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Chapter One: You Have the Power to Change Stuff
The world probably doesn't need another book. And while this object you hold in your hands might look like one, it's so much more.
It's an invitation.
And it's addressed to you. To inspire you to challenge everything, to remind you that you can turn ideas into reality and to give you the opportunity to be part of a bold idea that could change the course of history.
Chapter One is the story of three kids from Melbourne, Australia, with zero experience in business, who had an idea and the crazy belief that we all have the power to change stuff.
It started with the world water crisis (and how to end it) but has developed into an award-winning consumer goods brand that empowers millions of people to fight poverty with every munch of muesli, sip of water or pump of hand wash.
CHALLENGE YOUR THINKING
And that's just the beginning.
This is the story of epic proportions by Thankyou co-founder Daniel Flynn about Thankyou's gut-wrenching decisions, wild mistakes and daring moves in business, marketing and social enterprise so far. You'll laugh at their boldness, cry at their failings and be inspired by their determination.
But more than that, you’ll understand that no matter your walk of life, you too have the power to change stuff.
It's an invitation.
And it's addressed to you. To inspire you to challenge everything, to remind you that you can turn ideas into reality and to give you the opportunity to be part of a bold idea that could change the course of history.
Chapter One is the story of three kids from Melbourne, Australia, with zero experience in business, who had an idea and the crazy belief that we all have the power to change stuff.
It started with the world water crisis (and how to end it) but has developed into an award-winning consumer goods brand that empowers millions of people to fight poverty with every munch of muesli, sip of water or pump of hand wash.
CHALLENGE YOUR THINKING
And that's just the beginning.
This is the story of epic proportions by Thankyou co-founder Daniel Flynn about Thankyou's gut-wrenching decisions, wild mistakes and daring moves in business, marketing and social enterprise so far. You'll laugh at their boldness, cry at their failings and be inspired by their determination.
But more than that, you’ll understand that no matter your walk of life, you too have the power to change stuff.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
July 25, 2016
- 1.5
- Love the impact of thankyou and the work they do
- Book was jarring to read at times
- Repeated foreshadowing/selling the concept was overdone
- Read more like a really long speech due to overly conversational tone
- Felt like lows were glossed over
- Wanted to know more about some aspects e.g. he talks about being unhappy with how a meeting had gone. Why?
- Love the impact of thankyou and the work they do
- Book was jarring to read at times
- Repeated foreshadowing/selling the concept was overdone
- Read more like a really long speech due to overly conversational tone
- Felt like lows were glossed over
- Wanted to know more about some aspects e.g. he talks about being unhappy with how a meeting had gone. Why?
March 5, 2016
I came across this book via the book launch video, which I found so inspirational that I followed the link and bought myself a copy straight away. Here's a link to the video - https://youtu.be/Yx44cXeKC7s
Chapter One is an inspirational, biographical account of the first eight years behind the scenes of the Australian social enterprise Thankyou. It tells of how the author, Daniel, with the help of many others, took his idea of developing a brand to sell products and donate all the profits to charity. It started with bottled water - 100% of the profits going to build wells in developing countries to ensure clean water supply for those in need. It has since progressed to food and personal care items.
Because all the profits from existing products go to charity and Thankyou not having shareholders, money for expansion into other areas needed to be found - so here is Chapter One - a pay what you want book currently available in ebook (I got because I was too impatient to wait for the postman) and landscape printed paperback. I believe there is an audiobook in production too.
Daniel is bold and charismatic, enthusiastic about his social enterprise, which all comes through in his writing. I couldn't help but feel inspired too. He shares the good days as well as the bad days. He uses his experiences to demonstrate what can happen if you try, but not in a braggy way. He shares tips and advice, wisdom that he has picked up along the way, and encourages everyone who reads it to be brave and just start.
Chapter One is an inspirational, biographical account of the first eight years behind the scenes of the Australian social enterprise Thankyou. It tells of how the author, Daniel, with the help of many others, took his idea of developing a brand to sell products and donate all the profits to charity. It started with bottled water - 100% of the profits going to build wells in developing countries to ensure clean water supply for those in need. It has since progressed to food and personal care items.
Because all the profits from existing products go to charity and Thankyou not having shareholders, money for expansion into other areas needed to be found - so here is Chapter One - a pay what you want book currently available in ebook (I got because I was too impatient to wait for the postman) and landscape printed paperback. I believe there is an audiobook in production too.
Daniel is bold and charismatic, enthusiastic about his social enterprise, which all comes through in his writing. I couldn't help but feel inspired too. He shares the good days as well as the bad days. He uses his experiences to demonstrate what can happen if you try, but not in a braggy way. He shares tips and advice, wisdom that he has picked up along the way, and encourages everyone who reads it to be brave and just start.
December 6, 2016
I am trying to resist commenting before I am absolutely finished... but golly this author is so arrogant I have almost had enough. As a memoir, about the efforts that went into launching a not-for-profit company, it is really interesting, but as a book it was insulting and arrogant.
For a start the author has turned the book sideways, and then arrogantly asks if this way isn't better (No! No it is not), he promises that their is a real reason for why he does it -- SPOILER: It's just a gimmick.
He begins the book with an extremely meta first couple of chapters. It talks about how it is going to talk about stuff... except I had no idea what it was talking about. It was like a really long version of "Hi, My name is John and today I am going to write an essay in which I am going to convince you to eat broccoli.", you know, but a whole chapter.
Then each chapter is summarised, and this continues for the entire book - just like a sermon - and that is exactly what this book feels like - a sermon being delivered by the youth pastor. I don't know how can there be enough in each chapter to have a five point summary?
The story that the book was telling is actually kind of interesting, they were young, and stupid, and they got away with it. They constantly backed buyers into corners, and then patted themselves on the back when it worked. They thought hearing things like "I have never seen anything like this in 30 years" was surprising, given that youtube and viral marketing campaigns are only emerging tools... No one did things like that 30 years ago, so of course it was all new. The entire book was laced with so much arrogance, not the good kind, just complete arrogance. But for the most part, and with only the odd chapter needing to be skipped (Chapter 1, 10, 11) it was pretty interesting learning about how the industry works.
Sometimes the youth is so obvious, which makes all the arrogance so annoying. Like the time a reporter called them the pretender to Richard Branson's throne of creative marketing, and they publicly took offense because they didn't know what the word meant. An odd thing to brag about because they didn't get the deal, and that kind of gaff would have hurt. Similarly when a partner told them that they had lost friends by their ambush strategies, instead of listening they took offense. I am not sure that they realise that what they did was create a potential PR nightmare for the supermarkets - and then pat themselves on the back for it and wonder why no one else did things this way. It is the modern equivalent of an Edwardian woman trapping a man into marrying her (and then wondering why no one else did it that way) - Oh my goodness, they are Lydia Bennet - when she marries Wickham and then wonders why no one else does it that way -- But I digress.
Anyhow, I am going to finish reading the book. The memoir part is nice, and I like the product and will buy it if I see it (so win for the organisation), but the book is only going to get 1-star, I want to give it 2-stars but the arrogance and side-ways writing are too big a hurdle.
(And chapter 13... Skip that one too, it's a weird mixture of thank yous and check lists).
For a start the author has turned the book sideways, and then arrogantly asks if this way isn't better (No! No it is not), he promises that their is a real reason for why he does it -- SPOILER: It's just a gimmick.
He begins the book with an extremely meta first couple of chapters. It talks about how it is going to talk about stuff... except I had no idea what it was talking about. It was like a really long version of "Hi, My name is John and today I am going to write an essay in which I am going to convince you to eat broccoli.", you know, but a whole chapter.
Then each chapter is summarised, and this continues for the entire book - just like a sermon - and that is exactly what this book feels like - a sermon being delivered by the youth pastor. I don't know how can there be enough in each chapter to have a five point summary?
The story that the book was telling is actually kind of interesting, they were young, and stupid, and they got away with it. They constantly backed buyers into corners, and then patted themselves on the back when it worked. They thought hearing things like "I have never seen anything like this in 30 years" was surprising, given that youtube and viral marketing campaigns are only emerging tools... No one did things like that 30 years ago, so of course it was all new. The entire book was laced with so much arrogance, not the good kind, just complete arrogance. But for the most part, and with only the odd chapter needing to be skipped (Chapter 1, 10, 11) it was pretty interesting learning about how the industry works.
Sometimes the youth is so obvious, which makes all the arrogance so annoying. Like the time a reporter called them the pretender to Richard Branson's throne of creative marketing, and they publicly took offense because they didn't know what the word meant. An odd thing to brag about because they didn't get the deal, and that kind of gaff would have hurt. Similarly when a partner told them that they had lost friends by their ambush strategies, instead of listening they took offense. I am not sure that they realise that what they did was create a potential PR nightmare for the supermarkets - and then pat themselves on the back for it and wonder why no one else did things this way. It is the modern equivalent of an Edwardian woman trapping a man into marrying her (and then wondering why no one else did it that way) - Oh my goodness, they are Lydia Bennet - when she marries Wickham and then wonders why no one else does it that way -- But I digress.
Anyhow, I am going to finish reading the book. The memoir part is nice, and I like the product and will buy it if I see it (so win for the organisation), but the book is only going to get 1-star, I want to give it 2-stars but the arrogance and side-ways writing are too big a hurdle.
(And chapter 13... Skip that one too, it's a weird mixture of thank yous and check lists).
May 2, 2016
I brought Chapter One mainly to support Dainel Flynns work. I like what he and his charity stands for, and the power of thinking differently. However I wasn't amazed by this book, it seemed a little messy and needed more editing.
March 10, 2016
I couldn't put this book down. Such an amazing story. And the best bit? You are supporting the next chapter of Thankyou and in turn millions of people around the world just by purchasing the book!
March 9, 2016
My first real full-time job was at a nonprofit. It was a mind-opening experience for me, and I know too well the feeling of how numbers dictate it all or how we feel like we are not making a change in the world. I remember feeling like giving up and talking to one of my colleagues about it, asking whether he ever felt like throwing in the towel.
My colleague could easily make more money elsewhere, but he had been staying for eight years. Upon hearing my question, he gave me the biggest grin and said, 'Of course. But every time I heard that one person's life is changed because of what we do, it's all worth it for that one person.'
Sometimes we forget that numbers are people. This book reminds me, once again, that people matter. Go on, Mr. Flynn. Write Chapter Two.
My colleague could easily make more money elsewhere, but he had been staying for eight years. Upon hearing my question, he gave me the biggest grin and said, 'Of course. But every time I heard that one person's life is changed because of what we do, it's all worth it for that one person.'
Sometimes we forget that numbers are people. This book reminds me, once again, that people matter. Go on, Mr. Flynn. Write Chapter Two.
January 8, 2017
Suffers from some of the same problems as Creating Cities by Marcus Westbury. The use of first-person narrative, even when the author is head-nodding to other people involved in the movement, comes across as ego-centric. It's an inherent problem with writing from "I"; along with the use of fairly unremarkable language (it's hard to explain why this is so, but my high school English teachers were definitely onto something). As a book, Chapter One is somewhat ordinary; however, as an idea, Thankyou is an extraordinary whirlwind. Give Flynn and co credit where credit is due; they're definitely ballsy.
January 18, 2018
Quite possibly the best book I’ve ever read. I loved Dan’s desire to “change the game” to impact peoples lives, and his authenticity and humility to share all his past mistakes and struggles.
The thankyou journey has been one of inspiration that all of us can glean from. I would be surprised if the only change that occurred in your life after reading this book was to stock thankyou products at home!
Would definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone who wants to make a difference, and to be a blessing to those around them!!
The thankyou journey has been one of inspiration that all of us can glean from. I would be surprised if the only change that occurred in your life after reading this book was to stock thankyou products at home!
Would definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone who wants to make a difference, and to be a blessing to those around them!!
August 15, 2021
Pretty simple formula for changing the world. Recommend.
April 14, 2016
I really think this book is worth your time and beyond a doubt your money. Reading through Daniel’s story and his passion for what they are doing is overwhelming at times but like anything worth doing it takes courage and commitment.
Firstly, this book will actually make a difference in you and also in what this company aims to achieve.
Secondly, you will be investing in a unique way, kind of like a Kickstarter where the end product is a seed fund for this enterprise to grow. My favourite wallet was from a Kickstarter project, I even bought their second one – it took a while for me to get it but I felt a part of the journey in a small but exciting way. You can be a part of the Thankyou journey which is way more exciting IMO.
The book was an incredible and inspirational read, here are my three favourite highlights / quotes.
1. Stepping out of your comfort zone
"What is important is that once you get out of your comfort zone, you begin to actually ask questions – and you start thinking and challenging what you’ve always accepted as the norm."
This is a challenging one for me personally, my default is to keep things predictable and safe, looking forward to stepping out more.
2. The game will change
"Some people don’t think the game will ever change. But it always does."
This is incredibly true, and the byproduct of this truth is that we can be the people who get surprised when change comes or the ones making the change (or at least embracing the change as it happens).
3. Celebrate the wins
"… there will always be more to do. Before you go again, you must enjoy [celebrate] the win."
This is another one that challenged me, I so easily look to the next thing and feel that I have not achieved, completed or done enough but rarely take the time to look back to celebrate and be thankful. It is even better to celebrate the wins with others in a practical way.
Also posted at https://medium.com/@_lb_/the-book-by-...
Firstly, this book will actually make a difference in you and also in what this company aims to achieve.
Secondly, you will be investing in a unique way, kind of like a Kickstarter where the end product is a seed fund for this enterprise to grow. My favourite wallet was from a Kickstarter project, I even bought their second one – it took a while for me to get it but I felt a part of the journey in a small but exciting way. You can be a part of the Thankyou journey which is way more exciting IMO.
The book was an incredible and inspirational read, here are my three favourite highlights / quotes.
1. Stepping out of your comfort zone
"What is important is that once you get out of your comfort zone, you begin to actually ask questions – and you start thinking and challenging what you’ve always accepted as the norm."
This is a challenging one for me personally, my default is to keep things predictable and safe, looking forward to stepping out more.
2. The game will change
"Some people don’t think the game will ever change. But it always does."
This is incredibly true, and the byproduct of this truth is that we can be the people who get surprised when change comes or the ones making the change (or at least embracing the change as it happens).
3. Celebrate the wins
"… there will always be more to do. Before you go again, you must enjoy [celebrate] the win."
This is another one that challenged me, I so easily look to the next thing and feel that I have not achieved, completed or done enough but rarely take the time to look back to celebrate and be thankful. It is even better to celebrate the wins with others in a practical way.
Also posted at https://medium.com/@_lb_/the-book-by-...
June 15, 2016
This book is so inspirational (and yes it's written landscape but trust me it totally adds to the story). It tells the story of Daniel Flynn and how he started Thankyou who give 100% of their profits to help people in need with the goal of eliminating world poverty.
And the best bit is all profits from the sale of this book go to funding the next chapter of Thankyou and in turn help millions of people around the world currently living in poverty. Don't know if I've ever heard of a better excuse to buy a book!
And the best bit is all profits from the sale of this book go to funding the next chapter of Thankyou and in turn help millions of people around the world currently living in poverty. Don't know if I've ever heard of a better excuse to buy a book!
March 11, 2016
Daniel Flynn's passion leaps off the pages of this book. It takes you on a journey and asks you to look at things a little differently and ask yourself some questions. But at the same time, it doesn't read at all like a 'guide to success'. In fact, if the founders of Thankyou had followed the 'path to success' well travelled by many a CEO, Thankyou wouldn't be what it is. This is a fantastic read and I really enjoyed it.
August 19, 2019
Chapter 1.1 is free for download when you subscribe to Thankyou, so I subscribed and read, The Game Just Changed, 30 pages in about 40 minutes. I liked it, it is a revolutionary idea and when I obtain the physical book, I plan to hold it in public and smile at people who give me strangle looks as I hold it “the wrong way” (March 3, 2017)
The sideways text is interesting but inconvenient. I've somewhat lost interest in it. I will not finish this book. (2018)
The sideways text is interesting but inconvenient. I've somewhat lost interest in it. I will not finish this book. (2018)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2016
Good. Interesting entraprenuer read over all. Wasn't to rant or preachy. It was a bit of a struggle to finish it, but I am 100% behind the company and you cannot argue with their ethics, morals or gutsy approach to creating a positive footprint in the world.
May 31, 2018
I have never been more inspired than after reading this book. The story of Thankyou is incredible and more importantly, it's extremely well told. This is a must read for anyone who aspires to do something bigger with their lives.
June 6, 2016
Incredibly inspiring, one of my favourite books this year.
March 31, 2022
The story of how three young Australians started the social enterprise “Thankyou”, inviting you to see how ordinary decisions and actions can spark real-world change.
September 4, 2021
Bite-sized Reviews
What's it about: Written by one of the co-founder's of 'Thankyou', it tells their business story. It's a story that has had moments of struggles and success but stands out because they continue to be bold and think outside the box. As a business, Thankyou creates consumable goods, such as hand wash, and the proceeds go to funding safe water, hygiene and sanitation programs in developing nations.
Who's it for: It's for people who want to be empowered to make a change in the world. This may be as an Entrepreneur or simply by changing what brand of soap you purchase at the supermarket.
What I liked: Daniel Flynn does not sugarcoat their story. He shares the mistakes they made, the risks they took and what keeps them going day in and day out. I felt encouraged and empowered to take bold steps in living a bold life, one that will make a difference in the world.
Also, I'm a huge fan of takeaway thoughts at the end of a chapter. Please remind me what you talked about and what the key points are. I often find it hard to summarise the key things, because they all seem important, so I'm thankful for any book that does this for me.
A quote I liked: Only two things are certain in this life: birth and death. Everything in between is yet to be decided. Your life isn't simply a product of the hand that you were dealt, it's also a product of the decisions you make.
My take-away: I can choose how I spend the days I have on this earth. I want to make them count, but I need to be intentional in doing so.
If you allow it, this book can help you shift the way you view the world around you. Pay attention to the ideas that it sparks in you, and be brave to follow those through.
My Rating: 2 Sparklers. Great, I'll bring it up at least once in our conversation
What's it about: Written by one of the co-founder's of 'Thankyou', it tells their business story. It's a story that has had moments of struggles and success but stands out because they continue to be bold and think outside the box. As a business, Thankyou creates consumable goods, such as hand wash, and the proceeds go to funding safe water, hygiene and sanitation programs in developing nations.
Who's it for: It's for people who want to be empowered to make a change in the world. This may be as an Entrepreneur or simply by changing what brand of soap you purchase at the supermarket.
What I liked: Daniel Flynn does not sugarcoat their story. He shares the mistakes they made, the risks they took and what keeps them going day in and day out. I felt encouraged and empowered to take bold steps in living a bold life, one that will make a difference in the world.
Also, I'm a huge fan of takeaway thoughts at the end of a chapter. Please remind me what you talked about and what the key points are. I often find it hard to summarise the key things, because they all seem important, so I'm thankful for any book that does this for me.
A quote I liked: Only two things are certain in this life: birth and death. Everything in between is yet to be decided. Your life isn't simply a product of the hand that you were dealt, it's also a product of the decisions you make.
My take-away: I can choose how I spend the days I have on this earth. I want to make them count, but I need to be intentional in doing so.
If you allow it, this book can help you shift the way you view the world around you. Pay attention to the ideas that it sparks in you, and be brave to follow those through.
My Rating: 2 Sparklers. Great, I'll bring it up at least once in our conversation
May 9, 2022
Brilliant brand and a brilliant idea - but it is interesting to read this in 2022 after the food division of the brand went bust, and now that they’ve announced an end to the water part of the business too.
You can’t help but admire their tenacity, creativity, and the impact that they’ve had to date. But on the other you also question how so many low percentage plays came off - there is definitely an air of survivorship bias about them.
Flynn mentions multiple times that the enterprise is all about helping as many people as possible. However he also makes mention that he is against traditional structures and funding avenues that allow businesses to scale quickly - and that he turned down big deals because they would have had to scale rapidly. It isn’t clear why they are willing to risk sending the business broke and undoing all their work by locking in supply contracts when they had no buyer, but turn down the potential to help thousands of people by agreeing to a contract that makes them an international force.
I agree that doing things differently is important - it’s a big reason why they are where they are. But you don’t have to be different for the sake of it (ie, publishing your book sideways), especially when it could mean compromising on the underlying social impact.
I wonder if we’ll get a chapter two in the coming years.
You can’t help but admire their tenacity, creativity, and the impact that they’ve had to date. But on the other you also question how so many low percentage plays came off - there is definitely an air of survivorship bias about them.
Flynn mentions multiple times that the enterprise is all about helping as many people as possible. However he also makes mention that he is against traditional structures and funding avenues that allow businesses to scale quickly - and that he turned down big deals because they would have had to scale rapidly. It isn’t clear why they are willing to risk sending the business broke and undoing all their work by locking in supply contracts when they had no buyer, but turn down the potential to help thousands of people by agreeing to a contract that makes them an international force.
I agree that doing things differently is important - it’s a big reason why they are where they are. But you don’t have to be different for the sake of it (ie, publishing your book sideways), especially when it could mean compromising on the underlying social impact.
I wonder if we’ll get a chapter two in the coming years.
January 7, 2024
A good story behind a purposeful brand, however, it was a pain to finish this book (it did finish strong) so I'd recommend to at least read the last chapter.
Other than that, while I respect and admire the good will, some of the insights can be misleading and probably aren't the best way of doing business, as I felt like the whole story was about how the brand bargained for freebies and supports through its mission.
I believe that a business can be both purposeful and profitable without begging money because people pay in exchange of the value that you give them, via a good product. I didn't feel like thankyou water was given much care as they only needed a suppliers who can produce the bottles for them without much attention about the product (yes it's just water after all but you probably check that it's safe before you go to the market).
Having even questioning the ecological footprint of the bottles and other products, which I'm sure will be addressed eventually, so that instead of helping with the poverty, it may end up creating another problem.
In saying that, I might be wrong and seen as 'hater' with criticism that the book mentioned as I understand that the author is still understandably young with no interest in proper business training but a will to hustle and follow his admirable mission.
Other than that, while I respect and admire the good will, some of the insights can be misleading and probably aren't the best way of doing business, as I felt like the whole story was about how the brand bargained for freebies and supports through its mission.
I believe that a business can be both purposeful and profitable without begging money because people pay in exchange of the value that you give them, via a good product. I didn't feel like thankyou water was given much care as they only needed a suppliers who can produce the bottles for them without much attention about the product (yes it's just water after all but you probably check that it's safe before you go to the market).
Having even questioning the ecological footprint of the bottles and other products, which I'm sure will be addressed eventually, so that instead of helping with the poverty, it may end up creating another problem.
In saying that, I might be wrong and seen as 'hater' with criticism that the book mentioned as I understand that the author is still understandably young with no interest in proper business training but a will to hustle and follow his admirable mission.
September 8, 2019
Inspiring read of how three Australian 19 year old students decided to make the impossible possible. They co-founded Thank you as a social enterprise to bottle and sell water to consumers with a social conscience where 100%!! of the profits go to fund clean water access in third world countries. Since founding their charitable foundation (which wholly owns the corporation so there are no investors or shareholders to share profits with) in 2008 they have gone on to raise $6.2 million to fund water projects. The sale of this book (BTW, printed sideways to challenge your comfortable thinking) through "pay what you want" pricing has generated $2.5 million to fund their expansion into New Zealand and into food and body care products (where, you guessed it, 100% of the profits will fund food security and sanitation projects in third world countries).
Go buy a book!
Go buy a book!
January 10, 2022
I borrowed this book in audiobook form from my local library, not really knowing what it was about. After reading the synopsis, I was drawn into the story of an entrepreneur who’s whole purpose was to end world poverty.
As a small business owner myself, I was intrigued.
You can imagine how surprised I was to find that this was the story of Thankyou, a well known Australian brand.
Daniel narrated this book himself, and his passion can be heard throughout the whole book.
The ending of the book literally led me to tears. Daniel went through and individually thanked each of the hundreds of people who have played a role in Thankyou. No contribution is too small.
This book was so encouraging, I purchased a physical copy as well. And let me tell you, the physical copy is pretty unique! Well worth a look at (no spoilers).
As a small business owner myself, I was intrigued.
You can imagine how surprised I was to find that this was the story of Thankyou, a well known Australian brand.
Daniel narrated this book himself, and his passion can be heard throughout the whole book.
The ending of the book literally led me to tears. Daniel went through and individually thanked each of the hundreds of people who have played a role in Thankyou. No contribution is too small.
This book was so encouraging, I purchased a physical copy as well. And let me tell you, the physical copy is pretty unique! Well worth a look at (no spoilers).
September 30, 2024
I so badly wanted to like this book, mainly because it such inspirational business concept, and I was curious to know more. 50 pages in, and I couldn't bring myself to continue. I tried skip reading, but had to admit defeat, and add to my DNF folder. There was something very egotistical about the style of writing, and I felt awkward and annoyed by the tone. It was very repeative and didn't really get to a point.
I feel that the quirkiness and unique brilliance of the title and orientation seduced the reader into a false sense of promise. I can't remember when I last read something this boring and boastful. I gave it one star for the great work that is being done and my admiration for the 'little man' to make an impact when the challenge seems impossible. Needless to say, I won't be reading any more muslings from this author, however I am happy to continue to support the great cause.
I feel that the quirkiness and unique brilliance of the title and orientation seduced the reader into a false sense of promise. I can't remember when I last read something this boring and boastful. I gave it one star for the great work that is being done and my admiration for the 'little man' to make an impact when the challenge seems impossible. Needless to say, I won't be reading any more muslings from this author, however I am happy to continue to support the great cause.
June 29, 2018
An extremely innovative and inspiring biographical account that really shows that big dreams can be made a reality.
Thankyou, an organisation built for ‘100% impact’ and reducing extreme poverty, is a social enterprise which sells water, hygiene and muesli products to directly help those in need, with 100% of the profits being funded into projects to reduce the lack of access to water and hygiene in third world countries. This chapter explores the founding of the organisation, it’s vision, their biggest successes and the greatest challenges they’ve faced and overcome.
Daniel Flynn, co-founder and author, shares many insights and tips into becoming successful; through growth and being prepared to learn from your failures. He demonstrates that by preparing to fail and learning from those mistakes can lead an individual to some of the greatest outcomes. His positive and determined mindset flows through from author to reader, encouraging the reader that they can do whatever they put their mind to; that nothing is ever impossible.
This is no ordinary book. Not only is it written horizontally, it’s a journey written to teach you to change your perspective and become a part of something huge.
Thankyou, an organisation built for ‘100% impact’ and reducing extreme poverty, is a social enterprise which sells water, hygiene and muesli products to directly help those in need, with 100% of the profits being funded into projects to reduce the lack of access to water and hygiene in third world countries. This chapter explores the founding of the organisation, it’s vision, their biggest successes and the greatest challenges they’ve faced and overcome.
Daniel Flynn, co-founder and author, shares many insights and tips into becoming successful; through growth and being prepared to learn from your failures. He demonstrates that by preparing to fail and learning from those mistakes can lead an individual to some of the greatest outcomes. His positive and determined mindset flows through from author to reader, encouraging the reader that they can do whatever they put their mind to; that nothing is ever impossible.
This is no ordinary book. Not only is it written horizontally, it’s a journey written to teach you to change your perspective and become a part of something huge.
July 10, 2019
I picked this book up at an airport bookshop - I intrigued by the $0.01 price tag. Quickly learning that this was a ‘pay what you want’ kind of situation, I knew I had to buy this book and find out exactly what was going on.
This book recounts the story of the startup social enterprise ‘thankyou’ with the funds from the sales of the book going towards chapter 2 of the business.
I found the whole story absolutely fascinating - as someone with a degree in business it obviously was catered to my interests so I can’t say for certain that everyone will find it just as interesting.
BUT I think this is an important read - it highlights the need for innovative thinking and new approaches to solving problems. And it’s just a little bit novel to read a book that’s been printed sideways.
This book recounts the story of the startup social enterprise ‘thankyou’ with the funds from the sales of the book going towards chapter 2 of the business.
I found the whole story absolutely fascinating - as someone with a degree in business it obviously was catered to my interests so I can’t say for certain that everyone will find it just as interesting.
BUT I think this is an important read - it highlights the need for innovative thinking and new approaches to solving problems. And it’s just a little bit novel to read a book that’s been printed sideways.
April 17, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! It couldn’t have landed in my hands at a better time. I feel truely inspired to follow my purpose in life and help change the world to be a better place in the small (maybe not so small?) way I can after reading this book. It tells of Thankyou’s beautiful startup journey full of highs and lows that had me in tears at points. Their perseverance and belief in their vision is what has lead to their success and I believe this book will help inspire readers to follow their dreams and succeed in the face of adversity also. Thank you Daniel Flynn for sharing your story... I look forward to Chapter Two!
April 25, 2019
3.5 stars, maybe even 3.8. I enjoyed this book because the author is clearly a storyteller - the success of his social projects depends on that. At the same time, I’m aware some people may find the book a bit preachy, or that too many things lined up perfectly for them and the lightning in a bottle might not roll out exactly the same for everyone with a new idea. So, take what you can for your personal start up ideas, or, if you’re like me who doesn’t have a start up concept and just enjoys a good story, enjoy the fact that this company exists and because of that, many people around the world have been positively impacted. And maybe, like me, buy some Thankyou soap!
August 18, 2020
Fascinating story of a group of determined young adults that dared to step out of the mainstream methods to get things to where they wanted to go. Great innovative gorilla marketing tactics that taught corporates a thing or 2 about getting heard. I personally am obsessed with social enterprises an founder stories and this one doesn’t fail to inspire and invigorate your hope that anything is possible and the power of one to change the world. Also this book is printed so you read it like you’d have a laptop and I don’t get why this isn’t how books are ‘meant’ to be printed haha but its a perfect example if how they think different to get sh$^ done!
December 26, 2017
I received this book as a Christmas gift and I'll admit that at first I laughed out loud having initially taken it for a self-help book. And it sort of is, however upon further reading it become more and more intriguing- the unconventional lay-out of the book probably contributed to that. Unconventional and intrigue continued to be a theme throughout- this memoir/ chapter of the social enterprise Thankyou's life so far has certainly challenged my thinking.
Quite a long-winded book, but the length enabled me to take in the author's intended messages (hopefully!).
Quite a long-winded book, but the length enabled me to take in the author's intended messages (hopefully!).
October 25, 2017
Australian entrepreneurs!
Hard to sum this book up. Just read it, if you are looking for a no-BS recount of the often ridiculous path 3 friends took to help end world poverty by manufacturing bottled water.
They were inspiring in their ignorance and it's refreshing to read of the many failures along the way. And there is not one purpose, goal or mission statement discussion.
My favourite re-quote towards the end of the book is "Word of mouth eats billboards for breakfast".
Case in point.
Hard to sum this book up. Just read it, if you are looking for a no-BS recount of the often ridiculous path 3 friends took to help end world poverty by manufacturing bottled water.
They were inspiring in their ignorance and it's refreshing to read of the many failures along the way. And there is not one purpose, goal or mission statement discussion.
My favourite re-quote towards the end of the book is "Word of mouth eats billboards for breakfast".
Case in point.
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