Screw it Let’s do it by Sir Richard Branson

This is quite simply the best business book I have read in over 30 years of reading them: Screw it Let’s do it by Sir Richard Branson

Question: Is Simplicity a real concept? Answer: You bet!

Sir Richard writes:

‘The simplicity of this project constantly reminds me of the human folly of creating very complex systems that end up justifying themselves and their existence - but end up stifling innovation’

Amen and thank you Sir Richard!!!

A few months ago I travelled on a Virgin Train here in England from Birmingham to Newcastle return – a total of 7 hours on two Virgin Trains. Having just read the book I thought to myself … here’s a chance for me to do some live research.

I went along to the Virgin Train shop to get a coffee and decided to have a chat with the young man behind the counter. I decided to be ‘devils advocate’ and lied as I said:

"I’ve just finished reading Richard Branson latest book ‘Screw it Lets’ Do It.’ In the book he writes about how ‘in touch’ he likes to be with front line staff in the Virgin Empire but I’m a bit cynical about all that crap"

I was lying because I believe Richard Branson is genuine. I awaited with a keen interest the response.

This was his reply…

"Richard Branson is very approachable and yes we see him quite a lot. He always talks to us and he listens. I like him and in fact he is more approachable than our middle mangers."

Every now and again I find a book that I can’t wait to pick up for the next opportunity to read it – this one is such a book. I kept on finding gems that I will use in presentations, Blogs and books for years to come!

One such brilliant Branson observation that grabbed me from the book;

‘There are always people who criticise and usually they’re the ones who come up with no solutions’

Amen Sir Richard - I have met many of them!

As early as Page 2 he sets the tone for the book with this wonderful observation and advice;

‘Then there are those silly little rules that someone has invented for baffling reasons. I always think that if you set up quangos or committees, they will find something useless to do. The world is full of red tape, created by committees with too much time and an overbearing desire for control. Most red tape is a tangled mess of utterly useless, nonsensical jargon. If I want to do something worthwhile – or even just for fun – I won’t let silly rules stop me. I will find a legal way around the rules and give it a go.’

The remaining 220 pages contain gem after gem of simple yet profound wisdom about how to get on in life.

The message from Sir Richard is as relevant to a budding entrepreneur, as it is to an established entrepreneur, or even if you are a person with no wish to be an entrepreneur. You may just want to make something of yourself. If so I offer you only one piece of advice about this book – go out and buy it.

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Reviewed by Trevor Gay, author of simplicity

I spent 35 years working in healthcare management until October 2004 when I decided to take a leap of faith and become self employed. This followed the publication of my first book called Simplicity is the Key that was published in October 2004. This 'new world' I now occupy in has its moments. Sometimes I worry about how I am going to eat next month but then I remember that life is more than money. My wife Annie is my inspiration and always reminds me of what is really important.

 

Comments

[Steve Sherlock]

Trevor, it is good to have you participating in this and you picked a good book to present! Sir Richard is a good role model.

I am glad you are well. Keep having fun in your self employed world!

[Trevor Gay]

Thanks Steve - life is wonderful my friend.

They will have to drag me kicking and screaming back into a contract job - I love the freedom :-)

[Rosa Say]

Trevor, thank you for this review: This book has been on my wishlist but I have purposely not read it until I finish another current course of study, for I am quite sure that it will have an impact with me, propelling me toward actions that may be a bit too much for me right now.

I became newly intrigued with Sir Richard Branson in the past few months after reading an interview he gave Oprah Winfrey in which I learned about his sponsorship of www.theelders.org --- when she asked him, “Where did the idea for the Elders come from?” he replied, “In Africa, villagers look up to elders; they are the moral voice of the community. My friend Peter Gabriel and I felt that the world needed a group of wise elders to look up to – men and women who are beyond ego, who can look past their borders and take on global issues. That’s why we created The Elders – a group of 12 respected people who can intervene in the world’s conflicts [so we can live in peace.]”

Branson is fascinating in so many ways... once you learn about him, you can become grateful he is one of the “ones who made the money” for he spends it so well... money becomes leverage for financing extraordinary ideas.

[David Zinger]

I don't want to dismiss Branson but I found your picture and bio most interesting. I don't know if I will read the book you reviewed but I would like to read you book on Simplicity is the Key. Life is more than money and my hat is off to your wife, Annie.

[Chris Owen]

Here we are with another book to go on the wishlist now!
But in fact I was more intrigued by the authentic passion of your simple little bio. So maybe that makes 2 more on the wish list!

[dave]

There, done. It's now on my wish list too Trevor! (but I'm gonna move it over to my bought list before the day is over)

Perhaps we are not fortunate enough to work for a chap like Sir Richard, but perhaps we might be in a position to un-complicate someone else's life.

Here's my vote for stomping out silly little rules!

[Trevor Gay]

Thanks so much for all your kind comments - much appreciated.

Trevor

[Trevor Gay]

David Z - let me have a mailing address and I will send you a complimentary copy of my book :-)

Happy to send you all a copy if you want!

trevor.simplicity@gmail.com