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Virgin Boss, Richard Branson Reveals 15 Secrets to Success.
ACCORDING to information scooped from an online magazine – FORTUNE, Richard Branson is one of the most recognizable and accomplished entrepreneurs in the world. The Virgin Group founder has managed multiple companies and built a fortune of $5 billion, according to Forbes. What’s even more remarkable is that the 66-year-old magnate was a high school dropout.
Although there is no one secret to business success, following the strategies of the world’s most successful people can help you get ahead. Here are 15 of the best Richard Branson tips to build a great business and life.
1. Dare to be brave
In his book, “Like a Virgin: Secrets They Won’t Teach You at Business School,” Richard Branson wrote, “The brave may not live forever — But the cautious do not live at all.”
It takes bravery to reach for your dreams, as doing so involves a certain degree of risk. However, Branson reminds entrepreneurs that a bumpy journey is worthwhile if you’re headed to a desirable destination. He suggests that aspiring business professionals demonstrate courage in pursuit of their goals.
2. Be an individual
The Virgin Group founder wrote on his blog, “No two successful entrepreneurs are the same. In fact, it’s their individuality and different ways of thinking that make them successful.”
Study the habits of billionaires like Branson, and you’ll quickly see that these successful people approach business and problem solving in numerous ways — never afraid to go against the grain. Still, you can learn from the traits of those who came before.
Branson says that successful entrepreneurs take deliberate risks, learn from their missteps, see the big picture, know when to delegate and communicate well with those around them.
3. Be punctual
If you’ve seen the occasional photo of Branson jumping out of a car or running to get to his next appointment, it’s probably because the billionaire hates being late. He think it’s rude and disrespectful, no matter your station in life.
As Branson wrote on his blog, “Whether it is a meeting, a flight, an appointment or a date, it’s important to ensure you are there when you say you will be there. This may feel like an old-fashioned tip to give, but it has served me well for five decades in business. All you have in business is your reputation — so it’s very important that you keep your word.”
Show up to meetings on time and show your co-workers and clients they can trust you with matters both small and large.
4. Be a hustler
Top business leaders know that few things in life come free. Whether you want to start your own company or take your business to the next level, it’s important not to rely on handouts. Instead of sitting idly by waiting for their big breaks, savvy entrepreneurs are proactive and seize opportunities.
In his book “Losing My Virginity: How I’ve Survived, Had Fun and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way,” Branson said, “To be successful, you have to be out there, you have to hit the ground running.”
5. Don’t try to be something you’re not
You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your beliefs and lose who you are to achieve success in life.
Said Branson, “To me, business isn’t about wearing suits or pleasing stockholders. It’s about being true to yourself, your ideas and focusing on the essentials.”
After all, it doesn’t matter how successful you are in business if you don’t have the life that you want. By focusing on your goals and staying true to your core beliefs, you can accomplish what you desire without losing yourself along the way.
6. Don’t fall victim to “necessary evils”
As an aspiring entrepreneur, you might assume that succeeding in business means doing things you’re not proud of on occasion. However, Branson doesn’t believe in necessary evils.
“Most ‘necessary evils’ are far more evil than necessary,” said Branson in his book, “Losing My Virginity.”
While an action might seem to benefit your business in the short term, in the long run it could affect your company’s reputation and your relationships with peers and customers. For best results, think long term and avoid doing something today that you’ll be ashamed of tomorrow.
7. Dream big
Achieving greatness means focusing on change and innovation. To that end, Branson encourages entrepreneurs to follow their dreams, no matter how crazy they might seem to others.
Branson wrote in his blog, “Don’t be self-conscious about dreaming, or about people thinking you’re too idealistic and not serious enough. Don’t allow your self talk to be judgmental. Look at the world with wide-eyed enthusiasm, believe you are more powerful than the problems that confront you and dream big.”
Naysayers might criticize you for dreaming large, but you’ll be the one laughing when your dreams become realities.
8. Give back
It can be difficult to sustain success if your sole concern is cash.
Said Branson in a Virgin.com article, “The brands that will thrive in the coming years are the ones that have a purpose beyond profit.”
Think about how you and your company can make a difference in the lives of customers and co-workers. You don’t have to be worth billions to give back, either. A simple act of kindness can boost your reputation while bringing rewards beyond the financial.
9. Be a good listener
You can’t be a good problem solver without being a good listener.
Said Branson, “To launch a business means successfully solving problems. Solving problems means listening.”
A recent Harvard Business Review study confirms that listening well means being active in the conversation. In fact, the best listeners are those who ask follow-up questions that offer insight or promote discovery. Be curious and open-minded, and you might just find your next adventure.
10. Be willing to fall
Learn from your failures, and you’ll gain the aptitude to succeed.
As Branson wrote in his book, “Business Stripped Bare: Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur,” “You learn by doing and by falling over, and it’s because you fall over that you learn to save yourself from falling over.” Branson and his colleagues were newcomers to the business world when they created Virgin — hence the name. They did things their way rather than following a rulebook. And like any new business, there were a few stumbles along the way. According to Branson, those mistakes helped the company grow into what it is today.
11. Share the spotlight
In the business world, achieving success often means finding individuals who are just as passionate as you about achieving your goals.
“I’ve never been the best person at doing every job,” Branson said in a blog post. “Finding the spotlight isn’t about standing in it. There’s so much to be gained from working with people who support each other to achieve great things.”
Don’t be afraid to share your vision with others or ask for help when you need it. The right people can help you achieve more than you would have alone.
12. Learn to say yes
Branson’s staff gave him the nickname “Dr. Yes” for his openness to new ideas.
In his book, “Screw It, Let’s Do It,” he wrote, “If something is a good idea, my way is to say ‘Yes, I’ll consider it’ — and then to work out how to make it happen. Of course, I don’t say yes to everything. But what is worse: making the occasional mistake or having a closed mind and missing opportunities?”
Be an opportunist rather than a naysayer and boost your odds of bringing great ideas to fruition.
13. Be happy
Success means different things to different people. While some entrepreneurs focus only on building their fortunes, Branson recommends focusing on happiness as well.
“It’s a common misconception that money is every entrepreneur’s metric for success,” he wrote on his LinkedIn blog. “It’s not, and nor should it be.”
The real key to success is happiness. Rather than his monetary success bringing him happiness in life, Branson says that his happiness has enabled him to achieve great success and wealth.
Stop and ask yourself if you’re happy. If not, find that happiness.
14. Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself could save you from career burnout, says Branson.
The Virgin Group entrepreneur wrote on his LinkedIn blog, “When I’m asked: ‘What’s the key to success in business?’ my answer can differ depending on the subject at hand — delegation, people, learning from failure, etc. — but when it comes down to it, the key is you. The simple fact is, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of business.”
Branson exercises every day, no matter where he is or what he’s doing.
“A healthy body equals a healthy mind, and a healthy mind takes care of business,” he said.
15. Find what excites you
Business leaders often stress the need to achieve a positive work-life balance. However, for Branson, work and play don’t have to be at odds with each other.
He wrote on his LinkedIn blog, “If a new business opportunity or project doesn’t excite me, and if it’s not something with which I can have a lot of seriously creative fun, then I’d rather pass on it and move right along. Life’s too short to waste your time doing things that don’t light your fire.”
If you don’t have passion for what you’re doing, consider directing your attention and energy elsewhere.
This article originally appeared on GoBankingRates.com
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
The Nigerian Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ignited widespread public reaction following his response to recent criticisms by Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, had accused Umahi of neglecting essential infrastructure needs, alleging that the minister has “no plan for the nation.”
At a committee oversight meeting last Thursday, the lawmaker expressed his frustration over the worsening state of roads across the country.
“You are not here to tell us what we already know in the area of resources,” Oseni stated. “If you are telling us the reason you have failed in fixing our road infrastructure is because of resources, don’t let me take you up on that, because you concentrated your energy as a minister on less priority issues.”
Hon. (Engr.) Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state
In response, Umahi addressed a press briefing at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, dismissing Oseni’s comments.
He remarked that Oseni “had not attained half of what I have achieved in life” and added that he would “not join issues with the lawmaker” out of respect for the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.
Speaking further, the minister suggested that Oseni was representing contractors affected by recent reforms in the Ministry of Works.
“Let me say that I was not physically present at the meeting, nor was my permanent secretary,” Umahi said. “Nobody can talk to me like that in my presence. It’s not possible.”
Public Outcry: Nigerians Demand Accountability
Umahi’s remarks have drawn backlash on social media, where Nigerians urged him to focus on addressing their concerns about deplorable road conditions rather than deflecting criticisms.
Many expressed frustration with the state of federal roads, calling on the minister to prioritize solutions over defensiveness.
“Mr umahi, ur have actually abandoned our existing roads all over Nigeria and focusing on elephants projects”, commented Daniel Morgan. “Travelling from Southwest to Southeast is now by the special grace of God. Please do something and stop criticizing the messenger and look into the massage.”
Charles Anarado added, “No matter how one may look at this matter, Oseni stands on a sound good point that building a new stretch of road for N15trillion that is more than enough to fix all the bad major roads around the country seems indeed to be a misplaced priority. It’s just like parent using the funds meant for paying his children to school to buy a car to take them to school. His decision may seem good but paying school fees should certainly be his priority”.
Calls for Transparency and Priority on Repairs
Other Nigerians joined the conversation, with some social media users demanding more accountability from the minister.
Nnaemeka Mekah voiced frustration over Umahi’s response to criticism, stating, “This short man takes every criticism as a personal attack. Oga minister, MOST NIGERIAN ROADS ARE IMPASSABLE NOW, and you’re doing absolutely nothing about it. Dunno what else you claim to have achieved in life, but as far as Nigerian toads are concerned, you’re a monumental failure”.
Another user, Nanmah Fanto, supported Oseni’s criticisms, commenting, , “The Reps Committee Chairman, was absolutely correct 2 tell Umahi d truth about accountability n Umahi’s lack of given priority 2 existing bad roads, n concentrating on unimportant road construction. I used 2 think Umahi was wise, until that incident I realized that he wasn’t better at all, he’s also thinking of enriching himself at d detriment of fixing our bad roads. Now, I know better, he shouldn’t be given any more funds until he explains how judiciously he spent d #300 billion given to him”.
Meanwhile, Facebook user, Dapo Oyedele suggested a constructive approach, urging Umahi to respond with facts.
“It’s not about joining issues, it’s accountability. The truth is that federal roads are very bad. But your ministry is doing it’s best. The roads are many… Reply the honourable with facts and figures of what has been done in about one and half years and what’s are your plans to improve the situation of the roads as d minister”.
Nationwide Demand for Effective Solutions
Frustration over Nigeria’s roads continued to echo online, with many demanding that Umahi focus on repairing existing infrastructure.
Ogheneovo Peter William, another Facebook user remarked, “I will join issue Because na bitter the lawmaker tell you, Bad roads every, People are suffering from una bad policies, Them people go still suffer bad road”? he questioned.
“It is not about joining the issue with anyone. It is about fixing the existing roads that we have and stop this white elephant project of Lagos calabar costar road”, a user on Facebook, Sunday Adewuyi Adedokun said.
Continuing, Francis Azuka Obukwelu opined on the ‘blue App’, “He should say something about the bad roads in Nigeria”.
The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has made a donation of ten million naira (N10m) towards the Mogajis’ Ile Eke project in Ibadan.
Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, said the donation is aimed at supporting the Mogajis assembly’s project that holds immense cultural significance for the wider Ibadan community.
According to him, the project will remain a testament to the cultural and historical legacy of Ibadanland as it is expected to preserve the historic relevance of the palace while enhancing its role as a cultural landmark.
In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the lawmaker emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity within traditional institutions.
He highlighted that the project would not only elevate the status of the Mogajis’ assembly but also serve as a central hub for promoting Ibadan’s rich cultural history.
“It is a privilege that I was called to be part of the project. If I fail to support it, the project will still be successful, but I believe I have to contribute. My life is dedicated to serving God Almighty, the people, and humanity,” Oseni said.
He further stated, “As a son of the soil, it is my responsibility to contribute to the growth of our shared heritage – Ibadan and by extension, Oyo state as a whole. The Mogajis’ Ile Eke project symbolises our collective identity and unity as a people. This donation is my modest contribution towards ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots.”
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