3757b1cd2fb7433fae4e20a2e487dc04

by Step on June 14, 2010

MountainValley

{ 0 comments }

Delivering Happiness

by Step on June 7, 2010

Delivering_HappinessA few months ago I had the opportunity to view a six minute video recorded during a tour of Zappos’ Las Vegas facility.  That quick peek into the culture of Zappos left me greatly intrigued.  So when an opportunity arose to review an upcoming book by Tony Hsieh (Zappos’ CEO), I jumped at the chance.  Like everything else they do, Zappos took the opportunity to surprise and delight.  A few days later I received not one but two copies of Delivering Happiness, a personal copy for me to read and review and a second copy to give away to readers of my blog.

Delivering Happiness chronicles Zappos’ growth as a company and brand via the story of Tony’s development as an entrepreneur.  At the outset he confesses to (warns?) the reader that the book is written in his own voice.  The casual tone of the writing succeeds in portraying him as a regular guy whose authenticity is both intriguing and inspiring.  In the end, the book is a case study for the idea that a closely held philosophy lies at the core of every great brand.  Zappos employees share a view of the world that drives them to make a difference.  In Delivering Happiness Tony Hsieh encourages us to change the world through our own business and he inspires us to be believe we can.

The book is well worth the read.  Buy it here (affiliate link) or leave a comment below for a chance to receive a copy for free.  On Friday June 11th I will choose one person to receive my extra copy and notify them by email.

Who is making a difference in your community by using the context of business to live out their philosophy and develop relationships that matter?

{ 5 comments }

Vending Machines

May 11, 2010

Ever notice how culturally acceptable it is to abuse vending machines? We hit, kick and curse at them until the money drops and the candy pops out.  Ever feel abused or taken for granted by your customers? Maybe you’ve made your business into a vending machine.  It happens for two reasons.
We get scared. Everyone knows [...]

Read the full article →

We’re Not In Oz Anymore, Toto!

May 2, 2010

Ever wish you were a powerful business wizard? You might be more of one than you think.  There’s a name for people who’ve mastered that type magic…Marketers! Marketing is a mysterious art known for converting average wares to gold.  Just follow the steps, recite the incantation and you too can be the seller of shiny [...]

Read the full article →

A Perfect Ten

April 22, 2010

Ten years ago today I entered into what I have sometimes called the “hardest and best thing I’ve ever done”.  I’ve come to realize that  marriage feels hard to me because I’m selfish.  Marriage actually is hard for my wife because I’m selfish.  As I’ve reflected on this I’m struck anew with what a special [...]

Read the full article →

Following Individuals To Build A Team

April 9, 2010

Ever wish your team meshed together better? Wouldn’t it be great if each member could bring their strengths to the task at hand in a complimentary way?  The potential is real, so how do we make it happen?
There are two things to do.  One: humility, graciousness and candor are the 3-in-1 lube for the relational [...]

Read the full article →

Hanging On or Letting Go

April 4, 2010

Today my kid helped me realize something important.
We were working in the backyard.  Rocks, broken bricks and bits of trash had been collected and assembled in a special creation and now it was time to put things back in order.  To one of us it was the obvious next step, to the other it was [...]

Read the full article →

Purpose Driven Work

March 21, 2010

Do you struggle to really nail down the purpose of your work? A clearly defined purpose is similar to a blueprint in that is gives guidance to a project and demonstrates how the pieces fit together.  We sometimes hesitate to articulate our purpose because we feel we haven’t gotten it quite right.  Unlike a building [...]

Read the full article →

The 20 Minute Blog Post

March 14, 2010

What do you wish were different about your life? What if you set aside twenty minutes each day to do something, even something small, to make that difference a reality?
In the time it takes to brew and enjoy your morning coffee you could:
Post to your blog
Scan the news to stay better informed of the world’s [...]

Read the full article →

The Secret To A Satisfying Day of Work

March 7, 2010

Why is it so hard for us to enjoy our work? Why is it rare that we say “today was a great day!”?
Two days ago I began my work with excitement as I anticipated all I’d accomplish that day.  I’d devised a plan to complete several significant tasks and advance the progress of a couple [...]

Read the full article →