June Book-of-the-Month: Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh

My friend, interior designer Lisa League, sent me a tweet a few weeks ago: “I’ve got a surprise for you!” The next time we came together, she brought out the book Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh and presented it to me. The book comes out today and in order to receive an advanced copy, you had to write in about a person you think “delivers happiness”. Lisa wrote about me (!!) and lo and behold, we each received an advanced copy. A beautiful compliment, no? (Thank you again, Lisa!)

If you’re like me, the creative gene works much better than the “I’m-a-business-guru-and-can-make-a-profit-on-anything” gene. Over the years, I’ve bought and borrowed many business books. Some I felt were too corporate (I really, really tried you, “Good to Great”), others I couldn’t embrace all the beliefs (“The 48 Laws of Power” comes to mind) and some I never even cracked the cover (I’m so sorry “Millionaire Women Next Door”). This one, however, I enjoyed and learned good insights. The book is partly his story, partly the inspirational story of Zappos and partly the reminder for all of us to ask: What is My Goal in Life?. I read it easily in a few days since Tony Hsieh wrote it as he spoke in conversation. At one point, when he was accepted into Harvard, I thought “This already puts him in a different stratosphere! C’mon!“. But, I hung on since he built two companies that within a decade were sold for 9 and 10 figures — I figured that went beyond luck and mere smarts.

Tony Hsieh

He talks about a company where the concept of “team” is embraced and customer service is paramount. The importance of having a long term vision and knowledge of a higher purpose. He also adds a component which I heartily agree upon – FUN. (Seriously. Ask my brother and sister – I find that “fun” is something to be cherished, especially in business.) He gives three insights: 1) Meet Expectations, (2) Meet Desires, and (3) Meet Unrecognized Needs. I’ve given a brief overview of it all — but even if you are a company of one, there are good points to gather for your business. At the very least, you’ll be highly inspired.

I hope you do get a chance to pick up the book or check it out of the library. There is a Delivering Happiness website and blog, a Facebook page and if you are on Twitter, you can follow Tony Hsieh on @zappos and find out more about the book on @dhbook. Have a great day!