Shark Tank‘s Daymond John reveals his most important factor in deciding an investment.
Today, as a judge on ABC’s Shark Tank, John evaluates entrepreneurial proposals, deciding which are suitable for investment. With the show’s third season underway, John spoke with Inc.com reporter Abigail Tracy about the keys to garnering investors and becoming a successful entrepreneur.
What trait served you best in making FUBU a success?
I was very decisive—I had a very concentrated segment of a market I wanted to target. I attached myself to the emerging hip-hop culture and there was never a day that I wouldn’t work because I was doing something I loved. I knew what I knew, and I knew what I didn’t know. I always tried to align myself with strategic partners, friends and information to help me with the things that I did not know and ultimately I made it.
How did your experience with FUBU land you as a judge on Shark Tank?
Well, I have failed so many times over the last 25 years with FUBU and have faced every struggle that every entrepreneur does. I probably wouldn’t have made it past casting of Shark Tank in the beginning; I was so green when I started. But now I can see the many paths that an entrepreneur may be heading down that I know to avoid and can pick out the entrepreneur that is just like me—resilient, driven and won’t take no for an answer.
What else do you look for before making an investment in a company?
I always look for the person first—before the idea. I need to know that they are going to get the right information, and not go off and make mistakes without at least trying to educate themselves. I value an entrepreneur I can get behind and trust, because I know they are attempting to move forward in life.
How important do you think the relationship between an entrepreneur and investor is?
It’s extremely important.
» Read the full interview on Inc.
