Have you ever had a conversation with someone you know, where they drop some big name of someone you’re familiar with… but the story has no obvious point, other than to point out that they have some *Kevin Bacon Six Degrees* experience with someone whose name precedes them? What if someone you knew always said they wanted to quit their job to become a circus aerialist, but never did. On hearing little tales of this sort, I often wonder – what are these people doing, exactly, to earn my attention? Does dropping a name, or spouting this and that about an idea REALLY give you street cred? Should you be respected for passively talking about something instead of actively participating? Not in MY world! In MY world, people who talk are like popcorn – too much fluff in each individual piece. People who actually do things – who are actually accomplishing – are interesting, inspiring, delicious! I like popcorn – it’s only irritating when stuck in my teeth – but it’s usually a passing phase before a better and more complete meal.
People who go out and make a difference are the people who have all the street cred – they’re the people who should be recognized for making waves and being influential/inspirational. Stop doting on those who only talk and don’t do – those talking heads are nothing more than fluff. Be active instead of passive.
Going out and doing what you love or want to do is interesting. If you’re a blogger and you work with your field of expertiese, your posts are going to be complete, accurate and well worth the read. For example, MissElle at Broke & Beautiful is focused on thrifty style. She knows style and she’s definitely an authority when it comes to style on a budget – especially in terms of quality. Broke & Beautiful is well-written because she KNOWS what she’s talking about – she researches designers she mentioned, and doesn’t need to drop names to impress. She’s ultra chic, on a working girl’s budget.
Another example: Nubby Twiglet – she exudes art in her daily wear, her office decor, and her end of the week photo posts. The fact that she works for a design firm, where she deals daily in artistic expression, makes her all the more impressive.
For those of you who read the site, another example is Miss Darling’s stint in New York. Were you riveted to your monitor wondering where she’d be next while in New York? Were you excited for outfit posts, or cool NY photos? Do you wish she was there now, furiously pounding out odes to NYC magic? Instead of just talking up the city, she was out doing something awesome – even if it was just taking pictures, making fun videos and experiencing the city. Doing is magic.
On the same token, my former roommate Miss Fox is in Argentina – now that’s doing SOMETHING! While there, she’ll be taking language classes and in March, she’ll head to Peru to volunteer in a children’s clinic. Her adventures sound amazing, and she’s doing something to benefit the world by volunteering.
Myself? I’m going to school and working with an indie designer to pilot DecoModiste – a small clothing company based in Seattle. We’re focusing on the local economy by buying local, as well as supplying local boutiques. I don’t have the complete fashion background that my designer has, though I’ve got experience in retail marketing, construction, wardrobe and costumes. I am going to school to learn more about the business aspect – something that will benefit anybody I choose to work with. I spend my free time creating accessories, sketching dress designs, and researching fabrics, colors and styles.
My current motto: even if you’re not prepared to go out and DO just yet, there are hundreds of ways to set yourself up for success – that is action in itself. In this business I don’t drop names that aren’t my own, and with my name, I cite my years of experience in business and office administration, my experience in retail marketing, and my sartorial experience (research, costuming, construction, etc). We don’t just talk about creating a clothing line, it’s in the works.
Before you drop names to people you’re looking to impress, or before you talk-talk-talk about how you want to travel, ask yourself what YOU do or have done towards that end? Are you passive in your passion, or are you active? Chances are that your experience, research and knowledge are fairly impressive. Doing is always more interesting than just talking about it and anybody can talk up a subject or drop a name. If you’re new to the industry or experience you’re looking for, become active by asking questions and learning as much as you can.
While you’re at it, research, research and research some more. There’s no point in doing anything half-assed! As the Flaming Lips might ask – With all your power, what would YOU do?
Great advice my good lady.
Great advice my good lady.