Entrepreneur, billionaire and founder of the internationally recognised Virgin brand, 59 year old Sir Richard Branson bares all in his book Business Stripped Bare. Adventurers of a Global Entrepreneur, published on18th September 2008 by Virgin Books (who else!) and refreshingly written in a frank and honest style.

Branson’s latest literary offering charts the inside track of his business journey, and details the truth behind his most risky business ventures, primarily the origination and growth of the Virgin Empire, Branson’s globally recognised brand. The book lays bare astonishing facts, such as how Virgin Mobile USA became the fastest company in history to generate in excess of one billion dollars, how Branson became the only person worldwide to have created – from nothing – eight billion dollar companies in eight different sectors, and the truth behind the success of Virgin Blue. What makes it so readable is Branson’s use of stories to illustrate his points, which include his encounters with BA, Coco Cola, the set up of Virgin money, and the realities of Virgin’s bid for Northern Rock.

Personal facts and data are also included, such as which entrepreneurs Branson himself most admires, the characteristics he looks for in his employees to guarantee the success of his staggering and ever more diverse business empire and why Branson insists on businesses co-operating with governments to curb climate change and safeguard the future of the planet. Branson is at pains to correct any publically held notions of Virgin as a ‘monster sized company’ when in fact it consists of numerous smaller businesses, with the exception of Virgin Atlantic. Emphasising his choice for smaller companies, Branson claims that they avoid the risk of stagnation, thus ensuring that employees aren’t distracted from the tasks in hand, with small scale business having more positive impact on global situations, notably climate change.

Business Stripped Bare offers invaluable business advice for other would be entrepreneurs, besides its true and open account of the set backs that plagued some of Virgin’s greatest developments. Described as being ‘dynamic’ and ‘inspirational’, Branson succeeds in stripping away business myths and lays bare the essential facts that can make a world of difference to business, whatever your background. As one reader put it, ‘unlike other business book writers, he [Branson] has the first-hand experience in Virgin.’ Speaking from his own experiences means that Branson can offer deep insights gained by one very experienced entrepreneur. As Branson succinctly puts it, “So all I can do for you now (and I firmly believe that this is all anyone can honestly do) is map the territory I’ve seen. The good news is, I’ve covered a lot of territory.”

This is an insightful read for anyone interested in Branson the man as much as in the building of Virgin, including the hindrances and challenges faced along the journey to its seemingly unassailable position in today’s international business landscape. As another reader observed, ‘Richard Branson oozes charisma, energy and vitality’ and it is these qualities which are reinforced throughout the 300 plus pages of this book, wherein Branson deals with a collection of subjects related to key business and managerial themes, including leadership, brand and social responsibility. Vital elements which become the focus of specific chapters include the emphasis on Virgin as a brand wherein he writes principally about Virgin Blue and the competition he faced in establishing Virgin in Australia; the positivity of learning from one’s mistakes – a lesson Branson writes about against the back drop of his failure to acquire Northern Rock; the importance of innovation as a drive for business which introduces Branson’s plans for Virgin Galactic; and the wider corporate responsibilities of any seriously sized business including Branson’s Virgin fuels and the Global Elders project. An essential strength is Branson’s approach to business – as one avid Branson fan put it – ‘not as an entity detached from his or our everyday lives’ but rather a concept used ‘as a source of great change.’ A successful business for Branson is clearly a social and humanitarian enterprise, the point of his final chapter which centres firstly on eliminating HIV and AIDS from Africa and secondly on climate change.

Not only is this literary, insightful and practical book a credible easy-to-read business guide but it is innovative in that it encourages its reader to put forward their own business idea for Branson and Virgin’s consideration by visiting their ‘Got A Big Idea’ page. The best message to be gleamed from Business Stripped Bare is this – that “the brave may not live forever – but the cautious do not live at all”. As Branson said, “…enjoy your life. You only get one.” A very apt message coming from a man who has so successfully and visibly lived his life to the full.

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