WOW

Good Evening everyone, to start off I had an appointment today with Walmart to market CareerTeam. When I entered the supervisors office what did I see but Mr. Tony's book. When I introduced myself and then I informed the Manager that my company was reading the same book it was a sealed deal for CareerTeam. Thanks Sue for allowing me to read the book. Walmart wants to hire 20 of our clients. When he found out that we was reading the same book, he told me that we was a great company that love to help and serve. Again Thanks.

Powerful

Good Morning, I received my email back from Zappos CEO. I was so fill with joy because many companies CEO would have told me that they do not have time to email me, not alone respond to every email that comes across their desk. I was happy and excited all at the same time. I also received a invite to tour Zappos head quaters in Las Vegas, to experience the culture. I am praying that Chris and Sue agree with Mr. Tony and send me to experience the Happiness of Zappos. Thanks Sue again for allowing me to be on the Dream Book Club.

Mission 8 Mother Henn 1/10/11 7:50pm

Finally called Zappo's! Poor Justin, tired him out with all my questions. I first gave Justin an earful about Career TEAM, what WE do, and the reason for my call. Told him about clubbing, challenges, our blog. He's been there 4 months, another newbie. Asked if it was difficult to get in - "not really, not if you really want to work here". Asked why they hired him - he moved around alot as an army brat, been around the world, relates to everyone, not afraid to talk to people. Asked how his resume is - he said not good, he played basketball in school so didn't have time to work and do sports both. Then we talked shoes. He owns lots of shoes, loves shoe shopping, perfect match. Mission accomplished.

Mission 8 - Boston - 1/7/11 12:22 pm Cyn-ful

So......I call Zappos, 3 times, first I listened to the joke of the day, and was midly amused...."What do you get when you cross a snowman with a shark" "Frost-bite".....very cute. Then I spoke with Eric who assured me that the Zappos Philosophy is lived there every day. I asked him if anyone in his class took the $2000.00 to quit and he laughingly said "No". His take was that by the time you complete the training you are already so ingrained in the culture of the company that you want to "live it to believe it". They have free lunches, and contests, but most of all, a very relaxed, well paid, comfortable work place. He has never missed a day's work. The general feeling is, "you can't wait to get to work". I also called Jenn Linn, The Chief Happiness Officer"..OK how do I get that job! She was unavailable to take my call but the assistant that answered the telephone suggested that I email her with any questions. I did.....haven't heard back yet. After talking with people at Zappo's I think it is safe to say that it is a unique work culture that has found a recipe for success. The relaxed atmosphere, family like culture, perks, pay rate, and benefits is a winning combination for a winning business.

Mission 8 - 1/6/10 7:30pm Mother Henn

Read the Career TEAM email about the club closing soon and didn't want my fellow clubbers to think I didn't do Mission 8. The truth is, I didn't do Mission 8! I've been home w/strep, painful to talk so the whole calling thing will have to wait, but I will call, probably during our snowy Saturday morning. May play the sore throat card while the family shovels and that will be my chance to call! Had fun, though, during this whole exercise. Honored to be part of the club, enjoyed the book, and I have the strangest feeling that we will meet Tony someday - something tells me Sue will make that happen. Maybe when Tony has his employees studying the Career TEAM story of success.....

Thanks

Sue, thanks for given me the chance to be part of your book club. I really learned alot and was able to share the information with my VIPS. This book I feel will help each employee of Careerteam. Mr. Tony reminds me of Chris and how he try hard to make his company smile and laugh but work hard all at the same time. I can not wait to meet you and learn more. When talking to a CSR from Zappos I was treated like I owned the company. I was provided with the CEO email address and most companies will never provide that information. I look forward to the next book and joining together as one soon.

You Can Judge a Book By Its Cover!!!!

1/5/11 3:00 pm Boston, MA Wow Thing

When I called Zappos I was greeted by an automated greeting and was given 4 choices - 1 to place an order; 2 for general questions; 3 for returns; and 5 for the "Joke of the Day" - so of course, I picked 5. Two Zappos employees tell this joke: Jeff: "Hey, Kerri: What do snow men eat for lunch?" Kerri: "I don't know Jeff what do snow men eat for lunch?" Jeff: "Ice burgers!!!" Then they laugh hysterically. We know in his book, Tony talks about having fun in the workplace and I thought this was a great example of how he combines work and play.

I spoke with Megan who is a three month employee with Zappos. I told her about the reason for my call, our mission and what we have been doing for the last few weeks with the book. She hasn't read it yet, but at the end of our conversation she said she is running to get a copy! She loves her job; says that the environment is like "one big happy family". There is a hierachy, and the supervisors and managers are very approachable. When a new person comes on board for the first few weeks the new people and a few of the supervisors meet for a "Soup to Nuts" session where they spend time getting to know each other, ask any questions, play games and have a few laughs. She said the environment is very creative - if you have ideas you can freely bring them up. She says they have tours every single day and invited Career TEAM for a tour. I asked her if Tony takes phone calls and she wasn't sure if he did, but she did give me his e-mail (it's also in the book - ceo@zappos.com). She says that he does have a small group of people review the e-mails and he responds to them. She said that today was a "Bistro Day". Bistro is what they call their lunch room. Everyday there is lunch provided, snacks, soups, salads, stuff to make sandwiches and that is all free. If you wanted a hot lunch it is $3.00. On Bistro Day, the hot lunch is free and it is served by Tony from 12:00-1:00. It was just high noon when I was speaking with Megan so I knew I wouldn't be able to pursue trying to get transferred to him. But she did say that she is going to let him know about Career TEAM and we are "fans" and his book has been a study as we are defining our culture and core values.

I was really excited to speak with her as I loved the book. I thought the book was a very easy read, an entertaining book - it was a story and I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter to find out - so speaking with her brought these characters truly to life for me. And I was not disappointed in what I found out - and that is that Zappos culture as described in the book is real. The culture is fun, creative, approachable and inclusive.

Sue, thanks for this opportunity and I think this last mission especially was truly inspiring. Didn't realize how inspiring it was going to be until I started speaking with Megan. I just wish I had the opportunity to speak with Tony, but hey, maybe I'll try again!!!!