We Need More Great Ideas Like This

TOMS SHOES

 

My girlfriend came home and told me about this shoe company that would give a pair of shoes to a child in need if i bought a pair of shoes. At first i was a little taken back, but then after checking out the research we both figured, what the hell, let's see what this is all about. While at first i was taken aback by the prices for what seemed to be very simple shoes relatively cheaply made, I was surprised to find how comfortable and enjoyable these shoes were to wear.

While I didn't realize they were going to become something of a fad i decided to get a pair, yes they kind of look like chick shoes, I just refer to them as my slippers, well thats what they feel like at least. I am always reminded whenever i put on the shoes that my pair helped some kid get a new pair of shoes, i feel somewhat justified in forking over the 40.00 dollars or so to own a new pair of shoes, its like buying two pairs.

Looking back you come to realize that something like this is a good idea and still provides some profit. The public relations side of it is great and its a great niche market because people generally want to feel as though they are making the world a better place. However there is a practical side to it too. If you think about it most people buying these shoes at regular price are ordering larger sizes and therefore using more material. If you offer to make small sizes and give those away for free you are not giving away another 40.00.

It seems that an idea like this could work for many other companies, the first thing to came to mind was t-shirts, but the shoe thing is so wonderful because it is such a basic need. But what about other needs such as energy and food. Is there a way that you could sacrifice some of your own well being, your own success in order to see the whole succeed.

Self-sacrifice, are you willing to sacrifice your own easy life to allow some ease in another individual's difficult life. Are you willing to sacrifice making millions of dollars because your business practices might involve harming people, animals, the environment. A good idea is one that doesn't require personal gain but still brings gains because of how wonderful an idea it is.

Something simple, for the common good, universal, a new way to look at the world that allows for people to look out not only for people but the world around you. We are all one and all must act as one with everything that exists. We are rocks. We are air. We are fish. We are.