Branson Wasn't Originally Interested in Being an Entrepreneur
Branson's original plan for his life was to be either an editor or a journalist. His first venture was a student newspaper. The problem he found out was that in order to ensure that the magazine would survive, he had to learn to be an entrepreneur.
This is one of the most important lessons people thinking about going into business need to learn. We are always told that we must love what we do. While I don't disagree with that, loving what you do isn't enough. You still need to learn to be an entrepreneur. You can love the thing you're doing right into losing your 
business.
It reminds me of being involved with a large craft company that was hiring for a new store opening. When the particular manager got up fron to talk to the people, she told them right up front that she was always told how much those wanting to work for the company said they love crafts and working with them. Right after she would add that it wasn't enough and really didn't matter. What mattered was selling crafts and craft items.
The answer is true. Sure you serve the customers and the rest. But to serve the customers you've got to think of add-on sales that would enhance what they're intereseted in so that sales and profits can grow. That's what being an entrepreneur means.
So as far as Branson goes, he learned this very early as a young man. If you enjoy what you're doing, the only way you'll survive is to learn to run the business for profit. A simple but powerful concept that many people still don't get.
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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