Customer Reviews for

Start Something That Matters

Average Rating 4.5
( 52 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(36)

4 Star

(6)

3 Star

(7)

2 Star

(2)

1 Star

(1)

Your Rating:

Your Name: Create a Pen Name or

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identity on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

 
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously
Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 53 Customer Reviews
Page 1 of 3
  • Posted April 10, 2012

    I Also Recommend:

    If you are looking for inspiration to start a new life and creat

    If you are looking for inspiration to start a new life and create something to make money at but doing something that fulfills you, this is the way to go. Whether you are interested in starting a business or not, this is an interesting “making changes” in your life idea book. I am always ready to read something that could possibly enlighten me somehow to make changes in my life for the better. Out of the box thinking is always interesting and inspiring to me and food for thought. Great advice and inventive ideas fill the pages and will provide the reader with new incentive to fulfill their spirit.


    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Posted December 29, 2011

    Motivating

    I have not reviewed a great number of books, but this one moved me. Blake Mycoskie has produced quite a following with TOMS and this book lays out how that came to be. It is written in a first person, straight forward manner that remains captivating throughout the book. He uses personal insight and first hand experience to explain how I as a regular person, can start something that matters. Obvously the goal is not to have a lot of TOMS look alike companies, but more appropriately, he explains the motivation and ability to successfully combine a for-profit company with a worthwhile cause. The adaptable nature of this basic idea allows his experience to transform ordiary companies to extraordinary businesses that can literally change lives. Even if you are not looking to start your own business or change the way you do business, this book is worthwhile reading for the insight alone.

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Anonymous

    Posted May 20, 2012

    I Also Recommend:

    I really found this book a great insightful read. There is great

    I really found this book a great insightful read. There is great advice, and some very good ideas that are worth to remember.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Posted December 22, 2011

    Makes you believe

    If you've ever had a dream of how you can change the world or start a business or pursue your passion, Start Something That Matters will make you believe you can do it. Blake's easy-to-read book includes not just the story of TOMS but of other dreamers who have made an impact to illustrate his seven key principals. I got my book free as a blogger, but it's one I would be willing to pay for.

    And for every book sold, a children's book will be donated to kids who need books. It's a win-win.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Anonymous

    Posted September 20, 2011

    Everyone Needs to Read This!

    Blake wrote this book to open people's brains to the concept of starting a business that makes money, and a difference, at the same time. The TOMS story is fantastic, and he explains other similar businesses and what they are achieving around the globe. A must read for entrepreneurs and anyone considering a start-up. Spread the word--there are good things happening out there!

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Anonymous

    Posted September 15, 2011

    Blessing!

    Awesome read. One of those reads that finds you exactly when you need it to.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Posted September 8, 2011

    Love it

    This book was amazing im not done yet but i cant put it down! A must readbfor all ages that will understand the struggles of being an entrepreneur!

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Posted March 7, 2012

    GREAT BOOK!

    Brilliantly written and certainly makes the point that things that matter can be done!! Very enjoyable and inspiring!!!

    William

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Anonymous

    Posted February 7, 2012

    Best book ever

    I love this book and toms!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Posted January 15, 2012

    more from this reviewer

    Highly recommended!

    Blake Mycoskie started TOMS shoe company after visiting Argentina and learning that many children there didn't own shoes, leading to infections and diseases from dirt-born parasites. The business donates one pair of shoes for every pair sold. This quick read describes the challenges and joys of getting the business going, along with how it became so successful; however, the majority of the book focuses on how we as humans can become our own destiny. The chapter titles say it all, among them: " Find Your Story, Face Your Fears, Build Trust, and Giving is Good Business." The chapters are simplistic but contain information which is so true. Decide what it is you really want, have the courage to go for it, and remember the people who helped you along the way. In other words, give back as much as you are able.

    This is truly an inspiring book which I am happy to highly recommend. Am sending a copy to my son in college this week!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Anonymous

    Posted January 9, 2012

    Great book

    Very motivating and inspirational! Filled with tons of information and great resources!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Posted December 21, 2011

    This book just keeps on giving!!

    I just finished reading Blake¿s' book Start Something that Matters, and I was so engrossed in the content, I could not put it down. From cover to cover, this book is full of inspiration, business building strategies and examples of how one idea can change a life! From a corporate perspective I thoroughly appreciated Blake¿s description on the qualities that are essential in a team and leadership: trust, autonomy, engagement, creating champions and partnerships, and the foundation of corporate giving (in more ways than just money). From the community service perspective, I valued Blake¿s examples of the many ways in which an idea can help millions, and how giving creates a cycle of reciprocity. Blake stressed the importance of having a story and sharing your story, this is critical for any project, and business. His tips on creating, sharing and living your story will make a difference in how I approach my next big project. A book that will definitely make a difference in our world! Charmaine Hammond, Author, On Toby¿s Terms

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Anonymous

    Posted December 2, 2011

    This book really changed my perception of entrepreneurship

    Before reading this book, i never gave any thought to charity or charitable organizations. I started my businesses with only one thing in mind, MONEY! Now i realize that although making money is great, it is not the only way to measure success. Giving and sharing feels just as good now as making money. I can now do both and feel better about my purpose in life. Starting a business is better when you know its for a purpose and when you know you can help change someones life for the better. Toms shoes is a biz with a purpose.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Posted October 7, 2011

    more from this reviewer

    Loved this book Read it today

    WOW!!! I loved this book. The way the information was presented made me want to keep reading. I loved the stories of other businesses that are charity based and how they started and are now thriving. The need in the world is huge and it may seem impossible to do anything, but this book gives you small doable solutions to help out others.

    Have you ever thought that you are only one person and cannot do anything to help.well read this book and you will know that there are tons of things you can do every day to help someone somewhere. I read this book in one setting and I couldn't put it down. The personal stories and the stories of others brought the book to life. Why not have a business that is for-profit and for helping those in need. If we don't have enough then how can we help anyone?

    This is a book that everyone out there should read and think about. What can you do? Anything is something to someone out there in need. I will be making this book and a pair of TOMS part of my Christmas giving this year. Get this book and start something that matters.no matter how small someone will be eternally grateful for what you do. READ THIS BOOK TODAY! The publisher is giving one book to a child in need for every book purchased.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Anonymous

    Posted April 8, 2013

    Love it

    I HAVE TOMS I WORE THEM TODAY!!!!!! I AM ONLY 9 BUT I MADE A DIFFERENCE!!!!! I LOVE TOMS!!!!!!!!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Posted February 4, 2013

    One of the best business books I've read

    As a photographer who is looking to take her craft full-time but also give back, this book was just what I needed to read. Blake not only shares what he has learned through the journey of building the TOMS brand and company but also what others who have similar business models have learned to help others who want to build businesses that are not only for profit but also help others. Great tool! I will definitely be reading it again :)

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Anonymous

    Posted November 27, 2012

    Highly Recommended eye opener

    This book is amazing and its an eye opener.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Anonymous

    Posted June 28, 2012

    Recommended--You can still make $$, even when you match donations to sales!

    I like the idea of starting something that makes a difference in the lives of others. While the story is nice I was actually hoping to learn more about 'the how to' of starting a business that would benefit others. As an eBook purchase there isn't really a way to 'scan' the book to see if the desired information is available within the book.

    I do applaud Blake for his committment to follow through on his dream and to be persistent to reach his goal.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Posted June 20, 2012

    highly recommended!

    very interesting! can't stop reading it!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
  • Anonymous

    Posted June 10, 2012

    Anonymous

    Read this for a summer reading project for high school and actually liked it

    Was this review helpful? Yes  No   Report this review
Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 53 Customer Reviews
Page 1 of 3