Start Something That Matters!

I first found out about TOMS back in 2008, and instantly I was intrigued. In 2009, I bought four pairs of TOMS shoes not only because I thought they were cute, but I loved the business model that Blake Mycoskie had started! When I found out that Blake was giving out 2 books for us to read, review, and give away through a contest on my blog, I instantly signed up… Owning a small business myself, I was really interested not only in how he even got this business started, but to start something that makes a difference in the lives of not just one but millions of kids around the world. It took me awhile to get through the book because I’ve been so busy, but I was able to sneak in some reading time on the plane on my travels.  I’ve very encouraged and inspired by his stories… What really stood out was that he didn’t go by traditional “business model” that everyone has to have. Rather, he just did whatever he had to do to get his story out there. I’m huge on stories, and I find so many of his stories endearing, funny, inspirational, and motivating!!! It also gave me permission to think outside the box (cuz everyone has to have 2-cents on what my business has to look like, and it made me second guess myself), and re-think the way I do things… I would highly recommend this book not only for business entrepreneurs but anyone who loves great stories of success and failure as well as those that really want to do something that matters with their lives!

I think his ideas not only apply to businesses, but to children’s ministry, which is my true vacation in life!!!  I think sharing the love of Christ with kids and their families matter the most… and a lot of Blake’s stories challenged me to think differently and outside of the box even more!!!  Well, I’m getting ready to leave for South Africa in the morning, so I’m going to make this short… but I am a person of my word… I agreed to give away the second book to a reader of my blog, followers of my twitter, and/or subscribers of facebook.  I wanted to make sure that I get this contest started before the month is over!!!  So, the contest is:

LEAVE A COMMENT ON MY BLOG (be sure to leave your contact info), FACEBOOK, OR TWEET ME AND LET ME KNOW HOW YOU WANT TO BE PART OF SOMETHING THAT MATTERS!!!  I WILL SHARE YOUR STORY WITH MY TRUSTED FRIENDS AND WE WILL PICK A WINNER… AND YOU WILL GET YOUR OWN COPY OF THE BOOK!!!  YOU DON’T HAVE TO KNOW ME PERSONALLY… BUT JUST BE PASSIONATE ABOUT DOING SOMETHING THAT MATTERS!!!  CONTEST ENDS JANUARY 31, 2012.  WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY FEBRUARY 10TH!