If Richard could do it then why can't I?
- By Greg Rose -
- Nov 01, 2012
Richard Branson is often cited as an example of an entrepreneur who young people can look up to and take advice from.
The Virgin Founder was recently named as the person most British people would like to work for in a YouGov survey, and the ideal celebrity boss in a Reed poll.
But do Branson’s business tips ever result in new companies starting up and fresh ideas coming to life? Here we take a look at two young entrepreneurs who have been influenced by the smiley man with the beard.
In a recent blog, Branson mentioned a young businessman called Rob Nunn, who was among a group of fantastic Virgin Media Pioneers in India with Virgin Atlantic. He explained how when they first met at Goodwood in 2008, he chased Branson out of a helicopter while telling him he loved him!
However, aside from personal affection, Nunn has turned his inspiration into tangible business plans. His company, Your Aviation Future, is campaigning to make becoming a pilot more accessible, providing more opportunities for a wider range of people.
Nunn said: “When you speak to Richard, someone at the top of the tree, you expect them to be distant. But he is very down to earth, easy to talk to and full of advice.”
“We are trying to give everyone a flying shot. Richard shows how you can make the most of your opportunities.”
Another young entrepreneur who has been influenced by the Virgin Founder recently is Jessica Earl, who left Virgin Atlantic to start Earls and Co - her own tradional barbers and whisky bar. Branson recently shared some tips with Earl online to help inform her marketing strategy.
She commented: “I started working for Virgin Atlantic when I was 18, the youngest In-Flight Beauty Therapist ever. Virgin taught me the importance of high standards, customer service and working hard in order to play hard. I’ve absorbed tips from Richard and the Virgin brand has helped to shape my business.
“I always thought if Richard could do it then why can't I? In fact I've got more of a chance then he did back then, with the internet and social media making opportunities so readily available. I just need to utilise them as we'll as he utilised his phonebox!”
To pick up some tips of your own from Branson, head over to his blog.
By Greg Rose. Content Manager. Tweets @greglrose and blogs at greglrose.com
