Earns the Respect of His Friends and Colleagues
Branson is a good friend of Nelson Mandela. Mandela called Branson one time to ask him for help. A large chain of health clubs were about to go bankrupt in South Africa, which would have put 5,000 people out of work.
When he asked Branson if he would be willing to come down the next day and try to save the company, Branson was willing to give it a look.
After going over the books, Branson believed that it was a good, solid business. As a result of being willing to help a friend, he is now the owner of 85% of the health 
clubs in South Africa.
It reminds me of the story we've talked about earlier in the series where Branson had to sell one of his favorite hotels in order to get some needed cash to make sure Virgin Mobile US would have enough to make it through the holiday season.
These types of commitments are what create a type of loyalty that no money could possibly buy, and opens doors that many people could never go through.
This is another reason for the great success he has: he truly cares about people, not for gain alone, but because it's who he is. That's why Virgin remains such a respected brand all over the world.
Other Richard Branson Resources:
Richard Branson's Virgin Success
Thoroughly postmodern billionaire
Richard Branson's latest adventure will take Virgin into space
Richard Branson - Life - Philanthropy - Money
Richard Branson, Business Personality
Richard Branson conquered the world. Now he wants to fly you to space.
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