RE3EL STANCE

I mean…come on…who else could better serve the point but…Sir Richard Branson. And, damn, is it nice to FINALLY be able to give a few props to the man that has inspired so many entrepreneurs after a number of blogging months. You probably don’t need to be reminded, but I’ll do it anyway….Sir Richard:

• Has started a whole ton of businesses…damn, now how’s that for an understatement.
• Has had fun nearly every step of the way and even those times he hasn’t he has faked it well
• Has made a ton of money doing things his way
• Has bought a freakin’ island for nothing
• Has fought against the biggest airlines, record labels, etc…and won
• Has proved you don’t need to be an a**hole to succeed in business
• Has put his money where his heart is
• Has shown the power of INSANITY in business

Yep, Richard Branson is a stud and there are so many things that could be written about him as we look to be our own REBEL entrepreneurs. But, I have a way of being a bit lllooooonnnnnggggwiiiinnnddddeed in my blogposts so I’ll have to show some discipline here. So, with the greatest restraint…

I’ll spare you the many instances of Branson’s insanity…they are probably well known enough to you already.

I’ll spare you the commentary on whether anybody or everybody has it within them to come up with off the wall marketing ploys.

I’ll spare you the history of his company.

I’ll even spare you the gushing of his brilliance as a personal brand builder.

Instead, I’ll give you a few thoughts on how to use a bit of insanity in your own entrepreneurial pursuits:

• When times get tough…laugh: it’s the one true strategy that will keep you moving forward so is one of the most important skills and attributes to have in business. If you don’t believe me, watch an interview with Mr. Branson - he’ll have you in stitches even when he is talking about financial statements.
• Don’t be afraid of anybody: there are companies that are bigger than you; heck, there are thousands of companies that are bigger than you. And, well, most of those companies are better positioned, better funded and, well, better. But, don’t let that intimidate you even when it should. Have a bit of confidence, a bit of bravado and a whole lot of creativity - it’s a great recipe perfected by Mr. Branson himself.
• Wear your heart on your sleeve: In business, you are supposed to be calm, cool and collected but that’s boring. Laugh, smile, cry, wear funny clothes if you want to. Heck, do what you want - after all, authenticity wins in business.
• Wear your sleeve on your heart: When you wear your heart on your sleeve there will be those that it threatens so keep a bit of the sleeve on your heart too to keep it from getting too banged up. That way, you won’t be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve the next time and the next time and….
• Don’t give up: You should give up. You really should. You are almost out of money. All of your friends can do so much more with their time because they already have settled into middle management. And, dang dude, your golf game stinks. But, you are insane so you can’t quit. You are insane, so you won’t quit. You’ll keep prodding along and keep pushing the cart up the hill. I know…I’ll be right there with you and there will be people like Richard Branson there to support us.
• Don’t care what other people think: Alright, there are limits, but come on…don’t worry about what other people think. In fact, people love people that don’t worry what people think. After all, you could make the argument that Sir Richard is the most popular businessperson on the planet and he could care less if you disagree.
• Rise Above Creative: Quick secret for you…there are a LOT of creative people out there. So, when you are working on something, be creative. Then, be a bit more creative. Then, be a bit more creative. Then, take that as your jumping off point and elevate way beyond your most creative idea.
  
• Always understand the customer: I know you’ll be successful. And, I know…once you’re successful, you’re supposed to hire research teams and focus groups and teams of assistants. But, don’t forget to stay connected to the customer. Live in the customer’s world and enjoy it.
• Be thankful: Sir Richard Branson wouldn’t be so popular if he weren’t so confidently humble and he wouldn’t be that way if he weren’t a thankful guy. So, be thankful for what you have and what you are doing.

And, here’s the most important piece….you are already insane. After all, you’re an entrepreneur (and one spending valuable time reading the crazed thoughts of Rebelstance at that). So, don’t fight it. Relish it. Embrace it. Insanitize it….and when you get pulled over in Times Square wearing a purple poke-a-dotted monkey suit to push your latest venture just tell them that you know Sir Richard and he would approve.