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Social Entreprenership at its Best – TOMS

Posted on | March 10, 2010 | No Comments

I was filled with excitement as I started my day out early. I slipped on my TOMS shoes, and smiled at the thought of getting to hear one of my favorite entrepreneurs share his story at the Greater Omaha’s Young Professional Summit. I was thrilled when I learned I had been given the opportunity from Partnerships for Innovation to attend this event at the Qwest Center. Three hours later, after my eastward journey, I arrived at the event and was amazed by the large crowd attending the Summit. This event was incredibly organized with breakout sessions that delivered valuable messages, information, and resources to the participants. However, my favorite part of the day was lunch, and not because of the meal, although it was very good. It was because of the key note speaker, Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS Shoes, Blake Mycoski.I have been a fan of TOMS Shoes and the unique story of creator and entrepreneur, Blake Mycoski for several years. As a student myself, I have written papers on his venture. As an instructor, I teach my students about this inspiring mission and one-for-one business model that, I believe, will continue to have an impact on the business world as well as the social responsibility of entrepreneurs.

I was pleased to be sitting only one table away from Blake Mycoski during lunch. It was very hard to contain myself and not to jump out of my seat and tell him about how excited I was to meet him, what a fan I am, and how motivating his story is to me and many others. I wanted to tell him how proud I am to wear my TOMS Shoes and to share the story with others about how he has given over 400,000 pairs of shoes to children in need, because of his brilliant one-for-one concept. But instead, I decided to patiently wait until he addressed the entire group.

Blake Mycoski took the stage in his casual attire, including his camouflage TOM Shoes and greeted the crowd of 1200 young professionals. He told the story of TOMS Shoes that began with a trip to Argentina, when accidentally learning about the detrimental results of poverty including the lack of shoes for children, his wheels began turning in response to the need, and within forty-eight hours developed TOMS Shoes; a profitable business where a person could buy a pair of shoes today and give a pair of shoes tomorrow to a child in need.

Not only is Mycoski a business savvy person, but he is a very intriguing story teller. He entertained the audience with memorable events that occurred in his start-up journey and shared three important lessons that can be applied to any business. First, he recommended that entrepreneurs consider sustainability and how the non-profit component to a business can contribute to a lasting mission. Next, explained that sometimes the best ideas come from a spontaneous response to a need and people should pay attention to their initial reactions to situations. Last, he stressed the amazing partnerships and highly-qualified employees that can be attracted to a business that tells the truth in its story. He shared the collaborative efforts he had with AT&T. He told the audience, “Giving not only feels good, but it is good for your business.”

Mycoskie also got personal as he shared the moment that changed his life forever. He said that it wasn’t when the idea struck him, it wasn’t when the fashion industry picked up on it and celebrities were wearing TOMS Shoes. The pivotal moment was when he took his parents and sixteen other friends and interns to Argentina for the first shoe drop, and the team hand-placed 10,000 pairs of shoes on the feet of children who otherwise would not have shoes; many of which could not attend school for this very reason. Watching his mother carefully tend to these children as she interacted with them during this process was an experience that he said he will never forget.

Blake offered the audience the chance to win a “design your own” shoe party by sending a text message to TOMS Shoes, the true sign that in addition to being a philanthropist he is a true-blooded marketer and businessman. Mycoskie then took several questions from the audience before ending his presentation. He left the group inspired, but yet humbled. His non-conventional approach is endearing but also reminds us all about the power of entrepreneurship and to think creatively when it comes to solving problems. One last thought that he left with the audience before bringing them to their feet for a standing ovation was, “Make your mission bigger than making profits.”

If you attended the Young Professionals’ Conference last week, give us your feedback on the success of the conference.

Thanks to Guest Blogger: Lisa Tschauner, Central Community College, Entrepreneurship Coordinator and Business Instructor. Contact Lisa at ltschauner@cccneb.edu

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