Welcome to the July edition of our Best Book of the Month series. The book we picked for this month is Richard Branson’s international bestseller entitled Screw It, Let’s Do It: Lessons In Life And Business.
Sir Richard Branson is a business magnet and investor from the United Kingdom. He is the founder of Virgin Group which comprises more than 400 companies from different niches. The history of the Virgin brand started back in 1972 when Branson opened a chain of record stores in the UK, Virgin Records.
Today, you will find the Virgin brand in the railway business (Virgin Trains), mobile business (Virgin Mobile), airline business (Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin Blue), and even in the commercial spaceflight business (Virgin Galactic).
According to the Forbes 2014 list of billionaires, Branson has an estimated net worth of US $5 billion.
In his book Screw It, Let’s Do It, Richard Branson shares how he turned his own ideas into highly profitable businesses and the precious lessons he learned along the way. The book is more than a simple recipe for success in business and life. It’s about taking responsibility both as individuals and organizations, to live and act according to the principle of “do no harm”. Furthermore, the author explains why we need to increase overall awareness and stop damaging the environment, and why it’s up to corporations and big companies like the Virgin Group to lead the way in a more holistic approach to business.
“The future may not be as green as any of us would like but if actions are taken now across the corporate world in Europe, the USA and the Far East, mankind may at least survive the turbulent hundred years we have ahead. By making green investment a motive for success rather than a charitable adjunct to companies’ existence, humanity will dramatically increase the chance of its survival.
We all have to pull our weight and work hard to leave the world a better place. This is the single biggest lesson to be learned if we are – quite literally – to save the world.” – Richard Branson, Screw It, Let’s Do It
Let’s have a look at the following short interview with Richard Branson and LinkedIn’s Executive editor, Daniel Roth. Sir Richard Branson became the first LinkedIn Influencer to amass 1 million followers. In this 4 minute interview he answers questions from LinkedIn members about the secrets to success.
Best Book of the Month – Richard Branson
Secrets to Success In Business & Life
Three of my favorite quotes from our best book of the month ‘Screw It, Let’s Do It’
#1: “Reward talent. Even if someone is hired to do one thing, if they have good ideas, or can handle something else, just let them do it.”
#2: “Whatever your field, you must be passionate about it and create excitement in everything you do. Beat your drum and look beyond the obvious.”
#3: “Train for the future and think global. Don’t stumble on, but build on cultural differences.”
Why should you read this book?
Best book of the month: Screw It, Let’s Do It by Richard Branson
- First of all, this book is full of real-life stories and experiences written sometimes in a humorous way but always ending with big takeaways and major lessons. When Richard talks about his experience flying in a balloon you literally feel as part of their team. And that is something very remarkable for an author to achieve — being able to make readers “become” part of the story.
- Second, you will learn loads of valuable lessons both in business and personal life. The way Richard Branson started out with his first venture called Student shows how important it is for every serious entrepreneur to have a sound business plan and more importantly, to do the maths and know the numbers.
- Third, you will understand why it’s important to have good relationships and approach business with a positive attitude applying the core principle “do no harm”. Life is way more than making money and fighting for profits. Money is for making things happen. Money is for helping people in need, solving global environmental issues such as cutting carbon emissions etc.
Best book of the month tips…
If you’re eager to see the bigger picture and understand how business, politics and other areas work together, this book is a must for you.
If you’re an entrepreneur or a business owner looking for ways to improve your outcomes and thus be more profitable, this book will give you some excellent tips on how to achieve just that.
If you’re looking for new ideas and concepts to take your business to the next level, this book is definitely worth the time and money.
For all of you who have read Screw It, Let’s Do It and more importantly, have implemented the valuable lessons highlighted at the beginning and at the end of each chapter, I’m sure you’re much better off than you were prior to reading this book.
Have you read Screw It, Let’s Do It? What was your biggest takeaway?
Which book should we review in our upcoming best book of the month series?
