Author: Blake Mycoskie
| Synopsis |
| Start Something That Matters (2011) is a business book compiled by the creators of TOMS shoes, Blake Mycoskie, and the book’s main message is to create a business that makes money and helps people. Even those who don’t have much money or time often want to make their community or the country a better place. What’s missing is action, and this book will help get you going. |
“No matter how convenient it is for us to reach out to people remotely, sometimes the most important task is to show up in person.”
― Blake Mycoskie
Detailed Summary
You want to make a difference in the world. You want your life to matter. But where do you start? Forget about grandiose plans that will never see the light of day. Start small. Start where you are. And start now. That’s what author Blake Mycoskie tells us in his book Start Something That Matters.
The key, he says, is to find something you’re passionate about and focus on it. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers right away. Mycoskie didn’t know his calling until he started TOMS, his now-famous shoe company with a one-for-one giving model.
Blake Mycoskie is a serial entrepreneur who started his first company in his early 20s. Starting with little more than a pair of shoes, he became an overnight success in the shoe business, and then he started TOMS. Blake says that he started TOMS because he wanted to help people by giving back to those who helped him along the way.
He wants you to know that it doesn’t matter what kind of business you want to start or how much money you have; if you want something bigger than yourself, you can do it with just one person on your team.
To date, TOMS has given away over 10 million pairs of shoes to people living in poverty around the world. This has helped them develop self-esteem, confidence, and pride — all things that can be difficult for impoverished children to acquire on their own. Some appendices include sample mission statements, samples of mission statements for companies like Apple and Nike, and examples of mission statements for nonprofit organizations.
Start Something That Matters Summary Key Points
Blake talks about many key points, including the importance of starting something with a mission and purpose and how this can be more fulfilling than simply making money. He also talks about building a brand and creating passionate customers about your product or service. And he shares some of the challenges he faced along the way, including factory problems and competition from larger companies.
You can also read the book by hitting the link below.
To achieve something great, you have to be willing to take risks
The biggest barrier to entrepreneurship is usually fear: the fear of failure, the fear of the unknown, and the fear of not being good enough. If you’re afraid of failing, remind yourself that even successful businesses have failed at some point. The key is to learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward. If you’re afraid of the unknown, do some research to gain a better understanding of what you’re getting into.
And if you’re worried about not being good enough, remember that no one is perfect and that everyone has to start somewhere. The bottom line is that if you want to be an entrepreneur, you must face your fears head-on. Only then will you be able to achieve your goals and reach your full potential?
However, plenty of successful businesses started as small, local operations and grew over time into large companies. The key is to start small and gradually grow your business by adding new products or services and expanding into new markets.
Of course, there are other risks involved in starting a business, but if you take the time to consider all of your options and make smart decisions carefully, you can greatly reduce the chances of failure. So don’t be discouraged – if you’ve always wanted to start your own business, go for it! It may be riskier than you thought, but it could also be more rewarding than you ever imagined.
It is important to be creative and flexible to be successful
“People are hungry for success—that’s nothing new. What’s changed is the definition of that success. Increasingly, the quest for success is not the same as the quest for status and money. ― Blake Mycoskie
Being a creative and flexible business owner will help you to succeed when starting with limited resources. Focusing on doing one thing well and then expanding your operations as your business grows is important. By being efficient and using your time wisely, you can stretch your budget further and accomplish more than you thought possible.
In the beginning stages of running a business, being as hands-on as possible is helpful. This allows you to get a feel for all aspects of the company and learn what works best for you. As your business grows, you can delegate tasks to other employees or hire outside help when necessary.
This means having a lean business model and not wasting money on unnecessary things. Be creative in your marketing and think outside the traditional ways of doing things. Find low-cost or even free ways to get your message out there.
And finally, be flexible in how you accomplish your goals. Things will never go exactly as planned, so be prepared to change course when needed. By being willing to adapt, you’ll be able to make the most of whatever situation you find yourself in.
Create a Story that connects Customers on an Emotional Level
When you market a product, you need to tell a story that will connect with your customers on an emotional level. People are more likely to become fans of products that have stories that they can relate to.
Therefore, companies that have to give in their business models are more likely to be successful. Your company’s story is the foundation of your marketing efforts. It’s the tale you tell customers and prospects about what your business does, why, and how you do it better than anyone else.
A great story will make people want to be a part of your company and buy your products or services. It will also inspire them to spread the word about your business to their friends and family. If you don’t have a compelling story to tell, now is the time to create one.
Start by considering what makes your company unique and what differentiates you from your competitors. What are your company’s core values? What are its goals? Once you understand these things well, you can start crafting your story.
Start Something That Matters Review
Start Something That Matters is an inspiring read for anyone who has ever dreamed of making a difference in the world. This book is all about how one person can make a difference in the world. Mycoskie provides practical advice for anyone interested in starting a social enterprise. He also shares his journey and the lessons he learned along the way.
Blake tells his own story of starting TOMS shoes and how he was able to help so many people through this simple act of giving away shoes. Overall, Start Something That Matters is an inspiring read that will leave you motivated to make a difference in your way.
To Whom do we Recommend Start Something That Matters Summary
- Any aspiring entrepreneur.
- Anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.
- Anyone who wants to understand social entrepreneurship.
About The Author
Blake Mycoskie is an entrepreneur and the author of Start Something That Matters, a book about social entrepreneurship. He is the founder of TOMS Shoes, a company that provides shoes to children in need. Blake has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and one of CNN’s Top 10 Visionary Thinkers.