Richard Branson: To Be Successful, Take the Stairs Entrepreneurs should focus on a gradual climb to success.

By Rose Leadem

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

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Richard Branson

Although Richard Branson admits to being a big fan of the elevator pitch, he thinks it's also important to take the stairs -- literally.

Related: Watch Richard Branson's Mannequin Challenge Video

The outgoing Virgin founder believes that taking the stairs whenever you can is a great way to exercise, especially if you're busy working all day. In a recent blog post, Branson not only addresses the importance of physically taking the stairs, but finds that an "entrepreneur is essentially taking the stairs every day of their career."

As most of us know -- entrepreneurship takes time. Branson calls it a "gradual climb," with "inevitable failures and setbacks along the way." Very few entrepreneurs can take the elevator to instant success, he writes.

Related: Richard Branson: Why Every Budding Entrepreneur Needs a Full-Time Job First

Take the slower route. You'll be able to learn from your experience and better prepare yourself for a future of success, Branson advises. "Rather than getting to the top without the experience, you will have years of experience, failure, learnings -- climbing stairs -- to fall back on."

Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

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