An entrepreneur is somebody who is taking bold risks, is often doing things that have never been done before, trying to do things better. And an adventurer is challenging themselves, often doing things that have never been done before, seeing what they're capable of. In both cases, you've got to protect against the downside.
Richard BransonI have never had an office that I work out of and work has become intertwined with my personal life.
Richard BransonSmiling can be a competitive advantage. It makes everyone feel better and every situation brighter.
Richard BransonI never get the accountants in before I start up a business. It's done on gut feeling, especially if I can see that they are taking the mickey out of the consumer.
Richard BransonLook, if you can indulge in your passion, life will be far more interesting than if you're just working. You'll work harder at it, and you'll know more about it. But first you must go out and educate yourself on whatever it is that you've decided to do - know more about kite-surfing than anyone else. That's where the work comes in. But if you're doing things you're passionate about, that will come naturally.
Richard BransonAs much as you need a strong personality to build a business from scratch, you also must understand the art of delegation.
Richard BransonYou can create a business, choose a name, but unless people know about it you're not going to sell any products.
Richard BransonThere is no point in starting your own business unless you do it out of a sense of frustration.
Richard BransonIn a sense, when we started Virgin Atlantic, I was trying to create an airline for myself. If you try to build the perfect airline for yourself, it will be appreciated by others.
Richard BransonIt's obviously incredibly important to keep the body fit in order to keep the mind fit, and be able to find time for friends.
Richard BransonWhen you are ready to make your first hires, look for people who understand your passion, want to add to your ideas and can envision ways to make improvements.
Richard BransonI have had fun running all of the Virgin businesses, so I never see a setback as a bad experience; it is just a learning curve.
Richard BransonIt's worrying to think more than half the world's population lacks internet access and therefore lacks an equal opportunity to improve their lives.
Richard Branson... Our first priority should be the people who work for the companies, then the customers, then the shareholders. Because if the staff are motivated then the customers will be happy, and the shareholders will then benefit through the company's success.
Richard BransonWhen something doesn't go exactly to plan, money is tight or a business is struggling - see it as a challenge rather than a failure. Look outside the box and try and find a solution - you'll be surprised how many great opportunities and possibilities arise when things look bad. You've just got to open your mind and not be afraid of sticking your neck out!
Richard BransonI think business needs to have a heart and to have a heart a company must be more than just a moneymaking machine.
Richard BransonI've been very lucky. I come from a very close family. I'm also in a relationship that's been really good. Lasted a long time. We've got wonderful kids from that relationship, and they've had the benefit of being together. It's fantastic to have that sort of togetherness. It's a rarity these days.
Richard BransonTrain people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don't want to.
Richard BransonWhenever I see people getting a bad deal I want to step in and do something about it. Of course, this is not pure altruism - there's a profit to be made too.
Richard BransonI am a great believer that you need passion and energy to create a truly successful business.
Richard BransonI've obviously been born fortunate. I love people. I enjoy every single minute of my life.
Richard BransonBe creative. Innovate consistently on the little things that the big companies ignore. Little things often make big differences in business.
Richard BransonI just like to enjoy life and push myself. Of course, there is method to my madness. When you are entering into a new industry, for example, it helps to do something to get your name on the front pages.
Richard BransonIf you are seizing on a new business opportunity, deliberately move your customers' expectations up a few notches and consistently over-deliver on your promises - you will leave your competitors struggling to catch up.
Richard BransonAll successful people - not just entrepreneurs - have got things wrong over and over again before finding the right solution.
Richard BransonWell, I'm somebody who is just living ...living life, and if I get frustrated by something, then I like to try to put it right.
Richard BransonRecords are made to be broken. It is in man's nature to continue to strive to do just that.
Richard BransonA business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts.
Richard BransonI learnt earlier on that If you can run one company.You can really run any company.A company is all about finding the right people and inspiring those people,drawing out the best in people
Richard BransonIf a chairman of a company visits Seattle, that chairman should take all the staff out in the evening and have a few drinks together, talk together and party together and not be embarrassed about the staff seeing the weaker side of you.
Richard BransonLearn to raise capital by any means necessary. That's your primary job as an entrepreneur. You must continually raise capital from family and friends, banks, suppliers, customers and investors.
Richard BransonRealize that the people who are working with you, this is their life. You know, 80% of their time is spent at work. Make sure that they're proud of what they're doing, that they're enjoying what they're doing.
Richard BransonI enjoy the company of other people. That's where I get most of my satisfaction from
Richard BransonFor a successful entrepreneur it can mean extreme wealth. But with extreme wealth comes extreme responsibility.
Richard Branson