Two bricklayers work side by side. The first lays bricks. The second builds magnificent cathedrals. Think small vs. think big.

Give your employees a mission that matches their ambitions. When you challenge people, they surprise you.

Fun is at the core of the way I like to do business and it has been key to everything I've done from the outset. More than any other element, fun is the secret of Virgin's success. I am aware that the ideas of business as being fun and creative goes right against the grain of convention, and it's certainly not how the they teach it at some of those business schools, where business means hard grind and lots of 'discounted cash flows' and net' present values'.

Records are made to be broken. It is in man's nature to continue to strive to do just that.

First of all, if you're setting up a new company, you want to try to find a brand that can work on a global basis.

If you look for the best in your employees, they'll flourish. If you criticize or look for the worst, they'll shrivel up. We all need lots of watering.

Be swift to take advantage of business opportunities. Bigger companies are too cumbersome to move quickly; this can be a competitive advantage for you.