Sometimes it seems as though entrepreneurial success is not within our reach, and that all roads we have taken lead to the same result. While I can assure you that your feelings of frustration are completely normal, it may not be enough to ease your doubts.
What if I shared with you some of the most inspiring words from a successful entrepreneur who has faced the same road as you. Many of the world’s most well-known and highly acclaimed business leaders have not only faced failure, but believe it only helps fuel the fire of wanting success even more. The same holds true for Virgin Group mogul, Sir Richard Branson. A man who has not only seen failure but was able to raise above it and become one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time.
Early life and beginnings
Born in the United Kingdom, Branson didn’t show much promise in his academic endeavors, and battled dyslexia. However, he came from a supportive family that did not discourage Branson or his entrepreneurial spirit, as he continued to find his next new business to take on. His own mother was a bit of entrepreneur herself and stood as a role model for Branson in his early years.
After failing to capitalize on the success of selling commodities, Branson pursued his next venture, a magazine entitled Student. This magazine was published in 1966 and became an instant success for Branson.
Over the course of his time with the magazine, Branson got to interview high profile music stars of the 1960s era. He eventually opened a record store in London with the money he made from selling records and his magazine.
The Start of Virgin Records
The success of his record store give him the encouragement to pursue his next venture in the music world. In 1972, Branson went on to create the now well-known record label, Virgin Records.
Branson had an eye for talent, and gave chances to those who were much like him: underestimated. His record label would go on to sign some of the most well-known and revolutionary bands and artists such as the Sex Pistols, Culture Club, Paula Abdul, and Peter Gabriel, some of whom many record labels were too weary to sign or didn’t feel that they had the potential to become bestsellers on the charts.
The Evolution of Virgin
Over the years, Virgin Records grew dramatically and took on new ventures outside of the music world as well. As the popularity of Virgin Records grew, Branson went on to establish Virgin Atlantic airline, Virgin Mobile, and Space-centered organization, Virgin Galactic.
Since its inception, Virgin Records went on to become part of the Virgin Group. This is an incorporated conglomerate created by Branson which currently controls more than 400 companies and is estimated to be worth over $5 billion.
Branson’s entrepreneurial ventures have put him at an estimated worth of $5.1 billion dollars. In 2000, he was given the distinguished honor of being knighted for his service to entrepreneurship.
Along with his success, Branson has also seen failures within the business realm. These ventures include Virgin Cola and Virgin cars, which only lasted for five years. However, that has not deterred Branson from continuing his entrepreneurial goals, dreams, and philanthropic endeavors.
Below are 25 of the best quotes from this talented entrepreneur who has impacted the world for the last few decades. Branson’s words on leadership, overcoming failure, and his general outlook on life can help put your worries at ease and realize that success is truly at the heart for those who want it.
- “An entrepreneur is an innovator, a job creator, a game-changer, a business leader, a disruptor, an adventurer.”
- “Don’t be embarrassed by failures, learn from them and start again.”
- “Respect is how to treat everyone, not just those you want to impress.”
- “Do good, have fun, and the money will come.”
- “Learn from failure. If you are an entrepreneur and your first venture wasn’t a success, welcome to the club.”
- “Communication: the thing humans forgot when we invented words.”
- “Your company should act as a springboard for ambitious employees, not a set of shackles.”
- “Don’t become a slave to technology, manage your phone, don’t let it manage you.”
- “Please be polite. Nothing in life should erode the habit of saying thank you to people or praising them.”
- “Remember: it’s OK to be yourself.”
- “One thing is certain in business. You and everyone around you will make mistakes.”
- “My general attitude to life is to enjoy every minute of every day. I never do anything with a feeling of, ‘Oh God, I’ve got to do this today.”
- “Don’t think what’s the cheapest way to do it or what’s the fastest way to do it, think ‘what’s the most amazing way to do it.’”
- “For a successful entrepreneur, it can mean extreme wealth. But with extreme wealth comes extreme responsibility. And the responsibility for me is to invest in creating new businesses, create jobs, employ people, and to put money aside to tackle issues where we can make a difference. “
- “The best advice I could give anyone is to spend your time working on whatever you are passionate about in life.”
- “Fun is one of the most important and underrated ingredients in any successful venture.”
- “The art of delegation is one of the key skills any entrepreneur must master.”
- “Find the right people to work with and you can’t go wrong.”
- “A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts.”
- “The lesson that I have learned and follow all my life is that we should try and try and try again – but never give up!”
- “Take a chance. It’s the best way to test yourself. Have fun and push your boundaries.”
- “I don’t think of work as work and play as play. It’s all living.”
- “You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.”
- “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.”
- “Although my spelling is still sometimes poor, I have managed to overcome the worst of my difficulties through training myself to concentrate.”
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