Richard Branson’s ‘Keys to Success’
Just recently, while surfing the internet universe related to business and entrepreneurship, I saw someone doing a tribute article to business mastermind Richard Branson. While the article itself was short and not all that interesting to me, it did succeed in sending me down a path of inquiry. While I had definitely heard of Richard Branson before, I was not all that well-versed in his career and life. As I began to delve into the numerous pages that resulted from a Google search of this man, I realized that his life was one that I could learn from. So, here are my own “Keys To Success,” as learned from Richard Branson.
#1 – Don’t Wait for Success to come…..Go out and Get it!
Somewhere in London, during the year 1950, Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson was born. As he grew up, this kid began to have trouble in school. He was not only dyslexic, but had poor academic skills as well. That didn’t stop him at all, though. He realized that where he lacked scholastic ability, he made up for with his uncanny talent to connect with people around him. Using this skill to his advantage, he began his first business at the age of 16 years old. Just a mere four years later, at age 20, he branched out by opening an audio record mail order business. Fast forward just a short decade later, and this man would be the owner of one of the most famous record companies around, Virgin Records.
#2 – Don’t Put Yourself in a Box…..Expand!
While many would have stopped growing and been happy with their immense success, Richard Branson was still looking for expansion options. Not only that, but he didn’t limit himself to the music or recording industry. In 1984, this entrepreneur firecracker decided to reach for the skies when he formed Virgin Atlantic Airways. In 1999, he would further grow his empire with the monumental launch of Virgin Mobile. Over the next several decades, he would also dabble in the railway, soft drinks, vodka, comics, space tourism, and a variety of other interesting industries. Want to guess what he is currently working on? So do I so I can invest early.
#3 – Don’t Be A Chicken Shit…..Take Risks & Have Fun!
In addition to being rich, famous, and brilliant in business, Richard Branson also has a hell of a lot of fun in his life and career. From world record attempts in balloons, amphibious vehicles, and speed boats to starring in feature films, comedy sitcoms, and reality shows, this guy has just about done it all. In fact, he said in his book Losing My Virginity that, “Fun is at the core of the way I like to do business and it has been key to everything I’ve done from the outset. More than any other element, fun is the secret of Virgin’s success.”
