Start Something That Matters: a Review and a Chance to Win

“Love your work, work for what you love, and change the world–All at the same time.” -Opening quote from Start Something That Matters written by Founder of TOMS, Blake Mycoskie.

Little excites me more than a good book. I can get lost in the story, the characters, and the imagery the author weaves throughout the pages. And while Start Something That Matters is not as much of a story as it is a guidebook, I fell in love with the book from the first page. I had to be careful where I read it as so many of the stories told by author and founder, Blake Mycoskie brought me to tears. Perhaps I am a little overly sensitive, but there is just something about reading page after page of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things that is inspiring and emotion-provoking. My initial review of the book-finish reading my post and then go buy yourself a copy. It’s worth it. No matter what you do, no matter where you work, or what dreams you have, the practical principles in the book are worth the cost of the book. And you will be giving a book to child somewhere else, so what other reason do you need? Well, in case that was not convincing enough, I will give you a few more reasons I think you should snag yourself a copy.

First, the stories. Maybe you know a little about how TOMS was founded, but my passion for TOMS was increased after reading Blake’s side of the story. And how about the stories behind how Method brand products, Falling Whistles, or charity:water started?  Most often we get this idea in our head that these organizations were founded by super-heroes and that there is nothing that I, an average person, can do. Not true. Those companies were all started by average people with dreams beyond the status quo. The stories were inspiring. As was the challenge-find your story. And in keeping with the practical side of the book, there are steps laid out on how to do just that. How do you find your story? Your message in the midst of the many out there? How do you distinguish your idea as a movement, as a mission, as something other people should become a part of? Those are just some of the things addressed in the first several chapters of the book.

Second, the challenge. I love how Mycoskie refuses to sugar coat things. He does not simply write an inspiring book that is full of all the successes and positives. He digs deep and challenges you to face the fears and shares the mistakes and failures that came at the beginning. He shares his own fear and insecurity as well as that of many other business leaders. The book takes you on a journey and does not leave you with the impression that it will be easy or smooth, but with the impression that it is possible. That I believe is a much better outcome.  When I finished the last page, I had the confidence to believe I could pursue something that matters. I also had a clear picture of the reality of the challenges that would be ahead and the courage I would need to push through the fear and the feelings of failure.

Lastly, the resources. I believe most of us are under the impression that we must have an enormous amount of capital and resources to start something. Mycoskie challenges this idea by explaining how carefully they conserved resources and giving very practical ideas of ways to save money at the beginning. In addition, there are pages of free or nearly resources available to everyone starting out. I had not heard of most of the items on the list and highlighted and book marked the pages to continually come back to. The book is full of advice and strategies from other entrepreneurs that added value to the practicality of the book.

Overall, I would highly recommend the book. Even if you do not ever plan on starting your own company, the tools in the book are easily applied to whatever you are doing. I think the value of the book is that not only does it tell a story, but it inspires its readers to tell their stories. And not just to tell your story, but to practically turn that story into something bigger, something that matters. It’s a book you close out not only feeling inspired, but feeling equipped to start. That in my opinion makes it an excellent read.

Now its your turn. I want you to read it. And I am going to make it easy for you because I have a brand new copy of the book to give away!  I will even cover the shipping! All you have to do is simply comment on this post an answer to the following question:

If you could listen to anyone’s story of how they got where they are, who would it be and why? 

I will tell you my answer. It would be Tom Davis, founder of Children’s Hope Chest because I admire what he has done for the orphan and the widow around the world, and he works closely with Swaziland-a country near to my heart.

Now its your turn. I will give you guys until December 2nd, 2011 at midnight to answer and then I will pick a winner.  After that, I expect the rest of you to get your own copy of the book and read it! Good Luck!