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.
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"I like how this book is a breezy read that makes you think about more meaningful ways you can spend your life, or at least your time. It's not exactly a business plan to starting an inspirational organization or anything detailed like that, but it's a really good beginning roadmap to just get you thinking about things that matter to you and how you can work for those things. Rather than a step by step, it's more of a "things to consider" type of guide. And for someone like me, while my current work is meaningful and in the public interest, the issues that I work with not as meaningful to me personally as some other issues are, this book made me think about the next step in my life and some ways I can get to where I'm working on something that I'm really passionate about."
— Cathy (4 out of 5 stars)
" This was the book I didn't know I was waiting for.. and I think it just may have changed my life. I feel more motivated about my business ideas than ever before, and my "big dreams" actually seem accomplishable. ... Such a great read! "
— Amy, 2/18/2014" This was a nice quick, inspiring read that gives good food for thought on how to turn your ideas, interests, passions, and skills into activities that also do good. One person can make a difference-- this I know for sure. "
— Aja, 2/18/2014" Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie tells the story of TOMS, a shoe company with the motto of "One for One". Mycoskie reflects this motto with the result of whenever someone buys a pair of TOMS shoes, another pair will be given to a child who does not have shoes. Along with this short synopsis of TOMS, Mycoskie exhibits the six simple steps he used to start TOMS. He also says that those steps are steps that many other organizations, businesses and regular people have used to start something that matters. Overall I thought the book was very inspiring and straightforward. It thoroughly grasped the concept of starting something that matters. "
— Hannah, 2/14/2014" I received this book with my last purchase of TOMS shoes. I've been a TOMS fan for a few years now. I absolutely love the shoes, and I loved reading about how Blake came up with the idea and executed it. While not necessarily a permanent solution to world poverty, TOMS is definitely a step in the right direction. Very inspiring book, goes recommended to anyone who has ever wanted to make a difference in the world. "
— Spencer, 2/14/2014" This was an intersting book. Nothing great or overly informative but worth a look if you are intersted in how some companies got started. "
— Faith, 2/11/2014" Awesome book. Inspiring and helpful. Everyone should take the time to read this inspiring book! "
— Laura, 2/3/2014" This book challenges you to evaluate your life and make a change for the better. It is full of insightful advice and stories. I recommend it to anyone who feels like their life needs more purpose. "
— Madison, 2/2/2014" I love TOMS! I am only 35 pages in and already feel inspired! "
— Crystal, 12/21/2013" I read the whole book without putting it down once. It was really interesting and a good book to read. I think the fact that it was written by the founder of TOMS made it even more interesting to me. Definitely a good book to read. "
— Jessica, 12/1/2013" This book is great for anyone who loves Toms, has a philanthropic spirit, or has always thought of starting their own business. In any case, it'a s great (and quick) read with a lot of motivational tips. "
— Nikki, 10/15/2013" A should-read autobiograpy on leadership for knowledge workers, managers, directors, C-levels, and entrepreneurs. "
— Lori, 3/4/2013" I think the book was awesome! I think the author's idea for "one for one" is great. I could not put the book down! please don't stop writing these amazing inspiring books! "
— Sahar, 1/31/2013" A really incredible read that makes you think in new, innovative ways. I'd classify this as a must-read. "
— Gina, 1/24/2013" Wish I had an idea to put into practice "
— Amanda, 10/10/2012" This book was enjoyable to read. It was inspirational and heart warming. The stories were really informative and it was an easy read. I would absolutely recommend this book. "
— Shay, 5/18/2012" Not really my cup of tea. "
— Esther, 4/15/2012" Mr. Mycoskie brings forth many salient points, even for the secretarial/administrative worker bee types such as I. A very good read and I recommend for ages high schooler to octigenarian. "
— Mrs, 3/21/2012" An inspiring and motivating book that encourages us to follow our dreams and not be afraid to take those first "steps" in whatever we choose to pursue. Especially loved Mycoskie's thoughts on fear, and how you have to be comfortable with fear. "
— Mary, 11/30/2011" I liked it!<br/><br/>A fun, useful, cheery combination of entrepreneurialism, cognitive psychology, and philanthropy. Done well, too! "
— Richard, 10/28/2011" Fantastic book. Really inspired to take small steps towards doing something that matters. "
— Allegra, 10/18/2011" Makes me love Toms even more. <br/><br/> "
— Andrea, 10/17/2011" I read the whole book without putting it down once. It was really interesting and a good book to read. I think the fact that it was written by the founder of TOMS made it even more interesting to me. Definitely a good book to read. "
— Jessica, 10/17/2011" A friend received this from goodreads.com. Very interesting. I especially liked the chapters about how bosses promote (or not) trust with employees. "
— Jennifer, 10/17/2011" Not just a history of TOMS. I was surprised at how much business knowledge and history Blake gave. Not to mention tons of resources. Tore through this and book marked several pages. "
— Shauna, 10/8/2011" I found it quite interesting and to hear different stories of people who started with an idea and made something from nothing it can inspire to make others try instead of saying"itll never happen" and throw the dream away. "
— Shawn, 10/6/2011" I read the whole book without putting it down once. It was really interesting and a good book to read. I think the fact that it was written by the founder of TOMS made it even more interesting to me. Definitely a good book to read. "
— Jessica, 10/6/2011" “Start Something that Matters” is Blake Mycoskie’s well told story challenging us to find our passion and leverage it for both living and giving. "
— Luke, 10/5/2011" Start Something That Matters does a fantastic job telling the Story of Toms and many other companies that have successfully integrated giving into their business model. It offers practical advice and inspiration delivered in a straightforward, easy to read manner. Keep up the great work Blake! "
— Matt, 10/4/2011" This book was won on goodreads.I liked the idea of one for one giving back. It is well written. "
— Lana, 10/4/2011