The key is to set realistic customer expectations, and then not to just meet them, but to exceed them - preferably in unexpected and helpful ways. Richard Branson More Quotes by Richard Branson More Quotes From Richard Branson Have fun do good and the money will come Richard Branson having-fun fun Remember the to-do list but don't forget the to-be list. Richard Branson lists forget remember So I've seen life as one long learning process. Richard Branson process life long If something can't be explained on the back of an envelope, it's rubbish. Richard Branson envelopes rubbish ifs I believe in benevolent dictatorship provided I am the dictator. Richard Branson crazy inspirational believe My biggest motivation? Just to keep challenging myself Richard Branson entrepreneur motivation challenges I'm a true believer in working hard and partying hard. I'm fortunate to be one of those people who can have just as much fun partying without alcohol. Richard Branson party fun people You shouldn’t blindly accept a leader’s advice. You’ve got to question leaders on occasion. Richard Branson accepting leadership advice When 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 Branson passion people ideas Values cannot be speedily forgotten if it is inconvenient or commercially expedient. Values have to have meaning and longevity; otherwise they are valueless. You cannot embrace innovation up to a point or only sometimes. Branding demands commitment; commitment to continual re-invention; striking cords with people to stir their emotions; and commitment to imagination. It is easy to be cynical about such things, much harder to be successful. Richard Branson imagination successful commitment I have no secret. There are no rules to follow in business. I just work hard and, as I always have done, believe I can do it. Most of all, though, I try to have fun. Richard Branson business work fun Mentorship is key to unlocking each of our entrepreneurial spirits. Richard Branson unlocking keys spirit I love stirring the pot. I love giving big companies a run for their money - especially if they're offering expensive, poor-quality products. Richard Branson poor-quality business running We should all seek to innovate, or be curious about innovation. Innovation truly is one of our greatest gifts. Richard Branson curious innovation should Having a good network can be invaluable. It opens doors for you and allows you to enter into opportunities that are beneficial to your business. In this sense, 'who you know' is undoubtedly important, but to me 'what you know' is more important because once an opportunity shows itself, it is up to you to make the most of it, and this is down to your knowledge and skill. Richard Branson skills opportunity doors Remain focused on fulfilling your business mission. Never allow adversity divert your attention and efforts. Richard Branson effort adversity survival Meet regularly with your business team and brainstorm. Intricate business problems are mostly resolved at brainstorming sessions. Richard Branson survival team problem Two heads are definitely better than one and by sourcing ideas from each other, you have a better chance of coming up with a strategy that will allow your business to overcome a setback or challenge. Richard Branson team two ideas I am a great believer that you need passion and energy to create a truly successful business. Remember many new businesses do not make it and running a business will be a tough experience, involving long hours and many hard decisions - it helps to have that passion to keep you going. Richard Branson passion successful running I think sometimes when you come from a conservative background, you want to rebel a little bit. I dropped out of school at 15 and learned early in life that saying yes was a lot more fun than saying no. If you have the opportunity to explore the skies and attempt something people haven't done before - well, I was damned if I was going to sit around watching television while someone else was doing it. Richard Branson opportunity fun school
