Hmmm… and why only at this time of the year. The world is yearning for a 24/7 season of giving. Take a moment today to think about your daily gift to the world. What will it be in 2012?
Anyway, let me begin by sharing. I just finished an outstand book titled: Start Something that Matters. Blake Mycoskie wrote this outstanding book. Blake is the Chief Shoe Giver at TOMS shoes. He is also the founder of TOMS, which began as an idea in his journal named Tomorrow’s Shoes. His mission for Tomorrow Shoes was simple. Blake writes, “It was a simple concept: Sell a pair of shoes today, give a pair of shoes tomorrow.” This became what Blake refers to as the shoe drop or “One for one.”
I recommend this book because it speaks to a bigger need in our world today. The need today is to give more than you get. There is a shift among us and that shift is about business, and each one of us really, finding a way to help someone in need. This is referred to as social responsibility.
What will you do in 2012 to help someone in need?
Milton Friedman was not on board with business being socially responsible. Friedman believed there was no bigger goal than for a business to increase profits. Social responsibility had no place in business. Blake refers to Pepsi in his book, sharing the story of how they took their twenty-million dollar advertising budget and set up the Pepsi Refresh Project. This project gave money to people who came up with ideas for a better tomorrow.
Here is what you will find in Blake Mycoskie’s book: Start Something That Matters
- The story of TOMS.
- Why and good endeavor should begin with a story.
- Calming your fears.
- How to be resourceful if you don’t have much when you start out in business.
- Keep your ideas, and business model, simple.
- Trust matters.
- Business goodness begins and ends with giving.
Finally, I believe this to be a quite practical book if you are interested in creating your own business, or just improving what you have now. Blake’s stories are powerful, relevant, and connect well.
I encourage you to pick up a copy and read it between now and New Years. You can buy it on my blog. Yes, that does put cash in my pocket. Thanks for helping. Or… go to your favorite bookstore and pick it up and for goodness sake… PICK IT UP FOR YOU AND A FRIEND.
Merry Christmas!!
