Richard Branson Another Remarkable Chapter

If you are a regular reader of my blog you may have seen prior post and videos I have shared featuring Sir Richard Branson. I am a great admirer of his entrepreneurial spirit and his accomplishments as the original Maverick Entrepreneur.

Richard Branson started from nothing and since his late teens has taken the risk and made necessary sacrifices to emerge as one of the most innovative and wealthy self starters of all time. He has become a billionaire as a result of hard work coupled with creativity and a flare that has made him very popular and love around the world. Along the way he has given away millions and helped thousands of people better their lives. Richard Branson’s causes are as big as his vision and imagination including ending poverty, saving the environment, furthering space exploration, and much more.

His home will be rebuilt and according to Mr. Branson… even better than before. The true loss was the journals, photographs, and other irreplaceable documents which chronicled the career that has spanned many decades, cultures, and industries. By God’s grace no one was injured and for that all of us as human beings can collectively extend our gratitude to everyone involved. I wanted to pause for a moment and share a few thoughts to consider.

If you are not familiar with Sir Richard, here is an insightful interview recorded March 2007 during a TED Conference and the interview holds several key business and life lessons. The interview is 29:55 in length and worth every minute. If you seek to learn how a billionaire thinks, how to extend a brand, and understand the rewards of taking risk – this interview is for you.

Sir Richard Branson is Interview for a TED Talk

Read More About Richard Branson

Who is Richard Branson?

Born in 1950 and educated at Stowe School were he founded his first venture Student magazine at the age of sixteen.

In 1970 Branson founded Virgin as a mail order record retailer, and shortly after opened a record shop on Oxford Street in the UK. In 1972 he built a recording studio in Oxfordshire where the first Virgin artist, Mike Oldfield, recorded ‘Tubular Bells’.

In 1977 Virgin signed the Sex Pistols and we went on to sign many household names from Culture Club to the Rolling Stones, helping to make Virgin Music one of the top six record companies in the world.

With around 200 companies in over 30 countries, the Virgin Group has now expanded into leisure, travel, tourism, mobile, broadband, TV, radio, music festivals, finance and health and through Virgin Green Fund Mr. Branson is investing in renewable energy and resource efficiency.

In closing

I owe much of my successes in life to developing a discipline to study successful people and a strong desire to understand how they think. I encourage you to do the same. Please take a few moments to scroll down to the bottom of this post and share your comments. I would love to read your thoughts and I would also be curious to know who has inspired you.

I am here to help you succeed in business and life!

(c) Copyright 2008-2011 James A. Holmes. All Rights Reserved.

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James Holmes, Global Team Builder, Coach and Trainer, combining online and offline techniques to help you grow your business. To request a free 30 minute consultation contact James by phone at 303-523-9503 or email at james@AskJamesHolmes.com

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Note: If you’d like to reprint this article on your blog or in your newsletter you have permission to do so as long as the copyright information and the resource box above remains with the article.

Thank you for joining me for day four of our 35 day journey together! Today we are going to answer the question WHY? Why should a prospect decide to join your team? Why should a customer purchase your products or services? Rule #2 addressed the need to provide value 10 times to 100 times greater than any price you charge for your products and services. Rule #3 suggested that you must charge a premium price to create a margin to provide sufficient resources to provide extraordinary service. Rule #4 suggest we step into your prospects or customers shoes and answer the questions they may ask which lead to their decision to work with you, buy from you, or continue looking for alternatives.

Maverick Entrepreneur Rule #4:

“Provide a “Reason Why” customers should do business with you and pay you a premium.”

I am a chocoholic and I particularly love “Harry and David” truffles, they are my only true food related vice and I indulge it often. Yesterday my wife returned home from a shopping trip and presented me with a premium box of  “Harry and David Dark Chocolate Truffles’ and earned bonus points! She proceeded to tell me that the clerk  at the store tried to sell her another brand of truffles and when I asked why she said that the clerk explained that the other brand cost less and you get more truffles in each box. More chocolate at a lower price why not?

If you understand the maverick rules that have been explored thus far you know the answer, price and quantity are not the primary consideration for a consumer of premium products or services. The key is the quality of the experience as it relates to the price, it is the value that will motivate your customer to pay a premium price for a premium product or service experience.

Regardless of the product you are marketing, a high end dining experience or a box of chocolate, you must gain an understanding of the motivating factors for your chosen market. This rule applies to services as well and because a service experience is less tangible, you have an opportunity to multiply the value to the customer to a degree that they would pay any price to own the experience.

Action plan for Maverick Entrepreneur Rule #4:

1. If you do not own a copy of Yanik Silver’s “Maverick Business Insider” introduction package click here: Yanik Silver’s Give Away to obtain all of the details and claim your free package including all of the contents pictured in this post: Introduction of The BIG Idea

2. Survey your clients using this website http://www.surveymonkey.com and ask them five to ten questions that allow you to identify the factors that motivate their buying decisions and identify gaps in your marketplace.

3. Based on the results of your survey test your brand, products, and services against your customers stated desires, not your competition. The fact is that the biggest threat to your business may not be your current competitors, more likely it is an unknown player that comes along and figures out how to give your customers what they really want.

4. Once you have clearly defined the value proposition you are going to build your brand upon, develop a story around your brand. It could be where the idea for your service came from, the sourcing of a component in your product, or causes you support through your sales. It does matter what the story is as long as it is compelling.

5. Tailor your messaging to consistently illustrate WHY your customers should buy from you, give them the reasons.

6. After you have watched the video, listened to the audios,  read the book and other material in your package share this information with others in your circle and network of influence. As stated, you want to surround yourself with like minded people and introduce others to the knowledge you gain on your journey.

As you begin to act on the principles contained in this material you will find that the people, resources and opportunities required to manifest your dreams will begin to attract to you. The relationships, clients and partners needed to live a BIG life will emerge and you will be in a position to establish new and larger goals. The Maverick Business Insider philosophy is for anyone with a desire to make more money, have more fun and give more back.

In my next post: We will explore how to get paid before you deliver your products or services.

(c) Copyright 2008 James A. Holmes. All Rights Reserved.

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James Holmes, Global Team Builder, Coach and Trainer, combining online and offline techniques to help you grow your business. To request a free 30 minute consultation contact James by phone at 303-523-9503 or email at james@AskJamesHolmes.com

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Note: If you’d like to reprint this article on your blog or in your newsletter you have permission to do so as long as the copyright information and the resource box above remains with the article.

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Thank you for joining me for day three of our 35 day journey! We are going to expand on the previous post exploring rule #2 “Strive to create 10 times to 100 times in value for any price you charge….” In my mortgage banking business I made a conscious decision to focus on the middle to high end market based on my desire to serve a client base that would recognize and be willing to pay for a premium service.

The mortgage banking business is highly competitive and at the lower end of the market it is viewed as a commodity with borrowers searching for the lowest interest rate and fees and mortgage lenders serving those markets too eager to cut their margins to win the transaction. I have always viewed this approach as short sighted and I had no  interest in competing based on lowest price.

Maverick Entrepreneur Rule #3:

“You must charge a premium price so you have a large margin to provide an extraordinary value & experience .”

There are two fundamental problems competing as the low cost leader in your market, first if price is your value proposition you offer no advantage to the marketplace once someone beats your price, in addition, you are not creating equity in your brand and therefore no client loyalty. When you position yourself as the low cost leader you teach your clients that price is the most important consideration, when you compete on a high value with a premium service you raise the expectations of your clients and price no longer becomes the primary consideration.

To tie rule 2 and rule 3 together you must maintain enough margin in your price to be able to deliver the extraordinary experience or high value while rewarding yourself and sustaining your business. If you charge too small a price and try to deliver a premium service you most likely will not be profitable.

As illustrated with the Ritz Carlton and Nordstrom examples in my prior post, I didn’t mind paying a premium for the service I experienced and more importantly I expected it and sought them out.

Action plan for Maverick Entrepreneur Rule #3:

1. If you do not own a copy of Yanik Silver’s “Maverick Business Insider” introduction package click here: Yanik Silver’s Give Away to obtain all of the details and claim your free package including all of the contents pictured in this post: Introduction of The BIG Idea

2. Make a commitment to offering a premium level service experience and decide how you provide extraordinary service and value in your business.

3. Access your brand strategy and make sure that it provides a clear set of values and creates the correct expectation for your prospects and clients.

4. Identify and overcome any resistance you have to charging a premium price, you have to believe you are worth it and your service and value must warrant it.

5. Seek out opportunities to experience premium services from establish leaders in the luxury market and other high value service providers.

6. After you have watched the video, listened to the audios,  read the book and other material in your package share this information with others in your circle and network of influence. As stated, you want to surround yourself with like minded people and introduce others to the knowledge you gain on your journey.

As you begin to act on the principles contained in this material you will find that the people, resources and opportunities required to manifest your dreams will begin to attract to you. The relationships, clients and partners needed to live a BIG life will emerge and you will be in a position to establish new and larger goals. The Maverick Business Insider philosophy is for anyone with a desire to make more money, have more fun and give more back.

In my next post: We will explore why you MUST charge a premium price!

(c) Copyright 2008 James A. Holmes. All Rights Reserved.

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James Holmes, Global Team Builder, Coach and Trainer, combining online and offline techniques to help you grow your business. To request a free 30 minute consultation contact James by phone at 303-523-9503 or email at james@AskJamesHolmes.com

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Note: If you’d like to reprint this article on your blog or in your newsletter you have permission to do so as long as the copyright information and the resource box above remains with the article.

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Thank you for joining me for day two on our 35 day journey! Before we jump into our topic for today, I want to share a humbling and empowering experience with you. After completing the post from yesterday I followed the same traffic formula I teach my clients and distributed my post through my social network and web platform, when I returned to my computer after dinner I discovered the following Twitter message from Yanik Silver the creator of “Maverick Business Insiders”

“Pretty cool watch @AskJamesHolmes ‘live’ the 34 Maverick rules day-by-day http://budurl.com/vben”

Obviously this message made my night and it was very affirming. I wanted to publicly thank Yanik Silver for taking the time to acknowledge my commitment to teaching the “34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs,” and his simple act demonstrated his authenticity by practicing Maverick Rule #17 – we will get to that rule in a couple of weeks.

Maverick Entrepreneur Rule #2:

“Strive to create 10 times to 100 times in value for any price you charge. Your rewards are always proportionate to the value you provide.”

Today we will explore a rule associated with a natural law in business that when followed can create significant business growth and substantial wealth as it relates directly to your financial results. If you consistently apply the law that states “your compensation is tied directly to the value you provide” you will be greatly rewarded.

Several years ago I was actively building a mortgage banking business and decided I wanted to serve the mid and high end market in Denver, Colorado. I knew that in many ways my clients would be more demanding, however, with their demands came an understanding that they also would recognize value and would be willing to pay a premium to get exactly what they wanted. I knew that if I could provide them with a Ritz Carlton or Nordstrom customer experience; I would be able to earn more on every transaction and make my business “competition proof” from low cost leaders in my market.

Let’s take a closer look at how Ritz Carlton and Nordstrom create value and therefore earn the right to charge a premium to be handsomely rewarded.

Case Study 1: Ritz CarltonTHEIR CREDO

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a place where the genuine care and comfort of our guests is our highest mission.

We pledge to provide the finest personal service and facilities for our guests who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed, yet refined ambiance.

The Ritz-Carlton experience enlivens the senses, instills well-being, and fulfills even the unexpressed wishes and needs of our guests.

THEIR MOTTO

At The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., “We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.” This motto exemplifies the anticipatory service provided by all staff members.

I have personally experienced the dedication to provide an extraordinary level of service and the multiplied value The Ritz creates by consistently following their credo and motto. I can share with you several personal experiences I have had with the staff at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch Resort in Beaver Creek, Colorado. The moment you walk through the front door you recognize that you are experiencing a transformational experience far beyond what you might be expecting. Notice that the focus is on the customer experience and commitments being made by The Ritz to exceed the expectations of their guest. Although I have never seen their pocket cards first hand, I am told every employee carries a little card in their pocket emblazoned with The Ritz Carlton Credo as a reminder of the value they are to provide to their guest.

Case Study 2: Nordstrom

THEIR MISSION STATEMENT

At Nordstrom, we value the richness that diversity brings to our workforce – it makes our Company better and the communities we serve stronger.

THEIR DIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT

**Here is an example of Nordstrom adding multiplied value to their community

To maintain a workforce that represents many backgrounds, while remaining deeply committed to cultivating an environment where the contributions of every employee, customer and vendor are valued and respected.

I was once on a trip and received an invitation to a formal event and hadn’t packed appropriate clothes for such an event. I immediately looked for a Nordstrom – why? Because I knew that a Nordstrom salesperson would take personal responsibility to help me select a suit, shirt, tie and shoes, then make all of the arrangements to have my new suit tailored and have everything for me to pick up within a few hours. Nordstrom had earned my trust because I knew their desire was to create greater value as part of their culture and they do this consistently.

Action plan for Maverick Entrepreneur Rule #2:

1. If you do not own a copy of Yanik Silver’s “Maverick Business Insider” introduction package click here: Yanik Silver’s Give Away to obtain all of the details and claim your free package including all of the contents pictured in this post: Introduction of The BIG Idea

2. Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted so that you can evaluate each product or service that you offer and consider strategies that can be acted upon immediately to leverage your value 10 times to 100 times more than you charge your customers.

3. If you are having difficulty determining how to multiply value in your specific business keep in mind that it isn’t just a money question. Value can be provided in time savings, convenience, emotion, experiential, and by many other methods. Unleash your creativity!

4. Enlist partners to create added value for your clients and other relationships – JV partners, highest quality vendors, added services provided by others bundled with your services, etc.

5. After you have watched the video, listened to the audios,  read the book and other material in your package share this information with others in your circle and network of influence. As stated, you want to surround yourself with like minded people and introduce others to the knowledge you gain on your journey.

As you begin to act on the principles contained in this material you will find that the people, resources and opportunities required to manifest your dreams will begin to attract to you. The relationships, clients and partners needed to live a BIG life will emerge and you will be in a position to establish new and larger goals. The Maverick Business Insider philosophy is for anyone with a desire to make more money, have more fun and give more back.

In my next post: We will explore why you MUST charge a premium price!

(c) Copyright 2008 James A. Holmes. All Rights Reserved.

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James Holmes, Global Team Builder, Coach and Trainer, combining online and offline techniques to help you grow your business. To request a free 30 minute consultation contact James by phone at 303-523-9503 or email at james@AskJamesHolmes.com

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Note: If you’d like to reprint this article on your blog or in your newsletter you have permission to do so as long as the copyright information and the resource box above remains with the article.

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Today, I am starting a very special series of post designed to lead you on a journey through the mind of Yanik Silver a Maverick Entrepreneur in the truest sense. Over the past couple of months I have been recommending that my readers accept Yanik’s generous offer and  claim your copy of his amazing free training titled the “Maverick Business Insider” shipped to your door – you only pay $7.95 shipping in the US or $19.95 outside the US. In this post I am going to explain what is in the package and I am including a photograph of the actual package you receive. In addition, we will explore each of the “34 Rules for Maverick Entrepreneurs” as contained in Yanik’s book.

My goal is not to convince you to sign up for this package, although I can’t think of a reason not to do so today.  My objective is to encourage you to adopt a set of principles and mindset that will allow you to create a BIG and fulfilling life for you and your family. I will detail one rule each day over the next 35 days and then provide a few personal observations concerning the application of these principles in your life. The rest will be up to you and those of you who benefit the most will be those who take action and apply what you learn to your life.

My personal mission is to sow increase into the lives of others by co-creating wealth and abundance, which has been my purpose throughout my career. I have found this program to be in perfect alignment with my values, which is why I am so driven to share this with you. Three simple concepts form the foundation for the Maverick Entrprenuer philosophy; make more money, have more fun, give more back. I will explore each of these concepts as we move through the program and site a few real life examples along the way.

Who is Yanik Silver? Yanik is a self made millionaire and leading expert in internet marketing, information product creation, and self proclaimed  techno-dunce. Yanik has turned an $1,800 investment into more than $12,000,000 from online sales with no end in sight. Yanik is much sought after as a consultant and speaker around the world and true to his Maverick mindset spends time in some of the worlds most exotic locations with many of the worlds most powerful entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Yanik has achieved elite status as one of the leading marketers while living the maverick lifestyle.

Maverick Entrepreneur Rule #1:

“It’s got to be a BIG Idea that you, your team and your customers can “get” in seconds.”

Humans process approximately 60,000 thoughts per day and are bombarded by marketing messages with such velocity that it is easy to understand why it is often difficult to create that moment of interruption when we can effectively communicate with our chosen audience. If your idea is too small you will have difficulty inspiring your team to rally around your vision or your prospects to become paying customers. When prospecting for business partners you will not be able to attract the highest quality partners if your ideas are perceived to be small. The powerful truth in this principle is that many BIG ideas are also very simple, think back to the last time you saw a new product or tried a new service and thought to yourself, I wish I would have thought of that!

Action plan for Mavrick Entrepreneur Rule #1:

1. If you do not own a copy of Yanik Silver’s “Maverick Business Insider” introduction package click here: Yanik Silver’s Give Away to obtain all of the details and claim your free package including all of the contents pictured in this post.

2. Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted and reconsider your personal and business goals and objectives. Act boldly by challenging any self limiting beliefs that might cause you to play small; if you find yourself playing small make immediate revisions and go BIG!

3. If your ideas are BIG enough your ideas will capture the imagination and inspire your audience to take action in an instant causing people to lock arms and join in your cause. Overcome the fear of stepping into the unknown and recognize that pioneers are often handsomely rewarded.

4. If accept the premise that your results in life are a reflection of the five people you spend the most time with you owe it to yourself to take inventory of the people you surround yourself with and ensure that you are not being held back. People who do not support the development of your energy and focus set to your highest purpose may not need to be completely removed from your life, but they cannot occupy center stage.

5. After you have watched the video, listened to the audios,  read the book and other material in your package share this with others in your circle and network of influence. As stated, you want to surround yourself with like minded people and introduce others to the knowledge you gain on your journey.

As you begin to act on the principles contained in this material you will find that the people, resources and opportunities required to manifest your dreams will begin to attract to you. The relationships, clients and partners needed to live a BIG life will emerge and you will be in a position to establish new and larger goals. The Maverick Business Insider philosophy is for anyone with a desire to make more money, have more fun and give more back.

In my next post: We will explore the value you present to others!

(c) Copyright 2008 James A. Holmes. All Rights Reserved.

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James Holmes, Global Team Builder, Coach and Trainer, combining online and offline techniques to help you grow your business. To request a free 30 minute consultation contact James by phone at 303-523-9503 or email at james@AskJamesHolmes.com

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Note: If you’d like to reprint this article on your blog or in your newsletter you have permission to do so as long as the copyright information and the resource box above remains with the article.

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