Tips for Small Business by Richard Branson, founder of Virgin
His Work / / December 26, 2019
For many years, Virgin started the business in various fields, because the company's executives did not like the way it is organized is another matter. Was it the airline, mobile phones or financial services, Virgin I am trying to focus on what to do to improve people's lives through better service and a variety of innovations.
According to Richard, such small details as transparent pricing and friendly staff, have already given them an advantage. Their humor and tone of communication also helps to attract and retain customers. Branson is trying to minimize bureaucracy and constantly reminds his team that the business, like life should be fun.
When you start a small business with a team of enthusiasts, it is relatively easy to focus on the details of the high quality of service. But how to keep the original passion and attention to detail, when the business develops, it becomes more successful and more?
With the growth of the record empire of Virgin, Branson broke the company into smaller labels to keep the atmosphere of a small enterprise. Between these small companies to develop healthy competition for new bands.
But this approach may not work with some other businesses of Virgin, which required a large scale and size to deal with competitors. And they had a little bit to adapt these big companies to keep the spirit of Virgin, especially when they have grown due to mergers and the international market.
Branson recently I attended the conference, which was attended by several fast-growing companies. One of the speakers was Richard Reid, the founder of the company InnocentWhich is engaged in manufacturing smoothies and soft drinks. Reid founded the business with two friends in 1998. Since then the company has grown (annual sales revenue - $ 315 million), and Coca-Cola became the holder of the majority of their shares. And while they kept the spirit innovatorstva and fun, which was in them from the beginning. It was on their experience Richard Branson offers to study other companies. That's what they did:
1. Clearly aware of its mission
For Virgin - often shake an established market, providing customers with something more in terms of value and service. In the case of Innocent - is to provide customers excellent juice, which should help them to lead a healthy lifestyle, and the company makes it a fun way.
2. You must be properly organized by the fundamental structure
Need to strengthen relationships with suppliers and partners who can supply you with raw materials without pre-payment or rent space without charging rent immediately. In this case, you will be free: you can start a massive campaign without a major investment.
3. At the "top" must be the right team
Managers who have reached the top, often no longer feel part of the team. And sometimes it is necessary to part with such employees, it is painful, but necessary.
4. A clearly defined purpose and a sense of ethics give us a solid foundation
Innocent focuses on how to make the planet a little better than it was before, as long as they do not appear. This is a simple but effective premise evokes emotions and the staff, and the buyers, be they 10 or 500 people.
5. No matter how your business has grown, the details still important
Richard Branson regularly visits their business location, looks like things are on the ground, talking to the staff. And Richard Reid does the same thing. He checks everything, from the cap on the bottle, which, by the way, in the line of shelf-life is not written "use by ..." and "to enjoy ...", and to the carpets in offices, all of which are of exceptional quality.
6. Listen to your customers and act in accordance with the heard
Talk to the staff, read reviews on social networks and forums, always listen what they say about your business and brand. Fidbek - this is what will keep your business afloat.
All these steps can easily be taken for execution, it is not too difficult. And they can help your business grow harmoniously and easily.