by John Baw on May 25, 2009
Business the Richard Branson Way
OK so I’ve finished reading my four books on Richard Branson. Not only have I survived the ordeal, but I have also found it quite enjoyable and insightful. “Business the Richard Branson Way” offers an objective study into how this remarkable man has managed to build an infinitely elastic global brand that seems to defy the best of business literature on the subject. So far, something seems to be working.
This piece of work offers lessons, not only for the businessman or entrepreneur, but for anybody who is in any position of leadership. It is highly recommended. You will learn how the Branson brand:
Picks on Goliaths
Is in tune with the times
Haggles for everything and secures impressive outcomes from negotiations
Makes work fun
Stretches the brand infinitely
Leverages the power of media and news coverage
Inspires people and empowers them to draw out the best on them
Jumps on opportunities at the speed of light
Keeps everything small and nimble
Never loses the common touch
by John Baw on May 18, 2009
Business Stripped Bare, the third book on my Richard Branson reading palooza. Many of the examples used in this book are a rehashed version of material already found on his previous two books – even so, I would recommend this book to any aspiring entrepreneur. In-fact, read anything about this man that you can get your hands on. He has the knack that whenever he enters into a different market, he effectively "changes the rules of the game" within that industry. This is more than simply being innovative or creative – it is the innate ability to create a whole new paradigm within a business sector where others are just doing business as usual. There are very few companies that I can think of that have this ability, save for maybe Apple and Google.
His philosophy on business and money is some sort of enlightened capitalism. A real sense of responsibility comes through the pages where he is very conscious that those who have been blessed with success and wealth in life are under an obligation to help fix as much of this broken world as possible. Richard Branson really believes in the power of entrepreneurship in order to fix some of the world’s most intractable problems – This really strikes a chord with me. He also oozes charisma and energy (being known as "Dr. Yes" by some in his team). I only wish I could clone myself as him sometimes 
Tags: Richard Branson, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Business
