I recently received the book "Start Something That Matters" by Blake Mycoskie as part of a Books for Bloggers program. Blake Mycoskie is the founder of TOMS. TOMS is a shoe company that matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One.
I love TOMS shoes. I’m not usually a trendy person. As an Iowan, I stand little chance of being trendy. We don’t catch on to trends until the items are available on the shelves of Wal-Mart. This is one trend, however, I did catch on to early.
The shoes are not only hip and fun but they are extremely comfortable. They are like work appropriate slippers. I am on my feet 8+ hours per day so I need a comfortable pair of shoes (or five). I appreciate the TOMS movement. Who wouldn’t want to help out children while wearing cute and comfortable shoes? Brilliant.
As a loyal TOMS customer, I was excited to read more about the company.
“Start Something That Matters” is a quick, yet inspirational read. The book discusses the origins of the company and the importance of using stories in today’s marketing. Would the alpargata inspired shoe have made such an impact in United States fashion without the one for one movement? My husband and brother would definitely argue “no” because they do not like the style of shoe. (Keep in mind they are dudes from Iowa. Iowa dudes are even less trendy than the lovely Iowa ladies.)
I’m a skeptic when it comes to self-help/inspiration business books. Yes, it would be awesome to love your work and work for what you love but I’m not sure everyone can experience this. Maybe there are people that LOVE being garbage men but I’m pretty sure the majority feel otherwise. But garbage men are important and the world needs them. These people fill a need with their work. (I’m also sure there are pharmacists that LOVE their jobs but I’m pretty sure the majority feel otherwise. These people fill a need with their work. ;))
I did find this book very inspirational though. Did it inspire me to start my own company? No. (Maybe an Etsy shop. Hmmm.) Did it make me think that I could change the world? No. What it did inspire me to do was think beyond my current stage in life. What goals should I set for myself? How can I help others? Should I think about switching careers? Where should I volunteer? I like books that challenge me in such a personal way. I also learned a little about business and other interesting organizations (charity: water, FEED, method) in a way that didn’t bore me. That’s an impressive feat.
Would you like to win your own copy of “Start Something That Matters”?
- TO ENTER (required): An important part of this book is making yourself aware of your passion. One question Blake asks is “If you did not have to worry about money, what would you do with your time?” Answer that question for your entry!
- GIVEAWAY CLOSES: January 8, 2012 11:59PM CST
- NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
- OTHER STUFF: The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on January 9, 2012 . Check back to see if you are the lucky winner!
***I was given this book for free as part of the Books for Bloggers Program. I was not compensated in any other way and was encouraged to be honest….even if I only used the book as kindling in my fireplace. My fireplace is electric but this book definitely wouldn’t be needed to keep me warm…unless you count warm and fuzzy thoughts.***
I recently received the book "Start Something That Matters" by Blake Mycoskie as part of a Books for Bloggers program. Blake Mycoskie is the founder of TOMS. TOMS is a shoe company that matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One.
I love TOMS shoes. I’m not usually a trendy person. As an Iowan, I stand little chance of being trendy. We don’t catch on to trends until the items are available on the shelves of Wal-Mart. This is one trend, however, I did catch on to early.
The shoes are not only hip and fun but they are extremely comfortable. They are like work appropriate slippers. I am on my feet 8+ hours per day so I need a comfortable pair of shoes (or five). I appreciate the TOMS movement. Who wouldn’t want to help out children while wearing cute and comfortable shoes? Brilliant.
As a loyal TOMS customer, I was excited to read more about the company.
“Start Something That Matters” is a quick, yet inspirational read. The book discusses the origins of the company and the importance of using stories in today’s marketing. Would the alpargata inspired shoe have made such an impact in United States fashion without the one for one movement? My husband and brother would definitely argue “no” because they do not like the style of shoe. (Keep in mind they are dudes from Iowa. Iowa dudes are even less trendy than the lovely Iowa ladies.)
I’m a skeptic when it comes to self-help/inspiration business books. Yes, it would be awesome to love your work and work for what you love but I’m not sure everyone can experience this. Maybe there are people that LOVE being garbage men but I’m pretty sure the majority feel otherwise. But garbage men are important and the world needs them. These people fill a need with their work. (I’m also sure there are pharmacists that LOVE their jobs but I’m pretty sure the majority feel otherwise. These people fill a need with their work. ;))
I did find this book very inspirational though. Did it inspire me to start my own company? No. (Maybe an Etsy shop. Hmmm.) Did it make me think that I could change the world? No. What it did inspire me to do was think beyond my current stage in life. What goals should I set for myself? How can I help others? Should I think about switching careers? Where should I volunteer? I like books that challenge me in such a personal way. I also learned a little about business and other interesting organizations (charity: water, FEED, method) in a way that didn’t bore me. That’s an impressive feat.
Would you like to win your own copy of “Start Something That Matters”?
- TO ENTER (required): An important part of this book is making yourself aware of your passion. One question Blake asks is “If you did not have to worry about money, what would you do with your time?” Answer that question for your entry!
- GIVEAWAY CLOSES: January 8, 2012 11:59PM CST
- NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
- OTHER STUFF: The winner will be selected using random.org and announced on January 9, 2012 . Check back to see if you are the lucky winner!
***I was given this book for free as part of the Books for Bloggers Program. I was not compensated in any other way and was encouraged to be honest….even if I only used the book as kindling in my fireplace. My fireplace is electric but this book definitely wouldn’t be needed to keep me warm…unless you count warm and fuzzy thoughts.***
If you did not have to worry about money, what would you do with your time? I would be involved with Al-Anon and try to help families start the healing process. Having a family member that is an addict is an eye opening experience.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI did the million dollar exercise (what would you do if you had a million dollar, or however much you need) a while ago and I realised that my life wouldn't be much different from what it is now. I would look after my children, travel (maybe business class instead of economy), dance, blog. Only there would be less stress and less guilt.
Oh, and did I mention I love books? My husband recently asked me if I would want to live 200 years and I said, 'yes, you know how many books I could read in that time?' So I hope your giveaway is open worldwide ;)
Katie and I LOVE TOMS too!! If money was not an issue, I would start a free trade shop that sold stuff that either helped people in need or helped ministries/organizations that helped others. I've actually been thinking about doing this for a year now so I'm sort of already starting the planning process. This book sounds like it could help keep a fire under my butt! :)
ReplyDeleteI would open up an animal shelter for all the dogs in need. It would be super comfy and cozy and give every dog a nice life until they find there new home :)
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't have to worry about money, then I would probably start my own charity to help people who are trying to get their Social Security Disability. I do that now for the law firm I work for, but the charity would help them with their medications and paying basic needs bills. A lot of claims go on for at least two years or more, and most of them don't have an income. It can be very frustrating at times to be on this side of the phone and hear someone struggling and you can't do anything about it.
ReplyDeleteI actually had a dream last night that my landlord gave me 1 million dollars because she won the powerball lotto and received 132 million, and I realized in that dream - that I was most excited to do more projects for the blog, and continue blogging. But besides keeping up with my blog, I'd open a shelter for abandoned cats and dogs and spend as much time trying to end animal abuse as I could.
ReplyDeleteI've thought about giving TOMS a try and I like that you think they are comfy.
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't have to worry about money I would be doing something for abandoned animals. And I'd be living on a farm too :) I would like to see kids interacting with animals, horses would definitely fit in the picture.
“If you did not have to worry about money, what would you do with your time?” I would dedicate half my time to animal rescue. Something like starting shelter, awareness, spay and neuter campaigns...pretty much anything animal related. As a mommy of 5 rescued pets, it is something I do now but not at the level I wish I could. I would then dedicate the other half of my time to ovarian cancer awareness and fundraising. I lost an extremely close friend to ovarian cancer at 43 a year and half ago and it is something that means a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteI totally would spend my life doing mission trips to places in need. I have had the opportunity to go on a few, one of which was in Africa. It is amazing to see how appreciated your help can be and to know that your efforts make a difference.
ReplyDelete"If you did not have to worry about money, what would you do with your time?" My dream has always been to open a dog shelter on the beach. There's something so freeing about seeing dogs running around on the beach!
ReplyDeleteI'm actually on the hunt right now for an organization to work with. Not that I don't have to worry about money (I do), but I want to get involved in something that's making a difference. So I think if I DIDN'T have to worry about money I'd probably spend a lot more time with that organization. I'd love to work with something like Girls on the Run or Back On My Feet.
ReplyDeleteAnd let's be honest, I'd also travel a lot.
If money were no issue I would not be working for any for-profit organization! I would love to use my professional skills (HR) and help with career guidance as people struggle to enter the workforce and get back on their feet. I would love this book! Great giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteI would travel around the world!
ReplyDeleteIf money were no object I would get the best photographic equipment, take classes, and spend all my time becoming a great photographer so I could take family photos for low income families who cannot afford expensive photo sessions.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win!
If I didn't have to worry about money, I would work throughout the world with those with special needs and disabilities. Their stories are more than heartwarming, and the feeling of their happiness and accomplishment is like no other warmth felt inside, shared by more than one.
ReplyDeleteOH gorsh. It's hard choosing just one or two things. But without a doubt I can say I'd work with animals. Any kinds is fine, hah. Rescuing, training, playing, helping...
ReplyDeleteI'd totally quit the day job! I'd still want to teach the odd college class here and there though. Most of my time would be spent in animal rescue. Either by stepping up involvment with the organization I already volunteer with or maybe a new one somewhere else, because I imagine if money were no object, we would move as well!
ReplyDeleteif i ddn't have to worry about money, i'd be doing the same thing i am doing now, but not worrying if that makes sense. i love what i do! i love it- i wish i could make more money at it of course and that stresses me out sometimes.
ReplyDeleteHa! I love the disclaimer =) If I didn't have to worry about money, I think I'd start a charity to provide respite services to people who are full time care givers. My mom cares for my terminally ill dad, and I know sometimes she wants nothing more than a padded room and 1 hour alone. I think it would be awesome to provide that to people who spend their lives in service to others =)
ReplyDeleteI'd do something for foster kids/kids looking to be adopted. Still hoping to do this as soon as my own lil rugrats aren't taking up my whole world.
ReplyDeleteI would open a dog rescue. And I love TOMS shoes. I got my first pair as a birthday gift from a good friend. They are so comfy!
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't have to worry about money I would do everything I could to assist the animal shelter and keep pets from being euthanized.
ReplyDeleteIf money wasn't a problem, I would join the Board of Directors of my favorite charities and use my years of fundraising experience to help them raise more money.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information on TOMS shoes; I hope to get some soon!
I do worry about money but started a dog rescue organization in 2010 anyway, and so far we have saved 241 dogs from death row at a high kill pound! If I didn't have to worry about money, I would quit my job and do this full time instead. Don't wait until you don't have to worry about money...it is amazing how you can make a difference with a just a couple hours each day!
ReplyDeleteI have heard those shoes are great but have never tried them myself! If I didn't have to worry about money, I would travel more with my family...Thanks for stopping by and checking out those puppies. I am glad I won't bore you with all the upcoming dog posts! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDelete-Shelley
If you did not have to worry about money, what would you do with your time?
ReplyDeleteI would do something along the lines of setting up a scholarship for military spouses and a program to help them start and finish school. Lower enlisted soldiers are unable to transfer GI Bills for spouses use and with constant moves, it can be difficult to complete degrees.
If you did not have to worry about money, what would you do with your time?
ReplyDeleteI would do something about the plight of homeless animals with an emphasis on spay & neuter programs.
On a more personal note I would love to buy a large property and have my own rescue for pit bulls.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I would open my own dog rescue which would also provide community assistance with spay/neuter as well as educational resources.
ReplyDeleteNicole
My Thrafty Life
I LOVE Toms! I bought my mom her first pair for Christmas this year! :) Love their One for One too -- it was actually what drew me in, because I thought the shoes were a bit... meh. But then I bought some and my feet were in heaven, so now I want them in every color and fabric, ha! I dream about what I would do if I didn't have to worry about money, and things like have a garden and compost and go to yoga classes everyday and meet my friends/mom/sisters for coffee or lunch all the time and have time to do crafts and projects and read and volunteer and have TIME to make healthy dinners every night all top the list. Organizations I'd love to volunteer with? There are so many I support, but I'd love to open a homeless shelter. I refuse to hand out money to homeless when they ask because I can't be sure they will not use the money for drugs or alcohol, but I love supporting local (I live in Portland) places like My Father's House (which offers a place for families experiencing bouts of homelessness) or Sisters of the Road (which is a NGO cafe that offers a full and healthy hot meal every day for a small fee (like less than $3) and permits anyone to do small jobs (like sweeping, taking out garbage, etc.) to earn "credits" which they keep track of and which they can buy a hot meal with, and even could treat a friend if they were so inclined. Dining with Dignity is sort of their stance, because everyone deserves access to a hot and nutritious meal. They also collect personal grooming products and such and put together care packages that the homeless can request (like a bag with toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, gloves, blankets, etc.). I would also love to travel the world and help children in need - who need clean drinking water or food/clothes/shelter, or who need help getting out of human trafficking situations, etc. So many things to do if I wasn't working my life away to pay bills!!!
ReplyDelete-Jennifer McCluskey
mccluskeyja@yahoo.com
Ike as always steals the shot, great picture!
ReplyDeleteIf money were not an issue I would go to Africa (where I grew up) and help in an organization that works with Sudanese refugees. And take my husband and four kids so they could experience it.
ReplyDeleteSo I didn't enter this givaway on Friday when I first saw it because I was stumped by the question. Now here it is Sunday night and I finally have the perfect answer: If I didn't have to worry about money, I'd spend all my time renovating and decorating homes for deserving people. Like Extreme Home Makeover, but on a smaller scale :) Duh, Carrie.
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't have to worry about money I would buy a large farm and write children's books:)
ReplyDelete