Richard Branson is probably one of those rare people who need no introduction. He is a 68-year old mega-entrepreneur who has started over 500 different companies and amassed a $5 billion fortune. He is no less than a celebrity when it comes to his popularity being a successful business tycoon, super-influencer, author, and humanitarian.

He is a source of massive inspiration for many people out there including me. I still remember watching his interviews and reading his books when I was developing ProofHub - a project management software for easier, faster, and better planning and organizing of projects.

Time and again, he has shared his knowledge and wisdom in his interviews, books, personal blog, and other platforms to inspire others. If you have just started your entrepreneurial journey or looking for some inspiration, below are some pointers for you.

Here are 7 business lessons from multi-billionaire Sir Richard Branson:

Age is just a number

Branson was just 16 years old when he ventured into business and tasted success with a magazine called Student. A few years later, he came up with his first ever company and founded Virgin Records. Never ever he thought he is too young or old to do something. Even in his sixties, you can find him doing kite-surfing and going on hot-air balloon expeditions. If you are letting your age restricting you in any way, shun those limiting thoughts right away.

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2. Dream big and achieve big

The only way to achieve big is to dream without any limits and boundaries. Richard always had this passion to achieve something extraordinary so he never ever belittled his interests and desires. He was always focused on the bigger picture. In his first book, Losing My Virginity, he says that “Sometimes in life, you’ve got to dream big by setting yourself seemingly impossible challenges”. Such fearlessness led him to launch an airline without any relevant experience and venture into relatively newer industries such as space travel and renewable energy research with an elan.

3. Love what you do, money will follow

Branson has always believed that one should only start a business unless it is going to make a radical difference in other people’s lives.

When I heard his story how he started his new airline Virgin Atlantic, after he wasn’t pleased with the customer service of another airway that instilled the much-needed confidence in me to come up with my own business (ProofHub). I got my first business lesson that it’s more about building something you’re passionate about and working hard to turn it into a viable business than just making money.

4. Take risks and embrace failure

Taking risks always pay off especially when you are an entrepreneur. You can’t always go for something that is safe, conventional, or guaranteed. Interestingly enough, Branson never took any business class and he has started more than 500 businesses by taking risks and believing in himself. If he can do it, so can you.

5. Listen to customers and employees

The two important things that hold the power to make or break your business are the employees and customers. You’ve got to listen to them and understand their needs. Richard Branson has always focused on developing a personal relationship with his employees. He would often send them personalized letters and each one of them was given his home telephone number. Not just this, Branson would often call customers to know their experience on his airline to see if they had a good time or not.

6. Always help others to grow

When life rewards your efforts with success and fame, don’t forget that they come with an added responsibility. One can easily learn from Branson how important it is to help others and do our bit to improve the world we live in. He is also known as an ardent humanitarian and philanthropist as he likes to spend most of his time on social efforts and making the world a better place.

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7. Hustle, hustle, and hustle

The one thing that made Richard Branson a name to reckon with is his relentless hard work. You have to keep hustling to make things happen than just wishing for them to happen on their own. Become meticulous with your time. Start planning everything from your clothes to tasks you would be doing tomorrow. Remember that success doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time, perseverance, and commitment.

Over to you

Whether it is business or life, there is a lot to be learned from Richard Branson. He is a fine example of how believing in yourself and taking calculated risks could make your life both exciting and rewarding.

Do let me know what you think about the article and who is a great source of inspiration for you apart from Branson in the comments below.

Author Bio:

Sandeep Kashyap is the Founder and CEO of ProofHub — a leading project management and collaboration software. He’s one person always on a lookout for innovative ideas about filling the communication gap between groups, teams, and organizations. You’ll find him saying, “Let’s go!” instead of “Go!” many times a day. That’s what makes him write about leadership in a way people are inspired to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.