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Alright where do I start? This shouldn't be a hard question to answer considering I still ask myself that everyday. Let's just simplify it down as much as possible.
1. Learned through my internship junior year of college the job life wasn't for me (2016). Learned soon after that I had been in college all that time to realize I didn't need to be in college all that time. I still stayed in another two years and some how found a way to walk the stage and receive me diploma.
2. Two weeks before I graduated (May of 2018) I found a sales job, with an HVAC company, on craigslist. I knew sales experience was the next step for me and I didn't want to have to wait around in some sales training funnel that lasted a dreaded 16 months before I could even start selling something. So I purposefully looked for places that may not be sexy to the average Joe but I knew would start using me as soon as possible. Within 1 month after gaining some field experience I started selling residential HVAC. 6 months later I started to get into light commercial sales and 3 months after that I was doing nothing but commercial. From there the owner of the company and I started to build the commercial department of the company. I would say we were doing very well together but 3 months after that I quit. I knew it wasn't where I was going to be forever and I felt like I had gained the experience I was initially seeking.
3. 6 months before I quit, in my off time, I did nothing but read and work on building any kind of business. Creation of the first real failure coming up. I had always been know for wearing clothes that are uniquely designed and nobody else owned. I would always get compliments and people would always ask me where I got my stuff. Little did they know I got it all from places like Goodwill, grandparents closets, and random online shopping. The stuff I would get compliments on was one of kind stuff and these random inquiries at partys and social events got me thinking, "All these people like what I'm wearing and wonder where I got it. Why don't I just be the guy that produces it." So you would think I would do just that and start by creating clothing with the designs these people sought.. wrong. I tried the easy route. I said clothing involves different sizes and constant creation and a lot more moving parts. It was hard. So I did what any instant gratification seeking millenial would do. I got on alibaba and started looking for something I thought was unique but a lot easier to handle. So I stumble across some multicolor sunglasses. I thought they were cool and the multicolor effect had a unique appearance. So I pieced together a website ordered some glasses, taught myself some photoshop, and wahla time to post some ads on FB and watch inventory disappear. In a month I sold exactly 3 pairs of sunglasses... Shit.
4. So I go back to reading some more. Finally talked myself into reading TMF . Thanks to the title of the book, I thought it was bullshit (no offense Mr. Demarco, I understand why you titled it that way) so it actually had been sitting on my book shelf for a good 6 months. After reading the book I accepted the fact that I had not actually been trying to bring real value to the table. So now it was time for me to reflect and figure out where I screwed up. It didn't take long for me to remember the people at the parties liked what I was wearing because of the designs of the patterns applied to the clothes. Never once did anybody ever compliment my sunglasses, they wanted the wild patterned clothing that they had not seen much of. The value was how I had something cool that nobody else had or is hard to find. Now I understood even though it had been blatantly obvious the entire time. So I reflected a little more. I knew everybody went crazy over my blazer that had an aztec printed design on it. So I googled aztec designed shirts. Barely anything came up. Boom. Now I knew I wasn't financially equipped to produce blazers but so I looked into other options. I finally realized how much hawaiian button down summer shirts have been taking off. So I thought it might be cool to have a hawaiian styled shirt with aztec printed patterns instead of flowers and palm trees. So I kept my brand and bought some licenses for some cool looking vector patterns. I went to alibaba to find a manufacturer that could produce what I wanted. In about a month I had sample of 8 shirts with different designs. I didn't bulk order this time. I needed to make sure these things were going to sell. I made some changes to my website and had my girlfriend take some pictures of me modeling my shirts by the pool. You will see I wasn't blessed with super model genes but it was good enough. I calculated the time it would take to produce a mass order of shirts if I decided to move forward. I put the shirts up for sale on the website for pre-order only. This is so I could test the product to see if it would sell before I spent a bunch of money on another doop product. First day of ads I got 3 pre-orders. Second day another 3 orders, third day 5 orders.. Uh oh we might be on to something now. People were blowing up the comments and e-mailing me asking when they would get their shirts.. Shit again. Now this is where things got dicey. It was stated on the product page the product wouldn't be ready for another 2 months so I nvever lied to them but I knew I had to get on the roll to get these things produced and in my hands. I continued to run ads and get orders, I calculated an estimate of how many shirts I needed to get produced. I finally placed the mass order.
5. The growing desire for my shirts was great but I knew I really had nothing but shirts to bring to the table. I know anybody can produce shirts so I had to start formulating a vision and purpose for the company. In today's world we need more than just an eye catchy product. We have to incorporate an ecosystem that makes an impact. I knew I needed to work on this and I needed more time so I quit my job. I unhooked my 1979 Winnebago and hit the black top to come back to small town bfe Texas. You know what's good about small town bfe, Texas. It's cheaper than dirt to live in, especially if you do that living in an RV. I have spent the last 2 months scraping by and living in the dirt to create and implement my vision. I am now sitting amongst 130 pre-order shirts waiting to be taken to the post office. Riv's Styles is small now but I know it has potential. People like to be recognized and want to feel like they are unique and are involved in a bigger picture. Below I have posted what I have written to customers in pre-order update e-mails to show them what the vision is for Riv's. From these you should be able to get an idea of what is hopefully to come, God willing. I know this post is short and doesn't include a lot of detail because I am currently super busy but its enough to possibly bring up questions which I will gladly answer. Another thing, I have left out the suck of the process. The last 6 months haven't been the most comfortable, actually the uncertainty and my current financial situation is pretty shitty. But I remind myself I am originally a small town ranch kid and I naturally thrive in the dirt so I think I can hammer it out. Anyways read below to get an idea of the ongoing process.
Okay folks I have some good news and some not so great news. The not so great news is that the shirts aren't shipping from the manufacturer until tomorrow. The good news is I have pictures below to show proof of their production. Brief sigh of relief. Unfortunately this is going to put us behind schedule another week. I know, I pretty much sound like an airport receptionist but it is what it is. Once again I am terribly sorry for this delay and I am already working on making sure this never happens again. Trust me, I realize I am not a hard person to find.
Like I said before, I can always refund your order if you do not want to wait any longer. However, I do want to point out that this will be the only production of these shirts with these particular designs. BUT READ THIS, Riv's will still continue to produce more unique collections but from now on there will only be a limited supply produced per design per collection. That means once they are out of stock they are gone and no more will be made. This is to provide you with a unique piece of apparel you know only you, and a few other people in comparison, have. After much reflection on the idea, I figured this approach would be really neat considering our cool new shirt is only cool until we see another rando wearing the same one at the same function... - Bring hand to forehead and down face.. Anyways, like I said you may refund your order at anytime between now and when I ship it to you. Hopefully you can wait a little longer. If you have any questions please contact me.
Once again I am very thankful for you making this first collection a reality. Your patience is going a long ways. Thank You! Please see below for proof of production.
1. I hope to make Riv's a company that really allows for customers to be involved in the overall development of the business. Riv's would would benefit extraordinarily from your honest feedback on business experience and product quality. So after you receive your product, do you think you can do us a solid and respond with any feedback, positive or negative? Also, I know these shirts did take longer than they were supposed too but if you feel you need to touch on that again, I understand. You responding with feedback will really help as I develop and make improvements to Riv's in order to grow this small business in something remarkable for both the customers and the community. So I thank you in advance for all feedback, compliments, comments, and suggestions.
REALLY EXCITING PART BELOW!!
2. I previously stated Riv's clothing will be based primarily on providing, select limited supply, product. This means there will only be a limited supply ever produced for each unique article of clothing. This is to provide the customer with a truly unique product that they know only themselves and few others, in comparison, will own. I know moving forward with this approach will require constant product creation and innovation. I want to use this challenge as an opportunity to really give the customer base and community a chance to be involved. This mean if you are interested, I want you to create with me. If you think you have value to bring to the table and want to be involved, I want you to contact me. You will actually be talking to Nick first (he's a really cool guy) and then if you make it through him you, you and I can talk - This is so I can focus on making sure business operations stay running smoothly. Maybe you are a good artist and think you have some some designs you think would make BA shirts. Hit me up. Maybe, unlike me, you have been blessed with super model genetics and want to model some clothes - talking to both men and women. Hit it up. Model people will talk to Sydney but inquiry the same e-mail address. We are also interested in hearing what skills or services you have that you think could make a difference in the company. Pretty much if you think you can provide anything that can make a positive difference in the company and the community I want you to hit us up. That is, if you want to. Depending if what you have to bring to the table lines up with the mission and purpose of Riv's Ltd., you might seriously find yourself making a potentially financially rewarding deal with the company. Also, definitely bragging rights. I have decided to give this idea a try because I know there are many people out there with tons of potential and talent but just don't really know where to go with it. Maybe Riv's can be a place some of these people can express these hidden talents and potential. My goal is for Riv's not only to produce profit but also make a positive impact on the world.
Please respond with all ideas, creatives, and what you think to sales@rivstyles.com
Thanks again for your patience and I hope everybody has a blessed day.
Sincerely,
River
The Riv of Riv's
Thanks for reading and sorry if I posted it to the wrong thread. Also please reply with all questions, comments, concerns, possibly a little encouragement but I'm not soft hearted. I know this might seem like its me based but its really just a general description of my process so far. I hope to provide as much value as I can based on the questions you ask. Website is www.rivstyles.com I know it needs to be updated. Thats next on the list.
Thanks,
Riv
1. Learned through my internship junior year of college the job life wasn't for me (2016). Learned soon after that I had been in college all that time to realize I didn't need to be in college all that time. I still stayed in another two years and some how found a way to walk the stage and receive me diploma.
2. Two weeks before I graduated (May of 2018) I found a sales job, with an HVAC company, on craigslist. I knew sales experience was the next step for me and I didn't want to have to wait around in some sales training funnel that lasted a dreaded 16 months before I could even start selling something. So I purposefully looked for places that may not be sexy to the average Joe but I knew would start using me as soon as possible. Within 1 month after gaining some field experience I started selling residential HVAC. 6 months later I started to get into light commercial sales and 3 months after that I was doing nothing but commercial. From there the owner of the company and I started to build the commercial department of the company. I would say we were doing very well together but 3 months after that I quit. I knew it wasn't where I was going to be forever and I felt like I had gained the experience I was initially seeking.
3. 6 months before I quit, in my off time, I did nothing but read and work on building any kind of business. Creation of the first real failure coming up. I had always been know for wearing clothes that are uniquely designed and nobody else owned. I would always get compliments and people would always ask me where I got my stuff. Little did they know I got it all from places like Goodwill, grandparents closets, and random online shopping. The stuff I would get compliments on was one of kind stuff and these random inquiries at partys and social events got me thinking, "All these people like what I'm wearing and wonder where I got it. Why don't I just be the guy that produces it." So you would think I would do just that and start by creating clothing with the designs these people sought.. wrong. I tried the easy route. I said clothing involves different sizes and constant creation and a lot more moving parts. It was hard. So I did what any instant gratification seeking millenial would do. I got on alibaba and started looking for something I thought was unique but a lot easier to handle. So I stumble across some multicolor sunglasses. I thought they were cool and the multicolor effect had a unique appearance. So I pieced together a website ordered some glasses, taught myself some photoshop, and wahla time to post some ads on FB and watch inventory disappear. In a month I sold exactly 3 pairs of sunglasses... Shit.
4. So I go back to reading some more. Finally talked myself into reading TMF . Thanks to the title of the book, I thought it was bullshit (no offense Mr. Demarco, I understand why you titled it that way) so it actually had been sitting on my book shelf for a good 6 months. After reading the book I accepted the fact that I had not actually been trying to bring real value to the table. So now it was time for me to reflect and figure out where I screwed up. It didn't take long for me to remember the people at the parties liked what I was wearing because of the designs of the patterns applied to the clothes. Never once did anybody ever compliment my sunglasses, they wanted the wild patterned clothing that they had not seen much of. The value was how I had something cool that nobody else had or is hard to find. Now I understood even though it had been blatantly obvious the entire time. So I reflected a little more. I knew everybody went crazy over my blazer that had an aztec printed design on it. So I googled aztec designed shirts. Barely anything came up. Boom. Now I knew I wasn't financially equipped to produce blazers but so I looked into other options. I finally realized how much hawaiian button down summer shirts have been taking off. So I thought it might be cool to have a hawaiian styled shirt with aztec printed patterns instead of flowers and palm trees. So I kept my brand and bought some licenses for some cool looking vector patterns. I went to alibaba to find a manufacturer that could produce what I wanted. In about a month I had sample of 8 shirts with different designs. I didn't bulk order this time. I needed to make sure these things were going to sell. I made some changes to my website and had my girlfriend take some pictures of me modeling my shirts by the pool. You will see I wasn't blessed with super model genes but it was good enough. I calculated the time it would take to produce a mass order of shirts if I decided to move forward. I put the shirts up for sale on the website for pre-order only. This is so I could test the product to see if it would sell before I spent a bunch of money on another doop product. First day of ads I got 3 pre-orders. Second day another 3 orders, third day 5 orders.. Uh oh we might be on to something now. People were blowing up the comments and e-mailing me asking when they would get their shirts.. Shit again. Now this is where things got dicey. It was stated on the product page the product wouldn't be ready for another 2 months so I nvever lied to them but I knew I had to get on the roll to get these things produced and in my hands. I continued to run ads and get orders, I calculated an estimate of how many shirts I needed to get produced. I finally placed the mass order.
5. The growing desire for my shirts was great but I knew I really had nothing but shirts to bring to the table. I know anybody can produce shirts so I had to start formulating a vision and purpose for the company. In today's world we need more than just an eye catchy product. We have to incorporate an ecosystem that makes an impact. I knew I needed to work on this and I needed more time so I quit my job. I unhooked my 1979 Winnebago and hit the black top to come back to small town bfe Texas. You know what's good about small town bfe, Texas. It's cheaper than dirt to live in, especially if you do that living in an RV. I have spent the last 2 months scraping by and living in the dirt to create and implement my vision. I am now sitting amongst 130 pre-order shirts waiting to be taken to the post office. Riv's Styles is small now but I know it has potential. People like to be recognized and want to feel like they are unique and are involved in a bigger picture. Below I have posted what I have written to customers in pre-order update e-mails to show them what the vision is for Riv's. From these you should be able to get an idea of what is hopefully to come, God willing. I know this post is short and doesn't include a lot of detail because I am currently super busy but its enough to possibly bring up questions which I will gladly answer. Another thing, I have left out the suck of the process. The last 6 months haven't been the most comfortable, actually the uncertainty and my current financial situation is pretty shitty. But I remind myself I am originally a small town ranch kid and I naturally thrive in the dirt so I think I can hammer it out. Anyways read below to get an idea of the ongoing process.
Update to Customers #1:
To start I want to say thank you for making this first collection of Riv's summer shirts a reality by placing a pre-order. I also want to say thank you for your patience as the production process has taken a little longer than originally planned. This is the first Riv's collection ever produced so some unexpected quirks had to be worked out along the way. Who was I to think Murphy wasn't going to be there to nip me in the butt at some point along the way. Anyway, like I said I am very thankful for your interest in the product. I wanted to bring something a little different and unique to the table and your preorder has made that possible. Thank You.
Now for an update on your order. UPDATE: I have received word from this manufacturer that production is to finish and ship this week. Your packages will ship as soon as the bulk order is received. I will gather my minions, and with enough Red Bull and coffee to kill an elephant, we will package, label, and ship every single pre-order. When your package is shipped you will receive an automated e-mail with your tracking number.
Once again, thank you for being a part of this upbringing and stand by for your order ship in the next 10-14 days. If anything changes I will be sure to let you know. Also, I understand this is taking a little longer than originally planned. I want you to know you can always cancel your order and have it refunded if you do not want to wait.
If you need anything at all, have any questions or concerns, or just need someone to talk to please don't hesitate to e-mail me at support@rivstyles.com
Update to Pre-order Customers #2:
To Pre-Order Customer, To start I want to say thank you for making this first collection of Riv's summer shirts a reality by placing a pre-order. I also want to say thank you for your patience as the production process has taken a little longer than originally planned. This is the first Riv's collection ever produced so some unexpected quirks had to be worked out along the way. Who was I to think Murphy wasn't going to be there to nip me in the butt at some point along the way. Anyway, like I said I am very thankful for your interest in the product. I wanted to bring something a little different and unique to the table and your preorder has made that possible. Thank You.
Now for an update on your order. UPDATE: I have received word from this manufacturer that production is to finish and ship this week. Your packages will ship as soon as the bulk order is received. I will gather my minions, and with enough Red Bull and coffee to kill an elephant, we will package, label, and ship every single pre-order. When your package is shipped you will receive an automated e-mail with your tracking number.
Once again, thank you for being a part of this upbringing and stand by for your order ship in the next 10-14 days. If anything changes I will be sure to let you know. Also, I understand this is taking a little longer than originally planned. I want you to know you can always cancel your order and have it refunded if you do not want to wait.
If you need anything at all, have any questions or concerns, or just need someone to talk to please don't hesitate to e-mail me at support@rivstyles.com
Update to Pre-order Customers #2:
Okay folks I have some good news and some not so great news. The not so great news is that the shirts aren't shipping from the manufacturer until tomorrow. The good news is I have pictures below to show proof of their production. Brief sigh of relief. Unfortunately this is going to put us behind schedule another week. I know, I pretty much sound like an airport receptionist but it is what it is. Once again I am terribly sorry for this delay and I am already working on making sure this never happens again. Trust me, I realize I am not a hard person to find.
Like I said before, I can always refund your order if you do not want to wait any longer. However, I do want to point out that this will be the only production of these shirts with these particular designs. BUT READ THIS, Riv's will still continue to produce more unique collections but from now on there will only be a limited supply produced per design per collection. That means once they are out of stock they are gone and no more will be made. This is to provide you with a unique piece of apparel you know only you, and a few other people in comparison, have. After much reflection on the idea, I figured this approach would be really neat considering our cool new shirt is only cool until we see another rando wearing the same one at the same function... - Bring hand to forehead and down face.. Anyways, like I said you may refund your order at anytime between now and when I ship it to you. Hopefully you can wait a little longer. If you have any questions please contact me.
Once again I am very thankful for you making this first collection a reality. Your patience is going a long ways. Thank You! Please see below for proof of production.
Update to Pre-Order Customers #3 (Final):
Alright folks, the time has finally come. I have received all merchandise and I am immediately starting the process of shipping all pre-orders. All pre-orders should be shipped by Tuesday (8-20-19). I would like to thank you again for your patience. The next e-mail you receive should be the shipment confirmation e-mail with your tracking number. BUT WAIT: If you would please read on, it would really help a lot. I have something I want to ask of you to help me be better in the future for Riv's. 1. I hope to make Riv's a company that really allows for customers to be involved in the overall development of the business. Riv's would would benefit extraordinarily from your honest feedback on business experience and product quality. So after you receive your product, do you think you can do us a solid and respond with any feedback, positive or negative? Also, I know these shirts did take longer than they were supposed too but if you feel you need to touch on that again, I understand. You responding with feedback will really help as I develop and make improvements to Riv's in order to grow this small business in something remarkable for both the customers and the community. So I thank you in advance for all feedback, compliments, comments, and suggestions.
REALLY EXCITING PART BELOW!!
2. I previously stated Riv's clothing will be based primarily on providing, select limited supply, product. This means there will only be a limited supply ever produced for each unique article of clothing. This is to provide the customer with a truly unique product that they know only themselves and few others, in comparison, will own. I know moving forward with this approach will require constant product creation and innovation. I want to use this challenge as an opportunity to really give the customer base and community a chance to be involved. This mean if you are interested, I want you to create with me. If you think you have value to bring to the table and want to be involved, I want you to contact me. You will actually be talking to Nick first (he's a really cool guy) and then if you make it through him you, you and I can talk - This is so I can focus on making sure business operations stay running smoothly. Maybe you are a good artist and think you have some some designs you think would make BA shirts. Hit me up. Maybe, unlike me, you have been blessed with super model genetics and want to model some clothes - talking to both men and women. Hit it up. Model people will talk to Sydney but inquiry the same e-mail address. We are also interested in hearing what skills or services you have that you think could make a difference in the company. Pretty much if you think you can provide anything that can make a positive difference in the company and the community I want you to hit us up. That is, if you want to. Depending if what you have to bring to the table lines up with the mission and purpose of Riv's Ltd., you might seriously find yourself making a potentially financially rewarding deal with the company. Also, definitely bragging rights. I have decided to give this idea a try because I know there are many people out there with tons of potential and talent but just don't really know where to go with it. Maybe Riv's can be a place some of these people can express these hidden talents and potential. My goal is for Riv's not only to produce profit but also make a positive impact on the world.
Please respond with all ideas, creatives, and what you think to sales@rivstyles.com
Thanks again for your patience and I hope everybody has a blessed day.
Sincerely,
River
The Riv of Riv's
Thanks for reading and sorry if I posted it to the wrong thread. Also please reply with all questions, comments, concerns, possibly a little encouragement but I'm not soft hearted. I know this might seem like its me based but its really just a general description of my process so far. I hope to provide as much value as I can based on the questions you ask. Website is www.rivstyles.com I know it needs to be updated. Thats next on the list.
Thanks,
Riv
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