Losing My Virginity

Posted at May 12, 2010

Inspiring Legends

I had gone to Curtin University here in Perth, Western Australia to visit a friend. She was doing her Phd and was about 35 years old. On her bookshelf, I noticed a red book entitled “Losing My Virginity”. I felt sad for her and thought to myself that it need not be that complicated. But I quickly reasoned that if she had saved it for 35 years; she probably needed the book.

Six months later at a bookshop in Melbourne, I saw that same book again. Curiosity got the better of me and I checked it out. I started reading it to kill time before my flight. It had never crossed my mind that I would ever be so engaged reading a book called “Losing My Virginity”. It was almost time for my flight so I quickly bought it. Good decision. The page turner kept me hooked on my return journey to Perth.

I got to know Richard Branson better through this book; his autobiography (called “Losing My Virginity”) abode a Virgin Blue flight from Melbourne to Perth. He is one of my inspiring legends, a giant on whose shoulders I stand.

Someone asked me if this inspiring legend series is about dead people. No. Richard Branson is alive and kicking, though he has had his fair share of near-death experiences.

On one of his risky world record breaking attempts, he wrote a letter to his son and daughter that would have been his last had he not survived:

Dear Holly and Sam,


Life can seem rather unreal at times. Alive and well and loving one day. No longer there the next. As you both know I always had an urge to live life to its full. That meant I was lucky enough to live the life of many people during my 46 years. I loved every minute of it and I especially loved every second of my time with both of you and Mum.

I know that many people thought us foolish for embarking on this latest adventure. I was convinced they were wrong. I felt that everything we had learned from our Atlantic and Pacific adventures would mean that we’d have a safe flight. I thought that the risks were acceptable. Obviously I’ve been proved wrong.

However, I regret nothing about my life except not being with Joan to finally help you grow up. By the ages of 12 and 15 your characters have already developed. We’re both so proud of you. Joan and I couldn’t have had two more delightful kids. You are both kind, considerate, full of life (even witty!). What more could we both want.


Be strong. I know it won’t be easy. But we’ve had a wonderful life together and you’ll never forget all the good times we’ve had.

Live life to its full yourselves. Enjoy every minute of it. Love and look after Mum as if she’s both of us.

I love you,
Dad

Luckily for Holly and Sam, daddy returned and saw them grow up. He survived, had fun and made a fortune. He is still having fun, getting rich and growing strong.

Rags to Riches Story

Richard Branson’s grandfather was a judge and his father a barrister. Three generations of the Bransons had been lawyers. Pressure was on him to do well in school but the poor chap was not too good in class. He was mildly dyslexic, short sighted and preferred sports to books.

His school headmaster predicted that he would either go to prison or become a millionaire. He did both and went on to become a billionaire. “Losing My Virginity” is his inspiring rags to riches story.

Seeds of Greatness

His first venture was growing and selling Christmas trees (a business I once tried along Ngong Road in Nairobi Kenya lol). His business plan indicated that he and his partner would make ₤800 but as fate would have it their young trees were eaten by rabbits. His revenge mission on the rabbits allowed him to make a few shillings after selling the meat to a local butcher.

He tried a few such businesses with poor results in making money but scored high on lessons and confidence. Eventually, he found his footing when he teamed up with a friend to setup an alternative school magazine. They named the magazine “Student”.  The magazine was opened up to more schools, colleges and universities. They worked the phones and came up with a list of advertisers and distributors before the first issue. The magazine went on to become a huge success. At 17, he had over 100,000 readers.

Virgins in Business

Students love music and Richard Branson quickly moved in to fill the information gap. He interviewed musicians including the Beatles. Being a people person, he was able to attract people to work for him mostly on volunteer basis. They worked out an arrangement where the friends would sell the magazine. They would keep 50% of the money as commission. Amazon and other internet companies call this affiliate marketing; Richard was doing it in 1970.

Richard Branson learned to leverage the “Student” name and had other companies funding his ventures such as sending reporters overseas. He also realized that his magazine could also be used as a platform for selling music, not just posting photos and interviews of the artists.

He had the vision for expanding the “Student” brand to “Student Accommodation”, “Student Hostels”, “Student Travel” etc. Then someone suggested that they use the name “Virgin” since they were virgins in business. A global brand was born.

More than 300 Virgins

Over the years, Richard Branson re-invested his profits to build up the Virgin Brand. Today the Virgin Brand is one of the most respected and recognized brands in the world. The Virgin Group has found success  in sectors ranging from mobile telephony to transportation, travel, financial services, media, music and fitness. Virgin Companies include Virgin Galactic, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Holidays, Virgin Wines, Virgin Games and Virgin Media.

Inspiring Richard Branson Quotes

Learn More about Richard Branson

Like we have done with the other inspiring legends, please take a moment to learn more about Richard Branson and what makes him tick. My job was just to introduce you to the man. Your job is to learn more about him and to find the nuggets of inspiration that you can take with you.

Summary

Richard Branson is an inspiring legend who has created success after success. I hope he can inspire you to awaken you the giant within you.

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