Start Something That Matters

Blake Mycoskie’s Start Something That Matters dismantles the conventional dichotomy between profit and purpose, arguing that the most sustainable and fulfilling ventures arise from their fusion. It is not a theoretical business text but a field manual derived from the explosive growth of TOMS Shoes, built on the radical One-for-One model: for every pair sold, a new pair is given to a child in need. The book positions this as more than charity; it is a fundamental reimagining of how a company can operate, where social impact is the engine of commerce rather than its byproduct.

Mycoskie structures his argument around six actionable principles: Find Your Story, Face Your Fears, Be Resourceful, Keep It Simple, Build Trust, and Giving Is Good Business. Each is illustrated with candid anecdotes from TOMS’s journey—from its conception during a Argentine vacation to its global scaling—and supplemented by case studies from kindred organizations like charity: water, Method, and FEED Projects. The narrative demystifies entrepreneurship, emphasizing that one need not have industry expertise or vast capital, but rather a clear mission and the willingness to begin.

The book operates on two interconnected levels. It is a practical guide to launching a mission-driven enterprise, covering everything from crafting a core narrative to navigating early failures. Simultaneously, it is a philosophical treatise advocating for a new capitalism, one measured not solely by shareholder returns but by its capacity to address human needs. Mycoskie argues that this integrated approach is not a sacrifice but a competitive advantage, attracting talent, fostering customer loyalty, and creating a resilient, meaningful brand.

Start Something That Matters targets a generation of aspiring entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and nonprofit founders who reject the choice between a successful career and a conscientious life. Its legacy lies in popularizing the ‘social enterprise’ model, providing a tangible, replicable blueprint for building a business that is economically viable while serving as a direct force for good in the world. It is a call to action that is both inspirational and rigorously pragmatic.

The critical consensus celebrates the book's authentic, humble, and unexpectedly substantive narrative. Readers, even skeptics, are disarmed by Mycoskie's candid admission of failures and his shameless optimism grounded in real experience. It is praised as a streamlined, practical guide that transcends typical inspirational business fluff, offering tangible lessons on storytelling and resourcefulness. The primary critique centers not on the book's content but on its underlying model, with some questioning the long-term efficacy and economic impact of the One-for-One charitable approach.