Sir Richard Branson is one of the most aspiring entrepreneurs of our times. He is British business magnate, investor, philanthropist, founder of Virgin group and is best known for his passion for business, his innovative employee policies, his vision for achievement and belief in the importance of happiness. Here we have collected 20 of his most notable quotes that will definitely enrich your entrepreneurial life and will brighten up your startup path.
On the rules of entrepreneurship:
“You don’t learn to walk by following the rules. You learn by doing, and falling over.”
On opportunity:
“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”
“Business opportunities are like buses; there’s always another one coming.”
On building your team:
“Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”
On following your passion:
“There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passions – in a way that serves the world and you.”
On success:
“My definition of success? The more you’re actively and practically engaged, the more successful you will feel.”
On failure:
“Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.”
“Well, I think that there’s a very thin dividing line between success and failure. And I think if you start a business without financial backing, you’re likely to go the wrong side of that dividing line.”
On entrepreneurship:
“Entrepreneurship is about turning what excites you in life into capital, so that you can do more of it and move forward with it.”
On respect:
“Respect is how to treat everyone, not just those you want to impress.”
On finding your way to do business:
“Don’t think what’s the cheapest way to do it or what’s the fastest way to do it…think ‘what’s the most amazing way to do it’.”
On preparation:
“Chance favors the prepared mind. The more you practice, luckier you become.”
On taking risks:
“It is only by being bold that you get anywhere. If you are a risk-taker, then the art is to protect the downside.”
On doing business with the right people:
“You can’t do a good business with a bad person. Find the right people to work with and you can’t go wrong.”
On happiness:
“As soon as something stops being fun, I think it’s time to move on. Life is too short to be unhappy. Waking up stressed and miserable is not a good way to live.”
On being wealthy:
“For a successful entrepreneur it can mean extreme wealth. But with extreme wealth comes extreme responsibility. And the responsibility for me is to invest in creating new businesses, create jobs, employ people, and to put money aside to tackle issues where we can make a difference.”
On making mistakes:
“One thing is certain in business. You and everyone around you will make mistakes.”
On courage:
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
On the power of investing:
“My philosophy is that if I have any money I invest it in new ventures and not have it sitting around.”
“Screw it. Let’s do it.” Richard Branson
