BOOK GUIDE, TOMS, Upcoming, YOUR STORIES
by Mike

START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS BY BLAKE MYCOSKIE

Our September recommended read is: Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie. As you may know already, Blake is the founder of TOMS Shoes and this book is catered towards entrepreneurs who want to start a for-profit | for-purpose company.

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The key to the TOMS incredible growth story is in its business model:

“With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.”

One of the key drivers of growth for TOMS is the ‘giving’ aspect that reaches every touch point between customers, employees, media and partners. It’s an inspirational story.

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Start Something That Matters identifies the six principles that guide TOMS:

  1. Find Your Story
  2. Face Your Fears
  3. Be Resourceful Without Resources
  4. Keep It Simple
  5. Build Trust
  6. Giving Is Good Business

 

In 2006, Blake Mycoskie founded TOMS Shoes, the company that would match every pair purchased with a new pair given to a child in need. One for One. In September 2010, Blake returned from Argentina, where he was first inspired to start TOMS, to celebrate the one millionth pair of new shoes given to a child in need.

After five amazing years of giving shoes, Black was ready to address another need: vision. On June 7, 2011, TOMS debuted One for One Eyewear, which provides eye treatment, prescription glasses, or eye surgery for every pair purchased.
Former President Bill Clinton has introduced Black as “one of the most interesting entrepreneurs [he has] ever met.” And Bill Gates featured Black and TOMS Shoes in his Time magazine article, “How to Fix Capitalism.”

GIVEGROWGO actively supports TOMS and is hoping to participate in a TOMS Shoe Drop in Central America in the first half of 2016!