Sir Richard Branson and Failure

These are my thoughts and opinions, please do your own research.

I have been consoling a dear friend who has just lost their business, against all the odds they fought until there was no more that could be done, it was over. It is sad to see someone whom you know broken and wanting to give up, especially knowing they have worked so hard and put in all the hours and effort ,only to lose the lot.

I reminded her of Sir Richard Branson, he allegedly has started and lost at least 16 businesses in his time, and look at him now. He left school at 15 with no qualifications and severely dyslexic according to numerous write ups about him. He is often quoted as saying he sees failure as an option for all entrepreneurs, he seems to have a fearless attitude to risk.

Born 18th July, 1950 - being a 9 7 6 4. One can see the strong determination and spirit to achieve coupled with an inner drive that at times is unstoppable, the ultimate example of, fall, get up dust yourself off and try again, and all this capped off with a higher calling and reach. Hence his strong philanthropic side to his personality. I imagine he always gave back in one way or another from a teenager onwards. He does not suffer fools gladly, he manages to see through the flack and fluff to get to the nitty gritty and knows instinctively who the genuine ones are, he cannot be fooled with flattery, Im wondering if this is a later life skill or has he always been this canny as far as people are concerned? he strives to support and to nurture and is loyal.He never forgets a good turn, rather bad on remembering names but never a face nor a good deed, especially a good deed.

I love this quote of his " failure and rejection are an inevitable part of business, and how you deal with them will affect your success. Learn the ability to cope with and to learn from failure and rejection in business and learn from your mistakes"

I remind her to dust oneself down and to start again is a strong move. I reminded her of my business failure and loss, I licked my wounds, got back up and restarted, hopefully she will try again in a new way as she is a creative soul with much to offer, for now she needs time to step back, find ways to ease the pain and then she will be ready to start anew.

With many small businesses going to the wall, affected by closure or loss. We can all remind ourselves and each other, there is no shame in business failure, it is a learning curve, one of lifes lessons, As Sir Branson says, failure and rejection are a part of business, one must learn to cope and to learn from ones mistakes.

In Finland they celebrate a National Failure Day to encourage business

entrepreneurs to try again.

What a marvellous initiative!

Last but not least, In Washington they have just released over 600,000 mosquitos infected with the wolbachia bacteria, we are told the bacteria is all natural. With B. Gates allegedly funding a large mosquito factory in Colombia what can possibly go wrong..........

Copyright June Mcleod. World Rights