Of all of the talks given at SXSW ‘09, I loved the last 15 minutes of Tony Hsieh’s presentation the best. This part of his talk focused on The Science of Happiness and his earnest desire to spend 10% of his time studying the structured elements of what makes all of us happy. The three levels he shared were: rockstar, flow, and meaning/higher purpose (check out Slide 44 on the Slideshare presentation below). I’m now dedicated to reading and learning more about this balanced, structured approach to happiness. Comment below if you recommend a good book that speaks to you on this topic.
My Tweets about this keynote SXSW presentation—
@zappos - I’m getting very fired up for your keynote speech #sxsw11:53 AM Mar 14th from web
#sxswi gives very appreciative, humble opening words before the opening by @zappos 12:03 PM Mar 14th from web
Tony’s story starts with running a pizza company in college in 95.12:08 PM Mar 14th from web
He then started link exchange and sold it to microsoft in 98. Sold it because culture no longer good.12:09 PM Mar 14th from web
Zappos sells more than shoes, clothes, electronics. But it is really all about being the very best customer service12:11 PM Mar 14th from web
75% sales come from repeat customers12:12 PM Mar 14th from web
Telephone is one of best branding experience - vert engaged for 5-10 min.12:14 PM Mar 14th from web
Customers can return product up to 1 year later12:14 PM Mar 14th from web
Everything that improves the customer experience is seen as marketing expense12:18 PM Mar 14th from web
All about the lifelong relationship with the customer one call at a time. You must wow the customer. Longest call ever was 4 hours.12:19 PM Mar 14th from web
#1 goal of company is great company culture. Training is key. Employee culture books.12:22 PM Mar 14th from web
In 2007, 3% employees took the 2k offer to leave, and only 1% took offer in 2008.12:25 PM Mar 14th from web
There is a twitter class as part of @zappos employee orientation class. Twitter is humanizing.12:27 PM Mar 14th from web
*I really need a cheeseburger. I’m in row 8 in ballroom a #sxswi12:28 PM Mar 14th from web
* Someone tweeted “I really need a cheeseburger” at zappos and ten minutes later someone brought one to their desk.
Zappos brand is customer service so entire company is about that.12:31 PM Mar 14th from web
Customer saya zappos is happiness in a box12:33 PM Mar 14th from web
10 commitable core values12:35 PM Mar 14th from web
Interview question: on a scale of 1-10, how weird are you?12:36 PM Mar 14th from web
How lucky are you?12:38 PM Mar 14th from web
Tony says: you have to walk away from revenue and profit to take your brand to next level12:42 PM Mar 14th from web
Start early in your company about collaborating with employees to come up with core values.12:44 PM Mar 14th from web
Commit to transparency. Twitter.zappos.com, “ask anything” newsletter12:47 PM Mar 14th from web
Vision. - chase the vision, not the money12:50 PM Mar 14th from web
What would you be passionate doing for 10 years without making a dime.12:51 PM Mar 14th from web
Build relationships, not networking. Usually 2 years later, something good happens.12:52 PM Mar 14th from web
If you want to go quickly, go alone. Long term, go slower. Hire slowly, fire quickly.12:54 PM Mar 14th from web
What is your goal in life? We are all seeking happiness12:55 PM Mar 14th from web
Tony interested in the real science of happiness. Very cool.12:56 PM Mar 14th from web
3 types of happiness - rock star, flow, meaning and higher purpose1:00 PM Mar 14th from web
Books- peak, tribal leadership, happiness hypothesis1:01 PM Mar 14th from web
What is your company’s higher purpose?1:02 PM Mar 14th from web
Pepperoni pizza at 3am, zappos rep gives closest 5 places in santa monica.1:07 PM Mar 14th from web
#zappos5 - I need to check it out.1:08 PM Mar 14th from web
