Approximately 15 years ago I was introduced by a colleague to the lucrative world of being hired as an industry expert. What this mean is I would be hired by attorneys who needed qualified experts. “An expert witness is a person whose opinion by virtue of education, training, certification, skills or experience, is accepted by the judge as an expert. The judge may consider the witness's specialized (scientific, technical or other) opinion about evidence or about facts before the court within the expert's area of expertise, to be referred to as an "expert opinion". Expert witnesses may also deliver "expert evidence" within the area of their expertise. Their testimony may be rebutted by testimony from other experts or by other evidence or facts.”
Working as an expert witness has been at times stressful but at the same time a learning experience, very lucrative and a whole new view of the legal side of the industry. Most of the cases involved copyright infringement that concerned stealing or adapting copyright prints, graphics and lace designs.
Then in the past couple of years new doors opened.
Shanghai SIFIC (University) Has asked me to teach my Fashion for Profit curriculum online. We are working on the agreement of IP protection issues. Stay tuned!
2020 – I started a new assignment with UN with Egyptian apparel manufacturers. Visiting Egypt has long been on my bucket list, so I was thrilled to accept this new assignment. Then the Pandemic hit! So now all our meetings are virtual Zoom meetings with the companies I am assisting. I am sad to say that this method was not that effective and many morning meetings were a no show by companies.
Through my 20 plus years presenting at MAGIC they asked me to organize their online seminars for MAGIC Sourcing for their new online virtual platform. Their platform is now permanently open online. This is a virtual networking opportunity!
2024 – I have been invited to assist 10 Ukrainian designers enter the US market. They are very professional, and their products are really very impressive. They have been invited to present on the runway following the Oscars. I have advised some of the companies to change their company names as they are too hard to pronounce. Important to have a name that resonates and can be remembered.
Footnote: My realization of each network connection only was realized after networking happened! Doors open when YOU preform.
Look for the next story of Networking with my assistant Rebecca, who connected with me through my manicurist. She was at the time a 16-year-old student wishing to enter the fashion industry. Four years later she has now moved on to graduate with a college degree and new assignments. She is also a talented artist herself and I will be excited to follow her networking journey.
Stay tuned!