6 lessons from Richard Branson for business success
Being an icon of entrepreneurship and ardent humanitarian, Richard Branson is known for a number of reasons. He sets an example for others by doing things differently.
It’s not only the degree, which makes you a successful businessman, there is a lot more…
“To be a real entrepreneur, you always have to be looking forward. The moment you rest on your laurels is the moment your competition overtakes you.”— Richard Branson
The founder of the Virgin group, an English businessman, a famous investor and inspiration to millions of people, Richard Branson is known to the world for what he has been doing throughout his life, and continues to do the same. At the age of 20, he laid the foundation of the Virgin and never looked back. Being the only entrepreneur to own eight different billion-dollar companies and that too, in eight different industries, he is a role model for the business world. His entire life is an inspiration and offers great learnings.
#1 Age- It’s Never a Barrier
If you think that it’s too early to start, then learn it from Branson. At the age of 16, he undertook his first business venture. A magazine named ‘Student’ was his first success. On the other hand, now in his mid-sixties, he appears to be more active and powerful, as compared to other people of the same age group.
#2 Have a Passion to Stand Out
Undoubtedly, starting with a business and making it survive; in the modern world is a daunting task. But, you cannot escape from it. Having the zeal to make things turn possible, even in unfavorable conditions, made Branson what he is today. So, in order to become a dominant, you got to do things in a different way.
#3 Self-Motivation- Believe Your Ideas
Believing in yourself and your ideas forms the basis of a successful business. Branson has always believed in himself. Remember, doing something which you don’t believe in or doesn’t make you happy, is not going to bring success.
#4 Enjoy Your Work
Setting up and running a business is a huge amount of hard work. But, that never means you cannot have fun doing it. According to Branson, “When I started Virgin from a basement flat in West London, I did not set out to build a business empire. I set out to create something I enjoyed that would pay the bills”.
“Be proud of what you are doing, get in touch with positive people and bring the best out of you.”
#5 Be a Leader and Listener
Undoubtedly, believing in your ideas is important, but you cannot impose them on others. Hence, settle down to listen to others, draw out brilliant ideas from them and implement with your ones. Along this, don’t be a criticiser; love people and they will return you the same.
#6 Never Give Up
“Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.”
The life on an entrepreneur can be compared to that of an adventurer. You will confront with a number of situations, where things will not go according to you. But, it’s extremely important not to give up. Just prepare yourself for the next start after every failure and soon you will be able to garner and witness results.
Although there is so much to learn from the life of Richard Branson, yet to conclude it can be said that, if a businessperson sets out to make a real difference, nothing can stop him.
Jonathan Curran is a blogger, author and entrepreneur. He founded and leads Promotivate a London based motivational speakers agency. Follow him on Twitter.
