Tony Hsieh left his audience at the 2009 Inc. 500|5000 conference inspired and wanting to know more about this iconic CEO who recently sold Zappos to Amazon for nearly $1B. Tony sold his first company to Microsoft for $265MM.
What are his key ingredients for success in taking revenues from $2MM to nearly $1B in under nine years? While the customer service at Zappos is incredible, the core is CULTURE.
I recently read their 2008 Culture Book - just as the ending of Tony's talk left a very memorable indentation, I found the entries of his team exclaiming their complete love and loyalty to Zappos completely heart warming:
"I can't say how proud I am to work with and know such wonderful people. When I tell someone who hasn't heard of Zappos (We know you're out there, and we're coming for you), I tear up. I can't help it. It's like Disneyland, but longer lasting. ;) I find myself not taking off my work badge until I'm home because I want to make sure it's known - just in case I stop anywhere - that I work for the best company in the world!"
As I observed a client's staff lunch yesterday, I realized that every time I have the chance to sit in and hear the CEO speak to his team about their latest developments , it is evident that they have created a very special culture too. They listen intently to their customers and drop anything for them. The loyalty of the team to the company is obvious and compelling. The time strapped CEO found time to serve as a mentor to a freshman at his alma mater, UNC. That outstanding student, now a junior, served as an intern this past summer and has deferred school to experience more of this high energy venture. He shared with me that what he was gaining in this deferred semester was irreplaceable and the culture created by the CEO was a huge part of what made the company such a special place to work.
Tony readily admits that his first company did not have the right culture. He was determined to make it right at Zappos. He has indeed done so.
How would you rate the culture of your company?
#####
See Inc. 500 | 5000 Zappos for his presentation. Ask Savvy Marketing Group about Culture Creation.
Comments