What does it take to secure a successful funding pitch for your business or innovative idea? How can you tell your story and pitch your idea to investors in a way that stands out from the competition? Mindy Zemrak joins the podcast to talk about her experience as a Supervising Casting Producer for Shark Tank. In our conversation, Mindy explains what the Shark Tank vetting process is like, how she conducts casting calls, what the Sharks look for when they hear a pitch, and much more. Don’t miss a minute of this eye-opening episode with Mindy!
The Shark Tank vetting process.
When you think of Shark Tank and the process it takes to get featured on the show, what comes to mind? Do you think of packets of questions that you’d have to answer and maybe even tech guys combing through your digital footprint? While some of those images might not be too far off, Mindy Zemrak was kind enough to give a more accurate peek into the Shark Tank vetting process. According to Mindy, between twenty and thirty thousand people apply to get the chance to make their funding pitch to the sharks. When they consider an applicant, half of the decision is based on the product or idea and the other half of the decision is based on the entrepreneur. To hear more about this elaborate process from Mindy, make sure to listen to this episode!
Why you need to know your numbers and tell your story.
With the knowledge that two factors go into the decision-making process to get featured on Shark Tank, wise entrepreneurs would take the time to hone their message. If you got the chance, would you be able to effectively tell your story and pitch your idea in a matter of minutes? The business industry has affectionately called this short speech the “elevator pitch” for years. If you don’t know your businesses numbers and you can’t tell your story with enthusiasm, you don’t deserve the investment! Make sure to listen to this episode as Mindy Zemrak reveals even more helpful insights into the Shark Tank process.
What to expect out of a successful Shark Tank experience.
While many applicants and entrepreneurs go through the Shark Tank experience, few get a chance to proceed with a deal from one of the sharks. Even if an individual doesn’t take a deal or all the sharks pass on the opportunity, they often get a huge boost in interest and sales due to visibility from the show. The fortunate few who do end up inking a deal with one of the sharks, start the next chapter with a lot to look forward to. After the deal is made, the work expected of the entrepreneur intensifies significantly. Thankfully, if you’ve made it that far, you are up for the task!
The future is bright!
What will be the legacy of platforms like Indiegogo, Kickstarter, and Shark Tank? Will these amazing platforms for innovation go down as trailblazers in a new era of invention and experimentation? Or will they blip on the radar scene as a fun national pastime? While the day is still young for these platforms, it is helpful to consider their impact. It seems safe to say that their collective influence on the entrepreneurial marketplace is substantial. The public popularity for these platforms has led to a seismic shift creating more opportunity for thousands of men and women that never existed before. To hear more about the bright future of the American dream from Mindy Zemrak’s perspective, make sure to listen to this engaging episode!
Key Takeaways
- [1:05] Mindy Zemrak joins the podcast to talk about her role with Shark Tank.
- [3:30] What is the Shark Tank vetting process like?
- [6:40] Mindy talks about the casting call process.
- [10:40] What do judges look for during a casting call?
- [13:40] Are there certain criteria the sharks look for?
- [17:40] How long does the pitch process take?
- [19:00] If you get to pitch but don’t make a deal, what should you do?
- [20:15] Mindy enters the Launch Round, rapid-fire questions.
- [23:15] How to connect with Mindy.
Links
Connect With Mindy Zemrak
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