In the midst of over hype, power selling and the seemingly never ceasing compulsion for some to push their message into others’ lives comes a nice little slice of….well….toast. Yes…toast. Well, actually dancing toast. Here is the bulk of an email I received this morning.
Happy Zappy 4-Year Anniversary!
Hello Bill!
Today is your 4th anniversary of being a Zappos.com customer, so we’re having a toast in your honor!
No, seriously, we’re having toast in your honor…we love toast, especially dancing toast! It’s the absolute best! We like our toast all sorts of ways: with jelly or butter or with sugar and cinnamon or cheese…Yum-o! There’s really no wrong way to celebrate with toast!
Before you eat your celebratory toast, we just want to say thanks for making the past four years so awesome!
What a breath of fresh air. I like toast. I like toast with jelly in particular. (I’ve actually had a bit of an experience making jelly recently and it’s turned out to be fairly amazing…but I digress).
What I like even more is Zappos. They are one of the companies which to me exemplify how to build, maintain and grow a successful brand! I admire their business model, their attitude and their service – but especially, their commitment to their core values. It’s not just their commitment that makes them special…it’s the values themselves. Clearly explained, open to employees, customers and stakeholders alike – they are posted for all to see on the core value page of their site.
- Deliver WOW through service
- Embrace and drive change
- Create fun and a little weirdness
- Be adventurous, creative and open minded
- Pursue growth and learning
- Build open and honest relationships with communication
- Build a positive team and family spirit
- Do more with less
- Be passionate and determined
- Be humble
These values are not only good for business but for life in general. (As an aside, while I embrace each of these, I realize that I’m better at some than others…but these are ideals to strive for…progress not perfection).
If you have not done business with Zappos, I strongly suggest you do. If you have, do more. I say this because I have no doubt that they will exceed your expectations.
If you’re looking to create, build or sustain your own company’s brand, I suggest you emulate Zappos. I say this because I have no doubt you’ll build a better company. From the quality of the product they sell to the WOW service they provide Zappos is consistent.
Well, I’m off to shop for some new sneakers while I have some toast and do more research on making jelly. Have a Happy Zappy Day! I will. 🙂
Coach, International Speaker and Thought Partner - Bill’s mission is to add value to the world – one brand at a time. Bill guides individuals and companies alike in building what he refers to as a ‘fearless brand’. This is the process of discovering, embracing and delivering their greatest value – which allows them to realize greater profit. Read More
Bill,
Love the humor from both you and Zappos. I think this company exemplifies what a Go-Giver is. The value they provide is worth every full-price penny I pay.
Toast…..hahahaha that’s funny.
Thank you Jean. Zappos certainly is a company immersed in the Go-Giver principals! Dancing toast no less 🙂
Hmm – I am going to have to ask Zappos if they have gluten-free toast! Great post on toast! You have earned the right to boast the most! Seriously – great job Bill!
Knowing Zappos, I suspect they have gluten free toast and that it knows how to dance the night away. Thanks for your post about my boast on toast – I may like it the most. Sorry. 🙂
Great post, Bill!