. I didn’t have to fight with the people about handing out flyers or get an attitude. I complied with what the woman told me and Belk came to me to hand them out for me. Ain’t HE alright!
I want to apologize to anyone that I offended last night. I didn’t mean to take anyone’s business, compete with anyone, or solicit. I was just doing what I naturally do because I am passionate about it. My business just comes out of me because I love it.
On another note, I can’t wait to open The Discount Diva Thriftique on November 22, 2014 and give my customers what they want. Fabulous frugal finds!
