Here are just a few of my favorite notes taken from “Start Something That Matters”:
On your story: TOMS is more than a shoe, it’s a story. TOMS happened because Eric and Adam had an idea, a story to tell, and eventually a product to sell. A good story transcends boundaries, breaks barriers, and opens doors. It is a key not only to starting a business but also to clarifying your own personal identity.
On your purpose: “I knew what I was doing could change the lives of many people, and the desire to make that difference was stronger than all the fears that I kept having to face”.
On your team: Focus your time on hiring the right staff. Spending extra time to find good people allows for more trust once you hire them, freeing up time down the road. 72% of employed Americans say they would prefer to work for a company that supports charitable causes when they are deciding between two jobs with the same location, responsibilities, pay, and benefits.
On Resources:A lack of resources is no reason to avoid starting a company If anything, it often inspires creativity and a competitive edge. Being resourceful and creative are skills we honed in our hungry days, and they are just as useful now.