As a Footwear Buyer I deal with a variety of people everyday and dealing with people effectively is crucial to success. Not only do I need to manage my relationships at the office, I also need to effectively manage my relationships with my vendors. No one role is more important than the other and most times ego can get in the way of furthering a working relationship. I’ve heard horror stories of “buyers” that act like royalty and make unrealistic demands of their vendors and it’s very one-sided. This isn’t the type of relationship that lasts and it can be detrimental to your reputation. My relationship between me and my vendors are of the outmost importance and it’s the most significant factor in whether I accomplish my goals and become … more …

I don’t usually write about things like this on my blog but it’s a momentous year for me. I turned 35 yesterday (which in some cases people say is middle-aged). Most of me is very excited and the remaining part of me is manic, as I try to get my head around my mini mid-life crisis. When you turn 30, you are so excited to get your 20’s out of the way because you know that everything about your life is about to change. Then 5 years later you think, “what the hell just happened?”. Turning 35 is like a check point, where your mind goes reverse and you start rifling through that “list” you made when you were 25 of all the things you wanted to do and see, … more …

Who moved my shoe? Yes, this is a spin-off title of one of the most famous books on “work change”, called “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson. Just months ago, my company acquired a new CEO and with new leadership comes a lot of CHANGE. The company has gone through a massive organizational re-structure and is in the process of a business strategy and re-branding transformation. It’s been an incredible journey thus far and I’ve learned so much about myself and my colleagues in the process. It’s been quite the learning curve for everyone in the organization. We all deal with change differently and it’s important to recognize this. I’ve been through some changes in companies before, however I would have to say this has been my biggest challenge … more …

I have a sweet sweet deal for you. Well actually, it’s courtesy of Christina McDaniel, owner of Lola Home and Apparel Boutique. She’s kind enough to offer all my Facebook fans, Twitter followers and blog readers an additional 20% OFF your purchases from January 29 - 30, 2011.

Address:  510 Beatty Street
Phone:  604 633 5017
Web: www.lolahomeandapparel.com
Twitter:  @Thelolagirls

What do you have to do? Make sure to mention my blog: www.partlySunny.ca and they will hook you up. If I were you I’d take full advantage while you can. Lola Boutique has some beautiful stuff in the store right now and it would be a shame to pass up such a great deal.

Sunny Shum, Footwear Buyer, Blogger & Your Industry Insider | Follow me @partly_sunny

I was honored to be picked as one of three individuals to be featured in the Fashion Magaizne, www.fashionmagazine.com, November 2010 issue. If you are in need for some fashionable and functional travel tips from some frequent flyers, go pick up an issue!

Also featured: Cynthia Florek, Brand and Trend Director for Sears Canada and Ingrid Sirois, PR and Marketing Manager for Oakly.

Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider | Follow me @partly_sunny