Richard Branson's Advice on Failure to a 12-Year-Old Budding Entrepreneur

14 years ago

What a wonderful advice on Failure...I feel sad for the 12 year old business guy. I liked Mr. Bransons' words, "your impatient activities are the experiments that will teach you how to go ahead with new beginning.”
Thanks for sharing the Link

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Mousumi

14 years ago

Thanks Amanda

There is a quote from Winston Churchill that says "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

Originally Posted by Amandasimmons

What a wonderful advice on Failure...I feel sad for the 12 year old business guy. I liked Mr. Bransons' words, "your impatient activities are the experiments that will teach you how to go ahead with new beginning."
Thanks for sharing the Link

Thanks

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laurencewins

14 years ago

Apart from all the excellent advice, I believe the mere fact that Richard Branson, who is an extremely busy man, would take the time to personally reply to a letter from someone he doesn't know in another country. Many people in a similar position would have somebody else do it or just discard the letter completely.

That tells us why Richard Branson is so successful. People who remain humans instead of being superior to everyone else will always go far in life and be recognised for it.

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Mousumi

14 years ago

Thanks Laurence!

Even I could not believe about him spending time for a 12 year old..But then I visited Mr. Branson's blog and came to know about his new book "Like A Virgin: Secrets They Won't Teach You At Business School"

In the book he has written the detailed advice that he sent to the boy as a letter.

Originally Posted by laurencewins

Apart from all the excellent advice, I believe the mere fact that Richard Branson, who is an extremely busy man, would take the time to personally reply to a letter from someone he doesn't know in another country. Many people in a similar position would have somebody else do it or just discard the letter completely.

That tells us why Richard Branson is so successful. People who remain humans instead of being superior to everyone else will always go far in life and be recognised for it.

Thanks

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Amandasimmons 14 years ago

Well said Laurence

Originally Posted by laurencewins

People who remain humans instead of being superior to everyone else will always go far in life and be recognised for it.
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slingingshot15

14 years ago

oh yes.....sometimes you win and sometimes you learn

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Anthony Gibson

14 years ago

Thomas Edison: "I am not discouraged, for every failed attempt is a step in the right direction"
10,000 attempts before he perfected the lightbulb.
I pray I acquire 1/100 of his persistence!

Anthony

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Mousumi

14 years ago

Well said Anthony

"I pray I acquire 1/100 of his persistence!"

Originally Posted by Anthony Gibson

Thomas Edison: "I am not discouraged, for every failed attempt is a step in the right direction"
10,000 attempts before he perfected the lightbulb.
I pray I acquire 1/100 of his persistence!

Anthony

Thanks

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Amandasimmons

14 years ago

Women do not have patience :p

Originally Posted by Anthony Gibson

Thomas Edison: "I am not discouraged, for every failed attempt is a step in the right direction"
10,000 attempts before he perfected the lightbulb.
I pray I acquire 1/100 of his persistence!

Anthony

Thanks
2 replies

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Mousumi 14 years ago

Who says women do not have patience?
I agree that there are too few women running businesses but in recent years we have seen as many women coming up with Startups as men.

Originally Posted by Amandasimmons

Women do not have patience :p
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Paul Gram 14 years ago

Originally Posted by Amandasimmons

Women do not have patience :p

SOOOO TRUE.

Totally kidding!
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- Amandasimmons 14 years ago
  
  You aren't kidding at all...the fact remains unchanged..even in 21st century.
  
  Originally Posted by Paul Gram
  
  SOOOO TRUE.
  
  Totally kidding!
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
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  Paul Gram 14 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Amandasimmons
  
  You aren't kidding at all...the fact remains unchanged..even in 21st century.
  
  I'm going to just have to keep agreeing with you on this haha!
  
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masterbizcoach

14 years ago

That boy is so lucky who have a such supportive mother. Great share.

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Mousumi 14 years ago

A 12 year old, thinking of starting his own business is itself an achievement
Failure is a part of journey...He will definitely make it big someday

Originally Posted by masterbizcoach

That boy is so lucky who have a such supportive mother. Great share.
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mnov5534

14 years ago

Great advice and a wonderfully inspiring article, thanks so much for sharing the link.

Thanks
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Jon Sullivan 14 years ago

Thanks for the share.

Some great advice about perseverance.
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Mousumi 14 years ago

There is one great entrepreneur from Australia, the Westfield founder Frank Lowy

His success story is even more inspiring

Originally Posted by mnov5534

Great advice and a wonderfully inspiring article, thanks so much for sharing the link.
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Amandasimmons

14 years ago

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”
― Paulo Coelho

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Mousumi 14 years ago

Thanks for sharing this wonderful quote Amanda

Originally Posted by Amandasimmons

"There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."
― Paulo Coelho
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Will Edwards

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Amandasimmons

"There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."
― Paulo Coelho

What about ...

- No Vision
- No Plan
- Wrong Plan
- Not Understanding the Needs of Prospects
- Wrong Products
- Wrong Timing
- No Motivation
- No Discipline
- No Persistence
- No Clue

I could probably go on

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Mousumi

14 years ago

They will all result into failure

Originally Posted by Will Edwards

What about ...

- No Vision
- No Plan
- Wrong Plan
- Not Understanding the Needs of Prospects
- Wrong Products
- Wrong Timing
- No Motivation
- No Discipline
- No Persistence
- No Clue

I could probably go on

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Will Edwards 14 years ago

Originally Posted by Mousumi

They will all result into failure

Correct, but there is certainly more than one cause
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sharifali

14 years ago

That 12 yr old should ask Sir Branson to mentor him

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Mousumi 14 years ago

Sometimes, hearing a few wise words from your role model are all you need to put you mentally back on track!

Originally Posted by sharifali

That 12 yr old should ask Sir Branson to mentor him
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Michael Ten

14 years ago

That is a great share! Nice!

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Justin Says

14 years ago

Great article

I'd like to share one of my favorites by 37Signals.

This was posted back in 2009.

Learning from failure is overrated - (37signals)

It's simple and to the point, but that's the goal.

In addition, here's the continuation of that article: http://37signals.com/svn/posts/1643-...rrated-a-redux

Thanks
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Mousumi

14 years ago

The author has his point of view and I agree when he says,
"Put most of your energy into studying your successes. What have you done right? What worked? Why did it work? How you can repeat it? Instead of making something worse a little better, how about making something good a little better? Don't spend so much time looking down. Look up more."

Originally Posted by Justin Lewis

Great article

I'd like to share one of my favorites by 37Signals.

This was posted back in 2009.

Learning from failure is overrated - (37signals)

It's simple and to the point, but that's the goal.

In addition, here's the continuation of that article: Failure is overrated, a redux - (37signals)

Thanks

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Amandasimmons

14 years ago

Some say success is overrated; I'd say failure is also overly hyped

You can't deny the fact a man lays his foundation of success on several successful and unsuccessful attempts.....Thanks for sharing the article! 37Signals are an old enterprise...had heard of them several years ago while still at college.

Originally Posted by Justin Lewis

Great article

I'd like to share one of my favorites by 37Signals.

This was posted back in 2009.

Learning from failure is overrated - (37signals)

It's simple and to the point, but that's the goal.

In addition, here's the continuation of that article: Failure is overrated, a redux - (37signals)

Thanks

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therenegadeleader

14 years ago

I already read this article, its a great story. Can't wait to see that boy becoming a successful entrepreneur.

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Chris Gray

14 years ago

Thanks for sharing the link....

the earlier he start,he will learn better.

Thanks
1 reply

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Amandasimmons 14 years ago

At the boys age, my brother and I would play all day long and never thought about earning money....What would you work if your parents keep giving you what you want

Originally Posted by Chris Gray

Thanks for sharing the link....

the earlier he start,he will learn better.
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Mark Kent

14 years ago

We can always come up with what can lead to failure.
The important thing is to keep on going, keep changing your approach, your plan, being flexible
instead of being rigid in your approach until you achieve your goal.

You certainly can fail many times before you can achieve your goal but you can minimize it with
proper study and research, planning and preparation. If you do this and not give up before you realize your dream then it's inevitable that you will realize your dream.

Thanks
2 replies

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Mousumi 14 years ago

Well said Mark!

The point is we try our best to keep ourselves from failure and that is the real problem. The fear of failure hampers creativity and motivates us to stay confined to what we are.

Yes, proper planning and preparation minimize the chances of Failure...

Originally Posted by Mark Kent

We can always come up with what can lead to failure.
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Amandasimmons

14 years ago

Very well said Mark

Originally Posted by Mark Kent

We can always come up with what can lead to failure.
The important thing is to keep on going, keep changing your approach, your plan, being flexible
instead of being rigid in your approach until you achieve your goal.

Thanks

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essexlad2k11

14 years ago

BRANSON is GOD

Thanks
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Mousumi 14 years ago

He is certainly not and like other business personalities he has been criticized on several occasions. But his life inspires many of us and, unlike several other billionaires, he spends time for grass-root causes

Originally Posted by essexlad2k11

BRANSON is GOD
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eemjee

14 years ago

When I was still in high school, I stumbled with a poem book, and I mean it literally. It was laid open in the floor. I guess it was left there by my classmate though until now, I don't know who owns it. Anyway, when I picked it up, I flipped the pages and read a very interesting poem about perseverance. It's title is The Man Who Thinks He Can written by Walter D. Wintle.

If you think you are beaten, you are; If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but think you can't It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you've lost, For out in the world we find
Success being with a fellow's will; It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are: You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins Is the one who thinks he can.

Thanks
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Mousumi

14 years ago

It's a wonderful share..I'm going to post it on my Facebook wall

Originally Posted by eemjee

If you think you are beaten, you are; If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but think you can't It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you've lost, For out in the world we find
Success being with a fellow's will; It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are: You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins Is the one who thinks he can.

Thanks

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Larry Young

14 years ago

wonderful advise on failure.

to get success one must be "going on". going on with good business plans, well polished ideas and dedication towards work!

Thanks

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OmarNegron

14 years ago

Wise words indeed! Great article, thanks for sharing. Richard Branson is indeed a true inspiration! =-)

I give kuddos to the 12 year old for having that kind of mindset at 12 years old, most of us at that age are still worrying more about the next video game that is going to come out!

-Will

Thanks
2 replies

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Amandasimmons

14 years ago

Starting a business at the age of 12 needs a hell of courage. Remember the story of Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA?

Kamprad began to develop a business as a young boy, selling matches to neighbors from his bicycle. He found that he could buy matches in bulk very cheaply from Stockholm, sell them individually at a low price, and still make a good profit. From matches, he expanded to selling fish, Christmas tree decorations, seeds, and later ballpoint pens and pencils. When Kamprad was 17, his father gave him a cash reward for succeeding in his studies.

Originally Posted by OmarNegron

Wise words indeed! Great article, thanks for sharing. Richard Branson is indeed a true inspiration! =-)

I give kuddos to the 12 year old for having that kind of mindset at 12 years old, most of us at that age are still worrying more about the next video game that is going to come out!

-Will

Thanks

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Mousumi

14 years ago

I salute the spirit of the mother

My husband says he was beaten for selling eggs at his age.....His father wanted him to be a good students and he could never fulfill his dreams. After graduating from university he began his journey...something he could have started doing about 10 years earlier.

Originally Posted by OmarNegron

Wise words indeed! Great article, thanks for sharing. Richard Branson is indeed a true inspiration! =-)

I give kuddos to the 12 year old for having that kind of mindset at 12 years old, most of us at that age are still worrying more about the next video game that is going to come out!

-Will

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Amandasimmons

14 years ago

Well, if you were to end up doing a business, there is no point studying arts and science subjects. But school education shapes you up in many different ways. When my brother started selling Cardboard Houses at the age 14, he lost interest in studies and my father had to force him to "Stop Earning Money".

Originally Posted by Mousumi

I salute the spirit of the mother

My husband says he was beaten for selling eggs at his age.....His father wanted him to be a good students and he could never fulfill his dreams. After graduating from university he began his journey...something he could have started doing about 10 years earlier.

Thanks

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Tayman

14 years ago

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas Edison

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Jolly Roger 14 years ago

Sorry guys I just couldn't resist
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Mousumi 14 years ago

He had patience and a lot of free time
If I say this to my son that it took over 10000 failed experiments to develop an electric bulb, he'll think I'm crazy...But this world is in its present shape because of some crazy people.

Originally Posted by Tayman

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas Edison
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hd2000

14 years ago

I like Richard Branson's books very much

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32paul52

14 years ago

What a great post - I think sometimes when we drive into an idea and it doesn't work out (i have had several) - we think "ouch that hurt" - I have started to ask the question - "What did I learn from that?"

I have decided to take a step back from self employment, to work for a successful company run by a successful business person, and to learn from everything he does. He is very rounded family, life and business.

I had to swallow my ego a little and understand what I was doing, wasn't getting me traction - need to modify path like a plane in cross wind....

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Simon Ashari

14 years ago

This kid will succeed.

What's interesting is Branson's emphasis on having good equipment. The stereotype of the 'Just Do It' entrepreneur is that your equipment doesn't matter, it's about taking action.

Not according to this letter.

Thanks
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Mousumi

14 years ago

Well said Simon!!
It's all about Taking Action!!

Originally Posted by Simon Ashari

This kid will succeed.

What's interesting is Branson's emphasis on having good equipment. The stereotype of the 'Just Do It' entrepreneur is that your equipment doesn't matter, it's about taking action.

Not according to this letter.

Thanks

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Richard Branson's Advice on Failure to a 12-Year-Old Budding Entrepreneur

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