Holy heck! I never expected to learn this from Sir Richard Branson.

One thing I’ve seen heaps of lately, is people asking for free advice. How do I do this, how do I do that, what system do you use, can you tell me all your secrets – FOR NOTHING?

And truthfully, it’s been shitting me. I mean seriously, I’ve invested in myself to learn my craft and I turn to Google (or colleagues I actually work with) to research. So why do others feel it’s easier to ask us ‘experts’ rather than invest in themselves or do their own research?

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind helping occasionally, but I’ve spent thousands honing my copywriting skills, so what makes you think I’ll tell you everything I know just because you ask? You don’t want to put in any effort and expect it all handed to you. I say enough – invest in yourself and get serious in running a successful business.

I was going to call this article, ‘Do you think Sir Richard Branson picks brains?’ so I Googled it (see, coz I know how to research rather than just ask). To my surprise, Richard proved me WRONG! He is a brain picker. Holy crap. So maybe I should shut my gob and listen to one of the richest men in the world.

Here’s what I learnt from the amazing Sir Richard Branson

‘Associate with people you want to be like’, Sir Richard Branson.

Virgin is an amazingly, well-recognised company that experienced tremendous growth very quickly. It’s no secret that Richard is a branding master, but I was blown away to find out how Richard did it. I automatically assumed that he was a genius, a true business man who just knew what he was doing and did it well.

Well he is, but here’s why. Richard knew he couldn’t do everything but he had a knack of finding people who he needed. His secret weapon was being able to empower people to excel at their strengths, and form mutual beneficial relationships. He found the smartest accountants, the most connected music scouts, and the finest pilots, and gave them the support they needed to flourish. In return, they helped him build Virgin.

Associate with people you want to be like

You are a reflection of the people you choose to associate with. If you want to be a successful business owner who becomes known for your craft, then spending your time with lazy, ‘give me everything for nothing’ people, will start reflecting on you. Not great hey.

Richard loves surrounding himself with entrepreneurs and guess what – he loves picking their brains. He believes that ‘being surrounded by like-minded people who want to have a positive impact upon the world can spur everybody on to greater things’.

Broaden your horizons

Once you grasp the concept that you should associate with people you want to be like, find them – searching far and wide. With the online world being at our fingertips, you can experience so much more of the world and be adventurous. Reach outside your own family, your friendship group, your work environment, city or country and broaden your horizons.

So I will try to be more like Richard. He is smart. Be like Richard

Next time someone asks me to pick my brains (and we’re not auditioning for the Australian version of The Walking Dead – coz I so want to be a guest zombie if that ever happens), let me know who you are and how we can have a solid working relationship. If you’re a wannabe copywriter who hasn’t invested in yourself, you probably won’t get far. But if you’re a business owner who needs a little bit of advice with your copy and you can relate to my business, let’s chat.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on brain pickers, or ‘coffee daters’ as I also love to call them.

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