Personal Life – Dutch Uncles

Richard Branson’s success order: It boils down to Family, Friends, Fun, Purposeful Work and Money

Santosh Mehta — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 00:35:03 +0000

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.

The post Richard Branson’s success order: It boils down to Family, Friends, Fun, Purposeful Work and Money appeared first on Dutch Uncles.

Are you a Successful Entrepreneur with a Successful Personal Life

Richa Bansal — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 20:35:04 +0000

30+ 50+ 65+ No, I am not doing any arithmetic. Just looking at the measurables at various stages of life – money, status, power, love, and not necessarily in that order.

So, there’s this 65+ coach and mentor, currently writing a management self-help book, with more than four decades of experience in leading transformational changes in global companies and their supply network. While he does respond with a resounding yes to the question posed in the headline to this article, there are various other parameters where he considers himself “not successful”. More on that a bit later.

A self-made 50+ media tycoon who had once confessed that his driver perhaps knows more about him than his spouse says entrepreneurship is work in progress and that he still has miles to go.

A 30+ enterprising lady who in the early years of her business was constantly pushing the bar when it came to earnings. Not anymore, but not entirely. “If I was earning x, the target was 2x, 3x and 5x but is that what I really have to aim for? Of course, money is important but it’s also important to pursue things that make me feel alive and happy. It’s like how people say, you’re not born just to work and pay your bills. Who are you as a person?”

Says Deepak Gupta, the 65+ coach and mentor, success is difficult to define. Success can mean different things to different people. “I do not consider materialistic success at work and personal life as success! To me, success is whatever one wants to achieve. So right now, I am not yet successful at golf. I am still not successful at seeing the world and its diverse cultures. I am still not successful at playing with and having fun with my grandchildren. I am still not successful at publishing my book through which I want to share my experiential knowledge at large.”

Another 50+ professional who headed the India office for a French buying house and went on to launch a niche print magazine questions: “Isn’t the belief of being successful purely perceptual? There’s an age old saying — success is a journey, not a destination. As soon as you take your eye off the ball, you jeopardise losing your advantage. While being successful at your venture and personal life is about creating balance in your life, which is something almost everyone struggles with. Entrepreneurs need to be disciplined enough to forgo time to accomplish their ambitions but also judicious enough to know when and how to take care of their personal life.”

One needs to understand that if family is the most important part of life, then why shouldn’t one respect the relationships, avers the 50+ managing director at Shoes & Accessories, Amit Chopra. “Rome was not built in a day and neither will your empire. I realised that family would most likely take up around 2 hours of your time. And during this time period one should focus only on relaxing with the family and enjoying their presence. Take some time to enjoy your journey as you progress.”

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Entrepreneurs need to be disciplined enough to forgo time to accomplish their ambitions but also judicious enough to know when and how to take care of their personal life.

Establish Boundaries to Maintain Work and Personal Life Balance

Protima Tiwary, the 30+ new age creative entrepreneur and founder of The Mill, a remote worker collective, reiterates the need to balance and even establish boundaries – when to say no to work, being available from 10-7, taking weekends off. “I have the opportunity to creatively challenge myself, to choose projects that I like and to stay happy and maintain work-life balance while doing something that I enjoy. Obviously, I know I can earn much more but if it comes at the cost of my mental peace, I choose sanity over anything else. I will take things as they come because I have made choices that have given me the privilege to enjoy this life, and that for me is success. People working with me have realised that boundaries and wellness is what will help them grow in the long run. Many times, even when the to-do list is overwhelming you need to take out time for yourself. Learning that balance takes a lot of hard work. I think this is where I have found my success.”

Time Management

Well-being of the mind and body is indeed critical to success, and that pivots entirely on time management. Managing time can often be overwhelming. And it is not just about the to-do list. Many people reach home on time but are still working. In this age of the pandemic, working from home invariably means work spills over. Give yourself time. Dexterous management of time is a skill acquired gradually over a period of time. “Any game that one plays is marked with timelines. In the game of cricket, particularly one-day or T-20s, one gets limited overs. The game ceases beyond that. Similarly, one should have set times where you are unavailable for work and that needs to be respected. What you do with your time is ultimately up to you. Even if you have multiple distractions surrounding you, it’s up to you how you handle it,” posits Chopra.

Supportive Emo-system

As we can see, a critical cog in this entire business of success as an entrepreneur is the emotional bulwark that one builds around oneself of family and friends. A supportive emo-system goes that extra mile in keeping one grounded and on the right pitch. Somesh Singh, co-founder of India Craft Week along with wife Iti Tyagi, says there is no conflict at work or at home. “Since I have been working from home it did not make much of a difference during the pandemic. Besides, it helps to be with family. My wife is an equal partner. We build on our strengths by supporting each other, and thankfully we are in the same trade and therefore no conflict of interest. Plus, we do not interfere in each other’s work. And when we do hit a rough spot, we agree to disagree. This helps to build perspective.”

Tiwary harks back to a quote she had read early on in her career — “‘Think of the people in your circle and see who inspires you and if you are not inspired by them then you’re in a cage’. This hit me hard. The people who you surround yourself with are the people who will inspire you. This is very important for success. If you surround yourself with people who are constantly bringing you down or making you doubt yourself then you will never grow personally and every step that you take professionally you will question yourself if you’re doing the right thing. I felt this personally when I left my job and a fixed salary to freelance. I strongly feel the right environment will always depend on the people you surround yourself with. Create your own environment: surround yourself with people who respect your hustle.”

Invest in Long Term ‘Networking’

And if it is partnership one is talking about, then networking is a natural corollary, and yet another arm that deals with relationships. Invest deeply in fostering long term relationships who build you up as you continuously strive to move up the chain.

Startup specialist K R Harish, snowed under a project for a popular OTT content platform, surfaced to put it succinctly: “I consider myself successful though the benchmark for me is life that has the joy of working with the opportunity for deep rest that follows. Material gain is an incidental event.”

According to Gupta, success both at work and on the personal front requires passion, integrity, leadership, ownership and trust. And one has to stay focused and be patient; believe in self and your idea. “Remember, disruptive ideas take longer to succeed.”

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A supportive emo-system goes that extra mile in keeping one grounded and on the right pitch.

What is Success in Personal Life?

Success again is not brandishing the costliest iPhone or driving the flashiest car. The third richest man in the world with a net worth of 82.5 billion USD Warren Buffet drives his own Cadillac, eats at a McDonald’s and is happy in a pair of khakis. Steve Jobs’ last words truly encapsulate what success at work and in the personal life should be: “In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to. At this moment, lying on the sick bed and recalling my whole life, I realize that all the recognition and wealth that I took so much pride in, have paled and become meaningless in the face of impending death. You can employ someone to drive the car for you, make money for you but you cannot have someone to bear the sickness for you. Material things lost can be found. But there is one thing that can never be found when it is lost – “Life”. Whichever stage in life we are at right now, with time, we will face the day when the curtain comes down. Treasure love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends… Treat yourself well. Cherish others.”

And now a final word from Dr. N Rangarajan, a Chennai-based consultant psychiatrist at Psymed Hospital – Successful entrepreneurs are defined by their company’s net worth, how much their product is valued, the respect they command with peers, and ultimately if they are socially relevant. As long as they are able to feel pleasure in their work, a sense of satisfaction, continue to hold an abiding interest in what they are doing, still able to explore, happy with colleagues and family, have sound sleep, there is no reason to question their success.

These lines from Ralph Waldo Emerson feel apt as a sum up and Google tells me Jeff Bezos has it pinned to his fridge door:

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

If you have been doing all of the above and more, count your successes!

The post Are you a Successful Entrepreneur with a Successful Personal Life appeared first on Dutch Uncles.