Blake Mycoskie's Start Something That Matters ~ Reviewed

Start Something That Matters

Blake Mycoskie

Hardcover: 208 pages

Publisher: Spiegel & Grau (September 6, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1400069181

Description:

Love your work, work for what you love, and change the world—all at the same time.

What matters most to you? Should you focus on earning a living, pursuing your passions, or devoting yourself to the causes that inspire you? The surprising truth is that you don’t have to choose—and that you’ll find more success if you don’t. That’s the breakthrough message of TOMS’ One for One movement. You don’t have to be rich to give back and you don’t have to retire to spend every day doing what you love. You can find profit, passion, and meaning all at once—right now.

In Start Something That Matters, Blake Mycoskie tells the story of TOMS, one of the fastest-growing shoe companies in the world, and combines it with lessons learned from such other innovative organizations as method, charity: water, FEED Projects, and TerraCycle. Blake presents the six simple keys for creating or transforming your own life and business, from discovering your core story to being resourceful without resources; from overcoming fear and doubt to incorporating giving into every aspect of your life. No matter what kind of change you’re considering, Start Something That Matters gives you the stories, ideas, and practical tips that can help you get started.

Why this book is for you:

• You’re ready to make a difference in the world—through your own start-up business, a nonprofit organization, or a new project that you create within your current job.

• You want to love your work, work for what you love, and have a positive impact on the world—all at the same time.

• You’re inspired by charity: water, method, and FEED Projects and want to learn how these organizations got their start.

• You’re curious about how someone who never made a pair of shoes, attended fashion school, or worked in retail created one of the fastest-growing footwear companies in the world by giving shoes away.

• You’re looking for a new model of success to share with your children, students, co-workers, and members of your community.

You’re ready to start something that matters.

Review:

Companies that care about environment or people as much as lining their pockets are companies I like to support and frequent. I suppose that’s one of the reasons I like to buy organic and local.

Start Something That Matters intrigued me because I think Tom’s fits that category. I actually don’t own Tom’s shoes but have supported their effort and watched them explode. So when I saw a review copy of the founder’s, Blake Mycoskie, book available I jumped on it. My 20-something daughter grabbed it and read it then passed it along to her friend to read before I got my hands on it. The pages came back to me dog-earred and underlined and I understand why.

Not only does the reader find out about Tom’s modus operandi, we are introduced to other companies and individuals who have embraced a different business model of thinking.

This book gave me a sense of hope and a renewed trust in corporate America. There is a new mindset on the fringes of our materialistic world and I’m so glad for it.

This is a quick and short read. But I think anyone seeking to dive into something bigger than themselves, something that could maybe provide an income and be a positive benefit to others should consider putting this on their must read list. Start Something That Matters might be a little simple or a little too creative for black and white business text book readers. But those who are chafing against the standard business model might welcome the refreshing splash of color Blake offers. Overall I recommend this as a thought provoking, uplifting and entertaining read.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer