Latest Insight: Richard Branson's 9 Business Fundamentals

There was a time when Richard Branson was looked upon as the most eccentric of the big industry entrepreneurs. Ocean navigating, island owning, hot air ballooning business magnate, he pushed the boundaries of what was possible and he got in the headlines because of it. He certainly knew how to get attention, yet today he looks almost demure in comparison to what some of the modern big industry personalities like to do to garner press headlines. 

Weird stunts aside, there's something about Branson's philosophy on leadership that I really like. He keeps things simple. For someone with dyslexia and who doesn't enjoy public speaking, his ability to articulate things and keep things focussed on the absolute essentials of business, I personally find really inspiring. 

Like the below for instance, a post he shared recently where he stresses the nine things all businesses need to be focused on if they want to last the tests of time. As he said in his post, 

1. Look after your people - happy teams build great businesses

2. Find your purpose - businesses should be a force for good in the world

3. Delegate and trust - build a strong team and give them permission to lead

4. Listen more than you speak - feedback is the best way to grow

5. Fail fast, learn faster - every step is a step forward

6. Disrupt, disrupt, disrupt - enter industries that are crying out for a refresh

7. The circles theory - Start by looking after yourself, them your family, and then keep expanding your impact as you grow

8. Prioritise your health - you can't build a business on burnout

9. Screw it, let's do it! - No risk, no reward. 

People. Purpose. Trust. Listening. Innovation. Bets. Wellbeing. Health. Action!

Which are you not focussing on right now?