Get All Access for $5/mo

Richard Branson's 5 Steps for Startup Success The billionaire entrepreneur's basic rules to get a business off to a strong start.

By Nina Zipkin

No matter where you start, or what products and services you provide, Virgin Group founder and CEO Richard Branson has five basic rules for any successful entrepreneur:

Related: I Admit It. I Have No Idea What I'm Doing. (And That's a Good Thing.)

  1. Be financially savvy. As you raise capital, think about what you really need. While a swank office can be nice, the money could be better spent on new hires or technology.
  2. Choose a dynamic name. Convey what you're selling and help customers keep you at the top of their minds.
  3. Sell memorable merchandise. Be a source for products that are unique and that won't be replicated elsewhere. Put your stamp on everything you do.
  4. Make waves. Learn your industry inside-out and find ways to set yourself apart from the competition.
  5. Follow through. Keep in touch with you customers and build lasting relationships with them through attentive, personalized service.

Related: What a Teen's Summer Job Can Teach Us About Good Business Practices

Related: Start Your Own Business (Book)

For more of Branson's take on starting up strong, check out the video above.

Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Y Combinator Helped Launch Reddit, Airbnb and Dropbox. Here's What I Learned From Its Free Startup School.

The famed startup accelerator offers a free course on building a business — and answers five pressing questions for founders.

Business Culture

You'll Always Have Anxious Employees if You Don't Follow These 4 Leadership Tactics

Creating a thriving workplace environment hinges on the commitment of company leaders to nurture and inspire their teams.