Why do people admire richard branson

We were like sponges, soaking up everything we could learn about the business world. At the time, I read a magazine article about Richard Branson that gave me inspiration. The story of a guy, who had started his first business at age 16 and was now one of the most successful people in the world, really made me think about my own possibilities. Up until that point, I had dreamed of future fame and fortune, and my brother and I had already experienced some success.

But I couldn't quite pinpoint where we were going -- until I read about Branson. Since then -- and throughout my life as an entrepreneur -- I have found myself asking: "What would Branson do?

For example, the first decent size business my brother and I took on after high school was a billiard hall. We purchased the struggling business with high hopes of turning it around -- and eventually did just that.

But before committing to the purchase, I remember feeling fearful about putting all of our money into a business that we knew little about. One of the thrills of being an entrepreneur is the risk, but the emotion that often comes off as excitement can also signal fear and doubt.

I sometimes thought: "What are we getting ourselves into? Branson is known for his expression, "Screw it, let's do it," which isn't indicative of a reckless attitude but rather a sign of his desire to live in the moment.

His attitude inspired me to take the chance on that billiard business and many more since then. As a young entrepreneur, it's important to have mentors, and, as with Richard Branson, they don't have to be people you've met. Having someone to look up to, even from afar, can be valuable in making decisions.

So why do so many give feedback or reviews with no tips for improving? As a manager, if you tell an employee that they did something exactly right, it makes them believe there is no room for improvement. Branson says this is a big mistake.

He never gives anyone a review of their work without mentioning places it can be improved, because everything can always be improved. The best way to get these engaged employees? Managers have to plan ahead; it is part of the job.

But too much of that can stifle creativity and innovation. No one has a monopoly on good ideas or good advice, so as a leader you should always be listening. Be visible, note down what you hear and you'll be surprised how much you learn. Having said that, you also need to know your own mind. You have to walk the walk as well as talk the talk - and that's something Steve Jobs showed in everything he did.

Nobody respects a leader who doesn't know how to get his hands dirty and innovate personally. The trick is in striking the right balance between empowering your staff and being an example for them to follow.

Of course, there will be times when strong and decisive leadership is necessary, to make sure the right moves are made. If you place the emphasis on getting the little things right, and address the everyday problems that come up, you can encourage a culture of attention to detail. You can also have a lot of fun with these relatively tiny issues, whether it's dealing personally with customers' complaints - as Jobs often did via email - or surprising your front-line staff with a visit.

Despite his long battle with illness, Jobs never lost his love of Apple. Indeed, if you don't enjoy what you do, then it isn't likely to work out. I try to find fun in everything I do, from business commitments to philanthropic ventures to my personal life. You are far more likely to be inspired and have great ideas if you love what you do, and can instill that spirit of fun throughout your company. Steve Jobs may not always have been the best leader of people - which may, in part, have been due to his health problems - but he was innovative, determined and, above all, passionate.

Finding gaps in the market, and creating products that make a real difference to people's lives, can only really be accomplished if you have real passion for what you are doing. If you make something you are proud of, that filters down to your staff, as well as your customers. Today, more than ever before, you've got to do something radically different to make a mark. In a marketing campaign for Apple, entitled "Think Different", Jobs said: "Here's to the crazy ones.

The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers.