Richard Branson has become a common household name over the years, most commonly known for his entrepreneurial ventures such as Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin Records and the rest of the Virgin conglomerate. However, he has had his own set of challenges during the lifespan of his career. Here's a list of business lessons we can all learn from Richard Branson:
1) Don't let anything stand in your way
Most people don't know that Branson suffers from dyslexia. Or the fact that he performed very poorly in school. He didn't let either of these challenges stand in his way; instead, he discovered the things he was good at and refined those skills. His ability to connect with others has been one of his strongest suits and he did not need to read or perform well in school to capitalize on that asset.
2) Never stop trying
Branson certainly didn't. According to Wikipedia:
"His first successful business venture was a magazine called Student at age 16.In 1970, he set up an audio record mail-order business. In 1972, he opened a chain of record stores, Virgin Records, later known as Virgin Megastores. Branson's Virgin brand grew rapidly during the 1980s, as he set up Virgin Atlantic Airways and expanded the Virgin Records music label."
If Richard Branson had stopped at his first, second or even third business venture he would have missed out on a multitude of business opportunities. The Virgin brand that Branson has spent most of his life cultivating would be nowhere near as dynamic or widespread as it at this point if he had stopped trying along the way.
3) Don't be afraid to lead the way and go where no one else has
During his career, Branson signed highly controversial bands to his Virgin Record label; bands that no one else would sign. Branson introduced the world to diverse bands such as the Sex Pistols, Faust, Can and Culture Club. Branson, a pioneer in every sense of the word, was not afraid of failure. He paved the path for these musicians and presented them to the world while disregarding negativity from others.
4) Dream big: Always reach for the stars
"My interest in life comes from setting myself huge, apparently unachievable challenges and trying to rise above them...from the perspective of wanting to live life to the full, I felt that I had to attempt it."
-Richard Branson, on the decision to start an airline
And attempt he did. While reaching for the unachievable Branson realized that the only things that are truly unattainable are the things you aren't reaching for in the first place.
So don't be afraid to dream big and set high goals for yourself.
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