Business Lessons: The Story of Victoria's Secret

Roy Raymond is the name of the creator of Victoria's Secret business as we all know that today represents the franchise world's largest fine and elegant lingerie.

Roy's main motivation in the 70's had to do with the fact that he, like most men would acquire confidence was complicated lingerie for their wives in conventional stores. So in search of a conservative and practical solution , this formidable ideological business concept . What Roy wanted was a comfortable place to purchase that might be attractive to men and women.

The first store was opened in San Francisco in 1977 and over the next 5 years would open two more stores.  The acceptance was such that soon launched its catalog shopping system for your goal of making more accessible the purchase, be fulfilled. Thanks the novelty of the concept and the excellent quality of product, would soon be distributing hundreds of catalogs in the mail with seasonal garments, which the business was growing by leaps and bounds. Roy's success soon attracted the eyes of large investors , one of which the company The Limited who in 1982 he proposed the acquisition of Victoria's Secret business for the "juicy" amount of $ 4 million. Roy accepted almost without hesitation and sold for this amount of stores, concept, branding and catalogs. What happened next? So much for the end of this story seems very happy.

I have no doubt that Roy Raymond has enjoyed the sweetness of success in that short time for his business acumen was quite acceptable. What happened next is that the new owners while maintaining the original concept focused on expanding all over U.S. stores open more areas and increasing the number of catalogs distributed. Additionally, more than just lingerie, added to the brand new related products such as shoes, perfumes and accessories for women . In addition, part of its strategy (controversial by the way) was to include famous models make them look the clothes that appeared in the catalogs. So that in just 10 years, The Limited transformed the business from Victoria's Secret in lingerie biggest brand in America surpassing the early 90s to one billion dollars in profits! Can you imagine? More numbers ...

• In 1995 they released their first runway shows to promote their products to lingerie.
• In 1999 the show began airing online so that everyone could have access.
• In early 2000, the parade began to be broadcast on TV via ABC and seen by millions of viewers around the world.
• By 2006, Victoria's Secret produces and distributes more than 400 million catalogs.
• To date there are over 1000 stores in the U.S. alone.

In short, the business created by Roy Raymond in San Francisco that began with a modest lingerie store has become the leading brand in the world that generates annual revenues exceeding $ 3 billion. Business Lessons

1. Business Start dreaming big , holding the vision and believing that you can become very large. For all despise this modest business you have today because you may simply not seeing great potential behind it.

2. Before selling or closing your business calls for advice. Find people who know business, who have proven experience in investments and have them help you make the right decisions.

3. Do not be dazzled by a large sum of money especially if you have a good concept or a great business idea . A good example is Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook who at one time Yahoo offered $ 1 billion dollars for his social network. Mark did not accept and now bill a minimum of $ 15.000 million dollars per year.

4. Never forget that a business grows gradually and as you keep your creativity, good ideas and a sense of constant innovation, it will keep growing and giving you the professional and economic satisfaction you seek.