Schilling Lecture, Tom's Shoes
I went into the lecture knowing next to nothing about Tom's shoes except that they were very popular--too much so for me to have much interest, to be perfectly honest. I was not particularly looking forward to hearing some guy talk about making and selling shoes, as I assumed it would be very business model oriented and not at all catered to my interests. However, I was pleasantly surprised to hear Blake Mycoskie's story...I actually found it very relatable. It was such a simple idea: to help people in what seems like a really base way. Blake was also a very charming speaker and I really enjoyed all of his funny anecdotes about starting up the company and trying to meet needs much greater than they were prepared for. What I found most interesting about his talk, though, was the business model part of it! Specifically, the fact that Tom's has done so little advertising. I think Blake said Tom's was featured in an AT&T commercial, but just to show the story. Otherwise, the company's success has been almost entirely based on word of mouth. I love that! I was thinking after he spoke that just giving the lecture at all was a fantastic form of advertising. As soon as I left I wanted to go out and buy a pair of Tom's shoes--and I actually intend to. I'm not sure how many people attended the lecture or how often Blake speaks, but it's a genius way to run a business. Because the principle behind the company is to positive, people want to contribute. I found this really inspiring. If all businesses owed their success to the fact that they actually did good for people in need, the world would be a much better place. It bothered me a little that someone asked a question about profits. I guess I myself was curious, but it seemed a little uncouth. However, Blake explained that the company sells the shoes to actual stores that mark up prices. But obviously in order to stay afloat they're going to have to make some money...duh. All in all, the company seems very selfless and generally good.I don't plan to be an entrepreneur of any kind, but I would certainly like to contribute to a company that works hard for such a great cause. I'm really glad I went to this lecture. It changed how I think of the business world a lot. You don't have to be a back stabbing blood thirsty crook to be successful in a big way, and that's pretty reassuring.
posted by Rachel @ 9:11 PM
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