What Would You Ask Richard Branson?


This evening (Tuesday, October 18, 2005) I will be hearing Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Airlines, speak at the American Express Open “Adventures” Conference.

I’ve been hired to be part of an online blogging event about the Conference. The Conference kicks off this evening with a live, in-person event and then continues through the week as an online conference.

The live event: This evening Sir Richard Branson will be interviewed by Jane Pauley, here in Miami, Florida, where I am at the moment. I am hoping — hoping — to be able to ask a question of him. If you had the chance, what would you ask Richard Branson? Please leave a comment below if there is a question you would like to ask. With any luck, maybe I will get the chance to pose your question.

The online event: Following the live event, three veteran business bloggers (myself, Rob May of BusinessPundit, and Dave Carlson of the Business Opportunities weblog) will be writing about the live event and entrepreneurship topics. Clay Shirky, a professor and blogging pioneer, will be serving as the facilitator for the online event.

While the online conference is in progress, you’ll see the following disclaimers at the bottom of relevant posts:

“The opinions expressed on this site do not necessarily reflect those of American Express. If you post on the blogs, be aware that any personal information you post will be viewable by anybody reading the blogs.

The facilitator and bloggers for this event have been compensated for their time by OPEN from American Express.”

So keep in mind that despite being paid for our time to participate in this conference, American Express wants us to say what we really think. They just want you to realize it is us saying it, not them.

Tonight’s event will not end until almost 10:00 PM Eastern U.S. time. So we may not be posting anything online until very late tonight or early tomorrow. But please come back during the week to all three blogs for lots of interesting discussion about Richard Branson and entrepreneurship.

16 Comments ▼

Anita Campbell Anita Campbell is the Founder, CEO and Publisher of Small Business Trends and has been following trends in small businesses since 2003. She is the owner of BizSugar, a social media site for small businesses.

16 Reactions
  1. I have an idea that i think could change the way we use our cellphones in terms of personelised users.

    Having your own phonebook accessible from anywhere with any phone or landline.

    Please help!!

  2. I was told by a friend that he read where Richard Branson was in Forbes Magazine. The article was about getting away from relying on oil and finding other fuels.

    Can anyone put me in touch with Mr Branson? I have a way to completely eliminate relying on fuel for automobiles.

  3. i am currently doing a project on Richard Branson, in my paper I have to write some low points in his life I have looked on the internet for 3 straight days and cant not find anything but the good in his life… HELp

  4. Sir Richard Branson, have all your decisions in business been carefully considered or have you been gung-ho and lucky?
    Have you ever doubted yourself so much it’s held you back, if so how did you overcome it?

  5. señor RICHARD BRANSON
    tengo algunas ideas que me gustaria comentar con usted;me gutaria obtener su opinion personal.

  6. Mr. Richard Branson,
    How did you begin your journey into becoming such a successful man ? I’ve heard of your past and many others like you for instance Farrah Gray. How did you do it ? I realize that you have to give first before you can receive. I know giving back to your community is important. I know that believing in yourself and not giving up is important. I know encouraging others and investing in the right things is important. I still don’t understand how one can go from nothing to everything. Can you answer that one ? Tracy

  7. We wish Sir Branson would be the special guest of Honor @ our book launch in Nov, Abuja, 2006 if we cant get him due to circumstances get we get an inspirational message from him to play or to be viewd at the launch the book is titled ” A practical guide: How to start and grow your own business” . The theme of the day is “stimulating Entrepreneurship as a Tool for poverty allieviation. Thank you..!

  8. Miss Charity Nkosi

    Sir Richard Branson,Congratulations for being one of God’s chosen few to have such a Blessed Life!My question is what has been your daily moto in this Blessed Life of yours??May God continue to pour out His Blessings on you & meet you at your point of need each day.God Bless,Charity, Luton.

  9. My friend in Malasia is having a hospital built right now, ready in Jan’08. It’s cardiac, neuro and stroke. He is also planning global clinic and looking for investors,not any investors but people like Sir Branson who actually cares for people.My friend also cares for people that’s why he has decided to take this route- building hospital,giving good quality care.He is holding a presentation on the 29th may’07 at The Royal Society of Medicine,1 Wimpole St from 6pm to 9pm. I hope you can make it Sir Branson. Thanks jenny Yeoh

  10. MR BRANSON YOU AND I SHARE A LOT OF THINGS FIRST OF ALL WE LOOK LIKE TWINS CLOSE IN AGE AND WE BOTH ARE REBELS YOU CAN CALL ME AT 19122849222 IN WAYCROSS GA I WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU IN PERSON THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS

  11. Mr.Branson, this is a real cheek, but guess you like cheek, as you are king of it, I need to look after my grandaughter who is 10, she has several behavioural and mental rpoblems, I am being forced out of my home, her one security by ex husband, please, bot for me, for her,can you help us, I have no one of my own to turn to, and am close to the edge, not in the exciting way you are, but the edge of despair, I am not a charity, I will work in any way I can from home, to repay you, this is a child of the future, like so many, she need’s a chance, I am 55, and although that is not old by todays standards, I feel double it, Cheek isnt it, really big cheek, but I have to try my best and if pleading and cheekiness get.s my grandaughter to stay in the home she feels safe in then I will do just about anything for her, I wont beg, you must have zillions of these trequests, but we honestly, have no money, I am overdrawn at bank and in debt, I just so badly need help for her, So please can you do anything at all that could make her future safe, I so hope you get to read this, its really just a drop in the ocean chance, its peanuts to you, but then you earned it and worked hard for it, whatever happens god bless and thanks Jan White

  12. Gaetano Ponticelli

    Dear Sir Branson I got two great ideas to be realized in Italy, one is concerning flights routes, and the second is about seniors lodgement.
    I am leaving in Belgium but I can reach you whatever you wish. Both projects are adventures, are concerning social, and you can give a lot of job to people. Just Carpe Diem Sir! Gaetano Ponticelli 0032 498 98 6003 mobile phone

  13. Gaetano Ponticelli

    Sir, I got two great ideas to be realized in Italy, the first is concerning flight routing and the other Senior lodgemnts. A lot of job for people and more adventure for you…….
    Gaetano 0032 498 98 6003

  14. HELLO MR. R.BRANSON.I HAVE 3 GREAT MONEY MAKING IDEAS. 1.BOLLYWOOD FILM INDUSTRY MAKIN REAL LIFE FILMS ON TRUE EVENTS .I AM WRITER/.2.PAY AS GO FILM THAT I NEED TO EXPLAIN ./3.HOW TO TURN CAR FUMES IN TO VAPUOR WATER.BIG MONEY WORLDWIDE.MY NUMBER IS 07896368377.

  15. Dear Sir Brandson
    It is with respect and honour that i write to you in seeking your help in order to comlete my university education. Iam a student at a prominet university in Canada and is finding it difficult to fund my tuition. I want to become an independent individualwho can someday make a meaning contribution the the growth and development of society like you have. I would appreciate anything you have to offer. I can proved you with proof of enrolment . Hoping to hear from you soon.

  16. Mr. Richard Branson

    Congratulations, for space plane