This name Edgers is a name to describe people who have the edge in their lives.
Edges are in a constant dialogue with a very important person (VIP) - themselves.
Think about the questions you ask yourself most often. You may want to know, as they'll reveal a lot about you. Then consider the list below.
How do these questions compare to the ones you ask of yourself?
Thirty (30) questions Edgers ask themselves:
1. What will make this better?
This is one of the most common questions. The quest for continuous improvement prevails.
2. How can I change this?
Sometimes things need to change. Where most people think 'I wish this were different' the Edger asks how can they change it.
3. Where now?
Whether it's expanding their business or planning a trip, the question evokes action and demands an active response.
4. If there was a way, what would it be?
The question after the question. This often comes to mind when other avenues appear to have been exhausted. It promotes creativity and encourages the thinker to move out and beyond of their box.
5. Why hasn't anyone done this?
Sometimes this is asked through frustration when an Edger wonders why people they know, employ, live with, etc., have not done something that they see as common sense. Also asked when they spot an opportunity.
6. How can I communicate this?
There are many ways to communicate a message. This simple question gives the possibility to consider alternatives and find the best way.
7. Who do I know who . . .?
This question is a great way to tap intot he mental 'little black book'. And it is not just about immediate contacts: it is easily expanded to 'Who do I know who knows someone who . . . ?' You really do not know how far your network spread out through your networks' of networks unless you ask.
8. What is the worst that could happen?
Richard Branson's famous 'Screw it, let's do it' saying is often followed by this question.
"Screw It, Let's Do It" is one of Richard's favourite sayings. In the book of the same name he reveals the lessons that have helped him through his business and personal life, like believing it can be done and that if others disagree with you, try and try again until you achieve your goal; or that you must love what you do.
Throughout my life I have achieved many remarkable things. In Screw It, Let's Do It, I will share with you my ideas and the secrets of my success, but not simply because I hope they'll help you achieve your individual goals.
Today we are increasingly aware of the effects of our actions on the environment, and I strongly believe that we each have a responsibility, as individuals and organisations, to do no harm. I will draw on Gaia Capitalism to explain why we need to take stock of how we may be damaging the environment, and why it is up to big companies like Virgin to lead the way in a more holistic approach to business.
In Screw It, Let's Do It I'll be looking forwards to the future. A lot has changed since I founded Virgin in 1968, and I'll explain how I intend to take my business and my ideas to the next level and the new and exciting areas - such as launching Virgin Fuels - into which Virgin is currently moving.
But I have also brought together all the important lessons, good advice and inspirational adages that have helped me along the road to success.
Ironically, I have never been one to do things by the book, but I have been inspired and influenced by many remarkable people. I hope that you too might find a little inspiration between these pages.
Furthermore, with a net worth of about $4.9 billion, he was listed by Forbes as the seventh richest citizen in the UK and although he’s a billionaire he’s mostly recognized for his incredible knowledge and philanthropic nature. “Screw It, Let’s Do It” is an amazing account of his personal experiences and how he handled adversities he faced throughout his life. This book throws some light on his eccentric nature and his zeal towards life, but if you’re looking to find a detailed step by step guide to amass wealth, this probably isn’t for you.
He has never let rules stop him and has always embraced adventures and tried his hand at things even when things looked bleak for him. For instance, when he founded the “Student”, people were quick to assume that he wouldn’t make it, but even at such a young age, he didn’t let that discourage him. He interviewed celebrities that were sought after by other famous magazines and he eventually clawed his way to the top. Today, Virgin Records and Virgin Airlines have gained a solid reputation.
Interestingly, the Virgin Group had also gone public and witnessed a steady rise in its shares; however, when the shares began to plummet, Branson bought all the shares himself and paid the people who had bought them, making Virgin Group private again. The most spectacular asset of Branson and one he shares with fellow billionaires is that he doesn’t fear rejections in business or in his personal life. In the book, he shares his experience about buying Necker Island, where he built a swanky resort. When he heard that the island was up for grabs, he and his girlfriend had taken a tour of several islands, and though Branson wasn’t very keen on buying any of them, he fell in love with Necker Island and just had to purchase it. He realized that he couldn’t afford the quoted price – £3 million – but that didn’t stop him from quoting £150,000 pounds. Later, he bought the island at £180,000 after he borrowed the money from his family.
Branson is of the belief that one should just try doing things to succeed in life. If you have a fantastic idea, you must act upon it. People with limited resources have founded their own companies, even when they lacked capital and have thrived in it. Today, the internet has opened a big door of opportunities for many people and it makes the impossible possible. You don’t have to have money to make it big, but you must have the determination and should never say “Can’t”. Fear of rejection will only set you back, so you must be bold and face your issues head on.
Branson states that it’s extremely imperative to have fun while working. For example, if you want to be a gardener, go ahead and pursue your dreams rather than working on something you don’t appreciate. Many people take up jobs even when they don’t like what they are doing. This eventually makes them miserable and it shows in their work too. If you do something you love, you will most definitely have fun doing it. However, if you are forced to work at a job you don’t love, then try to separate your work from your private life. Make it your goal to have a positive outlook in life instead of moaning about things that aren’t working out. It’s also important to enjoy working with your co-workers, but most importantly, it’s essential for you to have fun.
Branson has gained a lot of popularity because he’s a billionaire, but one must never forget that it’s his drive that helped him become what he is today. He didn’t become a billionaire by pure chance, and although he admits that he was very lucky in various situations of his life, he has also worked hard to achieve his goals.
Primarily, he believes that family is everything. When he started out, he didn’t plan to become a billionaire. He had grandiose plans, sure, but he focused mainly on his goals rather than simply chasing money. More than anything, he loved the challenge his work presented. He stresses the fact that it’s important to live life to the fullest and if you work hard, money will come to you by itself. He also doesn’t regret anything in life. As a person who thrives while doing anything adventurous, he makes every second count. In fact, he’s known to spend only 15 minutes of his time on business whenever he’s with his family and he does it because he values his family more than money.
On the other hand, he admits that money plays an important role in our modern society. In fact, he realized at a very young age that he needed money to attain his dreams, but that didn’t become the core of his goals. Even when the Virgin Group went private again, he bought back the shares and returned the money to the people who had bought them because he hated being controlled by the board. This alone is a testament to the fact that he holds his values and principles higher than money. He goes on to add that while money is very important, it’s most importantly a mean to create things and realize your dreams.
OUR SUMMARY OF SCREW IT, LET’S DO IT
TIME TO FIND YOUR EDGE (2) (CLICK HERE)
Edges are in a constant dialogue with a very important person (VIP) - themselves.
Think about the questions you ask yourself most often. You may want to know, as they'll reveal a lot about you. Then consider the list below.
How do these questions compare to the ones you ask of yourself?
Thirty (30) questions Edgers ask themselves:
1. What will make this better?
This is one of the most common questions. The quest for continuous improvement prevails.
2. How can I change this?
Sometimes things need to change. Where most people think 'I wish this were different' the Edger asks how can they change it.
3. Where now?
Whether it's expanding their business or planning a trip, the question evokes action and demands an active response.
4. If there was a way, what would it be?
The question after the question. This often comes to mind when other avenues appear to have been exhausted. It promotes creativity and encourages the thinker to move out and beyond of their box.
5. Why hasn't anyone done this?
Sometimes this is asked through frustration when an Edger wonders why people they know, employ, live with, etc., have not done something that they see as common sense. Also asked when they spot an opportunity.
6. How can I communicate this?
There are many ways to communicate a message. This simple question gives the possibility to consider alternatives and find the best way.
7. Who do I know who . . .?
This question is a great way to tap intot he mental 'little black book'. And it is not just about immediate contacts: it is easily expanded to 'Who do I know who knows someone who . . . ?' You really do not know how far your network spread out through your networks' of networks unless you ask.
8. What is the worst that could happen?
Richard Branson's famous 'Screw it, let's do it' saying is often followed by this question.
"Screw It, Let's Do It" is one of Richard's favourite sayings. In the book of the same name he reveals the lessons that have helped him through his business and personal life, like believing it can be done and that if others disagree with you, try and try again until you achieve your goal; or that you must love what you do.
Throughout my life I have achieved many remarkable things. In Screw It, Let's Do It, I will share with you my ideas and the secrets of my success, but not simply because I hope they'll help you achieve your individual goals.
Today we are increasingly aware of the effects of our actions on the environment, and I strongly believe that we each have a responsibility, as individuals and organisations, to do no harm. I will draw on Gaia Capitalism to explain why we need to take stock of how we may be damaging the environment, and why it is up to big companies like Virgin to lead the way in a more holistic approach to business.
In Screw It, Let's Do It I'll be looking forwards to the future. A lot has changed since I founded Virgin in 1968, and I'll explain how I intend to take my business and my ideas to the next level and the new and exciting areas - such as launching Virgin Fuels - into which Virgin is currently moving.
But I have also brought together all the important lessons, good advice and inspirational adages that have helped me along the road to success.
Ironically, I have never been one to do things by the book, but I have been inspired and influenced by many remarkable people. I hope that you too might find a little inspiration between these pages.
Who is Richard Branson and what is his book, “Screw It, Let’s Do it” about?
Sir Richard Branson, born on July 19, 1950, is an English investor, billionaire and businessman. Renowned as the owner of the Virgin Group that has more than 400 companies under its umbrella, Branson is most famous for his adventurous lifestyle.Furthermore, with a net worth of about $4.9 billion, he was listed by Forbes as the seventh richest citizen in the UK and although he’s a billionaire he’s mostly recognized for his incredible knowledge and philanthropic nature. “Screw It, Let’s Do It” is an amazing account of his personal experiences and how he handled adversities he faced throughout his life. This book throws some light on his eccentric nature and his zeal towards life, but if you’re looking to find a detailed step by step guide to amass wealth, this probably isn’t for you.
What are Richard Branson’s billionaire advices?
Branson has always been fondly known as “Dr. Yes” by his staff. The word “Can’t” holds no meaning for him since he is eager to try and experiment with new things. As an opportunist, Branson has been able to pave his way in life and considering his amassed net worth, it’s easy to guess that his drive and passion to just go ahead and do things have made him extremely successful.He has never let rules stop him and has always embraced adventures and tried his hand at things even when things looked bleak for him. For instance, when he founded the “Student”, people were quick to assume that he wouldn’t make it, but even at such a young age, he didn’t let that discourage him. He interviewed celebrities that were sought after by other famous magazines and he eventually clawed his way to the top. Today, Virgin Records and Virgin Airlines have gained a solid reputation.
Interestingly, the Virgin Group had also gone public and witnessed a steady rise in its shares; however, when the shares began to plummet, Branson bought all the shares himself and paid the people who had bought them, making Virgin Group private again. The most spectacular asset of Branson and one he shares with fellow billionaires is that he doesn’t fear rejections in business or in his personal life. In the book, he shares his experience about buying Necker Island, where he built a swanky resort. When he heard that the island was up for grabs, he and his girlfriend had taken a tour of several islands, and though Branson wasn’t very keen on buying any of them, he fell in love with Necker Island and just had to purchase it. He realized that he couldn’t afford the quoted price – £3 million – but that didn’t stop him from quoting £150,000 pounds. Later, he bought the island at £180,000 after he borrowed the money from his family.
Branson is of the belief that one should just try doing things to succeed in life. If you have a fantastic idea, you must act upon it. People with limited resources have founded their own companies, even when they lacked capital and have thrived in it. Today, the internet has opened a big door of opportunities for many people and it makes the impossible possible. You don’t have to have money to make it big, but you must have the determination and should never say “Can’t”. Fear of rejection will only set you back, so you must be bold and face your issues head on.
Branson states that it’s extremely imperative to have fun while working. For example, if you want to be a gardener, go ahead and pursue your dreams rather than working on something you don’t appreciate. Many people take up jobs even when they don’t like what they are doing. This eventually makes them miserable and it shows in their work too. If you do something you love, you will most definitely have fun doing it. However, if you are forced to work at a job you don’t love, then try to separate your work from your private life. Make it your goal to have a positive outlook in life instead of moaning about things that aren’t working out. It’s also important to enjoy working with your co-workers, but most importantly, it’s essential for you to have fun.
Branson has gained a lot of popularity because he’s a billionaire, but one must never forget that it’s his drive that helped him become what he is today. He didn’t become a billionaire by pure chance, and although he admits that he was very lucky in various situations of his life, he has also worked hard to achieve his goals.
Primarily, he believes that family is everything. When he started out, he didn’t plan to become a billionaire. He had grandiose plans, sure, but he focused mainly on his goals rather than simply chasing money. More than anything, he loved the challenge his work presented. He stresses the fact that it’s important to live life to the fullest and if you work hard, money will come to you by itself. He also doesn’t regret anything in life. As a person who thrives while doing anything adventurous, he makes every second count. In fact, he’s known to spend only 15 minutes of his time on business whenever he’s with his family and he does it because he values his family more than money.
On the other hand, he admits that money plays an important role in our modern society. In fact, he realized at a very young age that he needed money to attain his dreams, but that didn’t become the core of his goals. Even when the Virgin Group went private again, he bought back the shares and returned the money to the people who had bought them because he hated being controlled by the board. This alone is a testament to the fact that he holds his values and principles higher than money. He goes on to add that while money is very important, it’s most importantly a mean to create things and realize your dreams.
Ask the Investors: How should I invest when I’m a high school senior?
Especially when you are young, it’s rather about compounding knowledge than money. The kind of money you make when you are very young makes it hard for students to succeed in stock investing. But, perhaps, at such a young age, it’s more important for you to create a foundation by compounding knowledge generate meaningful cash flows. A lot of successful people have started out by creating their own profitable assets, and have later used that as a stepping stone to intelligent stock investing.
If you would like to download the below summary of Screw it, Let’s Do it in .pdf format, follow the link.
Chapter 1: Just Do It!
Richard Branson has always been known as “Dr. Yes” by his staff because he has a positive attitude that makes him do things instantaneously. The word “Can’t” doesn’t exist in his dictionary and he believes that if you think that you’ve stumbled upon a good idea, then you must at least consider it and start working towards it to make it actually happen.
Branson shares a chilling account of how he escaped death when he was stuck on a hot air balloon. He confesses he kept telling himself that something or the other would turn up and eventually he was rescued. He advocates the fact that an individual should never give up, no matter how hard his challenge is. If you think that you have something worthwhile, don’t let anything stop you and prepare yourself for it. There’s no substitute to hard work, so set up your goals, lead your life to the fullest and most of all, believe in yourself.
Branson also talks about how his mother shared a positive outlook in life. Quite simply, he stresses on the fact that you just need to start working on your big ideas if you want to fulfill your dreams. Sure, there will be a lot of challenges, but if you let go of your fears and focus entirely on it, and give it your all, you will be unstoppable. In other words, just do it!
Chapter 2: Have Fun
Richard states that it’s very important to have fun while you’re trying to make money. Sure, we all need money to survive, but our primary agenda shouldn’t be all about money because if we enjoy ourselves doing what we love, money will automatically follow. If something stops being fun, we should try to fix the problem, but it can’t be fixed, then we must learn to move on.
We live by this motto
Richard has always been known as a man who practices what he preaches. For example, when he found out that some of the islands on Virgin Islands were for sale, he offered $175,000 for it. He was turned down because the price was £3 million; however, as fate would have it, he eventually bought the Necker Island for $180,000 on the condition that he would build a plant and a house in the island within 5 years. He borrowed the money and achieved his goal. During his holiday, the idea to develop Virgin Airways was born and although it started off with him chartering a plane, Richard has come a long way in the past 21 years. Therefore, if we take up something, it must be something that we enjoy and money will follow if we have fun while we’re at it!
Chapter 3: Be Bold
Every individual dreams of something and while some go for it, others back away because it could be very risky. While being aware and cautious of a risky situation is good, Branson says that it’s also important to make bold moves. No matter what your dream is, you must always go for it. If you calculate the risks that lie ahead of you, believe in what you are and chase your goals, you will definitely be successful. Surely, you may win some and lose some, but live a life with no regrets.
When Branson started the Virgin Airways, everybody, including his parents, thought that it was a crazy idea because it would suck all the cash generated from Virgin Music. However, Branson pushed ahead and though his move was a bold one, he wasn’t foolish. He calculated his risks and ended up with conclusion that starting an airline might be uncertain, but it wasn’t risky. He was is no danger of being wiped out personally.
We face many situations in our life, and though it’s foolish to gamble and go for everything or nothing, it’s necessary to take a few risks. If you haven’t tried anything risky and always opt for a safer life, how will you ever know what it’s like to win?
Chapter 4: Challenge Yourself
Life without challenges is very boring and Branson can’t imagine such a life. Even as a kid, he loved challenging himself and stretched himself to the extremes. In his own words, he loves the stretch and believes that challenge is the very core of human actions. If we see something that seems unattainable, we try doing it, regardless of the danger that lies ahead and that’s exactly what makes it so thrilling.
Along with trying to be the best at what he does, Branson also loves adventures. When he was challenged that he couldn’t learn to swim in a span of a few days when he was on a holiday, he proved his aunt wrong by learning to swim in a river. As he grew up, he faced problems while reading and writing, but he worked harder and started the ‘Student’ magazine. He also confesses that he wanted to prove it to everyone that a mildly dyslexic kid could do wonders if he tried. According to Branson, one must always try his hand at new things and keep challenging himself. If you aim high and never give up, success might not seem so elusive anymore.
Chapter 5: Stand On Your Own Feet
Branson is always keen on making instantaneous decisions. It’s the way he leads his life and runs his business. Even as a kid, he was taught to rely on himself and chase his dreams. He writes that his family discussed business at dinner and this made him and his sibling understand the value of money at a very early stage in life.
His mother taught him to be a go getter. She wanted him to stand on his own feet and make his own decisions. Branson’s company was doing so well that he decided that it would be an excellent opportunity to go public. Things were going well until he began to feel stifled by the environment in his own company and as a result, shares began plummeting pretty quickly. Branson didn’t want to disappoint the hordes of people who had placed their trust in him, so he bought all the shares back at a staggering $180 million and Virgin was private again.
The Difference between a private company and a public company
Branson believes that it’s best to be able to stand on your own feet and make your own rules. Sure, the company doubled its profits when it was public, but he cares more about his independence and freedom rather than the profits. Likewise, if you rely on your own abilities, it will eventually make you a better, stronger individual.
Chapter 6: Live the Moment
Branson is a very busy man and is scheduled for months to come; however, that doesn’t stop him from living his life to the fullest. When he is relaxing with his family, he makes it a point to spend only 15 minutes on his work. This is incredible because although many of us aren’t as busy as a man who has an international business, we still spend less time with our families. But, it’s not wise to regret about the past and ruin the present. Branson feels that even if we make mistakes, there’s no point in leading a life filled with remorse.
For Branson, life is all about enjoying the moment. He doesn’t regret his past or think about his future because every second counts. It’s essential to work hard since the fruits of hard labor are sweeter than the ones that come very easily to us. He savors every moment and loves every minute. Furthermore, he says that money is important but one must never forget that money should just become the means to an end and not the very end itself.
Chapter 7: Value Family and Friends
Branson confesses that he would be lost in life, if not for his family. A close-knit group, his family always believed that he could achieve wonders. When Virgin Music was signing bands, Branson wanted to buy an old manor so that the artists could function as one big, happy family. However, the price quoted – £30,000 – was something he couldn’t afford and that’s when his family helped him.
While his folks lent him some money, he received the balance from his aunt who mortgaged her own house to fulfill his needs! Needless to say, Branson values his family and friends more than money because he knows that they will support him in all decisions. Similarly, we all require a stable support network that will help us achieve our dreams. Your family and team should always be given utmost importance and you must also be loyal to them. If you face problems with your loves ones, tackle the issue head on and you will survive through the toughest times.
Chapter 8: Have Respect
Respect is hard to earn and it’s not about how you treat someone only to impress them, but it’s more about how you treat everyone else. Branson says with absolute certainty that it’s vital to respect the people around you. Though he has amassed massive amounts of wealth, he has stuck to his ethics. Unfortunately, he slipped once when he was young and landed in jail. The bail was set at a whopping £45,000 and he didn’t have the money to pay it, but his mother again helped him by putting up her own home for the money. This touched Branson tremendously and he vowed to make money only by working hard and doing things that were legal. He hasn’t looked back since.
For Branson, a good reputation is everything he works for. Our good name is precious and it should be preserved. If you were starting a business and asked him for advice, he’d tell you that while it’s important to win, you should always fight fair. If you’re doing something that makes it hard for you to sleep at night, it’s a clear indication that the risk isn’t worth it.
Chapter 9: Do Some Good
At the age of 40, Branson began seeking new goals to satisfy his zealous appetite. It was a tough time for him, especially with the banks pressurizing him to sell Virgin Music so that he could run the airways. He believed that he could keep both the companies but the banks weren’t very sure. At this time, Iraq invaded Kuwait and Branson did his best to help people in need. It was at this point of time that he realized that he could make a difference.
Successful businessmen make a lot of money and more often than not, they are in a unique position to wield their power and help people. Businessmen like Bill Gates have set exemplary examples by donating huge sums of wealth to charity. According to Branson, if you’re successful, then you have it in you to create a change, no matter how small it is. You can change the world in your own small way. The bottom line is to help others by making a difference. In 2002, Branson set up Virgin Unite to make a difference. All the Virgin employees around the world unite together and solve social issues and they will continue to do this in the future.
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