8 Down, 42 to Go: Start Something That Matters

TOMS Shoes–you’ve probably seen them. You may even own a pair.

Source: healthy happy life

After reading Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie, I am noticing TOMS on feet all over town.

Notice the signature logo

Start Something That Matters is Mycoskie’s story of starting the TOMS shoe company and the business and life lessons he has learned along the way. Mycoskie is a bit of a modern-day Renaissance man: entrepreneur, do-gooder, former contestant on The Amazing Race.

TOMS is known for buy a pair, give a pair. For every pair of shoes bought, a new pair is donated to a child in need. The company has branched out to now offer a line of eyewear: One for One Eyewear, which provides eye treatment, prescription glasses or eye surgery with every pair purchased.

I read this book as part of a project for work, and the biggest take-away for me was Mycoskie’s story. We all have a story and we need to be able to communicate it well. He encourages readers to “find your story”, think about their personal mission and story because stories engage people in a cause, build brand awareness and loyalty and stories resonate more than facts. The morning after I read that chapter I had to give a quick speech in front of a group of high school students. I had to quickly edit my work story to grab the attention of 100 sleepy teenagers at 8am. It was a good test of the story idea!

I recommend this book if you are interested in TOMS and social responsibility.

I’ve switched gears a bit and am now reading All Saints by Liam Callanan.