Start Something that Matters

Over the last few years, I have developed a passion for reading.  In my usual style of multi-tasking, I always seem to be reading a few books at a time.  Almost always, my reads are business books.  I am a firm believer that if we are not learning, we are not growing.  It is one way I try to stay polished on my craft.

One of the books I recently finished that I thoroughly enjoyed was “Start Something that Matters” by Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS.  It was a pretty quick and easy read, but was very inspirational.  Like other individuals I admire in business, such as Sir Richard Branson, his concept of a “For Profit Socially Conscious” business is really shaping the business climate and hopefully influencing how people approach starting a business.   He wrote the book to share his story of starting TOMS along with his philosophy on numerous topics.  As we all have our own methods to our madness, I find it helpful to read about what other successful people do.  It provides me with perspective and invites openness of thought. 

Chapter 4 is titled “be resourceful without resources”.  If you ever look back to a period of your life when you were monetarily challenged, think about how resourceful you were.  My days at Michigan State were probably the thriftiest I have ever been, but I survived, got my degree, and still managed to travel the world and created fantastic memories. When money is tight, you have to get creative.  There is no other choice. 

My approach with advising my clients is the same.  I do have to say I love a good negotiation, but I try to be as resourceful as I can with their allotted budget for marketing.  One important point is always just asking the company you are negotiating with “Is this your best price or package?”  Pick up the phone and talk to someone.  Be creative and you’ll be surprised at the savings you can find.   I don’t care if my client is located in Los Angeles, CA or Clinton Township, MI (shout out to my client Visor Frames), I’ll find them the best deal and save money where I can.

Two points that resonated with me in Chapter 5, titled “Keep it Simple.”  Mycoskie talks about how you should unclutter your workspace and own as little as possible.  He shares that he is more creative when he’s not surrounded by a lot of stuff .  He mentioned some of the best ideas he’s come up with have happened on an airplane.  I can attest to that.  The conception of my business began with an idea I had while flying to Michigan. 

Another tip Mycoskie provided was to schedule everything to simplify life and alleviate worry.  As my business grows, scheduling of my time has been extremely critical.  How else am I going to assemble my empire without being astutely organized?!  The “life lesson” I learned in my 20’s was to have work/life balance.   He states, “Now I schedule everything, so that when I’m with a person, I am totally present.”  Your personal and business relationships won’t suffer if you dedicate time to both and be present.

Mycoskie, ends the books with, “For me, the ultimate success of this book will be measured not by how many copies it sells, but by the number of people it inspires and the number of letters we receive. “  He then encourages people to share their stories on-line.   For me, with my consulting business, I hope to serve as inspiration for my clients as they inspire me with their passion for their respected businesses.  As I share my experiences, thoughts, and sources for inspiration, through this blog, I hope to motivate and spark something inside you as well.