The CEO of “Virgin”, Sir Richard Branson owns over four hundred companies and is estimated to be worth US$4.2 billion dollars. Now in his sixties, Branson’s business ventures range from Airlines, Formula One, Cosmetics and Space Exploration just to name a few.

It’s plain to see that Richard Branson knows a thing or two about achieving the ultimate success. So we have decided to share what can be learned from this widely successful, charismatic and respected entrepreneur.

Richard Branson’s 7 Success Tips To Live By

Saying “Yes!” is Fun

What makes Sir Richard Branson unique is that he is entertaining. He often defies conventional wisdom, pushes the envelope, and says, “Yes” more than he says, “No”.

One of Branson’s many books is entitled, Screw It, Let’s Do It: Lessons in Life and Business. This flamboyant attitude towards business is a primary reason he has become a corporate iconoclast and continues to amaze, and overall – create value and make money.

If You Are Going to Dream, Dream Big!

For a man who started out with his own local newspaper and record store to an airline and telecommunications magnet, Richard Branson knows how to dream big. He has built eight billion-dollar companies and there are no signs of slowing down. Branson’s grandest project that is blowing everyone’s minds is Virgin Galactic, a ship for suborbital space travel.

In addition to space travel, Branson continues to dream big with his Virgin Oceanic project which offers deep sea travel. It is in hopes that people can soon see the lowest trenches of the oceans. It’s hard to think one can dream much bigger than that.

Having Fun is Fun

Richard Branson gets asked what the secret to his success is regularly. He replies that he has no secret. He just works hard, works smart, and above all has fun doing it.

“Have Fun, Work Hard and Money Will Come” – Sir Richard Branson
“When it’s Not Fun, Move On” – Sir Richard Branson

Branson states that as soon as he stops having fun on a project, it’s time to move on. A life is too short to be unhappy.

Always Take Risks – Calculated Ones

It seems Richard Branson’s lifestyle can be construed as irresponsible and brash. Branson is highly intelligent and while pushing the envelope, the risks he takes are always scrutinized before committing.

While Branson likes saying, “Yes”, his decisions always come with extreme due diligence which is standard in any business venture or acquisition, especially in the numbers Branson is known for dealing. One of Branson’s mottos has always been, “Be bold. Don’t gamble.”

Live for the Moment

Live for the moment. It’s a cliché however resoundingly applicable and true. Often aspiring entrepreneurs forget to live and enjoy the things life offers them. Because hard work and long hours are a part of entrepreneurship, these people need to live for the moment and enjoy the experiences life throws at them.

Branson says that even dedicating 80 hours a week to a business still allows for a few hours of fun. Don’t forget, people can have fun at work too.
Branson encourages people to still have goals outside business. In 1997, Branson participated in a race around the world in a hot-air balloon. He says people still need to live their lives as best as possible.

Always Give Respect

Respect in business was an attribute Richard Branson learned early in his career.

In his first meetings with Japanese businessmen in the early 80s, Branson was amazed at the politeness and the respect they gave young Branson despite his shaggy-sweater jean-wearing appearance. The Japanese taught Richard to always treat everyone in your business with respect, not just those that you need to impress. Someday you could be doing business with them.

Give Back

Another commonly used cliché is that money is the root of all evil. Unlike living for the moment, this does not have to be true. Many of the largest charity organizations were founded by very successful entrepreneurs who had very humble beginnings.

Richard Branson believes the true meaning to life is to help others; to make the world a better place to live for all living creatures. I’m sure most would agree.

Here is a final word that resonates clearly. “Success can take off without warning.” Richard Branson has experienced a few dark hours; where he thought he was finished and hope was fading fast. However like many successful entrepreneurs they believe they make their own luck; and the harder you work the luckier you get. Success can come in a blink of an eye.