Pay it Forward! I was given an amazing referral while working a side gig...an inspirational read.

Most of you know, I have been an unemployed entrepreneur since 2008 struggling to make my dreams come true with my invention, The iTie. It's funny how things come together in times when you least expect it. While working a side job yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting a gentleman by the name of Bart. What is most surprising is the manner in which we met. I was working as a driver for Oracle here in Tampa, transporting clients to and from the convention center and their hotels...out of 3 available drivers, I got Bart. During the ride to his hotel, Bart asked me what my day job was...I proceeded to tell him my story about being laid off in 2008, inventing my product, and developing The iTie into Anchor Neckwear. Bart not only loved the idea, he took it upon himself to write a detailed Email to 100 people in his professional network. Needless to say, I was blown away with his kindness and his "Pay it Forward" attitude to life. During these tough times, his refreshing outlook on life has influenced me to pay it forward more often. I hope his thoughtful email does the same for you, here it is:

Subject: Pay it forward

Hi everyone. I hope you are doing well.

As many of you know, I am currently in Tampa for a conference. While here, I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Sale, who is the President and Founder of iTie (currently being rebranded as Anchor Neckwear). Mr. Sale lost his job in 2008 due to the economy. In the spirit of true entrepreneurship, he started his own company that specializes in neckwear. The great news is that he is on to something with his ties, but needs help spreading the word.

Those who know me best know that I am a big believer in “pay it forward” and “random acts of kindness.” Mr. Sale is working as a driver at the conference I am attending and shared his story with me. He was wearing one of his ties and I will be buying a couple of them. I was so impressed with him, his ties and his story that I committed to helping him out by sharing his story with each of you. If you are currently in the market for a new tie, you would be well served to consider one of his. If not, perhaps you will be impressed enough to forward this message to someone who might be in the market for a new tie.

Here are the basics: His current website is www.theitie.com. On that website you will see the concept. Anyone who wears a tie from time to time will know how frustrating it is when they flap in the wind, get twisted, etc. Also, those who have a mind toward efficiency will recognize that a tie is wasted space that could be used for other purposes. Mr. Sale has an invention that solves those problems. In short, he has a new solution to an old problem. His new website is a reflection of his re-branding efforts and will be: www.anchorties.com, though this website is not yet operational. His inventory is being updated and things are changing as I type this, so feel free to check back often. The main point, though, is that he has a good product and needs help in spreading the word and generating sales.

If you have no interest, feel free to delete this email. If you are interested, though, please take a few moments to help Mr. Sale establish his business.

Thank you.

Bart T.

Happy New Year from Joe Sale & The iTie

I would personally like to thank each of you for your support of The iTie over the past year. The first year of any business can be challenging, but working through adversity and growing personally and professionally will make you stronger in the long run. Over the past year, hundreds of people have purchased iTies, and I am happy to say, NOT A SINGLE RETURN! Needless to say, the first year of The iTie has been a great one.

Looking ahead to 2010, I am making some major improvements to The iTie. While the functionality of The iTie will remain the same, I will be changing the brand, name, etc in my efforts to further develop a full line of functional neckwear...not just a product called The iTie.

Now that I have established a demand with consumers, I will be actively pursuing relationships with major retailers throughout the United States so you may purchase the new and improved neckwear at a retailer near you.

I hope this past year has brought you much success and happiness. It's funny how 3 days before the end of the year, I have never been more excited to see what the future has in store. Thanks to someone special in my life and to each of my iTie customers!

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

Joe Sale
Founder of The iTie
http://www.theitie.com/

The iTie - 2nd Collection - Coming Soon!!!

Thats right, the iTie is getting bigger and better every day! I am working on putting together the 2nd collection of iTies. There will be over 30 new designs, all custom and one of a kind! There will be a limited number of each design. I will also have several skinny ties, conversational ties, some XL (extra long) and a lot of beautiful standard ties.

The collection will be available for Father's Day as well as Graduation! The iTie makes a great gift, it's not just another tie! The iTie is the only tie in the World that stays in perfect position and features a concealed pocket, perfect for holding business cards, credit cards, money, or even an iPod.

In addition, I will have a couple of web videos coming out soon and may even be on The Discovery Channel! Stay tuned....

The iTie - From idea to launch!

I can remember it as if it were yesterday, living in Fort Lauderdale, working for a Fortune 500 company, and having to wear a tie 5 days a week....sounds great right? Well, everything except for having to wear a necktie everyday, flapping in the wind, shifting from left to right, dangling over the table during lunch...what a mess. I started thinking to myself, "how can I make my tie better than everyone else's?".

I started thinking about different ways to attach the tie to my dress shirt, tried using tie bars, clips, and other gadgets to keep my tie in place...and all of which were either ghastly (as a fashion accessory) or did fully fix the problem of wearing a flimsy piece of silk around your neck every day.

So after slaving and making the Fortune 500 company more money, I decided to start pursuing my own way of making my tie better than every other tie. That is when I came up with the The iTie!

The iTie combines a concealed pocket with two elastic strips. The pocket holds business cards, credit cards, money, and other personal items. It can also hold an iPod or Mp3 player and the headphone wires can be worn under the user's dress shirt.

The two elastic strips have 2 button holes which attach to the buttons on your dress shirt! So not only can you store items in the concealed pocket, but your tie now stays in perfect position (and allows for a little flexibility). Ingenious right!?

After 9 prototypes, a patent attorney, a trademark attorney, countless hours of networking, The iTie is finally off the ground and running. A year of hard work and dedication has lead to the culmination of http://www.theitie.com. I have my own line of iTies and the iTie pockets can be purchased and added to your existing necktie collection....bringing new life to old ties! Not to mention, these are exlusive designs limited to 10 of each iTie, ensuring you will not see another tie like it anywhere. Wear your iTie with pride, knowing your iTie will never get in the way and serves both form and function!

I am in the process of adding more exclusive designs to the website and am trying to establish an exclusive retail partnership or multiple retailers.

It is my goal to provide you with the trials and tribulations of bringing an idea to product and bringing that product to market.

You can visit the website and can also find me on MySpace, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Just search for Joe Sale and/or The iTie.

I hope to make wearing a tie more enjoyable, one tie at a time!