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[pull_quote_center] First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. – Mahatma Gandhi [/pull_quote_center]
With this quote we can summarize the life story of Tony Hsieh. He started a worm farm business sometime in his childhood, and now he’s CEO of Zappos – the company that had an amazing climb, rising from almost nothing to more than 1 billion-dollar sales.
It was the title of the book – ‘Delivering Happiness’ – that made me read it. I opened the book, I read one page, and then another, and another. I couldn’t stop reading.
Tony tells his story so naturally, in such simple words that he makes you feel like you’re part of his life and development as a businessman. He takes you on a virtual tour in the company whose gates are open to the public and has managed to draw attention through a unique culture. You’ll say ‘ok, this is another business book, one about profit and how to do that or that… there are lot of them!’ Well, this is different! For someone who dreams about their own business, whether they’re already a business owner or is an employee, this book provides an actual success recipe. How many books provide you that? How many successful managers offer you their secrets? Zappos is the company that, just by disclosing secrets, through transparency, managed to overcome its limits and landed on Fortune magazine’s list of “Best Companies to Work For”.
[pull_quote_center]Your personal core values define who you are, and a company’s core values ultimately define the company’s character and brand. For individuals, character is destiny. For organizations, culture is destiny. [/pull_quote_center]
This book is about happiness and how you can achieve long lasting results that bring happiness. Does it sound like a fairytale? Well, at Zappos that is possible. Leaving aside the culture that we are used to, the outdated ‘I’m the boss, do what I say’ or ‘execute, do not think’ mentality, we’ll meet a different culture at Zappos. Any employee would like to be part of it. It has the WOW effect, and people apply it beyond the companies’ doors.
[pull_quote_center]To WOW, you must differentiate yourself, which means do something a little unconventional and innovative. You must do something that’s above and beyond what’s expected. And whatever you do must have an emotional impact on the receiver.[/pull_quote_center]
‘Delivering Happiness’ is not about Zappos nor Tony Hsieh. This book is about obtaining something great. It’s about the path chosen by a man who wanted more. It is a book about how to “think Big”, about not limiting yourself to profit, but to see beyond all limitations. Eventually, we impose our own limits and it depends on us what we want to achieve.
I recommend you read this book. You’ll certainly see your company– whether it’s yours or you work for it – quite differently. It could be a starting point to get over all boundaries. And, as I said before, we impose our limits!
Divas, I don’t know if you’ve visited the Zappos website yet, but you must know that this company sells (among other things) shoes. Have I caught your attention? I recommend to visit www.zappos.com. There are lots of goodies for you! 🙂
Andres
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