While Dragons’ Den is educational and entertaining, I hope the theatrics don’t scare off too many wannabe small business owners.
After being in business for 30 years, I’ve almost forgotten what it’s like to have to report daily to a job or punch a time clock. I’d like to see more people enjoy the thrill of owning a small business.
Entrepreneurs need to invest the time and effort needed to learn the business trade before attempting to attract investors like the Dragons. And the most effective way I know of to learn about business is to own one. Like every other discipline, the road to success is littered with tough lessons, long hours and a lot of determination.
The Dragons sift through a lot of pitches in order to find a few investment-ready high growth opportunities. For every idea that hits the jackpot, there are several that simply don’t meet the standard set by the investors.
There’s no doubt in my mind that each of the Dragons have earned the right to sit in an elevated chair and cuff the spit out of the gutsy hopefuls who dare to venture into the Den. However, as some of those rejected souls . . .Continue reading Hone Your Small Business Skills before Tackling Venture Capitalists
