Start Something That Matters

By: Blake Mycoskie

Narrated by: Blake Mycoskie

Length: 4 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

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 the 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 other innovative organizations such as Method Products, 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.

©2011 Blake Mycoskie (P)2011 Random House

Inspiring and Genuine

What did you love best about Start Something That Matters?

That Blake read it himself. It added the element of authenticity to the story and allowed me to feel like I was listening to his real story and not a version of it from someone else.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Start Something That Matters?

The story of the early days of Toms, and how much they accomplished with creativity, luck, a sense of purpose, and a sense of humor.

What about Blake Mycoskie’s performance did you like?

His voice was easy to listen to, and he was totally geniune. He provided some interesting view points on what to consider when thinking about taking a leap and building something of your own, about following your heart with practical and realistic tips.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Redefining what corporate America could be.
The marriage of making money and doing good for the world.

A book that matters

Would you listen to Start Something That Matters again? Why?

Blake I believe has captured what the new entrepreneur wants to leave a lasting legacy and build a business that matters

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Blake dream is fulfilled and he delivers the shoes to the children. He fully realizes the difference he is making

Gave me great insight and hope.

I've been wanting to start a Nonprofit and researched way to much on how to start one. I actually ended up wearing myself out and it seemed so complicated. Recently I've re-shifted my thinking and decided to just go for it and start helping people I knew who needed help in my spare time. Anyways this book just expended my thinking and made me realize if all those other people can do it and make a change in the world why couldn't I. Blake is straight forward, includes suggestions, and gives advice where to go etc. Definitely glad I decided to read and purchase this book. Makes me want to buy a pair of Tom's shoes for sure now and start my Nonprofit sooner!

great book

I love this book. I recommend it to everyone. I definitely learned a lot about business and life in general, from this book.

Inspiring!

I loved hearing from Blake about his start up and how he operates his business. Fantastic!

This book matters

What did you love best about Start Something That Matters?

I enjoyed the story and was inspired to start a master mind group and start something that matters.

My eyes welled up several times!

Blake actually reads his own book, and than is really very cool. He is so down to earth, you can't help but love him. His message is really worth listening to, and I think he accomplishes his objective. He tells you what it is at the end of his story. He's got me thinking in new directions, I never even thought about before. The story itself, is actually amazing, and all along it he gives you advice. I really think you should give it a try. Thanks Blake!

Blake provides a practical and inspiring guide...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, this book is a true testimony to be shared with anyone, particular with friends on their journey to inspire and make a difference in the lives of others.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Start Something That Matters?

When Blake reiterates that every venture he undertakes should be a difference in the lives of others and not just the financial gain that he receives. Additionally, using the customer to help make a difference, their involvement is not merely a consumer only but also an advocate of the business. I was able to identify with his leadership style when he describes how to create an organisation that is built on trust and mistakes by employees should be forgiven. I agree there should be zero tolerance for dishonest and untrustworthy employees. Blake's academic referencing adds to the quality of the book.

Have you listened to any of Blake Mycoskie’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first time reading Blake's material.

What did you learn from Start Something That Matters that you would use in your daily life?

To start off with a small idea that matters and grow it into something big. Also avoiding unnecessary overheads and use the resources that are readily available to grow the business. Having left my job a few weeks ago I needed to hear Blake's professional and personal experiences, suggestions and inspiring message.

Any additional comments?

This book has awaken the burning desire within me to succeed as an upcoming entrepeneur. This is inspiring material I will forever reference.

Great listen!

Best book ever! I'm going to re listen straight away.... Working on my idea now at the same time!

The Book that I Cried All Through

Thank you Blake for sharing & for this amazing book! I found myself in tears a lot of the time through the book as I heard of how you and others had changed and impacted people's lives. I felt inspired and am looking forward to starting something that matters.