One for One

I love shoes!!! But my bank account does not. So what is one way I justify getting another pair of those too cute, must have wedges? Buying from a company that is making a difference. Not only am I getting a great pair of shoes, but by purchasing my own pair I am in turn donating a pair to a child in need.

In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in a village in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One.®

TOMS One for One campaign has been incredibly successful because of how they are telling their story. Rather then focusing on the product they are trying to sell you, they are focusing on the message behind the product. TOMS have shown the consumer they care. They care about the quality of the shows they are creating, their customers, their employees and most importantly children in need. TOMS help show you the difference you can make in the world by buying their product. They pull on your hearts strings and make you want to contribute and help change the world with them.

In this video you will see how TOMS demonstrates not only what they do for the children in need, but how this experience has even affected the employees of TOMS. You will also notice that at no point here are they directly trying to sell you the product, they aren't saying this is all possible if you go buy a pair of shoes right now, they are simply telling a story.

How do you feel after watching this video? Were you moved by what they were doing? Did you want to participate in their cause?

Not only is TOMS creating great stories with their content but they are also sharing other people's stories while asking you to share your own. TOMS Stories has created a community where people can participate in the TOMS movement, and ask you to socialize with them on their various social media sites. You can be involved in their community by sharing and/or commenting on their stories on their website, or share your own on their social sites. By being so engaged with the brand your purchase decisions are more likely to be influenced. After hearing their stories and participating in their content you create a connection with a brand, leading you to make a purchase from the company.

So what is your next pair of shoes going to be?