Business Movers Virgin Territory: Richard Branson’s Business Beginnings | Sowing the Seeds | 1
Apr 17, 2025
Dive into the remarkable beginnings of Richard Branson as a teenage entrepreneur. Discover how a brush with police over magazine content fueled his passion for unorthodox business ideas. Follow his journey from selling Christmas trees to breeding parakeets, showcasing the tenacity required to navigate early setbacks. Witness his leap into student advocacy with 'Student Magazine', laying the groundwork for the Virgin brand. Branson's spirit shines through as he transforms challenges into opportunities in his unprecedented quest for success.
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Early Business Failures
- At 14, Richard Branson tried planting Christmas trees for profit but rabbits destroyed them, making it his first business failure.
- He then shifted to breeding parakeets with a friend, but limited local demand forced them to release the birds.
Selling Ads From Phone Booth
- Richard sold advertising for a non-existent magazine from a cold phone booth, using bold, sometimes invented claims to attract interest.
- His persistence paid off with his first advertiser, providing the funds to publish Student Magazine's first issue.
Magazine Was Just The Start
- Publishing was hard money, with costs shrinking profits despite sales and advertising.
- Richard saw Student Magazine as a base for broader youth services beyond publishing.
