Business the Richard Branson Way: 10 Secrets of the World's Greatest Brand Builder

Like him or loathe him, there's no denying Richard Branson knows how to make a statement. I only bought this book as some light reading for a long flight. But I was surprisingly impressed with it. It certainly isn't the first book about - or by - Branson, and it perhaps doesn't provide as much depth as some of the others. But it does enough to live up to its sub-title "10 Secrets of the World's Greatest Brand Builder". The principles Dearloves shares - including "Make work fun", "Do right by your brand" and "Faster than a speeding bullet" - are good advice for most business owners. I particularly liked the section "Don't Lead Sheep, Herd Cats", which is about hiring people with initiative and ambition and then getting out of their way.

I have read almost all of Richard Branson's books. He is an amazing inspiration to me. I think his death defying feats are something to commend. I don't have the guts to take a hot air balloon ride around the world or even consider the things he has done. His book was inspiring and motivational. A must read for the serious entrepreneur. Branson's "live life to the full" is the way I like to live my life too! All the very best, Sarah Radford President Chic Gems, etc.

Des has done a good job into explaining how Richard Branson does business. A fun read full of practical ideas!

This book is a handy compilation of observations, hypotheses and speculations on the subject of Richard Branson. Author Des Dearlove freely and frankly admits his debt to several other writers who have probed the Branson story in depth and breadth. There is little if anything original to be found, aside perhaps from the author's style of presentation, which tries hard to be light and deft. Although the book carries you along, its biggest punch resides in the author's list of "10 secrets" of Branson's success. Readers who would like to know in the most general terms what Branson has done and how he has done it, and who are willing to swallow a few clichés in lieu of explanations, will seize upon this book.we think you will enjoy it and, after all, enjoying your work is one of Branson's great secrets.

I suggested that we choose Virgin as a company to research as an MBA Project. Our group used this book as research material. We found it wonderful, and uplifting, exactly what what was necessary for this project. I would highly recommend it to others as well as the book "Losing My Virginity". Virgin is a company that should be studied by US business'executives, its shows you can create an empire - differently!