For the past 10 years I’ve been watching “Shark Tank.” Along with The Profit, it’s one of my favorite shows. I pay attention to Shark Tank pitch format, Shark Tank pitch script, and other important things the show highlights. I’ve even tried to watch some of the international versions (which are unwatchable.) After 10 years of episodes and together with my...
Doing business with friends and family
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year. It’s a time when families and friends get together to just chill. There’s not the pressure of gifts or the rush of multiple, conflicting parties for 3 weeks like there is during Christmas. It’s cozy and relaxing. Unless you went into business with someone at the dinner table and it’s not going so well. Or even worse, if you lent...
Should you take investor money?
As entrepreneurs who are trying to grow our companies, it’s an important question. One that we’ll be constantly faced with: should you seek or take investor money? Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been around a while and want to grow faster or capture another market, it’s a tough decision to make. It’s not an easy decision because there are considerable...
Lies We Tell Startups: Funding, Home runs and All Star Startup Founders
“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” – Mark Twain There is a lot of material for entrepreneurs that’s posted on social media, in magazines and in the press. A lot of it is great, but some is not helpful and may even be shared to promote the agenda of a company trying to sell...
How Not to Pitch Investors
Finding money can be an important part of starting a company. However, it may not be necessary as we cover here. But if you are looking for funding, be mindful of doing it the right way. Pitching to someone you want to work with or asking them for money is a subtle art. There’s a right way and a wrong way. In the video below we discuss how NOT to pitch to investors. Why did I feel it...