I love the ABC “Shark Tank” television show. Not because
it’s inspirational (it’s usually not.) Not because of the great deals (most aren’t.)
And not to see which folks will present the latest and greatest products and
services (many are interesting, but certainly not revolutionary.) No, what I
love are the facial expressions of the sharks, particularly those of Mark
Cuban, self-made multi-billionaire and owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA
basketball team. Especially when the entrepreneur says something that “sounds
good,” but has little or no business value.
“But it’s a 15 billion dollar market,” one presenter
exclaimed, to which Mark Cuban pointed out, “Which you have none
of”…accompanied by that cocky grin of his, eyes dancing like flames, with one
hand gesturing wildly in mid-air. Many entrepreneurs spend fruitless minutes
trying to convince the sharks of something that flies in the face of common
sense and simple business logic, insisting that the audience of five “doesn’t
get it,” only to hear one after the next say, “I’m out,” which is frequently communicated
with a pained expression, some eye-rolling or both.
The bewildered looks on the faces of many who receive Mark
Cuban’s and the other sharks’ criticisms over such assertions is almost tragic,
and I often feel badly for them. I often wonder if these folks had ever sought
some basic advice from seasoned business people before they went on the air, if
only to gain some wisdom and insight from those who have walked in the same shoes
in which they wish to step.
Yes, it’s wonderful to encourage folks (“Hey – at least you
tried!”) And it’s certainly okay to let people know that in your opinion, they
have a great idea (“Wow…that is fantastic! Everyone will want one!”) But when
it comes to uncharted waters that are infested by sharks, it is best to board a
vessel that has a seasoned captain who knows what kind of bait to put in the
water. There’s no shame in being humble
and asking advice of those who have successfully landed a Great White
themselves…particularly if you’ve never been on the ocean before.
