Friday, November 2, 2007
- Tommy Rosen
All great businesses, it has been said, solve some problem that people have. If one wants to create a successful business, one need only begin by seeking out a problem that needs solving. The bigger the problem and the more painful its manifestation, the more successful the company will be that solves it.
I have launched a new business venture known as Eco Gift Expo to address the inconveniences, difficult emotions and terrible waste associated with the holidays and holiday gift shopping. The proposition is simple - What if you could get all of your holiday shopping done on one day under one roof where everything you bought would add value to someone's life and was manufactured by companies that are part of the solution to our environmental and social challenges? What if the event had an eco gift-wrapping station? What if there was an organic food court, performers, wandering minstrels and an all-around festive atmosphere? What if a considerable amount of money was donated to charities - one global and one local?
Companies are excited to get in front of so many people who have come specifically to shop with eco-conscious companies like theirs. Gift shoppers are relieved and exalted to have a one-stop eco-shop solution to the holiday mayhem.
Eco Gift Expo will take place at The Santa Monica Civic Center on December 15th and 16th, 2007. We are expecting 150 Eco-Conscious companies and 15,000 holiday shoppers.
We have thus far struck very powerful marketing relationships and sold about 30 booths in under 2 weeks. Our website is up and folks are signing up for our newsletter, The Eco Express, the first edition of which goes out in September. We are about to run a major Eco-Give-A-Way contest to attract people to sign up for our newsletter and I will write soon about that.
In 2008 we will be expanding our concept to at least 5 markets with the intention of having an Eco Gift Expo in every major city that would support such an event. Throughout the rest of each year, we will be providing sales and marketing services to conscious companies.
I will write each week about the experiences - joys and challenges - that I am going through producing this event. If I can be of service to anyone who comes across this blog, please reach out to me and let me know what is up and how you are doing.
May your lives be filled with blessings each day,
Tommy Rosen