Did you know that the number one requested item of clothing by shelters for the homeless are new socks? I didn’t, but it makes sense, who doesn’t put on their Christmas List a request for a new pair of comfortable socks. Stiff or holy( not the religious kind of holy) socks just don’t get it. I know I ask for comfortable socks every year.
Well I came across a company that’s founding principle is for every pair of socks they sell, they donate a pair to a homeless shelter. To read about the company go to Bombas.com.
No, I am not being paid to promote this company, and you are going to have to wait to see if they really are the world’s most comfortable socks until my order arrives. An yes, it is a creative marketing idea, but it is also does something wonderful — so far providing specially designed socks to homeless shelters throughout the U.S. Over two million pairs to the homeless if their advertising can be believed.
Besides my being excited about some cool looking socks, I thought to myself wouldn’t it be nice if other companies incorporated serving the neighbors in such a major way. Who amongst us hasn’t seen a problem, (and our world has plenty of them) and wondered what I could do. The founders first saw a need by the homeless and founded a company to fill the need as their founding principle.
God give us many gifts, and creativity is certainly one of them. Maybe just maybe, the difference is most of us look first for material gain and then if successful, promise to be generous to our neighbors. If their story is to be believed it seems Bombas.com looked to serve their neighbors first.
Maybe this business model will catch on.
Editors Note: No, I have not been paid to promote Bombas.com, and no I haven’t worn there socks yet. But I was struck by their story. I hope every bit of what I see is an exciting approach is as real as it appears and inspires others to follow suit and to be taught in business school. Maybe a few of you can comment or provide other examples of serving a need first. Let me hear from you.
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