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This is why Richard Branson is so successful

Posted Dec 11th, 2008 at 8:43 PM and seen 40379 times
Backstage in Moscow. Richard Branson is speaking before me. He asks me if I ever fly Virgin; I admit that I never have. He asks me to try it. I say to him:  “If Richard Branson asks me, I guess I have to.” He then gets on his knees and starts polishing my shoes with his jacket in order to convince me. Can it get any better than this?

 Guy Kawasaki

Comments (191)

Dec 11, 2008
Steven Paul Matsumoto said...
Now that's a man that lives his brand and is always closing the deal. I hope I'm 1/100th as successful as he is.
Dec 11, 2008
Alex Shalman said...
Lol, you two are hilarious. Talk about great customer service from Richard Branson! I wonder what he'd do if you played hard to get ;)
Dec 11, 2008
Andrew Spittle said...
Nice. I like how everyone in the photo has a huge grin on their face.
Dec 11, 2008
Jonathan Nelson said...
guy,
this my friend is euphoria. you've peaked. nice job. did you remember to tip him?

oh yes, don't forget to tell richard that you'd love to try your first Virgin flight in space.

:)

Dec 11, 2008
Donna Maria @ Indie Business said...
Fun post! I've never flown Virgin before either. To what address shall I mail my shoes!??
Dec 11, 2008
Tanner Powell said...
Keep up with those shoes.
Dec 11, 2008
Tomasino said...
this is how a real business man should behave. Loving his consumers and especial loving those who spread the news to the people. in other words it's investing i think :)
Dec 11, 2008
Hank Campbell said...
A classic pic! And he's a pretty good sport, it seems.
Dec 11, 2008
Donna Maria @ Indie Business said...
Fun post! I've never flown Virgin before either. To what address shall I mail my shoes!??
Dec 11, 2008
Aparna Ram said...
What a photo moment!
Dec 11, 2008
EcoInsomniac said...
That's so awesome. Richard Branson really is someone all business people should look up to. Thanks for sharing Guy you and Mr. Branson have been great teachers for me throughout the last few years.
Dec 11, 2008
Jonathan Agoot said...
Richard continues to be a true entrepreneur, a salesmen to the very end!
Dec 11, 2008
Gregg Gallagher said...
Hold it - is he polishing your boots, or is that a foot massage??????
Dec 11, 2008
Marivic said...
"This little piggy went to market..."
Dec 11, 2008
klavars said...
I can assure that once you go Virgin, you will NEVER go back.
Dec 11, 2008
MammaLoves said...
I've never flown Virgin either. Think he'll come by and try to convince me too? I could even introduce him to a few cool mommybloggers while he's at it. ;)
Dec 11, 2008
Sean McCambridge said...
Now that is awesome. Branson has a billion dollar smile. What a cool guy. :D Hey Sir Branson, send me an email, too. :)
Dec 11, 2008
Michael Myers said...
You'll have to let us know if he sends you the bill to get his jacket cleaned. I've always wanted to with for Mr. Branson. Hint hint.
Dec 11, 2008
nag said...
branson rocks ... and i can't wait for virgin galactic to start operations ...
Dec 11, 2008
Rafael said...
Wow, I think we can all learn from Sir Richard Branson about how to treat potential customers and about ABM: Always Be Marketing. Hats off to you both!
Dec 11, 2008
Kevin Cullis said...
Love it!! Richard, write a book so that I can learn some of your good business sense. I'm starting fresh, again, but always learning. :-)
Dec 11, 2008
Jim Lane said...
And then both were ROTFLTAO. Too funny and a great moment.
Dec 11, 2008
@ZaggedEdge said...
Hes hustling!
Dec 11, 2008
Eric Christopher said...
That's amazing Guy. I've heard great things about Virgin - I can't wait to try them for my next domestic flight.
Dec 11, 2008
Jesse Luna said...
Wow, what a good sport! Gotta love it when people give you reason after reason to do business with them.
Dec 11, 2008
Oz said...
When I make my own billions. I hope I'd remember to enjoy life like he does
Dec 11, 2008
Chilly said...
Wow! Mr. Branson can send me a first class ticket on Virgin - no shoe shinning required!
**Great pic!
Dec 11, 2008
David Gonzalez said...
Virgin Shoeshine Industries! Jeez pretty soon we'll have Virgin Ironing & Homecleaning, Virgin Lumber & Building Supplies, Virgin Electronics, & maybe even Virgin Lawncare.
Dec 11, 2008
Brandi said...
I LOVE Richard Branson. I'm not at all surprised he did that. He's quite the guy all-around. I highly recommend "Screw It, Let's Do It" if you've never read it.

Guy, I don't know you as well yet. :)

Best,
Brandi

Dec 11, 2008
Daniel Hoang said...
Cancelled Southwest ticket, booked Virgin.
Dec 11, 2008
Kenny lauer said...
He is a pretty authentic guy. Refreshing for a change.
Dec 11, 2008
triploculturado said...
The Billionaire Shoeshiner :)
Dec 11, 2008
Peter B. Giblett said...
Virgin have a great customer service reputation. They used to run a limo to & from the airport for first class passengers. Fly with them!
Dec 11, 2008
Grant McDonald said...
Trust Richard to be able to steal the spotlight just by shining shoes. I admire his brand committment and the fact that he IS Virgin (or maybe Virgin is him?)
Dec 11, 2008
@tshirtoutlet said...
is that velvet? looks like velvet because...
Dec 11, 2008
Tim said...
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dec 11, 2008
Alex said...
great pic!
Mr Branson if you ever read this, please take me to Space with you :)
Dec 11, 2008
Adam Bateson said...
Well given Branson is dyslexic, he has probably never read a single word of your work, so I would not be too concerned.
Dec 11, 2008
Johnny London said...
Always been a big fan of Branson...He seems like a great man!
Dec 11, 2008
Sailorchick (twitter) said...
Tickle, tickle, what a blast!
I used to live in LA, & met a guy who lived in Palm Springs said he was Richard Branson's brother. (Nice guy, but I didn't follow up, 10+ years ago. wow!)
Dec 11, 2008
lynngg said...
Live your passion, those two do.
Dec 11, 2008
John Tuyen said...
lol I have a feeling you're going to put that right shoe in your memorabilia.
Dec 11, 2008
Cindy C. said...
Looks photoshopped to me. ;) There might be a few other reasons he's so successful, but I'm sure this ranks. Nice.
Dec 11, 2008
Melody said...
So...did Richard convince you, Guy?
Dec 11, 2008
Jessica said...
Richard Branson is one of the people whom I look up to for that reason. He really is a very brilliant man.
Dec 11, 2008
Damian Holmes said...
now if we got that in first class on virgin we'd all fly first class
Dec 11, 2008
Brent Cappello said...
They have WiFi on the airplane GUY! Virgin is the Best, keep up the great work Richard!
Dec 11, 2008
Louis Columbus said...
Branson's unpretentious and fun way of approaching work is just outstanding, looks like you both are having a great time. For someone so successful it is great to see him not take himself too seriously. No wonder Virgin America is getting WiFi so fast. He truly rocks!
Dec 11, 2008
Steven Paul Matsumoto said...
Hey Richard send me you shoes and I'll give them a parade shine to earn Virgin's business!
Dec 11, 2008
josh paul said...
Fantastic pic. He's an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere (as are you). Thanks for sharing.
Dec 11, 2008
Norris Krueger said...
1) Sir Richard -- Guy should be shining YOUR shoes for all the times he quotes you! LOL
2) Send Virgin to Boise!!! (Or at least come and ski here... or just have martinis? We'd love to show our entrepreneurial spirit!!)
norris.krueger@gmail.com
Dec 11, 2008
Nicholas Chase said...
Wow, Richard Branson is following me on Twitter... but Guy Kawasaki gets his shoes polished by Richard? That is Customer Service. Thanks for the photo Guy and Sir Richard! Respectfully, Nicholas Chase - 'the video guy' at BlogWorld Expo 2008
Dec 11, 2008
Karen Sugarpants said...
Well he obviously knows who you are, Mister Lama. (see blog - I twittered you the link but it's only 2-3 down).
Dec 11, 2008
Sheryl Breuker said...
I just want to know how to get someone to polish my shoes. If Richard Branson came here and did that I for sure would fly Virgin. ;) AT least once. Great PIC!
Dec 11, 2008
Holly Jahangiri said...
Hey, I'm a Virgin virgin, too! Would love to give it a try, but I have champagne tastes on a beer budget. ;)
Dec 11, 2008
ecoinsomniac said...
I can't wait to fly Virgin
Dec 11, 2008
Kenneth Tang said...
Nicely done! Just have fun...and be promoting your business at the same time. I have a new hero now...
Dec 11, 2008
Ken Camp said...
Great picture, but I really want to hear Richard do an Incidental Interview with Sheryl.
Dec 11, 2008
Fran Magbual said...
I don't think I've ever seen a picture of Richard Branson in which he didn't have a huge smile on his face. I'll bet enjoying life came before the success.
Dec 11, 2008
Angie A. Swartz said...
What would sir Richard be willing to do if he wanted to get a girl on a plane???????? I hope I'm there to find out some day ;-)
Dec 11, 2008
Cathie Dalziel - Inpsire-ite! said...
I'll fly Virgin too Sir Branson! You can email me my tickets. Surprise me as to where you want me to go! lol
Dec 11, 2008
Chris Kauza said...
Business Partner just flew Virgin from LAX - SFO & paid the upgrade to First & said it was MORE than worth it! Been dying to try Virgin myself, but there are no flights from DEN (Denver, CO) - RICHARD, OPEN MORE ROUTES - PLEASE!!! Take it to these other failing airlines, just like you did British Airways! Then, you can take their routes... :D
Dec 11, 2008
Devra Renner said...
So if you haven't previously flown Virgin and then you do fly Virgin, does this mean you've lost Virginity, gained it or both? ; )
Dec 11, 2008
Peter A. Mello, Sea-Fever blog said...
Sir Richard sets the standard for customer service! He was recently Twittering as he tried to set the transAtlantic crossing record in a sailboat and answered several questions I Twittered to him re the experience. He could have Twittered back but the skeptic would have thought an assistant did it. Instead, he answered in 2 audio comments which you can listen to here. http://bit.ly/iaS3
He's an amazing leader!
Dec 11, 2008
Lokesh Awasthy said...
Branson boss, u rock, super cool!!
Dec 11, 2008
Cameron said...
See the headlines in the papers:
- Branson on one knee for Guy.
- Guy accepts Virgin's proposal.
- Branson shines. Guy flies!
Dec 11, 2008
Shirley de Rose said...
Wonder if the CEO of Zappos would do that to have you buy a pair of shoes? Maybe this episode could be the start of your next book: "CEOs and Spit-shine."
Dec 11, 2008
Tom Nocera said...
The photo is absolutely precious, Guy.
Dec 11, 2008
GroovyBrent said...
Brilliant! I have to say I recently flew Virgin and it was one of the best flights I've ever taken. Looking forward to trying Virgin America!
Dec 11, 2008
Michael said...
Now that is kneeling behind your brand.
Dec 11, 2008
Kapil Karekar said...
Totally love you guys! Someday we will be friends :-)
Dec 11, 2008
myGeneticist said...
You two are brilliant! Cross-marketing at its best.
Dec 11, 2008
Damian Holmes said...
now if we got that in first class on virgin we'd all fly first class
Dec 11, 2008
srikanth said...
Now.... we know that we are in economic depression...
Dec 11, 2008
Holly Jahangiri said...
"So if you haven't previously flown Virgin and then you do fly Virgin, does this mean you've lost Virginity, gained it or both? ; )"

Lost it, of course - but one hopes the experience is worth it.

Dec 11, 2008
Bert Decker said...
Two peas in a pod!
Dec 11, 2008
Brenda said...
Nice to see someone so successful taking care of people AND having a sense of humor...
Dec 11, 2008
Beth Mansfieldf said...
Guy- you need to hook him up with @Zappos CEO. Great customer service and shoes out the wazzu!
Dec 11, 2008
Beth Mansfield said...
Guy - you need to hook up Sir Richard with @Zappos CEO Tony. Sassy shoes & great customer service on an airplane would be my idea of heaven.
Dec 11, 2008
Matt said...
I think it speaks to the power of tweeter that I can be exposed to intelligent and successful people so quickly and easily. I think it pretty much sums it up when I can tweet someone who gets Richard Branson to polish his shoes with a jacket that probably costs a couple bucks.
Dec 11, 2008
Lucretia Pruitt said...
Mr. Branson wouldn't have to polish my shoes to get me to fly Virgin - he'd just have to get Virgin to consider flying out of Denver.
Until then, I fly who goes where I need to go.
But great picture as always Guy!

@GeekMommy

Dec 11, 2008
Lucretia Pruitt said...
p.s. you both have that same look of people who enjoy life, if he's half as vibrant and witty as you are face-to-face Guy? He gets points with me.
Dec 11, 2008
lizzed said...
dynamite publicity. such joyous light emanating from the sirs in the pic :-) illuminating thanx
Dec 11, 2008
Michael Moon said...
Sir Richard knows how to treat people. It's not utilitarian salesmanship or for show. This is how he treats people. How could he NOT be successful? Somehow, he figures out how to instill this spirit in his companies. He's the embodiment of the notion that a good business person focuses on the relationships. See Milligan & Smith's (2002) "Uncommon Practice"
Dec 11, 2008
Adam Toren said...
Great Photo Guy! Any videos online from your trip?
Dec 11, 2008
Pam Chun said...
Now that's an offer no one could refuse. We should make Branson airline czar. Heck, why not automotive czar while we're at it. Is Obama finished appointing his cabinet - oh, that's right, Branson's a Brit - but I sure would like to see Branson polishing Obama's shoes.
Dec 11, 2008
Jenny, the bloggess said...
Remember when it was just you and me and I nearly killed us both by almost driving into a fountain? That was awesome. Now you're jet-setting to Moscow with billionaires offering you free virgins. I bet deep down though you miss random weird girls almost killing you in traffic accidents even if they hardly ever offer you virgins.
Dec 11, 2008
Brian said...
Imagine what happens when you fly business class!!
Dec 11, 2008
Iben Rodriguez said...
I flew Virgin Atlantic as a consultant with Roche in the 90's and loved the car pick up service in London. Our goal was to get an 8 hour layover in Heathrow so we could hang out at the Virgin lounge. Now Virgin America is here and I'm looking for the same great service.

BTW, I'm reaching out to you from twitter.

Cheers!

I b e n

Dec 11, 2008
Dennis Beckman said...
Perfect example of how the basics of branding, marketing, and selling never change - always building relationships and great customer service.
Dec 11, 2008
Vijayashankar said...
Great! He is definitely the guy with a golden touch!
Dec 11, 2008
Annalie Killian said...
In an interview between Robert Scoble and Matt Rissell, who researched the habits of highly productive leaders, one guy thanked his genetics. When probed on what he meant, he replied that he just seems to be blessed with a personality that creates a sense of fun around him- and people are drawn to that like magnets. (story is on my blog if anyone's interested http://catalystformagic.wordpress.com/2008/07/20/highly-productive-leaders-10-common-observed-principles/).
 />Guy Kawasaki, Richard Branson, Tony Hsieh all radiate a sense of fun...and if that aint the business case for fun and happiness, I dont know what would convince the sourpusses!
Dec 11, 2008
LT said...
Really loving on Richard Branson at the moment. What major CEO would feel comfortable enough with themselves to pull something like that? But then again you are Guy Kawasaki.
Dec 11, 2008
Vijayashankar said...
Great! He is definitely the guy with a golden touch!
Dec 11, 2008
jacquedalton said...
i've always admired branson for pushing the boundaries of "possible". i'm not in the business field but branson definitely provides a role model for anyone who wants to do things differently.
Dec 11, 2008
STARBUSTER said...
My only regret is that Richard Branson found Mike Oldfield back then (which my music was similar to at the time) - but didn't find me. Oldfield really launched him... (I sucked at marketing my music..) But I'm comin' back to my dream - 20 yrs later to record again. What a great entrepreneur Richard is...Guy must be "the guy" for Richard to polish the shoes :-)
Dec 11, 2008
Mike Lee said...
I was once a Virgin virgin. Now I'm a total Virgin slut. (Totally dig the mood lighting! Hate the annoying screen tappers behind me though.)
Dec 11, 2008
Bill Roozee said...
I'm curious to know which one is happier?
Dec 11, 2008
Billy Raygun Design said...
Which one is happier? Richard or Guy?
Dec 11, 2008
jeff said...
It's great to see a billionaire that gets it. It's the customer AND it's the people that influence customers. Social networking works!
Dec 11, 2008
Bulent Keles said...
Level-0 Marketer-Customer relationship diagram.
Just great you guys.
Dec 11, 2008
Surya said...
Wonder if we will ever see Gates/Jobs doing this. In their case it will be 'Buy my software, you insignificant nincompoop.... or else!'

Branson is totally cool!

Dec 12, 2008
Baylan said...
It's great to see two people enjoying the heck out of experiencing the moment with each other.
Dec 12, 2008
nikhil bandiwadekar said...
This is unbelievable! This shows that the man is so involved in his business that he is never ashamed of doing anything extraordinary that benefits it!
Hats off to Branson and Guy too !
Dec 12, 2008
Helen said...
Thanks for putting a smile on my face first thing. Are you heading to space with him?
Dec 12, 2008
Amanda said...
I am inspired by Richard Branson - it is this approach that has earned my Spanish Guest House No.1 status with Trip Advisor ... if you give the absolute best of yourself all the time, if you offer a level of service that no-one else cares to give, then you will always always be successful and popular - because the people who travel with him, or stay with me, have worked SO HARD for their money, why shouldn't they be treated like Kings and Queens? I'd like to see service return to what it used to be - humanity is worth it :)
Dec 12, 2008
Konstantin said...
The BEST picture of you!! :)))
Dec 12, 2008
rkinnison said...
If Richard asks us, my wife and I will be off on our first Virgin flight.
Dec 12, 2008
Alan Lukachko said...
Wow, I'm impressed. When we do to the UK from Toronto next year, maybe we should consider Virgin for all or part of the trip.
Dec 12, 2008
Alan Lukachko said...
Wow, I'm impressed. When we go to the UK from Toronto next year, maybe we should consider Virgin for all or part of the trip.
Dec 12, 2008
Angsuman Chakraborty said...
No wonder he is so successful. Talk about dedication and commitment!
Dec 12, 2008
vijay venkatesh said...
wow. be good just to be able to shake Sir Richard's hand and ask him some questions let alone get shoes polished by him. Be fun to try Virgin when they launch their new 380s with casinos etc..Service is supposed to be legendary
Dec 12, 2008
The Drew said...
I always fly virgin when I'm going transatlantic, the flight itself is the same as any other airline, the BIG difference for me is that when you ask a virgin attendant for a coffee, they serve it right away and always smile. The devil is in the details....
Dec 12, 2008
Heather Kennedy said...
Southwest is more my budget and Lufthansa more my style to Europe, but if he asked me to try, I would have to say yes. That's a hilarious photo. I would get a shoeshine as a bonus? I'd rather a cappuccino, but okay.
Dec 12, 2008
Stephen R. Smith said...
There are a lot of guys with money and power, but I can't think of any other that always seems to be having as much fun and be genuinely as happy as this guy. That kind of humour and happiness is infectious.
Dec 12, 2008
Shinil Payamal said...
Ahh...that is a real nice pic :-) I am sure an Indian CEO/Business owner would never do that. If only they could learn a few things from Richard we would be getting much better service from the local companies.

Best Wishes,

Shinil.
@shinils on Twitter - http://twitter.com/shinils

Dec 12, 2008
Dave Hein said...
Living his demand for the highest customer service! His attitude and drive could help the US auto industry to learn a big lesson about the benefits of taking care of customers...
Dec 12, 2008
Kathy Ryan said...
WWJD if he were a business person? He would do that.
Dec 12, 2008
Becky said...
were his shoes shiny?
Dec 12, 2008
jshuey said...
-
Dec 12, 2008
Jeff Reisdorfer said...
That's outstanding. It goes to show you don't have to be a pompous jerk to be successful!
Dec 12, 2008
Tom S said...
Not the experience I had flying Virgin to the UK. It was adequate. Let's hope their US service will be better
Dec 12, 2008
Aimee said...
I do believe this means you have officially "arrived"!
Dec 12, 2008
jshuey said...
Still a great idea - Branson is the consumate marketeer. note: Wish I would unchecked the box to e-mail me with the default check. now I am trying to turn it off.
Dec 12, 2008
Dave Shaw said...
Now that's what I call a brand touch point!
Dec 12, 2008
Rich Hill said...
I would have to frame that picture "with" the shoes and would ALWAYS fly Virgin. Amazing!
Dec 12, 2008
Bora said...
Guy, God help you if you're caught on another airline after this moment :)
Dec 12, 2008
David Esquire said...
I've heard through the grapevine that Sir Branson is quite a down to earth guy. Would be an honour to spend some time with him.

Thank you for sharing - cheers!

David Esquire
Esquire Photography
www.esquirephotography.com

Dec 12, 2008
Tia Dobi said...
I LOVE Richard Branson...can all clients be like him? (Only if they want to.)
Dec 12, 2008
Tim Cigelske said...
Wait, didn't Jesus do that?
Dec 12, 2008
Holly Jahangiri said...
Okay, now I've seen it all...Sir Richard Branson - Jesus?? I'm sure he's a nice guy, and I love to see corporate execs having fun and acting like silly, real human beings - but he's not Jesus.

Jesus.

Next we'll see an ad campaign to "Fly Virgin, Mary!" ::rolling eyes::

Dec 12, 2008
Hyder said...
Nice moment there Guy.

Richard, do you think you should start a line of shoes called Virgin? If you like I can design a line for you - I'm a fashion designer ;-)

Dec 12, 2008
Jenn Bailey said...
Flew Virgin once. With 3 children ages 4, 6 and 8. Flew from London to WA D.C. Best flight I've ever had. Wish I could fly them all the time. Kids didn't want to leave the plane and with all the care and service, I didn't want to either!
Dec 12, 2008
Alan Lukachko said...
Too many comments
Dec 12, 2008
sue cartwright said...
You know, this guy (my hero) has just got it! He leads the way in showing us how things should be done. After all, we are ALL customers, we ALL want to be treated special and we can ALL learn from this - any of my clients want their shoes polished - I'm here for you!
Dec 12, 2008
Andy Sowards said...
This is hilarious, Great to see such a candid moment! You should have told him to put you on the space jet when he gets it ready ;) haha
Dec 12, 2008
siddhartha said...
Richard Branson is the best! What an inspiration to young entrepreneurs! I wish he could come and talk to me in Africa!
Dec 12, 2008
Jan Simpson said...
Great post - so if we believe Branson's success is based on his passion - and his passion shows through whatever he does - eg polishing shoes - how did he do? And did he polish both shoes? That is the question... looking forward to your update with your flight information - Good Luck!
Dec 12, 2008
karlhelm said...
Too funny!, two guys I respect a lot. I'm going to print the picture and frame it.
Dec 12, 2008
Lenny said...
hmmm...can't decide what's better: RB shining shoes or those Cathay Pacific flight attendants tucking me into their 1st class suite beds (that was heaven)
Dec 12, 2008
Kid C said...
Well, just look what exposure he has received from such a small, simple and jovial gesture! The guy is a legend.
Dec 12, 2008
Jaimey said...
I really appreciate how grounded Richard is. Can we recruit him to fix the auto industry and Wall St.?
Dec 12, 2008
Pavan K said...
So cool. 2 people who are of huge inspiration to me personally... So funny to see Richard Branson being so down to earth, and humble enough to make a joke polishing Guy's shoe. Maybe this is key to their success. Their great personalities.
Dec 12, 2008
Jan Simpson said...
Kid C - that is because of Gary Kawaski who posted it on Twitter. - The guy is a Rock Star! Branson should give him a check or equity in the company.
Dec 12, 2008
rob, BtG said...
my shoes are always shined, so he poured me a Virgin cola years ago at the grand opening party of the Virgin Store in Times Square !!!
Dec 12, 2008
smartwoman said...
I've flown Virgin to England and it was luxurious. Sir Branson, want to be on my radio show for female entrepreneurs with tips on how to think big? Not only do you have a million dollar smile and charisma, you are also one of my personal marketing heroes. Kudos to you and congratulations on your success. If you need to feel needed, I'll gladly let you shine my boots too.

Guy, you lead a magical life - couldn't happen to a better hearted person. Thanks for letting us live vicariously through you. *grins*

Vicki Flaugher
@SmartWoman on Twitter

Dec 12, 2008
Christen Dybenko said...
Love this photo. You two look like you are having a ball. I'll definitely fly Virgin after seeing this. :)
Dec 12, 2008
Mike Lee said...
This entry was a lot of fun - but help, I'd really like to stop the new comment emails from coming now!
Dec 12, 2008
Pavan K said...
Just read the title of the article!!! Okay, so we all agree, this is maybe why he is so successful.

How many people are loved by everyone, and hated by nobody? (Jealousy not included)...

@ smartwoman / Vicki, well said - Kudos to you too. Good luck with the show, is it broadcast online? This may be of interest to you:

http://www.wicnet.org.uk/index.php

This is a part of http://ccinw.com and really quite an interesting project to empower women within their industry.

Dec 12, 2008
Martin Frönmark said...
Hehehe! I love these two.
Dec 12, 2008
Pavan K said...
Stop
Dec 12, 2008
Susan RoAne said...
This is so cool. Guy, you DA man!
Dec 12, 2008
Hat said...
Great moment - genius!
Dec 12, 2008
Apolinaras Sinkevicius said...
I would have to agree with a number of commenters here. Always always always build relationships with your current and future customers! It does not matter if you are a secretary or a CEO, everyone needs to be involved in providing that memorable experience. Guy, I bet you will be flying Virgin after Branson did this for you ;-)
Dec 12, 2008
Peter Demers said...
After I saw Richard on TED, I thought, "I'd go up in a balloon ride with this guy." Maybe the three of us... (long time crush on GK) lol.

Last time I flew it was 1997 and on Continental, with connecting flights too. The airplanes were 30 year old crafts that felt like old buses or something from the junk heap in the first Star Wars movie. I was amazed each time they landed without breaking. Next time, I hope it will be Virgin.

Dec 12, 2008
Jon_Aston said...
Dude, you're hip and all, but Richard Branson makes you look like Cinderella. (JK).
Dec 12, 2008
klhappysurfer said...
Who was it who said something like, people will not remember us for what we say but for what we do.
Priceless photo. Thanks for sharing it.
Dec 12, 2008
Peter Demers said...
@klhappysurfer, I believe that was Shirley MacLaine, c. 1985. If it didn't originate with her, she quoted it around that time. I remember it because it was important to me at the time. It was more along the lines of: We are remembered not for what we are (titles, etc), but what we do, what action we take, in a crisis.
Dec 14, 2008
Daniel Cimera said...
As usual, Richard Branson the ultimate marketer never stops. Got to love the guy.
Dec 15, 2008
Frugal NYC said...
Now that's being the leader of your Tribe!
Dec 17, 2008
Adamo Giovane said...
Actually if he gave you his wallet to convince you than yes that's better! People pose with Warren Buffet jokingly handing over his wallet to them - I say Branson would love to pose like that too.
Dec 21, 2008
Janice (5 Minutes for Mom) said...
Unbelievable! What a priceless story - love that you got a shot of it.
Dec 21, 2008
Susan RoAne said...
I'm on the way to Long Beach and will be back in the office on December 26th. If you need to speak to me about a book event or speaking engagement before then, please call 415 902- 3915.
Have a Merry and Happy!
Dec 21, 2008
Jennifer Leo said...
I'm going to beg you too - don't wait. Fly VIRGIN AMERICA as soon as you can. It's a delightful experience that makes other short haul flights feel like bus rides.
Dec 22, 2008
F X said...
@Jen Leo:
"It's a delightful experience ...bus rides"
Puhlease...Richard Branson missed your praises :P
Dec 24, 2008
Melinda Smith said...
I've flown Virgin America from SEA to SFO, and it's the best coach flight ever. First class was also lovely. The customer service and "frills" (not being treated like cattle, free movies/tv/chat) made me wonder how a "low cost carrier" managed to get it right. I saw an Iconoclast episode on Sundance channel with Branson. I was surprised to find out that he's donating all profits from his travel companies to fight global warming.
Jan 12, 2009
Harmanas Singh Chopra said...
Boy he probably earned that $4.4 billion with his contagious smile alone.
Feb 16, 2009
Erik said...
What is impressive is not his own ability to sell Virgin like this, to live his brand, he IS Virgin, and Virgin is him. What is impressive from a leader is their ability to instill their values all the way down to the flight attendants, and service representatives. That is leadership, and that is why he is a billionaire. He knows how to spread his passions among people.
Feb 17, 2009
Dius San said...
Mr Branson, get Virgin flight to Bali ... the people does not even have any shoes to polish ... great thanks to this great pictures
Feb 17, 2009
David Z Chan said...
If you were in China, this will never happen, no one will do this,because of disgraced.
Feb 17, 2009
David Z Chan said...
I'm always confused......
Oct 02, 2009
kerry roche said...
hello babe r u okaii u r fucking gourges lol luf ya bbye
Oct 19, 2009
Novelty Tees said...
Is he giving a shoe shine? Looks like it, but I suppose not.
Jan 04, 2010
Bob Leano said...
I 've flown my family SFO to Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic Upper Class. It is simply the best ever. Starting from the Virgin Lounges in SFO and Heathrow to the UpperClass experience - it's hands down superb.
Feb 03, 2010
Wis said...
Novelty tees, did you not read the first few lines? in fact all the comments are about how he is shoe shinning, your not exactly branson material I would say.
Apr 10, 2010
Fabian said...
This is why Richard Branson is the greatest salesman in the world...He'll go above and beyond...something others fail to do today.
Apr 10, 2010
Tumaini Rivera said...
Richard Branson had me at "I was a work-at-home dad with children pulling on my leg while I was trying to talk business on the phone". Then he said something like "we should support women who are choosing to work/run businesses from home"!

Hey Richard and Guy,
I'm creating a home-based business and I need your help. Will you please vote for my project, GARBAGE TO GOLD, and ask your friends and followers to do the same?
www.refresheverything.com/garbagetogold

Thank you,
Tumaini Rivera
www.flippinfactory.wordpress.com

Apr 10, 2010
jozacg said...
Saved the image to my desktop to look at it from time to time. To reach somewhere where they are.
Apr 10, 2010
JaredReitzin said...
Great leaders are servants who humble themselves, and yes they close deals, all day long
Apr 11, 2010
Meera Warrier said...
And this is before you even get onto the flight...
Apr 11, 2010
leo said...
Happy are those who humble themselves....u. that's makes a humor...Go fly.u...
Apr 11, 2010
bhardia said...
I totall agree with you Guy. On "This is why Richard Branson is so successful"
Apr 11, 2010
heidiharman said...
Are we in the Service Business or what! #serviceitthehighestformofappreshiation #servelikeyougiveadamn
Apr 11, 2010
mcnairwilson said...
Branson buffing your loafers. YOU HAVE ARRIVED. ("Pleas check under the seat in front of you for any items you may have brought on board, and thank you for flying...")
Apr 11, 2010
Jo Ann Mathieu said...
I met Richard Branson back in 1996 while working as the Administrator at Babson College's Center of Entrepreneurship. We honored Sir Richard, among several other notable entrepreneurs at our annual Founder's Day Gala Event. While standing in line to enter the auditorium holding the event, he happened to stand with me and my friend a few people out of the access entry while he was communicating with his administrator inside saying, "I can't read my speech! It's in GREEK!" To which she replied, "I have your speech in English right here."... with a sly grin!

They all play intellectual games with each other, which keeps the whole operation in focus and together for a long life of work at Virgin. That's his key to success. His employees are his gold mine, and everyone works together! And they all play these same games together to make it a very happy and exciting environment to work within. He re-iterated that during the day in the classrooms while speaking to the students, and in the speech to the invited audience in the evening. What a pleasure it was to meet him.

And then I bumped into him, literally, here where I now live in South Beach Miami in 2007 or so, and reminded him of our previous encounter. He most graciously remembered and asked questions. He's a gem of a man! And GORGEOUS still! Sorry, I'm a woman! :-)

Apr 11, 2010
Kalimah Priforce said...
This is really awesome! LOL.
Apr 11, 2010
Angeline said...
Lucky u! Yr shoe must be shining so brightly after the golden polish!
Apr 12, 2010
Jeremy said...
Can't believe how many people have commented on this tedious photo! Amazing. So Guy, you met Richard Branson and he kissed your *ss. Sorry but I don't really see this as being newsworthy and it doesn't highlight anything new to me. Everyone knows about Richard Branson's dedication to his work - it's nothing new I think you just wanted to say 'Hey, look at me, not only do I know the mega famous Richardd Branson - he actually wqorships at my feet!!!'

Sorry to be so negative about this because I enjoy following you on twitter, buit I just think this is total rubbish

Apr 12, 2010
vasundhar said...
I am wondering how Employees in organisation feel ? He just made one of the best sales gestures.
Apr 12, 2010
jasoncobine said...
Auction the shoes............for charity

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