英语学习：理查德·布兰森分享成功的15大秘诀

友谊的真诚

理查德·布兰森是全世界最有个性也最成就非凡的企业家之一。他是维珍集团创始人，旗下掌管多家企业，据《福布斯》杂志统计身家达50亿美元。更难以置信的是，这位66岁的商界大亨竟然高中就辍学了。
虽说事业成功没有一试百灵的秘诀，但追随成功大佬的步伐总有裨益。以下小结了15条理查德·布兰森打造成功事业和生活的经验之谈。


Richard Branson is one of the most recognizable and accomplished entrepreneurs in the world. The Virgin Group founder has managed multiple companies and built a fortune of $5 billion, according to Forbes. What's even more remarkable is that the 66-year-old magnate was a high school dropout.
Although there is no one secret to business success, following the strategies of the world's most successful people can help you get ahead. Here are 15 of the best Richard Branson tips to build a great business and life.

友谊的真诚

1. 要勇敢
他在《维珍创业经——理查德•布兰森如何颠覆传统行业》一书中写道，“勇者是无法永生，但畏畏缩缩等于白来世上一遭。”
追随梦想需要勇气，因为过程中肯定要冒些险。不过布兰森提醒企业家，只要目标明确，旅途坎坷也值得。他认为但凡有抱负的商业人士都应该在追寻梦想的道路上展现勇气。


1. Dare to be brave
In his book, "Like a Virgin: Secrets They Won't Teach You at Business School," Richard Branson wrote, "The brave may not live forever — But the cautious do not live at all."
It takes bravery to reach for your dreams, as doing so involves a certain degree of risk. However, Branson reminds entrepreneurs that a bumpy journey is worthwhile if you're headed to a desirable destination. He suggests that aspiring business professionals demonstrate courage in pursuit of their goals.

友谊的真诚

2. 要独立
布兰森在博客上写道，“天下成功企业家不会一模一样。实际上，正因每个人具有独特的个性和不同的思考方式，才会获得成功。”
如果研究过布兰森之类亿万富翁的习惯，你会发现成功人士会采用不同的方式解决问题，不要害怕另辟蹊径。不过，学习前人的经验也是有必要的。
布兰森表示成功企业家往往会主动承担风险，从错误中学习，注重把握大局，清楚何时授权他人，而且擅长与周围的人沟通。


2. Be an individual
The Virgin Group founder wrote on his blog, "No two successful entrepreneurs are the same. In fact, it's their individuality and different ways of thinking that make them successful."
Study the habits of billionaires like Branson, and you'll quickly see that these successful people approach business and problem solving in numerous ways — never afraid to go against the grain. Still, you can learn from the traits of those who came before.
Branson says that successful entrepreneurs take deliberate risks, learn from their missteps, see the big picture, know when to delegate and communicate well with those around them.

友谊的真诚

3. 守时
人们有时会看到布兰森从车里冲出来，跑着赶去赴约，主要就是因为他很讨厌迟到。他认为迟到非常粗鲁，缺乏尊重，不管什么身份。
布兰森在博客中提到，“不管是开会、赶飞机、见面还是约会，很重要一点是说几点到就几点到。说起来有点老套，但入行50年来我都遵守这个原则，效果很好。商业世界里最重要的就是声誉，所以说到做到非常重要。”
不管事情大小，都要准时赴会，向同事和客户显示你值得信任。


3. Be punctual
If you've seen the occasional photo of Branson jumping out of a car or running to get to his next appointment, it's probably because the billionaire hates being late. He think it's rude and disrespectful, no matter your station in life.
As Branson wrote on his blog, "Whether it is a meeting, a flight, an appointment or a date, it's important to ensure you are there when you say you will be there. This may feel like an old-fashioned tip to give, but it has served me well for five decades in business. All you have in business is your reputation — so it's very important that you keep your word."
Show up to meetings on time and show your co-workers and clients they can trust you with matters both small and large.

友谊的真诚

4．努力争取
优秀的商业领袖都明白生活中没什么是免费的。不管是白手起家还是拓展事业，一定不能靠救济。精明的企业家不会傻坐着等重大机遇降临，而是积极行动抓住每次机会。
在《理查德·布兰森自传》一书中，他表示“要成功就得豁出去，得脚踏实地拼命干。”


4. Be a hustler
Top business leaders know that few things in life come free. Whether you want to start your own company or take your business to the next level, it's important not to rely on handouts. Instead of sitting idly by waiting for their big breaks, savvy entrepreneurs are proactive and seize opportunities.
In his book "Losing My Virginity: How I've Survived, Had Fun and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way," Branson said, "To be successful, you have to be out there, you have to hit the ground running."

友谊的真诚

5.不要勉强
不要为了成功牺牲了个人信仰，丧失自我。
布兰森说，“对我来说，做生意可不只是西装革履，或是伺候股东。而是诚实面对自己，了解内心的想法，然后专注最重要的部分。”
毕竟，如果过不了想要的生活，商业上再成功也没意义。目标明确，坚守信念，就可以通过奋斗实现梦想同时保持自我。


5. Don't try to be something you're not
You shouldn't have to sacrifice your beliefs and lose who you are to achieve success in life.
Said Branson, "To me, business isn't about wearing suits or pleasing stockholders. It's about being true to yourself, your ideas and focusing on the essentials."
After all, it doesn't matter how successful you are in business if you don't have the life that you want. By focusing on your goals and staying true to your core beliefs, you can accomplish what you desire without losing yourself along the way.

友谊的真诚

6.不要不择手段
胸怀大志的企业家往往以为，要成功有时就得使些不光彩的手段。但布兰森并不鼓励。
“很多手段难免卑劣，绝非必要，”布兰森在自传中说。
或许有些手段短期内对事业有帮助，但长期来看可能会影响公司声誉，与同行和顾客的关系等等。所以上策还是眼光放长远，别做明天想起来不齿之事。


6. Don't fall victim to "necessary evils"
As an aspiring entrepreneur, you might assume that succeeding in business means doing things you're not proud of on occasion. However, Branson doesn't believe in necessary evils.
"Most 'necessary evils' are far more evil than necessary," said Branson in his book, "Losing My Virginity."
While an action might seem to benefit your business in the short term, in the long run it could affect your company's reputation and your relationships with peers and customers. For best results, think long term and avoid doing something today that you'll be ashamed of tomorrow.

友谊的真诚

7.敢于梦想
成就伟业意味着敢于变革和创新。为了实现目标，布兰森鼓励企业家追随梦想，不管在别人眼里多么疯狂。
布兰森在博客中写道，“不要怀疑自己的梦想，也不用担心别人认为你太理想主义，或是不够认真。自我暗示时不要带批判眼光。要带着天真的乐观主义看待世界，相信自己可以克服万难，敢于梦想。”


7. Dream big
Achieving greatness means focusing on change and innovation. To that end, Branson encourages entrepreneurs to follow their dreams, no matter how crazy they might seem to others.
Branson wrote in his blog, "Don't be self-conscious about dreaming, or about people thinking you're too idealistic and not serious enough. Don't allow your self talk to be judgmental. Look at the world with wide-eyed enthusiasm, believe you are more powerful than the problems that confront you and dream big."
Naysayers might criticize you for dreaming large, but you'll be the one laughing when your dreams become realities.

友谊的真诚

8.回馈社会
如果眼里只盯着钱，很难保持成功。
布兰森在Virgin.com网站上一篇文章中表示，“未来的成功品牌追求的愿景不只利润。”
多想想企业能如何改善客户和同事的生活。行善不必身家数十亿。只要经常表现善意就能提升自己的名声，最后的收益一定不只体现在财务上。


8. Give back
It can be difficult to sustain success if your sole concern is cash.
Said Branson in a Virgin.com article, "The brands that will thrive in the coming years are the ones that have a purpose beyond profit."
Think about how you and your company can make a difference in the lives of customers and co-workers. You don't have to be worth billions to give back, either. A simple act of kindness can boost your reputation while bringing rewards beyond the financial.

友谊的真诚

9.多多倾听
如果学不会倾听，就不可能变成解决问题的高手
布兰森表示，“开创事业其实就是解决问题，而解决问题需要倾听。”
最近《哈佛商业评论》刊发了一篇研究，也证实了认真倾听才是积极参与对话。实际上，优秀的倾听者往往擅长追问，启发思考并推动进一步探索。要满怀好奇心，思路放开，机会可能不经意间到来。


9. Be a good listener
You can't be a good problem solver without being a good listener.
Said Branson, "To launch a business means successfully solving problems. Solving problems means listening."
A recent Harvard Business Review study confirms that listening well means being active in the conversation. In fact, the best listeners are those who ask follow-up questions that offer insight or promote discovery. Be curious and open-minded, and you might just find your next adventure.