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58th out of 64 books
—
13 voters
Screw Business As Usual
Can we bring more meaning to our lives and help change the world at the same time? Richard Branson, at his brilliant and motivating best, reveals how with his exciting new vision for the future. It is time to turn capitalism upside down - to shift our values, to switch from a profit focus to caring for people, communities and the planet.
With inspiration for everyone, Screw...more
With inspiration for everyone, Screw...more
Paperback, 357 pages
Published
December 1st 2011
by Virgin Books
(first published January 1st 2011)
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That's 2.5 stars actually.
Screw ‘Business As Usual’ is the 372 page outcome of the awakened social responsibility in the ever energetic entrepreneur, Richard Branson. Branson emphasizes here on how ‘doing good is good for businesses’. He not only asserts so but also justifies his words by giving many examples. He also warns people who do business solely for profits that they would cease to exist in the long run.
In the preface, Branson’s house in his private island was burnt down by Hurricane Ire...more
Screw ‘Business As Usual’ is the 372 page outcome of the awakened social responsibility in the ever energetic entrepreneur, Richard Branson. Branson emphasizes here on how ‘doing good is good for businesses’. He not only asserts so but also justifies his words by giving many examples. He also warns people who do business solely for profits that they would cease to exist in the long run.
In the preface, Branson’s house in his private island was burnt down by Hurricane Ire...more
I'm a big Richard Branson fan-boy, and really liked his first book, Losing My Virginity (which I highly recommend). Since then, I've given a few of his other books a try. I gave Screw Business as Usual a try this week. It was very quick to get through so I thought I'd post a short review.
The book is about the idea that capitalism can, in addition to pursuing the goal of making money, attempt to do good.
On the plus side, it covers a number of interesting cases, some of which are Virgin enterpri...more
The book is about the idea that capitalism can, in addition to pursuing the goal of making money, attempt to do good.
On the plus side, it covers a number of interesting cases, some of which are Virgin enterpri...more
In the old days, it was enough for entrepreneurs to spend half their life making money and the other half giving it away. But the business game has changed. Now, to succeed, you need to make a profit as you do good.
Richard Branson introduces the idea of Capitalism 24902 (the distance in miles of the circumference of the earth) and tells story after story of businesses that have at their heart the concept of doing good. You need to accept the global reality of business and thus the need for leade...more
Richard Branson introduces the idea of Capitalism 24902 (the distance in miles of the circumference of the earth) and tells story after story of businesses that have at their heart the concept of doing good. You need to accept the global reality of business and thus the need for leade...more
I admit it - I love Richard Branson. Always have. His fresh approach to everything is inspiring. His courage, ability to overcome odds, masterful entrepreneurship, and team-building skill earned him billions. He seems to move through life like a chess grand master moves across his board. Except that Branson is having more fun.
So now comes Sir Richard with a critique of modern business practices that only he could produce. In exhorting readers to "Screw Business as Usual" Branson is calling upon...more
So now comes Sir Richard with a critique of modern business practices that only he could produce. In exhorting readers to "Screw Business as Usual" Branson is calling upon...more
This book is as inspiring as it is irritating. It's like swimming through thick treacle a lot of the time but there are enough inspirational ideas and case studies to make it worthwhile. Branson mentions how wonderful Virgin is at least three times every page which gets a tad tedious and I would have liked more details about some of the examples from other organisations.
However, Branson's enthusiasm comes through like a blazing sun and he has an impressive record of results with organisations th...more
However, Branson's enthusiasm comes through like a blazing sun and he has an impressive record of results with organisations th...more
It’s not often that the first thought I have on finishing a book it that I have to read it again.
When I was in my second year of University, I did a module on global warming. It was the last lecture on a Thursday afternoon and I’d cycle home feeling depressed. The lecturer was a cheerful bouncy young man who was keen to be there. He was easy to listen to and I looked forward to sitting in the lectures genuinely being interested in what I was hearing. The content however was enough to knock me i...more
When I was in my second year of University, I did a module on global warming. It was the last lecture on a Thursday afternoon and I’d cycle home feeling depressed. The lecturer was a cheerful bouncy young man who was keen to be there. He was easy to listen to and I looked forward to sitting in the lectures genuinely being interested in what I was hearing. The content however was enough to knock me i...more
It was very distracting hearing the sound of RB patting himself on the back at every turn of a page. The book is basically a public relations sticker. Yes, I am happy to see a person of his vast wealth involved in so many philanthropic and sustainable business actions. How a bout a little grace and turning down the horn toots a tad. I guess it wasn't what I was looking for. I have been invested in sustainable seeking corporations for decades so.. Didn't the BeeGees give millions starting way bac...more
Till the time I read this book, all I knew about making money was, "work, earn, spend & enjoy." Although I have been told to invest a portion of my rewards back in to developing myself & the world, Branson showed me through this book what can be done.
This book melded well with the abundance mentality advocated by Stephen R. Covey which I was working on making a part of my character. While I was thinking that I needed to compete, & put other people down to succeed, this book served as...more
This book melded well with the abundance mentality advocated by Stephen R. Covey which I was working on making a part of my character. While I was thinking that I needed to compete, & put other people down to succeed, this book served as...more
Richard Branson is quite an amazing character in everything he has done. I had never really looked into his life before reading this one and I was quite impressed with how he got started. A simple endeavor that allowed him to voice his opinions but also show the world important causes that needed attention. From a simple student run magazine, he was able to build an entire empire from that.
The contents of this book are one that will inspire others to work towards a global good in their companies...more
The contents of this book are one that will inspire others to work towards a global good in their companies...more
This made me very cynical. There's nothing worse than reading about rich white guys extolling business ethics to reach untapped markets, no matter how positive a spin is placed on it.
FYI: the fact that you can access a Coca Cola in even the poorest of the poor or third world locations is NOT a marvel, when pharma extort the masses.
Capitalism doesn't need turning upside down. It needs honest people running honest business, not rich do-gooders running around exploiting untapped third world markets...more
FYI: the fact that you can access a Coca Cola in even the poorest of the poor or third world locations is NOT a marvel, when pharma extort the masses.
Capitalism doesn't need turning upside down. It needs honest people running honest business, not rich do-gooders running around exploiting untapped third world markets...more
Awesome book! I chose the audio book and it was narrated by Richard himself. He has such a great outlook on life which shows in his outlook of business, community and environment.
He starts off by talking about how he got started; how he learned at an early age the power of communication. He discusses some specific businesses and business models who have looked at 'community' with as much importance as profit. He has joined with many people - celebrities, politicians, world leaders and business...more
He starts off by talking about how he got started; how he learned at an early age the power of communication. He discusses some specific businesses and business models who have looked at 'community' with as much importance as profit. He has joined with many people - celebrities, politicians, world leaders and business...more
Aug 25, 2012
Edward Wong
added it
This is the third book I read that was written by Richard Branson. From the playful title I was expected for his sharing of some interesting while innovative ideas in starting up or running businesses but it turns out I was wrong. Yes, it does talk about business management and operations but not the way I expected.
I was slightly disappointed in how the book was written. it is fairly an one side story. Almost all of the cases talked about were related to what have been done in the Virgin Group o...more
I was slightly disappointed in how the book was written. it is fairly an one side story. Almost all of the cases talked about were related to what have been done in the Virgin Group o...more
An examination of whether business should have other aims besides simply making profit.
Not a bad read, but nothing special. Some of the examples given in the book are quite interesting, but the lack of detail was annoying. The references to “Virgin” (always in a positive light) which seemed to appear every few pages were irritating.
Not a bad read, but nothing special. Some of the examples given in the book are quite interesting, but the lack of detail was annoying. The references to “Virgin” (always in a positive light) which seemed to appear every few pages were irritating.
It was an amazing books which is usual for Sir Richard Branson's reads. I was really proud when I read in the book about an organization which I'm also involved. Great ideas which belong to the future of leadership and businesses all over the world. Definitely I will read it more than once.
I usually don't go for these kind of books. A conversational collection of anecdotes, readable in a few hours, that will leave you feeling slightly optimistic. It doesn't try to be more than it is I guess.
Branson is solid and the work that Virgin Unite and Virgin have done is smart business and socially positive. If you want to understand the future of business - do good to do well, this is a book for you!
I LOVED this book and was thrilled to be one of only three people who had their reviews published on the Virgin website. http://www.virgin.com/lifestyle/news/...
Reinforces the need to bring diverse groups together for dialogue and communication to solve problems as well as the need for business (as well as other sectors) to look to do good.
May 21, 2012
Aedín
added it
Brilliant! If you believe that doing good is good for business but people keep trying to tell you otherwise, this will help you to stay on track and stand by your gut instincts.
Really enjoyed this book got a lot out of it.
I like the idea of working for a brighter greener future. Learned new things and will definitely follow up on some of the people and concepts Richard talks about.
I like the idea of working for a brighter greener future. Learned new things and will definitely follow up on some of the people and concepts Richard talks about.
Добър наръчник, който да насочи читателя в каква посока трябва да се развива бизнесът на бъдещето. Мотивираща и смела книга, която препоръчвам горещо!
I recommend this book as an exuberant look at changing the way we do business. Read the full review at http://www.ourbookclub.net.au/Environ...
Richard Branson through out the book argues the benefits and need for a sustainable business. Branson gives examples/ causes through out. however if you are looking for ideas, take out green book on sustainable business.
I love Branson, but I have to say, whilst this was an easy read, I found the message getting a bit repetitive. I think it would have made a great article or perhaps an inspiring Ted talk or video, but it went on a little long for me.
The book is essentially a publicity piece for Virgin Unite, Branson sustainability organization but the book, which extols Capitalism 24902, his name for tasking a more social entrepreneurial approach to solving the major world problems from staunching climate change to lifting developing nations out of poverty, is full of inspiring stories and people that more than make up for that. A recommended read and hopefully the start of more books exploring this way of thinking and celebrating success i...more
Good read. It is a great introduction to how companies and organizations should think green and change their methods to a socially responsible way... green way of doing things and, overall, a change in the way things are done, for the better of the planet and everything on it.
At some parts, the book is a bit monotonous. But, in general is a book I'd recommend to anyone interested in social responsibility, Virgin group companies and actions, Richard Branson's life and green thinking.
At some parts, the book is a bit monotonous. But, in general is a book I'd recommend to anyone interested in social responsibility, Virgin group companies and actions, Richard Branson's life and green thinking.
Big picture and message is 100% on the money, but I found the writing, constant name dropping and general style of the book so irritating that I have just abandoned it 2/3 of the way through.
There is also an apparent contradiction between his own lifestyle - which sounds quite carbon intensive - and the message he is preaching.
Difficult to come up with a rating, gave it 3 for strength of message, but on the generous side.
There is also an apparent contradiction between his own lifestyle - which sounds quite carbon intensive - and the message he is preaching.
Difficult to come up with a rating, gave it 3 for strength of message, but on the generous side.
interesting case studies
I liked this book because it did give me some ideas and insights into way I can plan things out for a better/greener future for my security company and other business ventures I have in mind.
This book also listed several people I could try to network with and develop joint ventures with.
Richard struck out on his own and has become a huge success, it would be foolish not to listen to him.
This book also listed several people I could try to network with and develop joint ventures with.
Richard struck out on his own and has become a huge success, it would be foolish not to listen to him.
Richard Branson has been an inspiration of mine for years now and I seen this book sitting on the counter a chapters and instantly picked it up. His business ideals are one of the things that makes me want to end up owning businesses, I probably won't reach his level of success but helping others through my own companies is something I want to do.
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Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson is an English business magnate, best known for his Virgin brand of over 360 companies. Branson's first successful business venture was at age 16, when he published a magazine called Student. He then set up a record mail-order business in 1970. In 1972, he opened a chain of record stores, Virgin Records, later known as Virgin Megastores and rebranded as zavvi in...more
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Jun 27, 2012 05:56am