Richard Branson: An Inspiration for Entrepreneurs
When do you think of inspirational entrepreneurs, who comes to mind?
Everyone in the business world – especially an entrepreneur – needs a role model, a mentor, a source of inspiration. Well, you need someone like that if you want to succeed.
If you’re seeking an inspirational entrepreneur to look up to, or even if you’ve already identified one, you might consider the folks highlighted in a recent global survey by a business called blur Group.
Of more than 1,000 entrepreneurs from 75 countries who responded to the survey, 28 percent picked Richard Branson as the most inspirational entrepreneur. People cited his constant product innovation and his ideas as the reason for choosing Branson.
Branson certainly deserves the acclaim.
Not yet 21, Branson founded Virgin as a mail-order record retailer in 1970 and soon afterward opened a record shop in London. Two years later, he established a recording studio. Eventually, Virgin Music became one of the world’s biggest record companies, with acts such as Culture Club and the Rolling Stones in its stable.
Today, Branson’s Virgin Group comprises about 200 companies in more than 30 countries. Among its business interests are Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin America airlines, Virgin Mobile, Virgin Wines and Virgin Balloon Flights.
Branson backs up his business bona fides with a firm commitment to fostering entrepreneurship through organizations like the New Entrepreneurs Foundation, Virgin Media Pioneers, the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship and StartUp Britain.
Certainly, Branson has achieved phenomenal entrepreneurial success. His net worth is estimated at $4 billion. But even Branson needs a business role model, doesn’t he? Well, he has one.
Branson says the entrepreneur he admires most is Apple guru Steve Jobs. And Branson isn’t alone. Jobs was ranked second in the global survey of entrepreneurs, collecting 17 percent of the votes. (For the record, Bill Gates came in third, with 12 percent of the vote, followed by Warren Buffett at 5 percent and Donald Trump at 4 percent.)
Why the praise for Jobs? Branson says the Apple entrepreneur has produced a great brand and a great company.
“He is the greatest comeback artist,” Branson says. “He has twice been down and out and fought his way back, and created a brilliant global company.”
Branson adds: “Everything he does is real class. If he wanted to rename his company Virgin Apple, I’m sure we would be more than happy to merge!”
If anyone could pull off that merger, it would be Richard Branson and Steve Jobs.
