Essay: Richard Branson

Business Career
Richard Branson is an entrepreneur behind the Virgin brand. Starting with the Virgin Records in 1972, now he has more than 60 companies which employs around seven thousand people. His companies include airlines, communications, hotels, radio stations, Formula One team, and space tourism company. A net-worth of $5.1 billion making him the richest man in the UK.
In 1970, Branson launched Virgin Mail Order Records. 2 years after, he grew to own 14 record stores. He used the profits from his record store chain to found music label Virgin Records in 1972, and he earned his first million dollars in 1973. His early success came as a result of his willingness to sign controversial artists such as the Sex Pistols.
In 1984, Branson paired with lawyer Randolph Fields to start one of his most famous companies yet, Virgin Atlantic. The airline is well known due to its fine customer service and innovative in-flight comforts, such as free ice cream, seat-back video screens and in-flight massages.
In 2001, Virgin Group launched Virgin Mobile as a joint venture with Sprint, and Virgin-branded wireless communications services are now available in numerous countries.
In 2004, Branson turned his eyes to the sky again and joined forces with Burt Rutan, an American aeronautical engineer, to launch Virgin Galactic, with licensed spacecraft that would take tourists to space.
The Leadership Rule
How did he manage to be successful in every business that he has started? Well Branson is not just an authority on entrepreneurialism, he is known for his rule-breaking approach to leadership, encouraging his employees to become an innovative thinker. There are numbers of qualities that Branson looks for in his employees:
1. Ability to think differently
He noted that the leadership of being able to think differently is what sets people apart. All true leaders go about things in their own way.
2. An eye for talent
Branson believes that a leader is important to have the ability to get the most out of their employees.
3. A positive company cultures
His philosophy is “Personality before CV”
4. Willingness to listen and learn
“As a leader you should always be listening. Be visible, note down what you hear and you’ll be surprised how much you learn,”
5. Make decisions
Business leaders need to be collaborative, but they must also know when to make a firm, final decision
Staff Motivation
For an organisation that prides itself on its exceptional customer service, it may surprise us that Virgin does not list customers as its top priority. That honour goes to its employees. Branson has put his customers as the second priority followed by its shareholders in third place.
Branson believes that when employees are happy and are treated well, this will be echoed in the way they deal with customers. When customers have a good (or great) experience it reflects positively on the whole brand.
On the flip side, when employees are disgruntled for any reason, they are less likely to give the customer a positive experience. This can result in not only losing that customer but also anyone else they tell about their experience.
It is well known that if a customer or employee posts negative comments about a company on social media, their comments can go viral and place a big dent in the company’s reputation. This can lead to a downturn in sales which shareholders do not like.
As Branson says, when you put your employees first: “Effectively, in the end, shareholders do well, the customers do better, and your staff remains happy.”
It’s Not Money
Money is a great resource to have. It also contributes to your happiness by helping you to live a comfortable life. However, happiness is an independent thing.
Branson says he’s never even done a business plan for any of his companies.
“You have just got to create the best airline or the best train company or the best health clubs or the best mobile phone company and then if it is the best, then at the end of the year more money will come in than goes out,” he says.
We live in a social world that means it is impossible to cut off all human contact.
Branson says that if you want to be a leader, you should know how to get along with people. You should also know how to bring out the best in them. Encouraging them is one of the leadership responsibilities that is pointed out by Branson. His guiding principle is that you should be a good friend to be a good leader.
It is always important to ensure that your life is always fresh and new every day. One of the ways to do this is by being yourself and finding new ways to solve day to day challenges. Find methods to think outside the box, take risks and innovate. This will put you on the fast track to success.
According to Branson, it is highly beneficial to befriend your enemies. For many people, it is not easy to hide the emotion of dislike. However, if you want to be successful in life or business, you must learn how to be friends your enemies. In most cases, you will find that they possess valuable knowledge that can really assist you in your business.