Richard Branson’s Success Tips

Business magnate, investor, author and philanthropist, Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson founded the Virgin Group in the 70’s and turned himself into one of the most iconic’s men of the modern world.

Fortunately for us, Sir Richard Branson is not shy at sharing his tips for success – both in life and in business. Business Optimizer takes a look at some of the secrets of success that Sir Richard has shared over the years.

When Richard Branson flunked his exams and left school at 16, he could have no idea he would achieve the business success he has. Yet today, the man behind Virgin has a net worth of $5bn (£3.9bn) – placing him seventh on the rich list of British billionaires.

Building a Successful Business

Known for his ethical approach and philanthropy as much as his crazy record-breaking publicity stunts, Branson has built twelve billion-dollar companies and written numerous books about success, both personal and business. He is no stranger to paying it forward and encouraging other would-be entrepreneurs – or to sharing his tips for success.

Following on from where his most successful book to date – the autobiography Losing My Virginity: How I’ve Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way (2011) – left off, Branson’s latest autobiography – Finding My Virginity (2017) – shares more of the stories, sage advice and insights behind the success he enjoys today.

Write down your ideas!

Branson is a big fan of keeping lists. On the Virgin blog he recommends picking up a pen and paper:

“If you don’t write down your ideas, they could be gone by the morning. Write down lists to keep track of your goals, and you’ll be amazed at what challenges you overcome.”

Richard Branson’s Formula for Success

Notetaking is just one of ten top tips he suggests for entrepreneurs setting off on their own business journey:

• Follow your dreams
• Do some good
• Believe in your ideas
• Have fun
• Don’t give up
• Keep setting yourself new challenges
• Learn to delegate
• Look after your team
• Get out there and do things
• When people say bad things about you, just prove them wrong

But Branson credits his mum with giving him the best advice he has received through his life: never look back in regret – move on to the next thing.

Discover more:
Sir Richard Branson: The Autobiography (2002); Screw It, Let’s Do It: Lessons in Life (2006); Business Stripped Bare: Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur (2008); Reach for the Skies: Ballooning, Birdmen and Blasting into Space (2010); Screw Business as Usual (2011); Losing My Virginity: How I’ve Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way (2011); Like a Virgin: Secrets They Won’t Teach You at Business School (2012); The Virgin Way: Everything I Know About Leadership (2014).