the companion series to ABC’s Shark Tank, follows the outcomes of Shark Tank entrepreneurs. The Sharks evaluate the businesses, coach the entrepreneurs, provide advice and feedback, and nudge the entrepreneurs toward success.
As they face difficult decisions, the entrepreneurs look to the Sharks for help and many fall victim to what Barbara Corcoran calls the “kiss of death.” Barbara Corcoran, the “Shark” investor who turned a $1,000 loan into a billion dollar business, in a recent interview shared the worst question entrepreneurs can ask.
According to Corcoran this is the entrepreneurial “kiss of death.” Corcoran stated that two-thirds of entrepreneurs who have asked her that question have failed. When an entrepreneur asks that question of an investor or advisor, they are demonstrating a lack of the entrepreneurial qualities–vision, creativity, clarity, and ownership–that are needed to thrive. It’s okay to not have the answers, but it’s not okay to rely on others for the direction of your business. Corcoran stated that she is essentially the “grandparent who supports the business,” but she is not the entrepreneur that is making the decisions. The kiss of death question is childish and “children don’t grow businesses, adults do,” says Corcoran.
“What would you do if you were me?” This question implies ownership. The entrepreneur is seeking advice but remains steadfast as the decision maker of the business. The entrepreneur is looking to validate their next steps rather than being carried to the next step. The difference between the questions is subtle, but it just may be the difference between the life or death of your business.
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