I love fashion. It doesn’t necessarily show in my daily outfits, but when necessary I can undergo a red carpet worthy transformation. And while I’m not into reality shows, Project Runway is one I have consistently watched since Season 1. Aside from the analysis of the weekly challenges, Project Runway provides lessons that can easily be applied to the business world in general. Here are a few I’ve gleaned over the years.
1)You never know what the judges are looking for…
The judges =your customers, clients, award panels, or anyone with an opinion
Heidi Klum likes the color, Zac Posen hates the seaming, Nina Garcia thinks it’s got potential if you would just cut the neckline. Creativity is subjective. Yes, there are a few proven methods that mix good business form and function like meeting customer needs, paying bills, and constant marketing. However, the approach is born out of who you are as a business owner. And people’s opinion of your approach is born out of their personal worldview. A hundred different people will give you 100 different opinions about how you run your business. In the end, you have to walk into your storefront or office and do the same thing every day, so you better make it someplace you enjoy, doing something you love.
Which leads to…
2) If you don’t know your voice, you will be all over the place…
The designers that win are the ones who know their strengths. Whether it is successfully using patterned material, constructing fabulous pants, or finding new ways to make all black look less boring, they use those strengths as the base for the challenge. Those who haven’t figured out their particular strengths don’t have that foundation. We don’t know who they are as designers or what we can expect from them creatively. I experienced this same problem when I started Pagesculptor Studios. I wanted to go into marketing, but never wanted to identify my business as a marketing firm. I gave myself a host of excuses: This town is too small for a marketing firm. I only have a minor in marketing. Businesses already have in-house marketing departments. This created a definition problem in the minds of potential clients. Even though I did the same activities as a marketing firm, people didn’t see me as one. Once I started calling myself a marketer, then others started to see me that way too. Identify the strengths behind your products and services and use it as the foundation to define your company.
3) Take advantage of the unconventional challenge…
Every season, Project Runway features a few unconventional challenges where designers take materials other than straight fabric and make a wearable outfit. This could be plastic duckies, stuffed animals, or newspaper. In business, it is easy to get into a rut. We focus so much on making enough money to pay the bills that we sometimes forget to push ourselves into a new comfort zone. This might be developing a new product with new materials in a new way, marketing your company with a new approach, or offering a service that at first glance might seem utterly ridiculous. The situations are far from ideal. The problem might be new. And you might not have all the desired resources. The challenge is to make do with what you have on hand.
4) Someone will always bring drama…
Business can get stressful. Between meetings, emails, and actual completion of a full workload, there is a constant pressure to better manage your time. Yet, there are those special few that just have to add to the stress with their chaotic presence–the shouters, the fit-pitchers, that guy on Project Runway who smashed the camera into the cameraman’s head. Okay, maybe things don’t escalate quite to that level, but you get the gist. Things would be calm in your office if it weren’t for (put name here). The project would be completed if not for (put same name here). Things wouldn’t be so tense if (put same name here repeatedly) weren’t stomping around the office and slamming doors. Drama Queens (and Kings) stir up a storm and then cry when it rains. As the boss you need to determine if their talents are worth the weather.
5) Find your Tim Gunn…
Tim Gunn makes Project Runway. He is disarming, funny, and genuinely cares about the future of each designer. This comes out in his mid-episode chats with designers about the progress of their garment. The one word every competitor uses to describe Tim Gunn is ‘mentor.’ That’s because he has a delicate honesty that effectively communicates what designers are doing right and what needs serious improvement. Every owner needs some kind of mentor no matter how big, rich, or famous. We all have weaknesses that change as our business grows or our industry evolves. Perfection is not an option, but reflection is. Having a good, trusted soul with an interest in your success. Find your Tim Gunn and you can’t go wrong.
6) Even in friendship, it is still a competition…
It’s probably the most repeated line in every season: I really hope the best for (name) because we’ve become great friends, but it’s still a competition and I intend to win. It’s probably one of the most precarious line you’ll walk in business–learning to be competitive while getting along with others. In a small town like Fairbanks, there is a good chance you will actually be friends with your competitors. This is where compartmentalization is essential. The “it’s not personal, it’s business” mode where you don’t feel guilty for outshining your friend; and not holding back because you are afraid of losing the friendship. Business is war. If your friend can’t handle being outmaneuvered from time to time, then that person isn’t your friend.
7) Have a Story…
Project Runway judges often ask designers for the “story” behind their design. It is a quick an easy way to get an idea about the intent of the garment, who would wear it, and provide some guidelines in which the judges can give feedback. Businesses also need stories to quickly communication to potential clients. For example, this XKCD comic illustrates Pagesculptor Studio’s story succinctly:
What is your company’s story?
8) Don’t Play It Safe…
The worst thing you can hear on Project Runway is Nina Garcia say, We’ve seen that look a million times! ‘The Little Black Dress’ is the yoga pants of high fashion. It is appropriate in its setting keeping judgmental glances to a minimum. But it doesn’t make you stand out either. In business, it is easy to do what’s been proven. It’s harder to trail blaze an idea because there are a million-and-one haters who are going to knock it down. Maybe some of their critiques are on point. You are trailblazing a product or idea after all. What are the chances it’s going to be right the first time? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: It sucks to go first. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take things to another level.
On that note…
9) Still Edit…
I wanted to create something that is edgy, chic, avant garde, and science fictiony with a touch of nature…mmmm okay. It is possible to try to put too many ideas into one product or service. When things feel complicated versus complex, it is; and most likely you are facing two or more problems. So take one solution and shape it with clarity. Then tackle the other.
10) Make It Work…
Tim Gunn’s famous words in the face of adversity. Few days are perfect. Owning a business never gets easier. You only get better at handling the difficulties. Everything you need to succeed is in your attitude. No go out there and take what’s yours.