141 (- verb)
Since starting 141, Sooch and I have had several discussions on what 141 is right now and what it could be. I named this blog “141 (- verb)” because I’d like to start a discussion on what we could “141” next. Yes, I am using “141” as a verb. Well…trying, at least.
Before we get too far into this, let me explain what I mean. While working at P&G and Nike, I noticed how we always wanted our brands to turn into a noun. For example…at P&G, we didn’t want our consumers to buy “diapers”. We wanted them to buy “Pampers”. Just like most folks refer to facial tissues as “Kleenex” or how folks “Xerox” something when they make a copy. I remember at Nike while we were developing a new low cut signature basketball shoe for Kobe Bryant, folks were talking about referring to the Zoom Kobe IV as the “Zoom Kobe IV VLT” with the hope that kids would refer to low top basketball shoes as “VLT’s”. I know…oftentimes seems like a stretch, but it seems like every brand’s dream.
So here’s my dream…
What if one day 141 Eyewear turns into 141 ____ ? As in 141 Eyewear, 141 Apparel, 141 Water, 141 Footwear, 141 Food. What if “141” turned into “141 (- verb)”? As in…
“WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO SEE US 141 NEXT?”
“you buy, we give. 141.” is such a powerful model. How can we expand this into other items where the consumers can help those in need through their purchases? You’ve seen us apply this concept to eyewear, and you’ve seen TOMS do the same thing with shoes.
Check out this picture of Sooch.
Here she is posing in her 141 Eyewear frames (she’s wearing Sellwood in case you were wondering) and her new pair of TOMS we picked up last weekend. What if we were able to 141 her sweater? Or pants? Or socks? What if when we hold a 141 Eyewear Clinic, we give shoes, clothes, water, and food…all of which is provided by consumers through the 141 business model?
I know, I know…get 141 Eyewear right first. Got it. But still…it doesn’t hurt to dream…
So let me know what you think…send me an email or leave a comment. I’ll also set up a discussion on our Facebook page to see if we can get something going there.
So, 141 Community…let us know. What would you want to see us 141 next?
Stay Glassy,
Kyle
kyle@141eyewear.com
6 Responses
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Shoes!! 141 shoes would be nice. Many people in the world could use a new pair of shoes.
Greg…check out tomsshoes.com (if you already haven’t)!
Kyle, I’m so glad to see you doing so much for people in need. It makes me very proud to say I went to high school with you.
As for this business model, it sounds like the last key to a puzzle that maybe most businesses haven’t considered or have not decided to back yet. People tend to spend their money on products based on the way it makes them feel, not because they need it. The word “Toms” or some other noun-based word doesn’t quite invoke the spirit the way 141 does. People like to say this “slogan,” if you will, because it makes them feel good. Then, the subsequent action of paying for your product or products simply follows suit. No buyers remorse with this one. This is especially true during times such as these. People would like to help others, but are afraid of their limited resources. Your company certainly cuts out the middle man.
One peice of advice, if you would like to take any from me, is that you may not want to blog about the idea to expand 141 until you have already begun or gotten through some of the process of incorporating many diffrent products in your line. I say this because it’s such a smart idea and 141 has caught on fire so quickly, that there are a lot of copy cats to beware of.
I give this advice with great love and care. I, too, am quite a go-getter in terms of non-profit, service and mentor work. I’m super excited about your new company and that’s why I decided to leave a reply. I only mean well, and hope all works out perfectly.
Best,
Asther
Hi Asther
Thank you for your comment and your support!!! You make a very good point. I believe if someone is going to start an apparel line which has a one-for-one model, it’s all the better. It draws more attention to what 141 is all about. From our business perspective, our goal is to be a great eyewear company. Being in product creation since graduating college just has me thinking of what else is out there that folks could “141″. Apparel may be a long shot, but I certainly think that there is an opportunity to get involved in other types of products. It’s now a matter of figuring out (1) what people need, (2) how to get it to them, and (3) how to create an effective business model which yields a sustainable solution for providing (1). Nevertheless, thanks again for your comment. I hope you are doing well
Best,
Kyle
Kyle,
I picked up Gummow at the airport yesterday because I was sharing some of the projects I’m helping to organize. We were talking how you and him would brainstorm ideas for businesses, such as a sandwich shop in Cincinnati. I always respected people that would give up the ” security” in order to pursue their dream. I believe your dream was to make soccer shoes, which it looks like everything is on track for you
on that note my suggestion to your question would be – 141 footwear. Adequate footwear can raise life expectancy almost 3 years ( especially developing countries). Even a simple pair of sandles makes a huge difference
I live in NYC so if your in town in March, feel free to drop me a line
Mark
Mark
Good hearing from you. I hope all is well. TOMS shoes (www.tomsshoes.com) does a great job of applying the 141 model to footwear…you should check them out. I agree though, I think it is certainly something to consider…nevertheless, we need to take care of the eyewear business first! But bigger and better ideas are certainly close behind
Thanks
Kyle