"Oh, screw it, let's do it."
That's the philosophy that has allowed Richard Branson, in slightly more than twenty-five years, to spawn so many ... read full description
That's the philosophy that has allowed Richard Branson, in slightly more than twenty-five years, to spawn so many ... read full description
reviews
Oct 06, 2011
Ричард Брэнсон – великий и ужасный бизнесмен, британский миллионер, основатель и рулевой брэнда Virgin. «Теряя невинность» - это откровение миллионера. В книге нет ни грамма пафоса и пижонства, нет гимна собственной изворотливости. Брэнсон поразительно открыт и чист, не таясь, он делится переживаниями, повествует о просчетах, предлагает разделить радость успеха. Жизнь Брэнсона достойна экранизации, его задор заслуживает уважения, упрямство и целеустремленность – зависти. Основная мысль книги «Те
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 30, 2008
Arup
rated it: 
"I am yet to read an autobiography of an entrepreneur, which has been written so magnetically. It feels like that I was very much a part of Sir Richard Branson's journey from his boyhood to being one of century's most successful and chic business man, who happens to be having his feet firmly entrenched on the ground. Richard's humble beginning and the numerous sticky situations that he got into during the initial period of his entrepreneurial endeavors, did not deter him from reaching the a
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 08, 2012
Kurisutaina
rated it: 
To be honest, when I started to read this book, I had no idea what kind of person at all is Richard Branson. Only when I saw familiar names flashed through the pages, I finally understood who he is.
Branson - is an eccentric billionaire, who invented and implemented the brand Virgin. He is known for his circumnavigation in balloons, I heard about him, but somehow it never associated with Virgin. His autobiography, actually - a very exciting thing and it's written very exciting, you should d More...
Branson - is an eccentric billionaire, who invented and implemented the brand Virgin. He is known for his circumnavigation in balloons, I heard about him, but somehow it never associated with Virgin. His autobiography, actually - a very exciting thing and it's written very exciting, you should d More...
Dec 13, 2011
Ryan
rated it:
Great read. Branson is another great entrepreneur.
There are some parallels between Branson (choosing artists) and Buffet (choosing companies).
Eventually Branson branched out and started funding a variety of companies, probably because he also noticed the parallels.
It's an interesting read, but there is not much from Branson's case that can be applied to other entrepreneurial endeavors, outside of his overall FEARLESS attitude.
Less relevant than classics like:
Made In America More...
There are some parallels between Branson (choosing artists) and Buffet (choosing companies).
Eventually Branson branched out and started funding a variety of companies, probably because he also noticed the parallels.
It's an interesting read, but there is not much from Branson's case that can be applied to other entrepreneurial endeavors, outside of his overall FEARLESS attitude.
Less relevant than classics like:
Made In America More...
May 05, 2011
Manol
rated it:
Вчера вечерта привърших автобиографичната книга на Ричард Брансън – Как изгубих наивността си. В нея той разказва неговите премеждия, преживявания и успехи от началото на съзнателният му живот до 2007 год. Роден по времето на хипарството, класическият рок и “свободната любов“, той придава този дух на конгломерата „Virgin Group“, който създава и управлява вече над 40 години.
Първото му бизнес начинание е студентското и ученическо списание „Student“, като 2 години работят в едно тъмно мазе на More...
Първото му бизнес начинание е студентското и ученическо списание „Student“, като 2 години работят в едно тъмно мазе на More...
Jan 24, 2011
Dalan
rated it:
My first autobiography perhaps,
The book provides a really enjoyable account of Richard Branson's journey from a wonderfully talented albeit rebellious kid to being the driving force behind a multi-billion dollar conglomerate.
Synonymous with his reputation, the book is filled with stories of his daredevil exploits not only in the upper reaches of the atmosphere as a hot-air ballooning enthusiast but also on the business front where Branson defies conventional wisdom to emerge on top.
More...
The book provides a really enjoyable account of Richard Branson's journey from a wonderfully talented albeit rebellious kid to being the driving force behind a multi-billion dollar conglomerate.
Synonymous with his reputation, the book is filled with stories of his daredevil exploits not only in the upper reaches of the atmosphere as a hot-air ballooning enthusiast but also on the business front where Branson defies conventional wisdom to emerge on top.
More...
Jul 16, 2010
Hinch
rated it:
A thoroughly enjoyable, intimate, and inspiring account of one of the world's greatest entrepreneurs. An excellent mix of business, adventure, and personal anecdote keep the book fresh and engaging. However, despite offering a detailed view of his business philosophy and practices, the scale of his achievements, and the persistence and confidence with which they are executed are still beyond understanding. In fact, the highly personalised delivery masks the reality that his endeavours are suppor
More...
Jan 09, 2009
Andrew
rated it:
(personal notes, wouldn't fit in private notes section)
Sir Richard Branson's autobiography. Very surprised at how amicable a person Branson is - I mistook him to be a cocky, entrepreneurial jerk, but I was absolutely wrong about that. He clearly enjoys sleeping around, but that aside, he is a very pleasant and great person with incredible accomplishments.
He never raises his voice even in the face of adversity such as libelous newspapers and lawsuits.
As anyon More...
Sir Richard Branson's autobiography. Very surprised at how amicable a person Branson is - I mistook him to be a cocky, entrepreneurial jerk, but I was absolutely wrong about that. He clearly enjoys sleeping around, but that aside, he is a very pleasant and great person with incredible accomplishments.
He never raises his voice even in the face of adversity such as libelous newspapers and lawsuits.
As anyon More...
Dec 16, 2010
bistra
rated it: 
Донякъде интересна, защото все пак е голяма работа да се изгради _империя_ като Върджин от нулата само за 20-30 години, но от друга страна съвсем незадоволителна откъм детайли как точно става всичко. В един момент той се опитва да вземе заем от някъде от 300 хил паунда, а в следващия - от 60 млн паунда. И въобще - подробности по самото разрастване липсват, както и това, което стои зад големите решения, освен да му бъде "забавно" на господин предприемача.
Твърде много място бе отде More...
Твърде много място бе отде More...
Aug 26, 2011
Tony
rated it:
I had always been curious about Branson. After all he's basically a self-made millionaire, adventurer and basically the closest thing we really have to Batman in the real world :-P . In this very sincere book Sir Richard opens up and tells the story of his life from teenage years to about 1994 including personal life, adventuring and business. The start of his empire and how he grew it from nothing to an major empire while always having fun and trying to do the right thing. He's even sincere abo
More...
Aug 29, 2011
Ankur
rated it:
I hv long admired branson, so in 2000, when i saw this book at a footpath wala in CP in Delhi, i immediately latched on to it!
The book is an immensely enjoyable, almost no holds barred autobiography of Branson's mercurial rise from a school drop out to the owner of Virgin Atlantic and many other companies, n how he kept building n rebuilding his businesses despite all odds.
Branson has spared nobody, including himself, nor has he let go of any chance to remember those who More...
The book is an immensely enjoyable, almost no holds barred autobiography of Branson's mercurial rise from a school drop out to the owner of Virgin Atlantic and many other companies, n how he kept building n rebuilding his businesses despite all odds.
Branson has spared nobody, including himself, nor has he let go of any chance to remember those who More...
2 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 22, 2011
Ruth
rated it: 
c2002. I picked this up at a fete as I had seen it on sale in bargain baskets, charity shops etc etc. It seems that this was one of those books that people seem to buy for other people as a present (albeit clearly unwanted). I knew some things about the birth of Virgin and some of the problems with the business but it was interesting to get some more of the detail. I am not sure whether it was because I am somewhat cynical about Branson and the growth of Virgin but around the half way mark I sta
More...
Aug 02, 2009
Leonardo
rated it:
Very interesing book for me mainly for two reasons:
1. His keen insight followed by hardwork style is refreshingly different from the super strategy and analysis focus from the MBA courses. A happy medium is my preference.
2. His story of the battle with British Airways resonated with me as being very similar as the one my own family firm is engaged in. Better and cheaper product stymied by the system. Ditto for the experience with Bankers - when you need them they hang you out to d More...
1. His keen insight followed by hardwork style is refreshingly different from the super strategy and analysis focus from the MBA courses. A happy medium is my preference.
2. His story of the battle with British Airways resonated with me as being very similar as the one my own family firm is engaged in. Better and cheaper product stymied by the system. Ditto for the experience with Bankers - when you need them they hang you out to d More...
Aug 16, 2011
Bryan
rated it:
I went into this thinking I would pick into the brain of a record mogul turned golden boy businessman, and the book is actually pretty slim on detailed or nuanced analysis of either industries, so there's a bit of disappointment there. But the "in-between" filler tend to be somewhat entertaining and revealing, so the compensation is at least thrilling. The enduring lessons seems to be intuitive as ever: hustle hard, everyday, don't fear, think different. There are nuggets of gem in
More...
Aug 05, 2011
A very candid, fascinating and well written look at the life of Sir Richard Branson from his own perspective. Chronicling the rise of the Virgin group from the earliest days of Student magazine right through to Virgin Galactic, it is an amazing journey to read about. It is interesting to see how on several occasions the Virgin group was almost finished and it is an inspiration to learn how Branson overcame many of the difficulties and injustices that came his way. A must read book for anybody i
More...
Jun 12, 2011
John-Philip
rated it:
It's well written and it's hard to stop reading once you start. The second half of the book feels a bit slower as each chapter covers less time. Richard has done an incredible amount of things in a relatively short time. When he puts his mind to something he'll find a way, and it's really interesting how he was able to pull some of the things off (like buying Necker Island for a tenth of what the real estate agent wanted). Inspiring in a lot of ways.
Conclusion: Read it. More...
Conclusion: Read it. More...
Nov 08, 2011
Samantha
rated it:
Richard Branson's biography is not something I went out and bought the minute it came out, nor it is something I thought I would ever read let alone enjoy. I started reading this for a university assignment and then found myself thinking "well, I've gotten all the quotes I need from the first 200 pages, why waste the other 350?" So I read the rest as well.
It tells in great detail the trials and tribulations of the global company that he built from the ground up in consultation wi More...
It tells in great detail the trials and tribulations of the global company that he built from the ground up in consultation wi More...
Jul 27, 2011
Ryan
rated it:
Loosing My Virginity
Excellent autobiography. Mr. Branson has a lot in common with Sam Walton and Ray Crock, except Mr. Branson has a more magnetic personality that he's used to his advantage in the age of mass media. Like all great men, he is a man of his time, and used his adventurous rebellious persona to promote himself and his brand.
His story is insightful, motivational, and more importantly - useful.
Like Walton and Crock, Branson's growth always was happening w More...
Excellent autobiography. Mr. Branson has a lot in common with Sam Walton and Ray Crock, except Mr. Branson has a more magnetic personality that he's used to his advantage in the age of mass media. Like all great men, he is a man of his time, and used his adventurous rebellious persona to promote himself and his brand.
His story is insightful, motivational, and more importantly - useful.
Like Walton and Crock, Branson's growth always was happening w More...
Apr 25, 2010
Srinivas
rated it:
Branson is one of the very few people, about whom I started with a low opinion and ended up admiring greatly.
I think I first noticed Branson when he came to Mumbai (in 2003?) to promote VirginAir; Well he was all over the place, on top of the plane posing with models, in the Mumbai local with 'Dabbawalahs'; obvious marketing stunts; According to my worldview at that time, those public stunts were reason enough to not take him seriously.
I think it was Atanu's admiration of him t More...
I think I first noticed Branson when he came to Mumbai (in 2003?) to promote VirginAir; Well he was all over the place, on top of the plane posing with models, in the Mumbai local with 'Dabbawalahs'; obvious marketing stunts; According to my worldview at that time, those public stunts were reason enough to not take him seriously.
I think it was Atanu's admiration of him t More...
Apr 25, 2010
Miguel
rated it:
Video review: http://www.bookvim.com/2009/06/losing-my...
---
What I learnt from this book is that business, if approached the right way, can lead to a FUN and exciting life.
Richard Branson exemplifies better than anyone what happens when you combine the passion to follow what you love with the determination to get it materialized no matter what.
From reading his autobiography, he seems a humble man, grounded despite his tremendous success. Respectful, open-minde More...
---
What I learnt from this book is that business, if approached the right way, can lead to a FUN and exciting life.
Richard Branson exemplifies better than anyone what happens when you combine the passion to follow what you love with the determination to get it materialized no matter what.
From reading his autobiography, he seems a humble man, grounded despite his tremendous success. Respectful, open-minde More...
Dec 01, 2011
Nik
rated it:
Starts off with some beautiful descriptions of the author's young life in the 60s and 70s and how he started as a business man (strangely after all this time R. Branson still does not reveal the source of his original success, that is, where did he get the records he sold through post). The book remains very good and easy read throughout the middle and up to the legal fights against BA. But from then on it is reduced to a report about the trials and their effects.
Aug 24, 2011
Hazel
rated it:
I thought this book was great. Although he's probably sensationalising quite a lot of it, there's no doubt the book left me feeling inspired - feeling like anything was possible, whatever your background. Definitely a motivational book: great if you're slightly doubting your ability to be an entrepreneur. The message of the book is certainly reach for the stars, no matter how cloudy the sky - the stars are much closer than you think.
Apr 14, 2010
Tania
rated it:
After reading alot of Robert T Kiosaki, and a few Donald Trump books. I'd have to say I have never admired an entrepreneur like Richard Branson. From growing up in a middle class family and living life to the fullest, making each of his dreams come true, he really is something to be made an example of. He really does put in a lot of time in his business and somehow remarkably makes time for family as well. Awesome read everyone should get into.
Jul 25, 2011
Russ
rated it:
I love reading stories about successful businessmen. This was definitely an enjoyable read, but definitely nothing to read twice. This was a great story about how Richard Branson created an empire from a small, hip publication... and really gives a good insight into the struggles that he faced. Inspirational, but nothing mind blowing. Worth reading if you have free time, but definitely not a "must read."
Oct 06, 2011
Ymafreak
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Aug 04, 2011
Lina
rated it:
Screw it, why don't I try harder?
Nice and easy to read sucess story. In my opinion, it's also a very clever PR trick because after reading this book I wanted to drink virgin cola, fly with virgin air, I took out 'Tabular Bells' to hear it again after a long time and I wanted to work for virgin.
Nice and easy to read sucess story. In my opinion, it's also a very clever PR trick because after reading this book I wanted to drink virgin cola, fly with virgin air, I took out 'Tabular Bells' to hear it again after a long time and I wanted to work for virgin.
Jul 27, 2010
Igor
rated it:
Richard is the one of greatest examples of rabels and now living world change agents. Our future will lead by entrepreneurs and scientist to make earth better and better place to live. This book is a good example or guide for people how to explore new horisons, don't give up and follow your heart's voise.
Jul 11, 2010
Atif
rated it:
I found this book very inspirational , funny and pleasantly surprising .
Richard Branson , in a very light hearted flow goes through the adventures of his life , actually too many of them .
You will find in this book , a unique approach to deal with business , historical perspective of Iraqs invasion on Kuwait , struggle for survival by Virgin Atlantics from BA's campaign against them , and account of pacific and Atlantic crossings .
Most importantly , extr More...
Richard Branson , in a very light hearted flow goes through the adventures of his life , actually too many of them .
You will find in this book , a unique approach to deal with business , historical perspective of Iraqs invasion on Kuwait , struggle for survival by Virgin Atlantics from BA's campaign against them , and account of pacific and Atlantic crossings .
Most importantly , extr More...
Dec 29, 2011
Luke
rated it:
A really fast paced and gripping account of Branson's life and business and everything in between.
I enjoyed every moment of it. Every free moment I had I was reading this book.
Branson lives an extravagant life that gives the average dude something to strive for, of course in my own way.
I enjoyed every moment of it. Every free moment I had I was reading this book.
Branson lives an extravagant life that gives the average dude something to strive for, of course in my own way.
Aug 14, 2011
Adrijus Guscia
rated it:
Very inspiring, interesting story of a man who is or was at the moment of time of review the only gone to have created 8 multi-Billion dollar businesses.. That is an amazing accomplishment and the book gives a glimpse into how it all started and enfolded. Amazing story!
