Start Something That Matters

What's "Start Something That Matters" about?

• Author's Journey: The book is written by Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS Shoes, and it details his journey from a vacation in Argentina to creating a successful business with a social mission.
• Business and Philanthropy: It explores the concept of combining business with philanthropy, specifically through the One for One model, where a product sold results in a product given to someone in need.
• Inspiration and Guidance: The book aims to inspire readers to start their own ventures that matter, providing practical advice and sharing stories of other entrepreneurs who have made a difference.
• Personal and Professional Fulfillment: Mycoskie emphasizes that success is not just about financial gain but also about contributing positively to the world and finding personal fulfillment.

Why should I read "Start Something That Matters"?

• Inspiration for Change: The book is a source of inspiration for those looking to make a positive impact through their work or personal projects.
• Practical Advice: It offers practical advice on starting and sustaining a business or project with a social mission, making it valuable for aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Real-Life Examples: Mycoskie shares real-life examples and stories of other successful social entrepreneurs, providing diverse perspectives and insights.
• Personal Growth: Readers can gain insights into personal growth and fulfillment by aligning their work with their values and passions.

What are the key takeaways of "Start Something That Matters"?

• One for One Model: The book highlights the success of the One for One model, where each product sold results in a product given to someone in need, as a sustainable business strategy.
• Importance of Storytelling: Mycoskie emphasizes the power of storytelling in building a brand and connecting with customers on an emotional level.
• Facing Fears: The book encourages readers to face their fears and take risks, as overcoming challenges is a crucial part of starting something meaningful.
• Simplicity and Trust: It advocates for simplicity in business models and the importance of building trust with employees, customers, and partners.

How did Blake Mycoskie start TOMS Shoes?

• Inspiration in Argentina: Mycoskie was inspired during a trip to Argentina, where he saw children without shoes and learned about the alpargata, a traditional shoe.
• Business Idea: He decided to create a for-profit business that would provide shoes to children in need, using the One for One model.
• Initial Challenges: Mycoskie faced challenges such as lack of experience in the shoe industry and limited resources, but he relied on creativity and resourcefulness.
• Growth and Impact: TOMS Shoes quickly gained popularity, leading to significant social impact by providing millions of shoes to children worldwide.

What is the One for One model?

• Basic Concept: The One for One model is a business strategy where for every product sold, a similar product is given to someone in need.
• Sustainability: It ensures a sustainable flow of goods to those in need, as it ties giving directly to sales.
• Customer Engagement: The model engages customers by making them part of the giving process, enhancing brand loyalty and support.
• Expansion Beyond Shoes: TOMS has expanded the model beyond shoes to include eyewear, where each purchase helps provide eye care to someone in need.

What are some key stories shared in "Start Something That Matters"?

• TOMS Origin Story: Mycoskie shares the story of how TOMS Shoes was founded and the challenges he faced in the early days.
• Method's Founders: The book includes the story of Adam Lowry and Eric Ryan, who created eco-friendly cleaning products with a strong brand story.
• FEED Projects: Lauren Bush's FEED Projects is highlighted as an example of a business that combines fashion with a social mission to fight hunger.
• Charity: Water: Scott Harrison's journey from nightclub promoter to founder of Charity: Water is shared as an inspiring example of personal transformation and impact.

What advice does Blake Mycoskie give for starting a business?

• Find Your Story: Mycoskie emphasizes the importance of having a compelling story that resonates with customers and supporters.
• Face Your Fears: He advises entrepreneurs to confront their fears and take calculated risks, as fear is a natural part of the journey.
• Be Resourceful: The book encourages using creativity and resourcefulness to overcome challenges, especially when resources are limited.
• Keep It Simple: Mycoskie advocates for simplicity in business models and product design to ensure clarity and focus.

How does "Start Something That Matters" address fear?

• Understanding Fear: The book explains that fear is a natural response to uncertainty and risk, but it can be managed and used as a motivator.
• Overcoming Fear: Mycoskie shares personal stories and strategies for overcoming fear, such as focusing on actions rather than emotions.
• Learning from Mistakes: He highlights the importance of learning from mistakes and viewing them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Support Systems: The book suggests surrounding oneself with supportive people, such as mentors and enthusiastic team members, to help navigate fear.

What role does storytelling play in "Start Something That Matters"?

• Emotional Connection: Storytelling is presented as a powerful tool for creating an emotional connection with customers and supporters.
• Brand Identity: A compelling story helps define a brand's identity and differentiates it from competitors in a crowded market.
• Customer Engagement: Stories engage customers by making them feel part of a larger mission, increasing loyalty and advocacy.
• Sharing Impact: Mycoskie uses storytelling to share the impact of TOMS' work, inspiring others to join the movement and support the brand.

What are some of the best quotes from "Start Something That Matters" and what do they mean?

• "Be the change you want to see in the world." This quote, attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, encapsulates the book's message of taking action to create positive change.
• "The more you give, the more you live." This reflects the idea that giving enriches one's life and brings fulfillment beyond financial success.
• "Start something that matters." The book's title and central theme encourage readers to pursue ventures that have a meaningful impact on the world.
• "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." This quote by Winston Churchill emphasizes resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges.

How does "Start Something That Matters" suggest building trust in business?

• Internal Trust: Mycoskie advises building trust within an organization by empowering employees and fostering open communication.
• External Trust: Trust with customers and partners is built through transparency, honesty, and delivering on promises.
• Admitting Mistakes: Acknowledging and learning from mistakes is crucial for maintaining trust and credibility.
• Consistent Values: Consistently aligning actions with the company's values and mission reinforces trust and integrity.

What impact has TOMS Shoes had since its founding?

• Millions of Shoes Given: Since its founding, TOMS has given millions of pairs of shoes to children in need around the world.
• Expansion of Giving: The company has expanded its giving model to include eyewear, providing eye care to those in need.
• Inspiration for Others: TOMS has inspired other businesses and entrepreneurs to adopt similar models of social entrepreneurship.
• Cultural Shift: The success of TOMS has contributed to a cultural shift towards conscious capitalism, where businesses prioritize social impact alongside profit.