Delivering Happiness

I don't usually make a habit of picking up business success stories or business how to guides but as luck would have it, this type of book was thrust upon me near the Las Vegas Marathon finish line by the jovial individual standing by a Zappos RV wrapped in the same graphics as the book jacket. Despite the topic, as a librarian, I think I was more excited about the free book than the bagels and bananas my body desperately needed after such a long race.

Most people recognize the name Zappos as the successful online shoe retailer but many may not know the brains behind such a bold venture, Tony Hsieh. Delivering Happiness recounts the struggles faced by Hsieh, as an Asian American boy growing up in the United States, his secret love for business and various failed business attempts through childhood and college.

The lessons shared in the book are life lessons not necessarily business lessons. In fact, it is more a guide to personal success, maintaining one's values no matter what you do in life. Hsieh, in an unassuming tone, shares his private struggles to find his unique identity despite the strict expectations from traditional Asian parents. Hsieh recounts mistakes and successes along his personal and professional journey, both being so closely merged as to seem indistinguishable from one another.

Along with hard work and dedication, it is connectivity, a shared vision and passion that builds a truly successful business, according to Hsieh. The message throughout Hsieh's writing, is that to be a true success, one must strive for connectedness to others, sharing success and happiness wherever possible. Inspirational advice we can all use in difficult economic times.