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Summary: When "losing" really means winning, against convention!
Review: My mother used to tell me that I could achieve anything, since "You're too stupid to know that you can't do it!". Eventually you may come to believe it. Well, if you're feeling that way and think that what you're about to do may mean that you'll be cast adrift in the Pacific Ocean of business, here's the definitive business life raft! If you've been through anything like RB in business (I have, although on a VERY much smaller scale) it's good to know that where you came unstuck, or close to it, others like RB have done so too and triumphed. A brilliant collection of stories of risking all for everything, time and time again. Mind-saving reading when you know that you're right, or that you're too determined to let the other person, or corporate, get the better of you. This is the stuff that exceptional business people are made of, and in reading this book you might come to realise that you could become an exceptional business (and family) person too. I did, better late than never! Read (it took me six nights), enjoy and don't fly BA!
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Summary: A brilliantly written book
Review: Branson uses his editorial skills and has come up with an autobiography which is not dry and boring, but like his business, snappy and fun. Well done Richard and remember "no way BA/AA"
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Summary: Gotta be a must
Review: Wow, at last. I have read several biographies about Branson, but an autobiography has got to be a must. Like many businessmen it is probably the inspiration from the boldness of his approaches that are most valuable. It is a kind of "you can do that? How can I apply this to myself?"
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Summary: Great autobio of a great businessman!
Review: Unlike most people whose exposure to Richard Branson came from his reality show, I bought this book after reading one of the Forbes "Richest People" lists. I was intrigued by a man who could make a few billion dollars, jump out of planes, set record after record, cross-dress for promotions, and still remain a respected businessperson!
This autobiography covers Richard's life until around 1993, and the epilogue very briefly goes to 1997. Thus, there is no discussion about the impact of the internet on Virgin, or how the dot-com bust affected them, and so on. However, everything else until that time is very detailed and interesting.
Reading this book, you will learn the challenges that Branson had to overcome in his youth, including dyslexia. You'll learn how he started a vastly successful magazine while still in school, all the gritty details that involved in operating it, and how he progressed to record shops, record label, mega shops, airline, and eventually his Virgin empire. Exploits in his professional and personal life are also revealed, including his many world records and how he broke them, his numerous relationships, and the historic case against British Airways.
Make no mistake: Richard makes sure to put a happy face on Virgin and to promote his brand as much as possible. Then again, I don't know of a single book written by the founder of any such company - especially one that deals mainly with consumers - that does not "toot" its own horn on every other page.
Regardless, this is a great book of a great man by a great leader. Whether you are an accomplished businessman, a student, or a bystander looking to learn more about Branson and Virgin, this book is worth purchasing!
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Summary: Big Tales and Tall Success!
Review: Branson has had in incredible adventure. Just when you think there's no way he can do it, he does it. His writing is equally outlandish, a lot of details and flourish in his triumphs. But you have to give him credit, he is certainly one who thinks "outside the box" and does it extremely well. Reading the book just for this insight is worth it. Also what's heartening is that both his family life and business life thrills him. He shows the importance of family amidst the success. Reading him gives one hope for the impossible.
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Summary: A non-stop vestal read
Review: After reading the business autobiography of Richard Branson (Sir Richard Branson), 'Losing My Virginity', I've decided to tell of how riveted I was to the book. The CEO of Virgin has many things to say and for almost the entire book, I couldn't put it down (other than his extended musings on British Airways). From starting his first magazine called 'Student', then opening up the first Virgin store on Notting Hill, to buying an old castle to make into a recording studio, to losing his virginity to an asmatic girl. He has broken world records in hot-air balloons around the world. He gets the balloons up to an altitude of around 35k feet where the jet stream is and rides across the atlantic ocean reaching speeds of 240mph, or the pacific ocean and the way he recounts these trips is addictive to read and hard to put down. He's also broken ocean records by being the fastest man alive to boat the atlantic ocean averaging 45 knots (I think that's the speed). Branson's reality show on Fox starting November 9th at 7pm should be interesting since the contestants will compete over the CEO position of Virgin. I don't know if the position will be permanent or not. Branson's book is a very, very entertaining read and makes anybody want to go out and start their own business because he makes it sound just the opposite of business. One former airline CEO tells Richard that he needs to get a physical every year and have the doctor stick his finger 'up your bum, then he'll tell you what's what.' The man when on to say, 'just make sure to look back when his finger is up your bum and make sure that both his hands aren't on your shoulders.' Branson goes into detail about many of his relationships and what he thought about other people at the time and feels no shame, the book sounds as if the thoughts went straight from Sir Richard's steno-pad into publication. Richard Branson is now my new entrepreneurial hero. The book also explains the much asked question of why he decided to name his company something so innocent but epicureanly alluding.
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Summary: Inspirational - but cautionary
Review: If you intend to be self-employed and have big ambitions about it, then this book will definitely prove to you that what one man can do another can do. Richard Branson details how he was achieved what many people in society believe to be impossible: Improved his position on life and reached the top by working hard and by having a good instinct for what the people want based on his down-to-earth way of life. On the other hand the story also reads, in places, like the story of a gambler who happened to get lucky, reminding me of something my father said about gambling on horses and how you only hear about the people who win. There were a lot of incidents, in both business and in the ballooning expeditions, where he has survived by the slimmest of margins of luck. On the other hand, parts like the postal strike almost wiping out his mail-order business and forcing him to start up the lucrative high-street retailing business show that he has an uncanny ability to turn a bad situation to his advantage.
On the technical side I will criticise the editing of this book. It reads a little bit disjointed. For example he goes into great depth about the early days of the Virgin record label for a chapter, and then in the next chapter he digresses to a record-breaking attempt. Then in the next chapter he tells us that he was 'attempting to start a record label' as if this was the first time he had mentioned it in the book.
But this did not detract from the enjoyment of this incredible story of an incredible man and who's exploits get more and more audacious. I look forward to reading the updated version when he gets around to chronicling his experiences with Virgin Rail and Virgin Galactic!
Rating: 
Summary: Some Teaching Points but lacking depth....
Review: I have to agree with several other readers. Sir Branson articulates himself to be a born entrepreneur, risk-taker (sometimes calculated, other times not), iconoclastic and, perhaps subtlely, family-centered.
Unfortunately, his vivid descriptions of his variegated love life and only tangential discussion of his personal life philosophy and philanthropic work, leaves one saying "He's an exciting, flamboyant character; but not someone who will be remembered in the manner of a Carnegie or Rockefeller".
Whenever I read and review biographies, I try to encapsulate key takeaways--relevant teaching points--for future benefit. I present them below in the hope that they might be beneficial to someone:
-A tight knit social circle of family and friends is critical; the wealthier and more successful one becomes, the tighter and more important this circle should be
-JVs (Joint Ventures) can be a valuable way of expeditiously creating new business lines in an unfamiliar industry or environment
-European banks are far more conservative/less risk-taking than American ones (rather well known)
-Sub-units managed as individual corporate entities are an effective way of hedging risk and building employee buy-in
-Put employees first (vs. shareholders) and profits to owners/shareholders will dutifully follow
Overall, I am pleased that I read this book because I enjoy Virgin's services (particularly Virgin Airways). Branson's adeptness at branding is unquestionable. However, I came away with the feeling one often has after completing a meal at a much hyped restaurant yet not having had one's appetite pleasurably satisfied.
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Summary: Richard Branson - The Gambling Megalomaniac
Review: Whilst the success of the Virgin Group is undeniable, "Losing My Virginity" reveals that the company is led by a gambling megalomaniac driven by an insatiable urge to emblazon his name in the headlines. Two incidents in particular strike me as clear examples of why Richard Branson is an unfit leader for the group.
The first was his decision to stake the entire future of the Virgin Group on the success of the airline company. It is universally acknowledged that the introduction of the airline business posed an enormous risk to the company as a whole. Whilst I can understand one man's desire to gamble his stake on a high risk venture, what is unacceptable to me is the incredible willigness with which Branson is willing to risk not only his own stake, but that of his friends and life long business partners who also had a share of the group.
The second incident that appals me is the willigness with which Branson risks his life despite the presence of a family who rely on his support. I suspect his intent was to garner gasps of admiration from the audience for his apparent bravado, however I can only wholeheartedly express my disgust. I can certainly understand why a single man would engage in such a thrill seeking adventure. However, to gamble not only your own future but that of your family is an act of a man whos ego dwarfs the size of his balloon.
The book makes it difficult to judge his skills as a businessman, however as a person Mr Branson exemplifies the "me first" philosophy which unfortunately has become so common in modern life. Despite my criticisms of Branson as a person the book itself is an enjoyable read and contains many moments that I am confident the reader will enjoy.
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Summary: A different path in life and business
Review: While Branson is certainly intelligent, creative, and perseverant, his business ventures illustrate just how much luck and good timing play into becoming successful. The stories also show how people pursue numerous ideas, end up failing at many of them, learn from prior experience, and finally -at long last- they break through. Branson's business pursuits are a testament to value investing - make a number of risks with a limited downside, yet a few can pan out and pay off handsomely. The importance of networking is also shown, which is how Branson connected with new ideas and valuable people. Branson's adventures are great reminder of all the fun and excitement life has to offer. What a contrast to most people's habits of passively sitting in front of the television, routinely doing chores, and other low-energy ways of passing the time. While most people are not going to go out and literally risk their life, this does serve a useful point of comparison. This is a quick, action-packed read, full of insights into business and life. Recommended to a wide range of readers, who will find this informative, interesting, and enjoyable.
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