During an exclusive interview with Forbes, entrepreneur Richard Branson revealed one of his biggest business blunders. The Virgin Group founder admitted that his foray into the soft drinks market with Virgin Cola was a huge mistake. Despite initial success and even outselling Coca-Cola at some stores, the brand eventually crashed due to a disastrous PR stunt.
Branson recalled the moment when he ordered a British Sherman tank to be brought to Times Square and crush a pile of Coke and Pepsi cans. The ill-fated move sealed the fate of Virgin Cola and led to its eventual discontinuation in 2014. Looking back on the experience, Branson realized the importance of staying true to your values and differentiating your business from competitors.
In typical Branson style, he emphasized his motto of “S**** it, let’s do it,” which reflects his willingness to take risks and try new things. Despite setbacks, Branson continues to embrace new challenges and enjoy the process of learning along the way. His unwavering commitment to innovation and creativity has made him one of the most successful entrepreneurs in history.
