Delivering Happiness Book Summary - Delivering Happiness Book explained in key points
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Delivering Happiness summary

Tony Hsieh

A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose

4.3 (126 ratings)
11 mins

Brief summary

Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh is a memoir/business book that highlights the importance of customer service and company culture in building a successful business. Hsieh shares his journey from an entrepreneurial teenager to CEO of Zappos, emphasizing the role of happiness in both personal and professional fulfillment.

Table of Contents

    Delivering Happiness
    Summary of 7 key ideas

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    Key idea 1 of 7

    It is important to discover the one thing you are passionate about, and conversely, what you don’t want to do.

    In life and in business, you will win some and lose some, but what is truly important is finding out the one thing you are passionate about.

    Realizing your passion is important, because it makes all the decisions that follow easy. Because you always know what you are aiming for, your ultimate goal.

    For instance, if you know you are passionate about running your own business, and you love the satisfaction and fulfillment it gives you, the decision to turn down an offer to sell it for a large amount of money becomes easier to make.

    Creating, doing, and making things that you are passionate about is more important than making a lot of money doing things you can’t stand. Before you go any further, you need to decide if you are going to be true to yourself and, “stop chasing the money and start chasing the passion.”

    One way to find your passion is by trying many things to see what works. Along the way, you might find that one thing through the process of elimination, by realizing what it is you don’t want to do.

    The more things you eliminate from your list, the easier it becomes to find your real passion. And the closer you get to finding your passion, the less likely it is you will end up chasing the wrong dreams.

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    Key ideas in Delivering Happiness

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    What is Delivering Happiness about?

    The central theme of the book is the business of literally delivering happiness while living a life of passion and purpose. Delivering Happiness (2013) tells the story of Tony Hsieh and his company Zappos, demonstrating how thinking long-term and following your passions can not only lead to profits but also a happy life for your employees, your customers, and yourself. The book describes an alternative approach to corporate culture that focuses on the simple concept of making people around you happy, and by doing so increasing your own happiness.

    Delivering Happiness Review

    Delivering Happiness (2010) is a captivating book that takes readers on a journey of customer service and building a successful company. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With inspiring anecdotes from the author's life, it shows how prioritizing happiness can lead to business success and personal fulfillment.
    • By emphasizing the importance of company culture and employee happiness, it offers practical insights for creating a positive work environment.
    • Through engaging storytelling and relatable experiences, the book sheds light on the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, making it highly relatable and compelling.

    Who should read Delivering Happiness?

    • Anyone interested in running a successful business
    • Anyone wishing to change the world
    • Anyone who wants to know how profits, extraordinary customer service and happiness can all go hand-in-hand

    About the Author

    Tony Hsieh is an American entrepreneur and venture capitalist best known as the CEO of Zappos.com. He sold his previous company, LinkExchange, to Microsoft for $265 million in 1999.

    In 2010, Delivering Happiness debuted at #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list and ever since, Hsieh has been considered an expert in customer service and corporate culture. He is also recognized as an influential Twitter user, having gained a huge following over the years.

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    Delivering Happiness FAQs 

    What is the main message of Delivering Happiness?

    The main message of Delivering Happiness is that by prioritizing happiness and customer experience, businesses can thrive.

    How long does it take to read Delivering Happiness?

    The reading time for Delivering Happiness varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Delivering Happiness a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Delivering Happiness is a worthwhile read. It highlights the importance of happiness in business success and provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs.

    Who is the author of Delivering Happiness?

    The author of Delivering Happiness is Tony Hsieh.

    What to read after Delivering Happiness?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Delivering Happiness, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Clients First by Joseph Callaway and JoAnn Callaway
    • The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
    • The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
    • The Snowball by Alice Schroeder
    • The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
    • Becoming a Person of Influence by John C. Maxwell
    • Be Water, My Friend by Shannon Lee
    • Heal Your Gut, Save Your Brain by Partha Nandi
    • Raise Your Game by Alan Stein Jr.
    • The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz & Janet Mills