What is Branson or Bust? It’s our quest to get a meeting with the renowned entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson of Virgin. We have business idea that we think he will love, and we want to pitch it to him. Problem is, we don’t know him or anyone who does, so we are flying to London with just the clothes on our back and the hope that somebody will get us a meeting with him.
So why the hell, exactly, are we doing this? What makes us think that we can get a meeting with one of the most sought after business innovators in the world, with no contacts, leads or inside information? Simple really. We have a great idea and think Richard Branson should hear it. We also believe that going through the corporate pipeline is the surest way to have an idea killed, stopped or dismissed outright before it can ever get to the person who would most understand it.
So we are getting on a plane (Virgin Atlantic, mind you) and heading to London with our faith in humanity and a business plan. We will be asking everyone we meet this question: Do you know Richard Branson or anyone who does, and will you introduce us to him?
We want to see if we can get to the ultimate goal of meeting with one of the most powerful business people in the world by talking to the cab driver, the guy in the pub or the woman on the park bench and following the connections that they may have. We want to know what happens when you make somebody your friend, not on the computer, but in real life. How many degrees of separation are there from us everyday people to those who sit in the seats of power and influence? Who is the person you least expect that may hold the key to your success?
This trip is also about the idea of going after what it is you want. About ignoring all the reasons not to do something and focusing on why you should do it. And then having the b*lls to try. So that is why we are doing this. Hopefully we’ll get the meeting. More importantly we are looking forward to meeting all the people we can, and following the adventure wherever it takes us.
So, if you know Richard Branson or someone who does, let us know. We need all the help we can get.
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