Week #10

A hybrid business is a for-profit business that actually focuses on a social cause, for example a buy one, give one model. This model can be introduced in shoes, school supplies, etc. A hybrid that we learned about is TOMS, a company I don’t really agree with because they are apparently creating more damage than good. The thing that bugs me the most is that they don’t want to admit it. What they are doing is taking out any local shoe businesses because TOMS shoes are free and given to the people and because they believe they can benefit from that there is no need to buy shoes at the local shops. It is hurting the economy in South America and in the different countries in which they are located.

The more I think about a Buy One, Give One model I think it would be more beneficial if you were to buy TOMS, for example and the equivalent amount, let’s say, $50 is put into something that the local people really need; maybe starting their own local business. With the Buy One, Give One model you’re limiting yourself to things that the developing world may not need or want, but could benefit from the amount of money that product is in using it for something they really do need or want. I believe the Buy One, Give One model could be better and applied in such a way that can really help the economy in developing countries.