We all played dress-up games as a kid and wanted to look as ‘fashionable’ as possible! Earlier, fashion revolved around glitters and shimmers, but its definition today has transformed entirely. Fashion is closely related to business management, an inseparable component. Fashion Management refers to creating brand value, strengthening the brand image, and consolidating the consumer base.
The students gain detailed business integration and management knowledge in the fashion world.
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An Overview of Fashion Business Management
Fashion business management combines fashion-related subjects with the principles of business and commerce. With a degree in fashion business management, graduates can pursue careers in merchandising, visual display, retailing, marketing, public relations, forecasting trends, and product development.
Fashion business management programs offer courses such as accounting, economics, and finance; presentation design; product development; integrated marketing communications (IMC); digital media convergence; branding strategies; retail buying and merchandising; consumer behavior; global markets and international sourcing. Students are expected to understand product life cycles, creative design processes, and how to develop compelling customer experiences.
Skills Needed in Fashion Business Management
Source: forbes.com
The fashion industry is quickly expanding, and so is the need for individuals to have all-rounded skill sets. No matter what stage you are at, whether a beginner or a professional, you will derive value from the courses offered at the renowned institute. The following are the skills needed to succeed:
1. Detail-oriented
While pursuing fashion management courses, have an eye for details. You can click here to know more about the courses. You should understand the field’s intricacies and implement them easily into the business. You gain diversified industry knowledge, learn and interact with the concerned intellectuals, and understand the multi-billion-dollar fashion industry and its working methodology by having a good eye for detail.
2. Marketing skills
A crucial aspect of any business is the marketing and promotional aspect. To be successful in fashion, you need to understand how trends move through the industry, how to create an effective PR plan and, develop creative campaigns that will increase sales and bring in new customers.
Knowing how to build relationships with key influencers, craft persuasive product/service descriptions, and manage e-commerce platforms are essential to being a successful fashion business manager.
3. Financial acumen
Having financial knowledge is another crucial component needed when managing a fashion business. The ability to track costs associated with production, shipping, taxes, and other expenses is necessary for sustainable growth over time.
Source: niagarainstitute.com
Understanding cash flow and cost-benefit analysis will help you make well-informed decisions and ensure that your business remains profitable. There will be times when you’ll need to negotiate with suppliers, contractors, and vendors. Having the know-how to secure favorable agreements is also essential for success.
4. Marketing savvy
Knowledge of marketing principles is vital in fashion business management. Identifying target markets, understanding customer needs, developing effective promotional campaigns, and updating communications mechanisms are vital skills that can be used to increase sales and brand recognition. Additionally, using digital media platforms like Twitter and Instagram can help your business reach a much larger audience than traditional methods alone.
5. Excellent communication skills
Having exceptional communication skills is integral to the success of any fashion business. Managers need to be able to effectively lead their teams, negotiate deals, and build relationships with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders. Strong verbal and written communication capabilities are necessary if you manage a successful fashion enterprise.
6. Creative thinking
The world of fashion is all about creativity. You must think outside the box to stand out from the competition and remain ahead of trends. Creativity can help you develop new product lines or develop fresh marketing strategies that can give your business an edge over others. Managers should be able to look at problems in new ways and find creative solutions that can help achieve the desired outcomes.
7. Project management skills
Source: herzing.edu
Successful fashion business managers have excellent project management skills. This is a crucial skill since it helps you stay organized and ensure that tasks are completed on time. Project management involves setting deadlines, assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and communicating with team members. It also requires having an eye for detail, so you don’t miss any important details or miss out on opportunities.
8. Computer proficiency
The use of technology has greatly changed the way fashion businesses operate nowadays. Therefore, if you want to become a fashion manager, you need to have basic computer skills such as working with a spreadsheet program, creating presentations, and using other software programs. Having a good understanding of the latest technologies will also help you better manage your fashion business.
9. Leadership skills
Finally, exceptional leadership skills are crucial to success in this industry. As a fashion manager, you need to be able to motivate and lead your team toward success. You should have excellent problem-solving abilities and make quick decisions when needed. Your ability to foster a positive work environment that encourages open communication and collaboration can determine the success of your fashion business.
10. Problem-solving skills
The fashion industry’s business aspect comes with the skill to tackle problems patiently and efficiently. You need to hold the ability to make the right decisions in the spur of the moment by considering various influential factors. If you already possess these skills, you gain an advantage over the rest and sharpen them by completing the foundation design course.
11. Multi-disciplinary skills
Source: open.edu
Having multi-disciplinary skills is necessary for every fashion aspirant. You should know and understand how to implement the acquired skills across different roles, such as supply chain, management, and finance, among other areas of business, contributing to its growth. It is a vital component of this course, with a duration of three years and on-site internships.
Developing them
The best way to develop these skills is to enroll in a reputed and certified design college in India. Make sure you have completed 10+2 in Arts, Science, Commerce, or equivalent streams. The aggregate should be 50%, and candidates appearing for their Class 12 exams or awaiting their results for the current academic year can also apply. You can apply for these courses if you are from ICSE, CBSE, State, or IB board.
