Richard Branson’s influence on Honeydew Health

Whilst reading a recent BBC article in which Richard Branson listed his top 10 tips for success, it was eery how true this rang to the reasons Honeydew was started and the way we operate to this day. So, here are Richard Branson’s influences on Honeydew (without us even knowing).

Tips 1, 2 & 3: Follow you dreams and just do it. Don’t give up. Turn off the TV and get out there and do things.

Starting a business full stop was our MD’s dream but to keep it continuing, years later, shows the tenacity needed to keep going even if it seems like it’s never going to work! There’s a lot to be said for the old adage ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’. The hard work will be worth it if it’s something you love and as Branson said ‘Don’t just set out to do something for the sake of making money’. Also, we feel that E-mails can only go so far, just pick up the phone or we will come and see you…we like to get things done!

Tip 4: Make a positive difference and do some good.

Branson explains that a business is far more likely to succeed if it’s a business that impacts positively on people’s lives. And what better way to impact people’s lives, than to ensure their company looks after their health? The whole point of Honeydew is to ensure businesses have no excuse but to pay attention to the health and lives of their employees, and to make the steps towards good health care even easier. And thankfully, Branson’s theory is proving correct – we’ve had our most successful year to date and an influx of corporate wellbeing projects/ absence management clients under our belts.

Tips 5 & 6: Believe in your ideas and be the best. Make lots of lists and keep setting yourself challenges.

Our best year to date is not only down to the fact that we do good. It’s also down to our business model of constant evolution (using list, after list, after list). Our online systems are the best in the field and we are forever updating, improving and tweaking. We truly believe that our products, Engage and Resolve will better any workplace and this comes across when meeting prospective and new clients. It seems that belief is infectious…

Tip 7 & 8: Have fun and look after your team. Spend time with your family and learn to delegate.

Honeydew is a tiny but mighty group of 5 and it shows in our strong client relationships. We know each other’s roles, capabilities and strengths inside out and all of us are dedicated to the cause! We have all the luxuries of any modern company – flexible working times, we work from home, have good annual leave, a constant workload and none of the usual stress of a large corporation.

Tip 9: When people say bad things about you, just prove them wrong.

A close friend of Honeydew has a mantra, ‘complaints are a gift’. We are ever learning and take every single one seriously. It’s rare we get complaints but when we do, they’re fixed with rigour and we will show you that they will never happen again!

Tip 10: Do what you love and have a sofa in the kitchen.

Well….we can add a sofa.

To see the full article on the BBC website, click here.