Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson (born 18 July 1950) is an English business magnate, investor, and author. In the 1970s, he founded the Virgin Group, which today controls more than 400 companies in various fields. Branson expressed his desire to become an entrepreneur at a young age. His first business venture, at the age of 16, was a magazine called Student. In 1970, he set up a mail-order record business. He opened a chain of record stores, Virgin Records (later known as Virgin Megastores) in 1972. His Virgin brand grew rapidly during the 1980s as he started Virgin Atlantic airline and expanded the Virgin Records music label. He founded more companies such as Virgin Airlines, Virgin Express, Virgin Mobile, Virgil Hotels, and Virgin Cruises.
In 2004, he founded spaceflight corporation Virgin Galactic, based at Mojave Air and Space Port in California, noted for the SpaceShipTwo suborbital spaceplane designed for space tourism.
In March 2000, Queen Elizabeth knighted Branson at Buckingham Palace in London for “services to entrepreneurship”. For his work in retail, music and transport (with interests in land, air, sea and space travel), his taste for adventure, and for his humanitarian work, he has become a prominent global figure. In 2007, he was placed in TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World List. In February 2021, American business magazine Forbes listed Branson’s estimated net worth at US$6.5 billion.
One can get inspired by the real story of a successful business entrepreneur like Branson who wanted to be an editor or journalist and was keen to join the media profession. He was not interested in becoming an entrepreneur. But to get his magazine running successfully, he needed money. Thus, he took an interest in business entrepreneurship so that he can earn money and can survive as an editor.
One can easily read and understand the fascinating example of Branson, who is not only a multimillionaire but famous business guy who launched his first business when he was just a teenager. He started a mail-order record business and after two years he was running a chain of record stores at the age of 22 years. He then went on to found many companies.
No doubt, he had exceptional qualities along with self-confidence. Having the ability or knowledge to create entrepreneurial success sets him apart. Branson seems very happy. During his busy official schedule or working along with his team, he makes it a point to spend quality time along with his family and friends. He always takes his time and does some efforts to utilize and utilize his precious time for positive thoughts.
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Dream big and you will be presented with the opportunity to lead the world on an incredible adventure.
- Richard Branson
Just keep going until you succeed
Richard Bardson says: “Creating such a life is pretty simple. You can love others and be grateful for all you have in your life and also kind and be mindful. Above all, never say no. Don’t give up. Just keep going until you succeed.” That’s great advice by a successful business entrepreneur.
It’s important and necessary to take some tips from the successful master, who shares some valuable ideas for upcoming business entrepreneurs so that those people can benefit and implement his ideas while starting or launching their businesses.
Don’t measure your success by the amount of money you make.
It’s quite common that most of the people always measure their success by the amount of money they are having by their business. It does not matter how much money you are making. Branson says that having fun while working with good people or having a peaceful environment is also important. Then, money will come automatically.
As a millionaire and popular entrepreneur, Branson felt very uncomfortable when people measured their success with the amount of money they have, or are making. It’s totally wrong and a misconception.
Success is a moving target.
No matter what you have achieved in life, you should always feel there is more to be done. Success is a moving target: it’s about striving to continue growing, but also appreciating what you have in the moment. And he believes in face-to-face conversation.
Secondly, most people love modern technology. So does Branson. However, he sees its limitations, especially when it comes between him and those he cares for. He focuses on face-to-face dialogues or meetings with people. During such meetings, one should keep one’s mobile phone on the side, just to avoid unnecessary disturbance during the meetings.
Branson focuses his attention on whoever he is listening to. He takes notes during his conversation or meeting with that particular person, and he makes it a point to put his phone aside. While having family get-together or dinner along with his family members, he also encourages other people to put their technology down. “People who are busy and stuck to their cell phones ruin their family life and being constantly glued to your phone can have a big impact on your relationships,” Branson writes.
Instead of working to live, you should live to work!
The third important thing is that whatever you are doing, it should be fun and you should really enjoy doing it.
If you aren’t having fun, you’re doing it wrong. In everything you do, you should find ways to enjoy and appreciate your life, says Branson. In other words, instead of working to live, you should live to work. Because work is fun and enjoyable.
Says Branson: “Fun is one of the most important things in your life. When you no longer enjoy a project, it’s time to move on. If you’re not having fun, then it’s probably time to quit and try something else,”. There is no point wasting time doing things you hate or dread, as that will only suck the joy and happiness out of your life.
Find a hobby that gets you outside.
A major key to happiness, Branson says, is finding hobbies that encourage you to spend more time outdoors. Being outside can help you deal with stress and anxiety, and it has a way of recharging your batteries. “It’s a great way to boost your mood and feel more in control.” One should have passion or hobby besides his business or work which keeps that person growing and happy.
Having passion for biking, or hiking and windsurfing are some of the ways Branson is energized by connecting to nature, but you can also do something as simple as taking your dog for a walk, or even spending time gazing into the night sky.
Dream big.
Branson once tweeted: “Dream big and you will be presented with the opportunity to lead the world on an incredible adventure.” Branson’s success started with an audacious dream that seemed out of his league. He was in his early 20s when he launched Virgin Records and took on the music industry.
Everyone told him it wouldn’t work, but he ignored those. There was no guarantee he would be successful, but his belief in his dream fuelled his motivation to keep pushing through. Our dreams are what make us who we are. If you never have the courage to see them through, you’ll never know what you’re capable of.
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I know I’m fortunate to live an extraordinary life, and that most people would assume my business success, and the wealth that comes with it, have brought me happiness. But they haven’t; in fact, it’s the reverse. I am successful, wealthy and connected because I am happy,
- Richard Branson
Learn as you go.
Life should be one big learning experience. We should always seek to broaden our minds and increase our wisdom and knowledge. Branson never went to any university for his formal education and he left high school early. But he never stopped learning. He looks at life as one long university course, and seeks to learn at least one new thing every day.
Branson has launched a wide variety of ventures over the decades, often in areas he’s not familiar with. The key is: When you dive into a new area, you need to learn quickly, but you also should be motivated to do so, he says.
According to Branson, if you see a great opportunity, go for it, even if it’s not in an area you are familiar with or specialize in. Focus on learning as you go and embrace the chance to make new connections. Push yourself to make the most of opportunities when they present themselves. “It’s really important to realize that it doesn’t matter if you don’t know. Because you can always find out. Seize opportunities and don’t give in to self-doubt.”
Branson has never been afraid to say yes to new concepts, ideas and pursuits. This is a big reason why the Virgin Group is now an empire of over 200 diverse companies. He hasn’t limited himself to one area; he’s branched out and is open to trying new things. He encourages everyone to push themselves outside of their comfort zone. It’s the only way to truly see how far you can go.
Make happiness a habit.
Take time to find a bit of happiness each day, in each moment if you can. Happiness isn’t the result of success, but happiness from within can support you in becoming successful, according to Branson.
“I know I’m fortunate to live an extraordinary life, and that most people would assume my business success, and the wealth that comes with it, have brought me happiness. But they haven’t; in fact, it’s the reverse. I am successful, wealthy and connected because I am happy,” he wrote in his blog.
Branson encourages us to stop chasing after happiness but happiness is right in front of you; you just need to recognize it and seize it. “Stop and breathe and be healthy. Be around your friends and family. Be there for someone, and let someone be there for you. Be bold. Just be for a minute.”
Branson says his mother was passionate and determined to make all of his family members independent when he was just four years old. She would stop her car from some distance to reach their home and make him walk around the fields.
As a business tycoon or entrepreneur, never be disheartened by your failures. When at one time you don’t get success, try again. Never give up and chance may favour you. Do Not be embarrassed by failures.
Branson says that his definition of success is that the more you are actively and practically engaged, the more successful you will feel. As a successful business person, he is open to new ventures, new concepts and always anxious to take and learn new ideas which he can take and implement in his work. He was prepared to achieve great success by just being confident and having great vision, and focussing on whatever he does.
Success does not just mean making pots of money, or enjoying luxuries. It means the person who is making and creating opportunities for others and giving his workers and co-workers a peaceful atmosphere or comfortable lifestyle – good living and healthy conditions – is also successful.
