Richard's Blog - 2010

A just and secure peace for all

This week, The Elders are making their second visit to the Middle East to encourage support across the region for the current final status negotiations, which will hopefully secure peace for all Palestinians and Israelis.  Mary Robinson is joined by fellow Elders Jimmy Carter, Ela Bhatt and Lakhdar Brahimi. As they travel through the region in the coming days, they will be talking with everyday people affected by the conflict and offering support and encouragement to those working for peac…

Business success is all about people

When it comes to business success, it is all about people, people people.Every entrepreneur and business leader I meet is trying to uncover the same secret: What will help them grow their customer base and keep those clients loyal?At Virgin, we have had our fair share of success stories over the years, but also a few failures.I do believe that successful businesses have a number of qualities in common.In a recent New York Times Syndicate blog I discuss why people are the most important asset for…

Watch video of VSS Enterprise glide flight

Watch this exclusive footage of the world’s first commercial manned spaceship, VSS Enterprise, achieving its first piloted free flight yesterday in Mojave CA.This was one of the most exciting days in the whole history of Virgin. For the first time since we seriously began the project in 2004, I watched the world’s first manned commercial spaceship landing on the runway at Mojave Air and Space Port and it was a great moment. Now, the sky is no longer the limit a…

How to survive and thrive in a downturn

I’m old enough not to take a major recession lightly; on the other hand, I’ve seen them before, and I’m getting a feel for the market’s cyclical upturns and downturns.I think it’s time for a new approach: keep in mind that the economy has its ups and downs, and by investing wisely, reduce the damage a downturn can do to your business or career.In my latest New York Times Syndicate blog I offer my business advice on how to survive and thrive in a downturn.Go to Busin…

Your airline has either got it or it hasn't

Your airline has either got it or it hasn't, and ours have definitely got it. I am very proud of Virgin Atlantic’s fantastic new ad, which can be seen all over the world online. Virgin is a global brand and it is great to have a global ad campaign. I hope you get a good idea of the glamour, humour and style that come with flying Virgin.Watch the ad on Facebook and look out for Linda – she may have some free flight prizes to give away……

Don't be afraid to diversify

You shouldn't be afraid to diversify if you are in a position to do so, especially because nothing ever stays exactly the same. The rise of the digital world is a good example of that. It is changing everything very quickly, obviously. Most of our marketing teams are thinking digital before they are thinking magazines, newspapers or mainline television. It is getting more and more important everyday. Sadly - although I do actually like to get my daily newspaper - I think the writing is on …

Environment and energy

Here is a video of me taking part in the keynote lunch on the environment and energy at the Clinton Global Initiative. The talk is compered by José María Figueres, Former President of the Republic of Costa Rica. Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, takes part alongside myself. We talk about global warming, the Virgin Earth Challenge, the Carbon War Room and much else besides, and I take questions from the …

The Carbon War Room and Tea with The Economist

While i was in the US last week i went to the Clinton Global Initiative in New York. I sat down to have Tea With The Economist at the event and discuss the work of the Carbon War Room. Watch the video above, where i talk about battling climate change, the clean-energy revolution and much else besides.  …

Five secrets to business success

Many people question whether I have found a secret - or at least a consistent answer - to successfully building businesses.After reflecting across 40 years and thinking about what characterises so many of Virgin’s successful ventures, I have come up with five "secrets" to business success.1 - Enjoy What You Are Doing.2 - Create Something That Stands Out.3 - Create Something That Everybody Who Works for You is Really Proud of.4 - Be a Good Leader.5 - Be Visible.Go over to Entrepreneur.co…

Spreading the word about Enterprise Zimbabwe

This week I am in the US, where amongst other things, I have been spreading the word about Enterprise Zimbabwe. Virgin Unite, the Virgin Group's non-profit foundation, has created Enterprise Zimbabwe with partners including Humanity United and The Nduna Foundation. The aim of Enterprise Zimbabwe is to help commercial investors and philanthropists find business and support social development, providing a safe haven for investment. Zimbabwe is at a tipping point and with the support of the …

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