TOMS didn’t have to focus on advertising, but on giving in a way that’s sustainable.
Who is Tom? There is no Tom. If we sell a pair of shoes today, we give away a pair of shoes tomorrow. Originally we thought of “Tomorrow’s Shoes,” but I could only fit “TOMS” on the label. I had no idea everybody would want to meet him. There is no Tom; it’s an idea for a better tomorrow.
When you incorporate giving into your business, you attract the most amazing partners.
When you don’t know the rules, you break them all. It’s hard to take big risks when you know the history of an industry and what has worked and what didn’t.
Vogue Magazine does something really interesting here: They make it look like I know exactly what I’m doing. Because Vogue made it look like I knew exactly what I’m doing, stores from all over started calling.
With technology today, companies are less in control of their brand.
Setbacks and fear are inevitable. The thing that distinguishes the ultimate successes from the ultimate failures is this: What do you do with them?
When you’re buying a pair of TOMS, if you don’t feel like you’re part of a community, then I’ve failed.
Be tenacious. One thing that has allowed me to have some level of success is that I am fine with cold-calling people. It doesn’t scare me to call someone who has no idea who I am and say I’d love to take you to lunch.
A good story transcends boundaries, breaks barriers and opens doors.
I am a big believer in the value of traveling while you are young. The experiences you have in other countries can inspire greatness.
What got us to where we are today is not going to get us to where we need to go tomorrow.
We believe Skype in the Classroom will be a milestone in inspiring the next generation of social entrepreneurs and we can’t wait to connect students with TOMS partners.
Stories are the most primitive and purest form of communication.
Simplicity is simple. Perhaps this sounds redundant. But it’s true, and it’s important.
I surround myself with inspirational quotations.
Giving is what fuels us. Giving is our future.
Make the most out of every single day you have on earth and be thankful for them.
I surround myself with inspirational quotations. This easy-to-follow piece of advice has played a huge role in my being able to get past my own fears and insecurities throughout my entrepreneurial career.
Instead of squirreling away your earnings early in your career, spend on experiences that will enrich your life – like diving with great white sharks. It can expose you to influential people who could open doors for you.