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

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!

AWESOME

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

I have recommended this books to many friends, already I just love the story but also the fact that it gives you resoiurces to use to follow your own passion to be able to "Start something that Matters"

What did you like best about this story?

His Story on how he got started and then how his ideas began to grow.

Which character – as performed by Blake Mycoskie – was your favorite?

Blake himself

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I've listened to it twice now and have gone out a baught a copy to tab and highlight for future references.

Any additional comments?

I would encourage everyone with a passion about anything to go and read this one.

I almost didn't buy this. I'm happy I did.

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

I almost didn't buy this audio-book. The little sample I heard didn't wow me, but the idea behind the book did. I'm so happy I bought it. I loved the story behind his company and the inspiring stores about the other companies he mentions. It will make you think about your business and your life. I have to see if he sells 10.5 EEE shoes.

Motivating

Where does Start Something That Matters rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I got through it pretty quick because it kept my interest. I put it on 2x speed and that was a perfect tempo.

What does Blake Mycoskie bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He made it personal and that made all the difference. He came across as real and unpretentious. He makes the listener feel that they can do it too, his ego is in check.

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

You must be okay with failing a bunch of times and keep going.

Any additional comments?

I don't know how political he really is, but, I like how he didn't make his book political. All realms of politics seem to be congested with people that are holier than thou. I have a feeling he's more interested in looking for good in people and he finds it much more often than most.

Some nuggets but a lot of fluff

No doubt Blake and team have created something special with Toms. The book, however, feels like a collection of stories of other socially conscious companies and of other entrepreneurs who prevailed when many doubted them.

Some good nuggets and an encouraging reminder to think—and act—beyond the bottom line. I would love for Blake to write another book now that it’s been 10 years and his business experience has grown and evolved.

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 story of purpose and inspiration!

If you could sum up Start Something That Matters in three words, what would they be?

Inspiring...Motivating...Challenging

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narration is the one thing I had trouble with...his tone and reading style I did find annoying, I'm sad to say. I still listened to this audio twice because I was so encouraged by the stories and content but had to push myself passed the narration style. I appreciate that the author wanted to perform the reading but his choppiness and very predictable inflections at the end of every sentence made the audio part...sorry I have to say it...annoying.

Any additional comments?

I completely love the finding a deeper purpose stories of not only TOMS but many other stories included. It made me very envious of all the people that found their own purpose and greater purpose because it helped others. Very likely I will listen to this audio a 3rd time and hope inspiration hits me square in the face.

Grateful I finally got this.

Grateful I finally got this, and bummed I didn’t get it sooner. Worth getting the actual book actually, to get all the references he mentions.

Start Something

I loved this book. I loved the story and how inspiring it was. Just last week I started my own local non-profit for my Community “Make Bullhead Better” and Blake’s story and advice were so helpful. Thank you so much!! And thank you for reading it as the author those are my favorite it means so much more coming from the writer themselves.

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!

Good Story

Would you consider the audio edition of Start Something That Matters to be better than the print version?

I enjoyed listening to Blake Mycoskie detail his story and how he came about TOMS. Its a story of how Blake formed the company TOMS, it's also about giving back. Sure there are companies out there who do this, yet are they as passionate at Blake? It's a good read and one that will give one food for thought.

Incredible

If you have a good bone in your body, this book is a must. Heart warming, wonderful, and shows everyone can make a difference with a little creativity.

Great book about purpose driven startups

Enjoyed listening to this great book about starting up a purpose-driven business that aims to make an impact on humanity. Tom’s business model is simply about donating a pair of shoe to a child in need for every pair of shoe the company sells. The book also outlines simple ingredients for a successful startup including starting small, failing fast and learning from it, building trust internally and externally and hiring people who share the same vision, passion and values.

Fantastic book

Loved this! The story is very inspiring and super easy to listen to. Start something that matters will definitely help many individuals find their calling.

Wow just wow

This book is amazing, I love the whole Toms story, really will inspire you to do more to help other.

Amazing

I can read this book over and over again. Thank you Blake for inspiring me.

We’re all equipped to help another

Inspiring entrepreneur story that makes me belief in the act of helping others and making a difference in society. Particularly helpful for those still thinking of how to start.

Makes me want to meet Blake.

For a social shoe entrepreneur like me, this a must read that lives up to all expectations. Time to buy some Toms.

What an inspirational story

I am a true TOMS fan after listening to this audiobook. Great insights to starting a business that matters and very well narrated.