Alliedify

Build a Business. Make a Difference. Leave a Legacy.

Introduction

In an era where entrepreneurship is often driven by scale and profit, Start Something That Matters flips the script by asking a deeper question: What if your business could change lives — including your own? Written by TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie, this book is a rallying cry for purpose-driven entrepreneurship. It’s not just about building a successful company — it’s about building a movement.

Mycoskie shares the origin story of TOMS — the company that pioneered the “One for One” model — and how a simple idea sparked a global giving revolution. From traveling barefoot in Argentina to launching a brand that has given millions of shoes to children in need, this book unpacks the blueprint of building a business that combines profit with purpose.

Whether you’re a college student with a side hustle, a freelancer seeking meaning in your work, or a startup founder trying to stand out in a noisy world, Start Something That Matters offers real-world lessons, practical insights, and the kind of motivational storytelling that moves people to action.

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Top 10 Lessons from Start Something That Matters

1. Start Small, Start Now

You don’t need a massive budget or years of experience to begin. All you need is a meaningful idea, the courage to start, and the willingness to learn as you go.

2. Purpose Fuels Persistence

When your business is rooted in something bigger than money, you’ll be more resilient during setbacks. A mission-driven entrepreneur always has a deeper “why” to keep going.

3. Simplicity Scales

TOMS didn’t start with complex operations — just one pair of shoes donated for every pair sold. A clear, simple idea travels faster and sticks longer.

4. Storytelling is Your Superpower

People don’t just buy what you sell — they buy why you do it. Sharing your authentic journey builds connection, trust, and brand loyalty.

5. Giving is Not a Distraction — It’s a Differentiator

Social good doesn’t dilute business strategy — it enhances it. Customers are drawn to brands that align with their values, and giving back builds emotional capital.

6. Scarcity Breeds Creativity

Constraints like limited funds or time can spark innovation. Use what you have, where you are, and embrace DIY solutions early on.

7. Hire for Passion, Train for Skill

In purpose-driven companies, passion trumps credentials. Surround yourself with people who believe in the mission, not just the paycheck.

8. Fail Forward — Learn Fast

Blake didn’t get everything right, but he learned quickly from mistakes. View failure as a feedback loop, not a final verdict.

9. Build Community, Not Just Customers

TOMS created a tribe — not just a transaction. When people feel part of a shared mission, they advocate for your brand and spread your message organically.

10. Profit and Purpose Can Coexist

Doing good and making money aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they can amplify each other. The future belongs to businesses that lead with values.

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Conclusion

Start Something That Matters isn’t just a book — it’s a mindset shift. It challenges the idea that business success is only measured by revenue or valuation. Instead, it shows that meaning, mission, and impact are the new metrics of growth. If you’re ready to build something that serves, inspires, and lasts — start here.