If you own a small business, you must tune into Shark Tank on Friday night. Even if you don’t. It’s smart, snarky and teaches me something every time I watch.
The Sharks are a group of billionaires. They decide if entrepreneurs have a business plan worth their investments. The fun part is when the Sharks fight amongst themselves to finance a business and get part ownership of the company. The other fun part is hearing the clever pitches and great ideas out there. Butchers, bakers, candlestick makers, stay-at-home parents, entire families and inventors are among the business owners who went from small businesses to major successful companies. We see the pitching entrepreneurs turned successful companies in some of the episodes.
The Sharks include: Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Real estate investor Barbara Corcoran, investor Robert Herjavec, FUBU CEO Daymond John and financier Kevin O’Leary.
The inspiring stuff of this show is that everyday folks like you and me can pitch a business idea. Wait till you see some of these ideas. The show teaches you how to pull together a successful business plan and answer the tough questions Sharks can ask. “Shark Tank” begins its third season Friday at 8 p.m. on ABC. I’ll be watching.
On Shark Tank, Arizona mom Raven Thomas brought in tasty Painted Pretzels, chocolate-covered pretzels topped with everything from Heath bars to coconut — all homemade with her family’s help. She’s got orders from Neiman Marcus and a $2 million order pending from Sam’s Club. She wanted a $100,000 investment for a 25 percent share. Mark Cuban gave her the money and promised to sell them at Dallas Maverick games and in the Landmark Theaters he owns.
