RICHARD BRANSON : Profile

Name - Richard Charles Nicholas Branson Born - 18 July 1950 Blackheath, London, England, UK.Qualification - School Dropout (Age 15)Occupation - Founder of Virgin GroupYears active - 1966–presentNet worth - US$4.9 billion (as of October 2014)

INTRODUCTION

Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson is an English businessman and investor.

Branson had dyslexia and had poor academic performance as a student, and on his last day at school, his headmaster, Robert Drayson, told him “He would either end up in prison or become a millionaire”.

He is best known as the founder of Virgin Group, which comprises more than 400 companies.

According to the Forbes 2014 list of billionaires, Branson is the seventh richest citizen of the United Kingdom, with an estimated net worth of US$4.9 billion

START OF CAREER … He started his career at the age of 16 (i.e. 1966) by launching a

youth cultural magazine called “STUDENT”. At 19, (i.e. 1970) he started selling records by mail order. 1971 – Opened his first shop “Virgin Records” at Oxford Street. 1972 – Opens Virgin recording studio. 1973 – Launches own label : Virgin Record

Journey so far…

1990’s1980’s2000’s

1980 - Virgin Record goes international.

1984 - Virgin Atlantic Airways & Virgin Cargo are launched

1985 - Virgin Holidays 1987- Launched Virgin

Airship & Balloon Company

1988 – Virgin Broadcasting

1990 - Virgin Megastore arrives in Japan

1991 - Virgin Publishing(Virgin Books)are formed.

1994 – Launch of Virgin Vodka & Cola.

1997 – Virgin trains were launched.

1999 - Virgin Mobile launches Virgin’s 1st telecom venture.

2000 - Virgin launches Virgin Blue Airline(later named as Virgin Australia)

2004 - Virgin launches Virgin Galactic(The 1st space tourism business)

Launches Virgin Media - 2007 2008 - Launches Virgin Healthcare. 2010 - Virgin launches Virgin Racing,

a Formula One team. 2012 – Announces the development of

orbital space launch system – Launcher One.

2013 – Virgin Media sold to Liberty Global

CHARACTERISTICS OF Richard Branson Just do it approach

Risk Taker

People oriented approach

Passionate to Learn

Always aim higher & dream big

Innovator

Enjoys his work.

JUST DO IT

“The Staff at Virgin have a name forme. It is “Dr. Yes”. They call me thisbecause I won’t say no. I find morereasons to do things than not to dothem. My motto really is : “Screw itlet’s do it!”.If something is what you really wantto do, just do it. Whatever your goalis, you will never succeed unless you let go of your fears and fly”

Risk Taker The most critical situation for Branson when he had to strike a balance

while launching Virgin Atlantic. Abundant success of virgin records by earning higher profits. Lack of funds on other hand. Convincing fellow directors was very difficult.  Branson says “Although I believed we could transform the aviation

industry by making flying an exciting experience with quality customer service, it was a tough call whether to take the risk or not.”

Having negotiated with Boeing to buy a plane, Branson was able to demonstrate to the Virgin Records board how, in the worst-case scenario, if Virgin Atlantic failed, they would only lose six months of profit.

“They agreed; and we’re still flying high decades later,” he says, with a tone that suggests when it comes to risk, most times he’d ‘screw it and do it’ anyway.

His belief: PEOPLE COME FIRST ‘PEOPLE’: includes Employees

and Customers.

Finding the right people,Inspiring them, Drawing out the best things.

“ He hires people who are more friendly and fun loving with a good personality”

He never judge employees on the basis of their qualifications instead – “A person who has multiple degrees in your field isn't always better than someone who has broad experience and a great personality.”

People

Oriented

Approach

Passionate to Learn

“ If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and

you’re not sure you can do it ,say yes –

then learn how to do it later”

Have Higher Aims Branson always aims high and dreams big.

He has built eight billion –dollar companies & there is no sign of slowing down.

This was seen when he thought of launching Virgin Galactic, a ship for suborbital space travel

Enjoys Work

Richard Branson always gets asked what is the secret to his business

regularly ?He always replies : “He has no secret , just work hard , work smart, and above

all have fun doing your work “

Lessons to be learnt from :

Richard Branson

THANK-YOU