And on behalf of her students studying business at the high school level, teacher  Annette Moran of Wavell Heights, Queensland, asked me a similar question.

The "people factor" appears over and over on my list of top five tips. It is the basis of many entrepreneurial successes and, because many business leaders discount it, innumerable failures.

While the current thinking in business schools holds that all someone with an idea needs to succeed are focus, clarity and a good business plan, I have found that bringing together a great team that's united by strong motivation, determination and bravery is much more important. Let's look at how to get started.

FIND GOOD PEOPLE

The successes of Virgin businesses such as Active, Atlantic, Money and Mobile were all based on our assembling a great management team that had a vision, passion and a real sense of ownership.

Specifically, we look for leaders who have the ability to listen to feedback from employees and customers - this is crucial to keeping a service or product fresh and innovative. Often, when things start going wrong, you'll notice that the staff members feel they are being ignored and good ideas are not bubbling to the top.

Leaders should have the character to make tough decisions and the passion and ability to inspire their staff and carry them through difficult times. Our best CEOs tend to be unconcerned about the size of their office or the thickness of the carpet.

REALIZE THAT THE EMPLOYEES ARE THE BUSINESS

A successful business isn't the product or service it sells, its supply chain or its corporate culture: It is a group of people bound together by a common purpose and vision. In Virgin's case, we fly the same planes as our competitors and our gyms offer much of the same equipment as other gyms. What separates our businesses from the competition? Our employees.

The best designed business plan will come to nothing if it is not carried out by an enthusiastic and passionate staff. This is especially true when things go slightly wrong; a friendly and proactive team can often win people round, averting a potential disaster or even turning it to your benefit.

Earlier this year, a Virgin America flight was diverted from New York to an airport in nearby Connecticut due to bad weather. The passengers were stuck on the plane for many hours while the small airport struggled to cope with the huge number of extra planes. It took far too long.

Afterward, CEO David Cush himself called many of the passengers to apologise, which may have helped to give those customers a sense of all the Virgin staffers who had been worrying about them and working to fix the situation.

LOOK FOR THE BEST IN YOUR PEOPLE - LAVISH PRAISE, NEVER CRITICISE

Rather than focusing on mistakes, a leader needs to catch someone doing something right every day. If this culture of fostering employee development through praise and recognition starts at the top, it will go far toward stamping out the employee fear of failure that can stunt a business, particularly in its early days. When mistakes happen - which is inevitable - I always take the position that you have to learn from them and try not to dwell on what went wrong. It's almost always better not to go over the obvious with the people involved. They know exactly what happened.

DON'T TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY

We at Virgin pride ourselves on trying to find the fun in our businesses, by which I mean that we try to ensure that both our staff and customers feel a real sense of warmth and affection.

I have led from the front on this - dressing up in costumes, trying all manner of stunts (not all going 100-per-cent right!), and generally showing that I do not take myself too seriously. My approach will not work for all businesses, but keeping a sense of perspective and not allowing management to be seen as aloof will help keep your staff onside.

To foster employees' sense of warm, personal interest in clients' needs, it's crucial to ensure that everyone who works with you enjoys what he or she is doing, which means that everyone must be proud of the company. This is vital to building lasting success and ensuring your service has an edge over the competition.

To find employees who will take such an interest in our customers, we look for people who show genuine enthusiasm and character.

We have a bit of an advantage over our competitors, partly because of our brand and partly because our roots include having hired people to work in the music industry, and now aviation and space, all of which attract real enthusiasts.

JUST DO IT

Finally, to succeed in business, you must have the bravery to give it a go. Starting a business is a big risk; an entrepreneur needs resolve and conviction to overcome the early hurdles. Most start-ups fail in the first few years, so a key ingredient of success is the ability to pick yourself up and try again.

If it starts to look like your business is not going to make it, some on your team might start to lose courage. At that crucial time, your knowledge of the people factor may make or break your company.

Richard Branson is the founder of the Virgin Group and companies such as Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America, Virgin Mobile and Virgin Active. Questions from readers will be answered in future columns. Send them to RichardBranson@nytimes.com, including your name, country, email address and the name of the publication where you read the column.

Mid-air madness
The topic of Mr Rudd’s alleged hot temper hit the spotlight with reports he reduced a staff member on his plane to tears when she gave him the wrong meal.

Bad hair day
Rumours claimed Mr Rudd threw a tantrum when he could not find a hairdryer during a quick visit to Australian troops in Afghanistan just before Christmas 2008.

Off-colour
An apparent slip-up in which Kevin Rudd said “s—storm” on national TV program Sunday Night prompted speculation that it was actually a ploy to boost his appeal with workers.

Insulation controversy
The government’s bungled insulation scheme saw Peter Garrett demoted and stripped of his energy efficiency duties and reflected badly on Mr Rudd.

~The Kevin Rudd’s Poll~

Was Kevin Rudd A Lousy Australia PM?

VOTE YES OR VOTE NO

Vote and stand a chance to win USD2,000 in cash bailout

Scheme backlash
Mr Rudd faced angry insulation installers in Canberra after four workers died following the launch of the government’s controversial scheme.

ETS failure
The prime minister staked much on tackling climate change, which he famously labelled “the greatest moral challenge of our time”. But Mr Rudd was harshly criticised for refusing to call a double dissolution election on the issue when Tony Abbott put a stop to the emissions trading scheme.

Rat-f— furore
Mr Rudd’s Chinese relations may have recently been damaged over allegations he branded officials at the December’s Copenhagen Climate Summit “Chinese
f—ers” who were “trying to rat-f— us.”

Taxing time
Recently Mr Rudd has found himself cast deeper into a costly battle with Australia’s big mining companies over his proposed super profits tax. The prime minister has faced growing calls to negotiate on his hardline stance.

Fashion attack
The strain on the prime minister appeared to be showing last week when he attacked the dress sense of radio journalist Latika Bourke after she asked why his leadership was “in crisis”.

Kevin O’Lemon
The mounting pressure on the leader saw him dubbed “Kevin O’Lemon” in a Liberal Party advertisement this week.

AN emotional Kevin Rudd says he is proud of his achievements as Australia’s Prime Minister in a press conference this morning.

The former Prime Minister was close to tears as he made his parting address after standing down for Julia Gillard this morning.

Mr Rudd said he remained proud of the government’s three unsuccessful efforts to get the emissions trading scheme through parliament.

“I believe in a fair go for all Australians,” Mr Rudd said.

“I’m proud of my achievements to make this country fairer.

~The Kevin Rudd’s Poll~

Should Kevin Rudd Step Down As Australia’s PM?

VOTE YES OR VOTE NO

Vote and stand a chance to win USD2,000 in cash bailout

“If I had one point of future policy it must be our ambition to pass a carbon pollution reduction scheme within this parliament, the one that follows I mean,” he said.

“So that we can make a difference, a real difference to climate change.”

Mr Rudd ran through a list of other issues he was proud to have taken part in, including increasing the aged single pension, apologising to the stolen generations, and efforts on climate change.

“What I’m less proud of is the fact that I have now blubbered,” he said with a chuckle, prompting Therese to put a comforting arm around his shoulder.

Mr Rudd turned to Therese to ask if he’d forgotten anything.

She advised him to just say his time in office had been an “honour and a privilege”.

“She is always more succinct that me – and much better looking,” Mr Rudd joked, before paying tribute to his wife’s community work.

“This is a very good person,” he said.

“One of life’s eternal mysteries is why she ever married me in the first place.”

He also thanked the constituents of Griffith, who he has represented as MP since 1998.

“I thank the good people of Griffith, my electorate, for putting up with me as their local member – recently somewhat missing in action,” he said.

“They are good people. It is a great community. I love it and I love them dearly.”

Mr Rudd also made mention of his “fantastic” children, before wrapping up the press conference with his now famous departing line.

“Having said all that folks, we’ve gotta zip.”

Soon afterwards, Julia Gillard was sworn in as the new Prime Minister by Governor-General Quentin Bryce, and Treasurer Wayne Swan was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister at the Government House ceremony in Canberra.

Source : news.com.au

By: Caroline Ang

Microdermabrasion : Microdermabrasion Before And After

Ever heard of microdermabrasion (micro-epi-dermabrasion or microderm) technique? Yes, microdermabrasion is on the rising trend. Tedious or painful scar, dead skin removal methods such as scrub, threading, laser and peeling are history. Thanks to the microdermabrasion technology. Long term scars removal can be achieved with several treatment sessions using microdermabrasion therapy. The treatment is used to remove dead skin on topmost layer called the stratum corneum. Dead skins of all colours can be effectively removed in few sessions at 3-4 week intervals. Your doctor can discuss with you which modality is most effective for each individual.

Quick Beauty Poll

Do You Think External Beauty Is More Important Than Internal Beauty?

VOTE YES or VOTE NO

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Microdermabrasion Before And After : Do Your Part First

Before using microdermabrasion performed on specific area to enhance your beauty, it’s important to see what you may expect from the procedure. Ask the doctor or skin specialist for some advice and also some before and after photos. You should also do some homework such as:

- Find out the level of experience, skill, knowledge and training of the skin operator or consultant.
- What is your particular ability to heal? Diabetic patients should not opt for microdermabrasion.
- Understand the amount of melanin pigment in your skin with greater risk for darker skin types.
- What is the type of microdermabrasion used? Crystal, diamond or even newer type.

>>> Introducing The Timepeel Natural Diamond Home Microdermabrasion Machine

Microdermabrasion Before And After : Do Your Part Later – Monitor and healing

After each treatment, do regular self-checking of your skin. Severe lasting rashes, blemishes or itchiness could be symptoms of alergy to treatment. So consult the expert immediately. As microdermabrasion temporarily removes some moisture from the skin, it is always followed by the application of moisturizing creams.

For those who have very low pain threshold, microdermabrasion is the next-generation highly recommended method of skin’s visible imperfections removal technique. It is suitable for all skin types and has been described as one of the most effective scars removal options available.

Microdermabrasion plus points:

1. It is painless due to the abrasion is on stratum corneum layer.

2. You don’t need to pre-apply numbing cream. So no sticky feeling.

3. Extremely short treatment duration. You save time!

4. Increase in efficiency of skin. With stratum corneum, skin’s surface is improved.

Generally, you feel the same before and after microdermabrasion treatment. But how’s the look before and after? Younger and fabulous!

About the Author

(ArticlesBase SC #2564535)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Microdermabrasion : Microdermabrasion Before And After

By: Caroline Ang

Laser Hair Removal, The Usual Concern : Laser Hair Removal Before And After

Ever heard of laser hair removal technique? Yes, laser hair removal is on the rising trend. Tedious or painful hair removal methods such as shaving or electrolysis can now be left behind. Thanks to the laser hair removal technology. Long term hair removal can be achieved with several treatment sessions using either Laser, Radiofrequency, IPL or photopneumatic therapy. The laser or light energy is used to destroy hair roots permanently. Hairs of all colours can be effectively removed in 6 – 8 sessions at 3-4 week intervals. Your doctor can discuss with you which modality is most effective for each individual.

Laser hair removal method can be applied to these treatment areas:

- bikini
- facial hair
- underarms
- back hair
- legs
- chest and abdominal hair
- arms

Laser Hair Removal Before And After : Do Your Part First – Ask

Before having laser hair removal performed on specific area to enhance your beauty, it’s important to see what you may expect from the procedure. Ask the doctor for some advice and also some before and after photos. You should also do some homework such as:

- Find out the level of experience, skill, knowledge and training of the laser operator.
- What is your particular ability to heal?
- Understand the amount of melanin pigment in your skin with greater risk for darker skin types.
- What is the type of laser used?

Quick Wow Wow Hairy Poll

Do You Think Hairy Man Should Shave Their Legs?

VOTE YES or VOTE NO

Just Vote Above & Receive a $100 Beauty Gift Card!

Laser Hair Removal Before And After : Do Your Part Later – Monitor

After treatment, do regular self-checking of your skin. Rashes, blemishes or itchiness could be symptoms of alergy to treatment. So consult your doctor.

For those who have very low pain threshold, not to worry. Super Laser Hair Removal is the next-generation highly recommended method of hair removal. It uses diode laser with a patented coolant treatment tip that ensures the skin stays cool while the hair follicles are destructed. It is suitable for all skin types and has been described as one of the most comfortable laser hair removal options available. This procedure is FDA-approved.

So how is this laser different from other light-based hair removal treatment?

1. It is painless due to the unique coolant tip. You won’t feel a thing.

2. You don’t need to pre-apply numbing cream. So no sticky feeling.

3. Extremely short treatment duration as the laser is used in a fast sweeping motion on the skin. You save time!

4. Increase in efficiency even on light-coloured and fine hair. So you cut down on the number of sessions needed for optimal results and absolutely no risk of burns.

Generally, you feel the same before and after Super Laser Hair Removal. But how’s the look before and after? Even prettier!

About the Author

(ArticlesBase SC #2561212)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Laser Hair Removal, The Usual Concern : Laser Hair Removal Before And After

By: Caroline Ang

Tedious or painful hair removal methods such as shaving or electrolysis can now be left behind. Thanks to the laser technology. Long term hair removal can be achieved with several treatment sessions using either Laser, Radiofrequency, IPL or photopneumatic therapy. The laser or light energy is used to destroy hair roots permanently. Hairs of all colours can be effectively removed in 6 – 8 sessions at 3-4 week intervals. Your doctor can discuss with you which modality is most effective for each individual.

Laser hair removal method can be applied to these treatment areas:

- bikini
- facial hair
- underarms
- back hair
- legs
- chest and abdominal hair
- arms

Quick Hairy Poll

Do You Think Hairy Man Is Sexy?

VOTE YES or VOTE NO

Just Vote Above & Receive a $100 Beauty Gift Card!

Before having laser hair removal performed on specific area to enhance your beauty, it’s important to see what you may expect from the procedure. Ask the doctor for some advice and also some before and after photos. You should also do some homework such as:

- Find out the level of experience, skill, knowledge and training of the laser operator.
- What is your particular ability to heal?
- Understand the amount of melanin pigment in your skin with greater risk for darker skin types.
- What is the type of laser used?

For those who have very low pain threshold, not to worry. Super Hair Removal is the next-generation highly recommended method of hair removal. It uses diode laser with a patented coolant treatment tip that ensures the skin stays cool while the hair follicles are destructed. It is suitable for all skin types and has been described as one of the most comfortable laser hair removal options available. This procedure is FDA-approved.

So how is this laser different from other light-based hair removal treatment?

1. It is painless due to the unique coolant tip. You won’t feel a thing.

2. You don’t need to pre-apply numbing cream. So no sticky feeling.

3. Extremely short treatment duration as the laser is used in a fast sweeping motion on the skin. You save time!

4. Increase in efficiency even on light-coloured and fine hair. So you cut down on the number of sessions needed for optimal results and absolutely no risk of burns.

So after reading this article, do you intend to opt for a painless Super Hair Removal?

About the Author

(ArticlesBase SC #2549851)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Laser Hair Removal Before And After

Cheap Holidays Goa – Choosing Goa Holiday Package

Charles R. Swindoll

The entire human race is a huge mass of individuals striving toward the realization of their potentials in every area. Because of this, there is tremendous competition for the good things in life. Everybody wants them and no one is ever fully satisfied. The satisfaction of want or desire leads automatically to a want or desire for something else. And it never ends.

The Will to Win

What then is the difference between those who accomplish a lot and those who accomplish a little? It was the University of Alabama football coach, Bear Bryant, who said, “It is not the will to win but the will to prepare to win that counts.”

And therein lies the answer to the question. Everyone wants to be a winner. But very few people want to engage in the rigorous hard work, hour after hour, month after month, year after year, that is required to prepare themselves to win.

Mary Lou Retton, the gold medalist winner in the 1984 Los Angeles women’s gymnastics, said that she gave up all the activities of a normal childhood, from the age of seven, in order to prepare to win in the Olympic Games. For nine solid years, she paid an incredible price in terms of practice, practice, practice, day in and day out, week in and week out, month in and month out.

She missed the opportunities for dating, parties, the Senior Prom and much of the social activities that young people engage in. But she knew from the beginning that winning the Olympics would only be possible if she was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice in terms of hard, hard work, for months and years in advance.

How can you go from a big dream to reality?

Think it’s impossible in this economy? It’s not! In every shift of the economy—up or down—there are winners and losers.

Even in the Great Depression, people came out new millionaires. Today will be no different.

The Secret You Need to Create Wealth
The key to being successful in life and with your business is Focus.

Focus? What am I talking about?

If you want to be successful, the key is finding something you’re good at and focusing your efforts on just that…and then becoming rich doing it.

Here’s a timely example: every successful business owner knows they need to improve their marketing in a recession like we have now. They know they need to find a way to attract more clients and make more money. When times are tough, you need to aggressively go out to find new clients and sell more products or services.

But most don’t know how and where to focus their marketing. They try a little of this and a little of that and get very little in the way of real results.

Knowing how and where to focus your efforts is your key to success.

To learn proven success skills from Brian Tracy, Tony Robbins, Mark Victor Hansen, Robert Kiyosaki and more, click here now.