What’s it like working with Richard Branson? A little video clip tells you

Years ago Richard Branson rang me. I had just written a very rude article about a mailing Virgin Airlines had done jointly with American Express. He rang and left a message giving his number if I wanted to talk about it.

Unfortunately I was on the plane to Sydney at the time, and when I got there I couldn’t think of anything intelligent to say anyway. A while later he sent me a nice note about something else I’d written – and that’s as far as our relationship went. But I was impressed by his attention to detail – something far too few big business bosses have

I have always regretted this missed opportunity to get to know someone so able and interesting, but later I did become friends with someone – a client actually – who worked with him for years, and who told the delegates at EADIM, my little business school, what it was like.

I was thrilled to realise two things. First, that Richard Branson’s approach is a million miles away from all the pretentious MBA waffle and theory that screw up so many businesses. And second that he seems a likable, modest sort of chap.

But why read what I have to say? I am merely the messenger. You can see the man himself, Rowan Gormley, (whose Naked Wines firm shows he is himself no mean entrepreneur) talking about what it was like.

Rowan actually helped Sir Richard start three successful businesses, and I think you’ll like his no-nonsense approach. To see him you just have to register – and no, this does not involve parting with any money.

Actually, you will get a cheering little gift from Rowan just for watching the clip. It won’t be up for long, as I’m going to put up some more stuff shortly – including something from the David Ogilvy video that I mentioned last week.

So check it out. As you will see, it’s not only informative – it’s funny. I suspect you’ll want to send it on to a few friends. If so, they’ll get a cheering little gift, too

About the Author

In 2003, the Chartered Institute of Marketing named Drayton one of 50 living individuals who have shaped today’s marketing.

He has worked in 55 countries with many of the world’s greatest brands. These include American Express, Audi, Bentley, British Airways, Cisco, Columbia Business School, Deutsche Post, Ford, IBM, McKinsey, Mercedes, Microsoft, Nestle, Philips, Procter & Gamble, Toyota, Unilever, Visa and Volkswagen.

Drayton has helped sell everything from Airbus planes to Peppa Pig. His book, Commonsense Direct and Digital Marketing, out in 17 languages, has been the UK’s best seller on the subject every year since 1982. He has also run his own businesses in the U.K., Portugal and Malaysia.

He was a main board member of the Ogilvy Group, a founding member of the Superbrands Organisation, one of the first eight Honorary Fellows of the Institute of Direct Marketing and one of the first three people named to the Hall of Fame of the Direct Marketing Association of India. He has also been given Lifetime Achievement Awards by the Caples Organisation in New York and Early To Rise in Florida.

2 Comments

  1. Damien

    Bizarrely, the link takes you to a Chinese advert for acne scare removal?!

    1. Drayton

      Hi Damien! Truly bizarre, but all fixed now.

      Thanks!

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