AUTHOR:
Blake Mycoskie (Spiegel & Grau, 2012)
REVIEWER:
Deborah Goldstein, Principal, Enlightened Philanthropy
BOOK LINK:
REVIEW:
A few years ago I had the pleasure of hearing Blake Mycoskie, chief shoe giver of TOMS, give an inspirational keynote speech at a conference. His light-hearted storytelling relayed the ups and downs of his journey as he founded TOMS and watched the buy one, give one movement grow. You could feel his enthusiasm and energy spread throughout the room. And so, it was with this experience in mind that I excitedly pre-ordered his book to be one of the first to receive it. I wasn’t disappointed.
Blake delivers that same spirit in his book, Start Something That Matters. It is an easy, fun read that highlights his experience with TOMS along with that of other innovative organizations that are making a difference in the world. One of the key messages that I remember from his keynote became the main premise of the book—we don’t have to wait to do good or to give back. As the book jacket says, “You can find profit, passion, and meaning all at once—right now.”
I think this is an idea many of us struggle with and watch our clients struggle with as well. We ask ourselves, how can I balance these different desires in my life? Or we think we need to wait until retirement to start giving back. Many of us also want to start something that matters—whether it be a foundation, a donor-advised fund, a junior board of our family foundation, a non-profit, a company with a social mission.
Blake’s intention is that his book will “be the catalyst of many more organizations and projects making a positive impact on the world.” To support this desire, Blake shares inspiration throughout the pages and challenges each of us to start something that matters. He outlines six simple keys that will help us do just that:
• Find your story • Face your fears • Be resourceful without resources • Keep it simple • Build trust • Giving is good business
The chapter on giving is especially relevant as he describes the power of building giving into a business model—whether starting a new business or creating a culture of giving in an existing organization. He suggests giving from the core, not as an afterthought, and shares some more tips to do this:
• Give more than money • Think about your special skills • Incorporate giving anywhere you can at work • Give early • Don’t get overwhelmed • It’s better to give than to receive • Listen to those you give to
A couple of TOMS employees also share their five tips for thoughtful giving in this chapter.
Blake wraps up his book by reminding us that the most important step is the FIRST step. What will be your first step to start something that matters?
Deborah Goldstein is an independent philanthropic advisor and certified 21/64 trainer specializing in guiding the next generation in giving. More about Deborah can be found at enlightenedphilanthropy.com.