Skill.place

Plot twist: You don't have to discount to participate with Black Friday to still win at it!

You asked how, and we delivered!

⚡️No need to discount - really? YES, really! Use the momentum nevertheless. Think of pushing your ⚫️black little dress, or come with a campaign to shop in the dark, or something...

⚡️The momentum is here - as people are continuously probed to purchase. So even when they don't believe in Black Friday, or state that they don't want to purchase discount that day... For a mere 2 weeks people are consistently pushed into purchase, and they will. Even full-price to support the cause you're fighting on your end.

⚡️ As the momentum is here, all senses are one - let' them feel you care for what they care about the most! A charity, a good cause, a feeling, an emotion. Tackle it hard these days - their feelers are sensitive to the core and they will pick it up like a bear smelling honey.

⚡️ And if you feel you can't get around giving them something, then think of something non-discounted. Think of an online-special, think of a limited edition, something that is time limited and a one off. They can't miss out.

You most probably already have your Black Friday campaign running, so save it for next year. But don't forget all is followed by cyber Monday next week. And more cases like this cover the year to come.

Have fun these coming two weeks! Or at least, try to love the pain ;).

Retail isn't dead - Retail needs to reform. And you smaller/scaling brands, are at flagbearers in this process to change. One topic is selling in-off/season and applying sale. 3 Tips right here on how to ensure you will avoid sales full stop going forward. And at the same time contribute in saving retail ;) how about that!

1. Stop designing for the seasonality, the weather is the least trustworthy element of your life atm.
2. Don't neglect stock, make it your first priority all the time
3. Work in drops over season, smaller is soooooooo much more

So curious to hear your opinion or take on this - as it's a very hot potato.

Have a marvelous start into this week. xo Arinda

Just Do It! Yes, I'm a child in heart and soul. But led my life lead me by fear - I never just did it.

I started sewing a few weeks ago. Something I wanted to do for years. My mom is a strong seamstress, and she tried to teach me. She is old school, starting with the core knowledge of sewing and work your way up. I'm more of the freestyler, learning by doing kinda type. It wasn't the sewing that didn't latch on to me, it was the method.

So when I told my neighbor she stated, just start - I did, and how! I'm now almost sewing every free second and simply can't stop.

Sometimes it's not about the why or what - it's about the how. And you only figure that one out when you start. The right questions come your way. You won't know everything up front anyways. We're not fortune tellers. So START, and figure it out. You'll know what to do.

Have a marvelous week! and thank you Sibyl!
xo Arinda

Growing pains.

Contrary to what most people think, growing pains are not limited to the birth of your brand. You don't "just have to get through them". They will always be there, in different forms and intensities.

What is clear, however, is that you can set yourself up for less pain. If you give some facets of your business a little more attention and love, they will grow better. Think about your brand purpose, your vision and your product intent. But not to be ignored are your pricing, your costing, your financial backbone. If you don't control your numbers, they will control you - and trust me, nobody likes that.

When you see invoices piling up or payment reminders on your desk, it feels like s**t. So give your numbers some love and make the growing pains around here a little less painful.

xo Arinda

What does the perfect selling price look like? Am I too cheap? Am I too expensive?

The insecurity doesn't come from you not having the knowledge. The insecurity is that you apply your knowledge only at the end of the process.

I feel like a broken record here ;) but please start this discussion at point of design. The moment you start designing, you start filling your tech-pack. Your tech-pack leads to knowledge about your costs. Your costs help you to define a fundamental part of your pricing. And visa versa, your pricing helps you optimize your design to gain better profits.

The cool thing of these tech-pack or costing/pricing exercises is:

1. They help you in conversations with your supplier to reduce errors/fails.
2. They help you to see where you missed something. (backneck tape, care label, etc.)
3. They help you to create new developments faster. Just take a comparable tech-pack and hopla!
4. They help you to address new suppliers - send a package over and request a sample.
5. They help you before you hit a sample button (as samples are expensive) to see if it's worth developing from a financial point.
6. and soooooooooo much more.

If you don't use a tech-pack format now, or you want to ensure you've got one that works - download one on my website (link in bio). And if you have any questions - drop me a note! xo Arinda

Img: .drion

Whoohoo! Well a little later than expected (cause sick bebe) but here we go! What you can quickly do to generate an income, a new income or grow your income. All are based on a few simple values that have proven many successes at Koai Lab. This mindset in doing business brought people clarity, growth and happiness. So, what are these values ;)?

1. Don’t treat your product as your brand! Two different things. One is the engine the other is the fuel - they coexist!

2. If it’s not for you, if it’s not a priority or doesn’t make a difference, let it go.

3. Your skills are the foundation of your business. Not your product, not your brand. Make sure that you milk the potential of your skills. What are you an expert on, and trust me - there are always people in need of ‘that’ expertise! Also, focus on strengthening your strengths and don’t spend too much or any time on strengthening your weaknesses, this won’t make a dent in your financial output.

So, be great! Be happy and strong. And for any tips and tricks how to get this done by in example the use of a simple umbrella 😉 - hollah straight to our digital platform > link in bio.

xo Arinda

For all the starters and scalers - START but keep an eye on the future.

When you start your business don’t think you know it all - you don’t ;). I have 20 yrs of experience and still learn every day. A few tips I have for you to not bump the head unnecessary on your journey…

1. take it step by step - make sure you see what you’re doing, can adapt and react, instead of running after yourself.

2. think ahead - don’t build a business for today. Think about how it can look in the future - how your product names will evolve, if your SKU numbers can evolve, etc. You don’t have to implement, but you should enable yourself.

3. take a breather - it’s so important to reflect in the beginning. Don’t run after your business like a headless chicken. Own it.

4. go! Don’t wait till it’s perfect, go out and let the people who pay for your product tell you how good it is. Don’t assume you know.

I have heaps more, just follow along on our digital platform and find guidance every day to move yourself and your business onwards.

Be awesome today xo Arinda

Money Money Money, you are not running an expensive hobby! You‘re running a business, a profitable one! So act like it. Where do you earn and spend your cash? Can you maybe be more smart here? We give many tips on our digital platform, sign up now! And for now, be clever, don’t ignore your financials - even if they scare the living daylight out of you! xo Arinda

Are you reinventing yourself, your brand, your product every season / drop or capsule collection? Do you doubt if you have selected the right way to go or if you should change everything? And if you change everything where do you start? Did you ever think your personal skills lead this topic… the stuff you get out of bed for in the morning!

At The Learning Platform we touch this topic and guide you through small exercises to avoid you reinventing yourself for quite some time following - join now (link in bio) and start ‘discover your skills’ right away.

Xo Arinda

For all the newbies here - this is me.

I'm Arinda - from Amsterdam but living in Zurich Switzerland. Mother to two little boys and married to a Swiss serial-preneur. I co-own different creative ventures and we manage all from home.

I'm a corporate fashion veteran and over the last years I've enjoyed - setting-up, running and growing (inter)national creative businesses via 1:1 coaching with .

I'm a natural motivator and inspirator with high energy - but down to earth mentality (hence the Jamie Oliver comparison made here and there haha). I don't like to make things complex and a fix should have direct impact with long term affect. Let's use what is within your means first, before breaking the bank.

After offering successful 1:1 coaching for years, I've seen the additional need for online tutorials and quick learners to get you on your way, by yourself when you need it most. I'm so passionate to get you going places, I literally live for this s**t!

Let's grow the confidence in your business with Koai Lab - The Learning Platform. I can't wait to meet you there 🤍 xo Arinda



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