Call me crazy, (and I know you do), but I have a new ambition. I want to have tea with Richard Branson. I have long been an admirer of his style, his branding genius, and even his mobile phones, one of which is my proud possession, but since reading his book, “Losing my Virginity” some years ago, I have watched his escalating empire and his penchant for poking fun at the Virgin brand with great interest. On of my step-sons, Mike McCartney (aka Mike McGear) even played at his wedding many moons ago at the Manor. According to my diaries, it was in 1972, Mike was part of a then, very successful group called The Scaffold. They had hits with Lily the Pink and Thank U Very Much.
I am currently reading Sir Richard’s latest tome: “Business Stripped Bare” which is a real page turner. With my strong conviction that humour plays such an important role in all aspects of our lives, I really love to read his take on presenting the Virgin divisions as not only sound business entities, but as a place where the staff have reason to smile. I know if I worked for Richard Branson I certainly would smile. But I digress. My latest harebrained idea is to get my organic teas on to Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Blue. Now if that isn’t far out, I don’t know what is. He has been responsible for stunts such as appearing at the launch of his mobile phone company clad only in a large (I am assured it was large) replica of a cellphone over his naughty parts, and many other diverse activities to draw attention to the Virgin brand companies.
An even earlier recollection of my awareness and admiration for him was when I visited his Virgin Records shop in Bold Street, Liverpool in early 1972. The place was a sea of hippies in various reclining positions, and a strong odor of patchouli oil, body odor and a certain other substance. I abandoned the idea of trying to seriously browse and buy something, as it wasn’t even possible to get near the cash register to pay for anything.
I particularly love his motto: “Find Good People and Set Them Free.” Can you imagine anything more exhilarating than working for a boss and a company that actually encourages the staff to pitch in ideas, to come to work with a smile, and to have fun! The world sure needs more of that attitude today.
Another amazing idea is that his Virgin Blue airline in Australia actually has their senior management work as baggage handlers from time to time so that they can experience the workload from the bottom upwards. This must create such a buzz among the regular baggage handlers. Small and big business alike can learn so much from this amazing man. And once he gets a bellyfull of Mrs. McCartneys Tea, there will be no stopping him.
Gotta go now, the nice man with the padded van is here… Maybe he would like a nice cup of tea?
