Measuring Up To Sir Richard Branson
"Life is a hell of a lot more fun if you say yes rather than no" - Sir Richard Branson
I was super-fortunate to attend an 'Inspire & Succeed' event recently put on by Success Resources, with the famed act being Sir Richard Branson. Not only did he impress with his wisdom but he showed a side of himself that made me want to like him even more. I thought to myself..."This man is the woman I truly can aspire to be alike".
He was told early in his career three important pieces of advice that helped build his success today:
1. No budget for advertising can outweigh you getting out there showcasing your brand 2. Keep on improving upon what you already have 3. Watch for the Doctor that has both hands on your shoulders for a prostate exam
And the latter reminds him of the need to have a bit of fun in what you are doing. He reminds us that most of our lives are spent with loved ones and our work colleagues, so embracing our time to share and getting to know each other helps to bond in unity and drive the mission of the business to each and everyone spoken to. It is about making sure that everyone is feeling like themselves and not a facade, then feeling that they are able to contribute, making small impacts of change that drive a business forward.
Sir Richard Branson has 400 companies within the Virgin brand. From humble beginnings with The Rollingstone Magazine and his first company Virgin Records, where he struck luck in signing the famed band 'The Sex Pistols' that sky-rocketed his business ahead. Now, having a stake in his Virgin multinational conglomerate including flights, aerospace, banking, books, health, travel, communications, jewellery, rail, entertainment & media, sports and charities. This brand is worth over 19.5 Billion Pounds (2016). He recruits over 71,000 employees all around the globe, operates and partners with foundations that are about innovation and helping carve out a better existence. You'll find him sitting side by side with leaders of the world in trying to solve some of the most devastating problems we have today i.e. climate change and war on drugs. A question raised from the audience asked how he could see Australia tackle the drought and fires devastation we are facing now - and after careful consideration, he answered; "well, it is only going to get worst from here out...the seas are rising and it sound like you need to take advantage of that with desalination plants linked together to send water where it needs to go." With a man that is talking with the best minds of research and data to work on solutions to help our world, he offered pretty sound advice. Another panel working on the war on drugs sitting amongst ex-leaders of countries all around the world, they advised that drug offences should be taken out of the criminal court to save on re-offending costs and supported by the medical sector as "no drug user has ever died in a drug administration centre". One of the topics he discussed that sparked my curiosity was about creating employment opportunities for ex-prisoners. Subtly said, 'sometimes a person does not have the means, geography or education to make better decisions'...'in most cases, the offender just needs a second chance without judgement to want to be a contributor to society'. He goes on to say that Virgin has proudly accepted some 300 ex-prisoners through his foundations firstly and all have been a wonderful success story. He goes on to say that the art of listening without judgement is a skill that has taken him far, having real conversations of any person in stature and trying to understand their views on topics of relevance. You see, opportunities lie in trying to help another's life be better. It all starts with looking at your own life. Once you have got yourself heading in the right directions, then look at your local community. The circles get bigger as you step out into another ring looking at ways to create a better existence within your region, your country, your world.
Sir Richard Branson admits to his near-death failures with his hot balloon records and wise-crack self-promotions that had landed him in jail, uninsured moments flying under a helicopter and the pure love of his brand. He says he may make over 400 decisions in a week with only a quarter being a good decision. Always learn from what you do and keep on moving. Childlike, he glimmers at the thought of finding opportunities for doing something that has not been done before. I don't know about you, but I felt only compassion and admiration for this man and what he is trying to achieve. He is truly living a rich life. What is next for Sir Richard Branson, well...it seems we are on the verge to innovate passenger rockets to orbit in the stratosphere which can fasten flight travel of 19 hours to 4-5 hours. And then there is space exploration with Mars or another habitable planet. If this dream is not big enough for you then I do not know what could top this? ...and no one is laughing either.
Meg Hogan
Meg Hogan is an Amazon #1 Best Selling author in Australia and US for 'Get Rich Be The Voice' and a Business Coach helping owners maximise their business potential to be in the best possible position to reap more revenue and retain more personal wealth. With her 100% money-back guarantee of satisfaction, she gives certainty to her clients that their best interests are at heart. "My door is open or anyone who may wish to discuss their business challenges in hopes of finding some practical solutions. Book a free call to chat on what I can offer you, and walk away with at least 3 things you can do now to improve your situation."
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