TOMS: One for One

TOMS all started with one guy...a guy named Blake Mycoskie. He was young and motivated and found himself in Argentina to learn polo. While he was there, he saw two things that would help him forever change the business of giving--poor shoeless children and comfortable farming shoes. Who would have thought a guy learning polo would launch such a trendy shoe line and redefine the charitable business model?

TOMS' One for One model took off. The idea was...with every pair that is purchased, TOMS will give a new pair to a child in need. Providing shoes to a child in need would help prevent injury and disease and give them an opportunity for a education (shoes are required as part of school uniforms). Now thanks to all their TOMS customers, they have given over 2 million pairs to children in need around the world. 

TOMS let their customers do the marketing by giving them a story to tell..."I just got these shoes. They're cute, comfy and they give a pair away to kids with every pair they sell." Buyers feel good about their purchase and want to share...now that is some powerful word of mouth marketing. 

Customers, advocates and TOMS charity partners have taken it upon them to spread the message and inspire change. TOMS has campus and internship programs to helps students spread the word. Others can share their experiences and giving stories through blogs and social media. Thousands around the world walk a day without shoes through the One Day Without Shoes movement to raise awareness, conversation and ultimately change. 

Will you join the TOMS movement?