From its creation as a mail-order record company to the literal launch of Virgin Galactic, today Virgin is one of the premier ‘way-of-life’ brands in the world, trusted and enjoyed by many millions of people.
In Business Stripped Bare, Sir Richard Branson shares the inside track on his life in business and reveals the incredible truth about his most risky, brilliant, and audacious deals. What qualities does Richard look for in the people he hires? How does he manage a crisis? Who are the entrepreneurs he most admires? Find out what really happened when Virgin bid for Northern Rock and why Richard believes all businesses must work with governments to tackle climate change and invest in the future of our planet.
Combining invaluable advice with the remarkable and candid inside stories of Virgin’s greatest achievements, as well as some of its setbacks, Business Stripped Bare is a dynamic, inspirational and truly original guide to success in business and in life. Whether you are an executive, an entrepreneur or are just starting out, Richard strips business down to show how you can succeed and make a difference.
©2008 Richard Branson (P)2010 Random House Audiobooks
"Eccentric read by an eccentric man."
I've made a habit of reading/listening to many popular business books in the last couple of years. Branson undoubtedly has made a great success of himself and he's done it in interesting ways. But this book was less successful compared to others I've read as far as offering instruction or relatable ways of conducting your own business. The stories told were interesting and it was fascinating to hear about the genesis of the Virgin brand, but at some point, the reader needs more than what amounts to "think outside the box" and "take risks". Lastly, this is defintely geared towards the "start up" -- creating a brand and going big. From the stand point on working within an existing company, perhaps one with a more conservative outlook, it was difficult to relate.
"Somewhat disappointed"
The beginning of this book is great. He goes into detail about how he handled himself and parts of his companies. However, Later on the book becomes a commercial. He goes into explaining why his Product/Service X is better than the rest. He explains more why his company is better and not how he made it better.
A transplanted Englishman, I spend my time on biography, history and military books. I appreciate good English and good narration.
"the voice comes through"
excellent reader, excellent authentic writing by branson
concrete examples, lack of bluster, honest description written as if he was talking
clues and rules on how to create a supportive culture and a happy workplace
an expert soaked in his subject
cut off before the last two chapters he knows nothing about global warming and it would take shakespeare to make that hackneyed subject ear worthy i'll decide whether to do anything without his help and what he had to say could have been conveyed in 2 sentences
neither did i need to be told to spend my career...from day 1...with efforts...no matter how small...to do good (ughhhhh)
this reduced it to 4 stars but if i could have made it 4 1/2, i would.
"Very Enlightening"
Richard was able to give a new insight of becoming an entrepreneur. I highly recommend getting his book. At the very least inspired me to give it my all.
"I Might Be Biased"
I love Branson the businessman. With that comes a fair amount of talk regarding his sporting exploits and political/altruistic causes. With over 200 companies to his credit, I would have liked to heard more about the business of building businesses. But, overall, still a good read.
"Boring."
I can't tell much about it, quit half way.
Something about business but not from this author.
Boring.
Not at all.
Skip this one, go for the next.
"Engaging guy but boring book"
Jeez, from what I know Richard Branson is a pretty engaging guy but he writes an extremely boring book. There's no humor to lighten things up and the narrator doesn't help any. You get the impression that there are a few places that jokes run flat because the narrator is so bland. Had I known I wouldn't have bought this book. There's a bit you can learn about business, but not enough to warrant listening to this book.
Nope.
Narrator is boring.
Dahlonega, Georgia USA
"Occasionally Riveting, Often Ponderous"
Despite his massive ego, I love Richard Branson. He's a swashbuckling entrepreneur, and he loves to remind you of that at every turn. There are some exciting bits in this book, but too often it amounts to little more than shameless self-promotion and, at times, surprisingly dull details of his various enterprises. Regardless of the shortcomings, I consider this audio book, on the whole, a worthwhile listen.
The narrator is top notch and helped to hold my interest during the low points.