The other day I was having lunch with the wonderful Robyn and she started telling me about a hilarious book she had just seen while browsing in the Chapters store down the street. Now, I’m not sure if this was the exact book she was speaking of, but I do believe it was something along the lines of Stupid Sock Creatures Book & Kit. This, of course, resulted in an intense discussion about ridiculously crazy and bizarre product and business ideas that would surely make us millions of dollars. Personally, I’m still in love with the idea of underwear hats, although I don’t think Robyn was on board.
Let me explain. It would be like a pair of underwear that’s a HAT – awesome! How many people out there can you think of that have worn their underwear on their head at some point or another – millions! (they might have been drunk but so what?!?) You’d just have to make sure it was clean before you put it on your head.
But, I digress.
Back to the sock creatures. I mean, who would have thought that you could actually make money making stupid sock creatures?
John Murphy, that’s who. (he’s the mastermind behind Stupid Sock Creatures, in case you aren’t following).
And now he’s selling his fantastic Stupid Sock Creatures Book & Kit at the largest retailers in North America (Chapters/Indigo, Amazon, Barnes & Noble – trust me, I looked it up!).
And so, even though underwear hats are kind of a creepy and unsanitary idea, I bet there are some twisted people out there that would still buy a pair or two. And with the right marketing and the right people on the creative and production side, this idea could really take flight. I honestly think that if I put enough time and energy into my underwear hat idea, I could make millions.
Seriously. Stop laughing.
Now, I’m not about to quit my day job (oh wait – I’ve already done that!) for this idea, and I’m not about to start sporting prototypes when I go to the grocery store (oh dear, that image just made ME laugh out loud). Personally, I’ve got a little too much on the go right now to start venturing into the sure-to-be-booming market of underwear hats.
But my point is – it doesn’t matter how ridiculous you think your idea might be. Whether it’s starting your own business, or selling stupid sock creature kits, or creating underwear hats – if you believe in your idea, and are prepared to dedicate enough time and energy into said idea, I fully believe you can succeed. The first step is believing that you can succeed.
Still think I’m full of BS? Check out a few more of these crazy-ass ideas that are making money:
Doggles – that’s right, goggles for DOGS. But according to their website, they’ve been featured on CNN, Regis & Kelly, The Today Show and Good Morning America (just to name a few).
LaserMonks – I’m sure the first thing you think of when you run out of printer ink is, “Boy! I sure wish I knew a monk that could refill my cartridge!” Well, someone out there is thinking that. To the tune of $2.5 million in 2005.
Geese Police – Get the Flock Out! Seriously, that is their tagline. Hire these dudes and their highly trained Border Collies for quality goose control. This guy has been in business for 15 years. 15 YEARS!
Flatulence Deodorizer Pads – directly off their website: “Reusable; is an activated charcoal cloth pad that is worn taped inside the underwear next to the buttocks.” Only $13.95 folks!
And my personal favourite:
Luxury Cat Clothing – oh my gawd, the pictures say it all!
Underwear hats aren’t sounding so bad now, are they? (seriously, if anyone wants to run with this idea, I’ll only take a 50% cut of profits).
And so my worthy followers, I hope I’ve given you something to think about. Next time you’re wasting time worrying about whether or not your idea is good enough to succeed, I hope you think back to the Flatulence Deodorizer Pad and are inspired.
What other ridiculously crazy and bizarre business ideas have you seen succeed?