Business stripped bare
SECRETS OF SUCCESS FROM THE WORLD-FAMOUS BUSINESSMANFrom its creation as a mail-order record company to the literal launch of Virgin Galactic, today Virgin is one of the premier 'way-of-life' brands in the world, trusted and enjoyed by many millions of people.In Business Stripped Bare, Sir Richard Branson shares the inside track on his life in business and reveals the incredible truth about his most risky, brilliant and audacious deals. Discover why Virgin tried to take on one of the world's biggest superbrands, how Virgin Mobile USA holds the record as the fastest company in history to generate revenues of over one billion dollars (faster than Microsoft, Google and Amazon) and how Richard is the only person in the world to have built eight billion-dollar companies from scratch in eight different sectors.What qualities does Richard look for in the people he hires? How does he manage a crisis? Who are the entrepreneurs he most admires? Find out the true story behind Virgin Blue's success in Australia, what really happened when Virgin bid for Northern Rock and why Richard believes all businesses must work with governments to tackle climate change and invest in the future of our planet.Combining invaluable advice with the remarkable and candid inside stories of Virgin's greatest achievements, as well as some of its setbacks, Business Stripped Bare is a dynamic, inspirational and truly original guide to success in business and in life.
Stats for nerds
5recommend
6mentions
5people
2010–2013years
83% recommend17% neutral
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What Hacker News says
- Richard Branson's books (e.g. 'Business Stripped Bare' & 'Like a Virgin') are brilliant for the themes of branding, big picture thinking and leadership. Have a great holiday!
- If you're interested in learning the philosophy behind Virgin from start to finish, I highly recommend Richard Branson's Business Stripped Bare.
I just finished reading it a couple weeks ago. It's a quick/enjoyable read, but also contains quite a few valuable takeaways that are applicable to any business.
http://www.amazon.com/Business-Stripped-Bare-Adventures-Entr...
(Unrelated, and this one obviously isn't, but what's the HN stance on affiliate links to sites like Amazon?)
- Having read both Losing My Virginity and Business Stripped Bare I totally agree with your comments, he is the first to admit that his success is largely born out of the ability of the people he surrounds himself with.
The branded venture capitalism method they have adopted for new ventures is something to be very envious of. The success stories of Virgin Blue (Australian Budget Airline) and Virgin Mobile are perfect case studies for anyone looking to learn about how to launch a disruptive company in a dilapidated market.
- Some books that stood out this year (many not for their intended reasons)
The 4 Hour Work Week (Tim Ferriss) - In parts entertaining, interesting, self-promoting, educational, inspirational, attractive and undesirable. Definitely worth the read and a great call to action. Will make you consider what you want and how you can achieve it.
The Game (Neil Strauss) - Truly interesting story and an interesting view on human dynamics and hacking one of the more important systems (dating). A great view on what is most important - ends or means. Will make you consider how people work, what motivates them and whether success cures emptiness.
Losing my Virginity (Richard Branson) - The awesome and entertaining story of Virgin with lots of great advice and startup David vs Goliath inspiration. Will make you consider what determination and the little guy can achieve.
Business Stripped Bare (Richard Branson) - Branson's more focused take on business advice and patches on bits of the Virgin story since the first book. Will make you consider the power of being genuine and growing a company with people treated as smart humans.
On Writing (Stephen King) - Most inspirational and compelling book on writing I've read. Half writing advice half King biography all awesome. Will make you consider becoming a novelist.
Coders at Work (Peter Siebel) - Haven't finished yet but great interviews of leading coders. I didn't enjoy Founders at Work (personally found it a bit indirect/not deep enough) but in Coders at Work you really feel the connection between interviewer and interviewee while at the same time getting a lot of incidental startup advice as these coders have all had decent roles to play in Silicon Valley etc. history. Will make you consider if you're actually a better coder than you thought.
Think and Grow Rich (Napoleon Hill) - Reads a bit like a bad Internet ad at times but that's because they stole that technique from here. This book summarizes the techniques that lead to success based on numerous interviews of most of the greatest leaders of the early 20th century. Pretty good bits in here and again inspiration fuel. Will make you consider how you can take charge of your self and your life.
Letters From a Stoic (Seneca) - Decent musings on living life and mastering oneself. As relevant today as 2 thousand years ago. Will make you consider how you can master your self and what you will let affect you.
Here Comes Everybody (Clay Shirky) - The best book on online community I've read. Shirky makes you want to make a difference and communicates his enthusiasm for the power of the masses with ease. Will make you consider how to enable communities to achieve unthought of goals.
- Anathem, by Neal Stephenson
Consider Phlebas, by Iain M. Banks
Selfish Gene, by Richard Dawkins
Business Stripped Bare, by Richard Branson
Programming Collective Intelligence, by Toby Segaran
Zen and Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert Pirsig
- That sounds like something Richard Branson would say (I think I remember reading it in Business Stripped Bare), but I believe Buffett's quote predates Virgin Airlines entirely.
