The prospect of becoming self-employed is attracting more and more people around the world. Nevertheless, embarking on this adventure, and above all achieving success, is no mean feat. That’s probably why so many people still hesitate to take the plunge. Yet examples of successful entrepreneurs are everywhere. From Coca Cola to Facebook to McDonald’s, they’ve all managed to build an empire. But for every successful entrepreneur, there are many others who have failed.

Today, we’re going to take a look at some of Richard Branson’s top tips to give you the best chance of success.

Richard Branson: a brief overview of his career

Richard Branson is a British business magnate and philanthropist, best known for his Virgin Group. This industrial group now has over 400 companies under its umbrella. A proven entrepreneur, he is best known for his distinctive personality. His indefatigable spirit has enabled him to turn setbacks into springboards. He has steered each of his projects with an iron hand, despite the difficulties he has faced.

Sir Richard Branson was in fact dyslexic. A learning disability that led to a particularly mediocre academic record. At the time, he certainly wasn’t an inspirational figure. Today, however, Richard Branson’s advice resonates with many young entrepreneurs. The 70-year-old billionaire seized an opportunity where none existed and turned it into a successful business. At the age of 16, he decided to leave school for good. This socially “unconventional” move led him to create Student – a specialized youth-culture magazine aimed primarily at students.

The first issue came out in 1966 and sold 50,000 copies. It was Branson’s first exposure to the business world. From there, one entrepreneurial idea led to another. Less than a year later, Branson opened Virgin Records – a record company and recording studio. In a fast-growing sector, success was on the cards. At the age of just 23, Branson became a billionaire. But he didn’t stop there, and continued to build his business empire. Today, his business has diversified from airlines to retail chains.

RICHARD BRANSON’S ADVICE #1: ENJOY WHAT YOU DO
Don’t rest on your laurels: this is already one of Richard Branson’s tips for entrepreneurial success. After all, “Business opportunities are like buses – there’s always one coming,” he says. So grab your chance as soon as it comes. Even if you’ve already achieved your first goal. But don’t just do something to make money. Stop living your life. In this regard, the British businessman shared his point of view: “There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than to follow your passions. Something to serve the world, and yourself!” That’s what will motivate you to keep going.

RICHARD BRANSON’S ADVICE #2: THINK BIG
“If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re too small.” Getting into E-commerce to put your product on sale yes, but expanding your scope regionally, nationally, even internationally would be even better. This is just one example among many! So get involved. And don’t forget, if you’re going to set up a business, make sure it’s your favorite hobby, your lifelong passion or something particularly close to your heart. A little redundant, but probably one of Richard Branson’s most pertinent pieces of advice.

VIRGIN FOUNDER’S ADVICE #3: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
Richard Branson’s advice to entrepreneurs is as numerous as it is varied. Among the most popular is the quote: “Having faith in your business and your personal goals can mean the difference between success and failure. If you’re not proud of what you do, why should anyone else be?”

RICHARD BRANSON’S ADVICE #4: TAKE RISKS
The truth is, risk is an integral part of entrepreneurship. Indeed, Sir Branson’s exploits in this regard are legendary. What’s more, “Things that are hard won are more valuable than those that come too easily.” This is the fourth of Richard Branson’s tips for success. It means getting out of your own zone. “You don’t learn to walk by following the rules, you learn by doing and falling.” He then adds, “If someone gives you a great opportunity, but you’re not qualified for it, accept it. You’ll learn afterwards.”

ADVICE FROM THE BRITISH BILLIONAIRE #5: DON’T BE AFRAID OF FAILURE
For some entrepreneurs, fear of failure affects their ability to seize a potentially valuable opportunity. Unsurprisingly, Richard Branson’s advice to this effect would always be to take risks, not avoid them. “If you allow the fear of failure to become an obstacle, you’re already putting roadblocks in your way,” he says.

In fact, every world-famous businessman today has experienced failure before success. Without exception! The most important thing is to know what to do with it. If you give up, you’ll never be able to succeed. On the other hand, if you learn from them to improve, then success is more within your grasp.