Live Chat with Shark Tank's Daymond John

That is an argument, but there is a perspective to empathize with and that is Daymond's.  Do you know what it is like to grow up in his environment and deal with the rigors he had.. no and no one will. It's one story and Fubu was a product of his upbringing, right or wrong.   The question you need to be asking is what does that say about our society? Does the nation encompass racists? I don't think so. Are we uneducated to the marketing machine and branding? Possibly. He's a great businessman.   Regardless, we live in a world where fashion can make you millions, which is slightly disappointing. Image, right or wrong, is highly valued in our country and he benefited from it.   Fubu is only relevant for us and Daymond from a historical sense.  Have you seen Fubu in any stores that are considered "high quality" ...no. Based on your argument, people must have caught on for that or any other reason that makes clothing brands successful.   Fashion is a bamboozling enigma and we have seen worse and will continue to see worse in other industries.

While I admire Daymond's business sense, his business (FUBU) is racist...Imagine starting a clothing line called "For Whites, by Whites". Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton would have a field day filing lawsuits and claiming "continued offensive oppression by Whitey..."

Great question on Provisional Patent. Funny thing, I had the same exact idea as Volke 5 years ago. I filed a provisional patent and started shopping around for investors. End result, there are 4 new companies doing the same idea. After looking back and learning from this, the most important thing to understand is that the big guys have more capital and resources than a small start up. I would raise funding from family and friends. Build it out asap. Even if only the top 2 or 3 features, then hire a video company to do a top video about it. Post on Kickstarter, PR and news articles all over the net. If you have a million dollar idea, build it out under the radar of the big fish. If you can build it your self, get on it asap. OR go on national TV where at least you can say you had the idea first. Sandy Megastar Networks

Loving this live video platform.

I like this... Keep going Entrepreneur....

I have a few that I will try and get through to him.

am planing to start my training center in march what must i do 4 my business to go forward

How do you know what business niche is for you as an entrepreneur?

Hello Beth, I have worked on the last three seasons of Shark Tank. I am not a decision maker on the show but have seen over 240 pitches. We recorded over 80 Entrepreneurs this last season knowing that all of them might not make it through background check, legal contracts and or actually air for various reasons. Unfortunately it is part of the business and we have to over plan. A "yes" or "no" on Shark Tank does not mean you will air, there are many other factors out of our control as well. I remember your product and you guys did great, it really depends on how everyone else does and what type of TV drama naturally comes out in each pitch. What I can tell you and all our fans from an inside perspective of the show. We honestly try an give all our entrepreneurs honest advice, pitch practice, display/product help and every chance to succeed in front of the sharks. We really have no pre plans or wish for anyone to do poorly, actually its quite the opposite. There are hundreds of crew all working to help you guys look the best you can in front of the sharks. I'm not sure why your taping did not air Beth, but know that all of us on the show love what each and every one of you are doing and respect your tenacity, drive and overall endurance. I am an entrepreneur myself (software for film and TV) and can empathize with your journey completely! It is not an easy one. Daymond John tweeted last year: "It's hard to beat a person who never gives up" - Babe Ruth

I missed Damon.

Find someone with a unique investment vision who needs capital...like me.

Good program---thanks!  It's always good to get opinions of someone successful.  Maybe you can kill the background music next time...

Hi Damon, I am a female minority  business owner that started a correctional business. What would be my best approach for securing an angel investor or venture capitalist to support my marketing needs? I have a small following due to my lack of marketing.

When starting a product line, what do you think is an appropriate number of products should you begin with? A Dupree

Do you have any advice for approaching a brand about collaborating on a new NON-proprietry idea?Thanks!

Do you think that any good idea, that has customers who are interested in the product/service can make money? Or are there good ideas that simply cannot create a successful revenue model?

question, how can I post a question? in the comment area?

How can I approach VC firms that focus on e-commerce retail?  Which ones focus on e-commerce and retail/consumer goods/luxury? 

I am runing ICT training business Pinna Infotech & seeking investor with good ROI. so how to expand ?

Energy Storage technology to bring storage to commercial applications, on their side of the meter, affordably. Energy sector hard to enter. Pat pending. Advice?

I legitimately want to ask Mr Dash ; should I bring on a young white male C level person since most of the Tech companies getting funding seem to have one (or two or three)?

I have a specialty dessert business that was established almost 2 years ago.  I've definitely reached a point where I need capital to grow.  How can I find investors that would be interested in investing in the dessert industry as I continue to establish my brand as a standout against similar businesses?

What questions should I ask when deciding what to name my company? 

With the announcement of partnering with Edison Nation How involved will you be in the selection process & is there a possiblity that more than one product will be selected?

Hi Daymond, I hope you can help me out. I'm currently working on a tech start-up for an up and coming industry. Unfortunately I already have major competition, as a relatively new start-up has a growing number of customers already.  The features the competing start-up provides is very similar to what I'm working on as well. However, the issue is that the competing start-up's business model is not ideal for the industry, whereas mine is. But the customers are willing to try the competing start-up's business model.  Both the competing start-up, and the one i'm working on has the same goal at the end. But different approaches, and a different business model. There is a poor-servicing industry leader which we want to dismantle. Should I work for the competing start-up, or continue what i'm working on? Any feedback will be appreciated! Thanks and i'll see you on TV! 

I have a fantastic business model but because it requires a substantial amount of funding for development, we have yet to earn a profit. What can I do to improve my odds of getting an investment if my company hasn't made any money yet?

For your first venture, how did you raise capital?  Did you elect to procure funds from Venture Capitalists, did you assume a partner or partners, did you tap into personal funds,  or did you take out line of credit (bank loan or credit cards)? If your choose anything other than personal funds, what was the most difficult obstacle you had to overcome? Thanks,Greg 

We are founding a fitness apparel company premiering a brand new apparel technology. This technology opens up a whole new niche in the active wear market. What are the top qualities you look for when considering the next big brand name in apparel? Thank you for the opportunity to ask this question, Roizo

How do you find funding for a small Tapas Bar and Lounge? I know location, location and location is Key but how do you know you have located the right location? And how do I qualify for a spot on Shark Tank? Carletta

My question is if you are a young aspiring entrepreneur that does not have tons of money and you do not have friends or family with the capability or willingness to help you but a great biz idea and product (unique high heel shoe line) that you want to travel and brand on a global level and you would like guidance, training, and resources, and connections from Raymond John with also a goal of him helping to fund your company...I can't even ask what's the best way to go about it. I'm just asking, will he do it and exactly how? Thanks Felisha Mitchell from Monet Chic and also contacted Shark Branding as her consultant company to he...thanks

I'm in a great position to secure a loan for my startup (little debt, good credit score,etc) but it still makes me nervous to borrow money for the business. What's the best way to overcome this fear?

I am a senior citizen with experience in cooking healthy style food for many years. I am told that  I was ahead of my time.  I have operated cafes, one on each coast of our country, and now my vision and dream is to have"Healthy Food Trucks" in many cities, as alternatives to fast foods offered.   My question to you is as a senior, is there any kind of financing or backing available for me to help bring this dream to life, for a healthier Lifestyle in our country?   `Marlene D

Hi: Now that you are teaming up with Edison Nation, will you also continue with product submissions through your Shark Branding? And if so, how long is the estimated time frame for when we should hear if your company is interested? Thanks so much. Thanks, Robin

I am founding an internet company.  With investments from myself, partner, friends, family and one Angel, we have been able to get the product online.  To really take it to where we want it to go we will have to get another round of investment very soon.  Where do we begin?  And what are the top 3 things that investors will want to see?

Where do you begin looking for investment after getting investments from friends and family?

Mr. John, please make sure you spend a moment focusing on WHAT NOT TO DO on the shark tank show.. I would love to hear you expound on things that you wish people wouldn't do on the show - or things that you wish they would do better - SINCE, that is their opportunity, right there, to get through to you. You must have a lot of mental notes on what people can do BEFORE coming to meet you and your fellow sharks. (mostly to ensure that they aren't caught unprepared by things you KNOW are going to happen. don't forget to include this - that is what we want to know from you the most. Don't be shy either, brother..

As a high school business teacher, I am always looking for ways to stimulate the interest of students towards an entrepreneurship class or any business class for that matter. It will make for an easier bridge into the business world. The best and brightest students are often directed away from business classes by their counselors and placed in Advanced Placement courses in the sciences for example. Any suggestions to help with that?

I am a young adult trying to get funded for a beverage company. Is there any hope for funding from angel or venture capitalist for that or are tech start ups getting all the money?

Hello Daymond, Thanks for your time and developing the FUBU line, I graduated high school in 1998 in upstate NY and FUBU clothing line was part of everyday culture, alot of great memories.  I have a sporting clothes line called, "I Am Basketball" that's showing steady growth and at what point in your business do you feel you should start searching for investors to help it grow and take it to the next level? and how do I land an investor like you who not only believes in your product but has experience in the clothing/Apparel business and can also be a great mentor?   Jonathan ibbal.com

I have two questions. I have a finance background, but my idea requires a computer science background. Would Angels only invest if I have a computer science engineer as a co-founder/partner? Also, is it possible to obtain Angel funding with only a fully fleshed out idea or is it necessary to have a working beta version?

Lots of competition in haircare at the professional/salon only level. What's the best way to market directly to consumers who purchase haircare only at salons vs. retail i.e. drugstores, online etc.

My company is the exclusive printer of a truly unique product. I have been in the apparel business since before my hair turned blonde. Our t-shirts are the #1 selling t's in the World of Coke stores and have been since they opened their new format stores a few years ago. this is a patented process for printing SCENTED t's. We print Cherry Coke/Fanta Grape/Barqs root beer and and and....if it is Scented we can print it. The problem is the patent holder is a very different type of fellow. After many years placing various products (not scented) in every store from Fred Segal to Wal-Mart I made the decision not to sell retailers as i got tired of me financing billion dollar companies all be it thru factors. This is the hardest sell in I have seen but the best sell thru. It is NOT scratch and sniff.  It IS sniff and sniff. do you have any thoughts as how to take this to market without me funding the retailers.

How do I keep positive cash flow? In order to land large retailers I need a substantial inventory. Product needs to be paid for before shipment. Some retailers/distributors operate under net 90.  I'm a mom inventor that has taken my product Carry-Her from kitchen table to two of the top toy stores in the country.  Operating on a shoe string budget, how do I keep up with the big boys? ~Ro Carry-Her Inc.

Importing goods made in China - how to, import/ duty fees... How it all figures into cost of product. Also where to get the best marketing blast for a new idea that is hard to patent and will be copied. I want to get in and get out before copycats join in.

things boil down to $. Its that simple. Innovation is good, very good. However, if its not earning at the end of the day, no investor would be interested.

things boil down to $. Its that simple. Innovation is good, very good, but if there's no earning no one would be interested. 

How do you do it? Would you be my mentor?

Yey! Shark Tank!

What advice would you give all the under 25 year old (or all) entrepreneurs trying to find how to get where you are today Daymond?

I want to know why our segment of Shark Tank hasn't been aired even though we got a "NO."  Our mascot character had most of the crew watching the cams, we made for great music & movement TV, plus we broach a very, very controversial and topical topic of teaching our children a 2nd language before elementary school.   Daymond ... help me out mi hermano / my brother ... why did BOCA and I get the 'no air' from Shark Tank?  I love you guys!

Thank you D for the information & inspiration. Do you have any insight about forming an LLC for a small business startup?

What is your best advice for where a very small start-up company with a solid business idea can go to attract angel investors?

I am founding an internet company.  I have acquired a limited amount of investment from myself, partner, friends, and family to get a viable product online.  Where do i begin now to look for further investment?  And what are the top 3 things that potential investors are going to want to see to invest?

I have a driving school since 2004.  It is profitable and sales increased every year since 2004.  I am eager to pass the famous $1 Million sales in one year.  I try to get loans and no one is lending now.  I want to open a 3rd brick and mortar location too increase sales.  How to find someone willing to partner with a small business like mine.  Is it wise to have someone like yourself (rich and famous) promote a business like mine for a percentage?  If so how do you get in contact and how much percentage should I offer?  

I run a company with my business partner. In two short years we have seen a lot of strides and growth. We closed one round of Angel funding. We would like to secure more Angel funding as our programs are expanding.  Do Angel Investors only care about the bottom line dollar at the end of the day, or are they equally interested in innovation?

I'm looking to get into the fragrance market/ industry that targets women and men.  My question is as an entrepreneur with very limited funds, what steps should I take that will lead to investor opportunities, which in turn will shape the company to profitability and continued growth.  My idea is solid and marketing the brand is in place.  

Essentially I have been a stay at home mom while I raised my children, with periodic but meaningful employment. I have not spent that time doing nothing, but have spent 13 of those years working in not-for profits and building my way up to be a not for profit manager. This has always been volunteer, unpaid work. After looking for paid employment for months, I decided if I can't find work, I'll make work and have crafted a very good business plan that I have received great reviews on, however I cannot use traditional means of finding funds for my business start-up as I have no credit history, no income and no assets. What options are there for me; and how can I sell the many strong skills I have and inspire trust without an employment history?

How do I pitch my newly established international women's magazine to investors.  Is there a special type of investor for publications?  Thanks. 

How can you develop an "elevator speech"that catches a potential investors attention in the first few minutes of presentation? What are you/they looking for (outside of a solid idea). I often have good ideas but have difficulty conveying myself and passing on the passion.

i have three utility patents, commercial sucess, more than 50 magazine articles heralding my product and lab tests as well as state and cities proven testing . Our products save fuel , lower emissions and have been on world record holders in All forms of automotive and aircraft competition world wide and the company and the products have ISO 9001-2008 certification , yet i am always behind the dollar because we have NO marketing ?

Would like to discuss the main issue-the deal. How can I express a 'new, different, (ah oh no,huh), custom, (because it works best this way and I can and should with this particular project)  innovative, (yes), incentive based, performa phased, that works WITH the traditional and new ways, in this ever changing conflicting climate, business proposal that i n c l u d e s, NDA, complete business and creative all copyrighted, plus more, without throwing it out there for others to 'acquire,' to potential investors / people who normally operate ...in the box?  

I would like to know what is the most precise way of valuating a new startup business?

How to attract venture capitalists for businesses outside the US? especially in Asia? Thank you 

i love his words.. it motivates me to be more harder to work..

I have a background as a designer, product developer and product line manager in headwear and footwear. I've had a failing apparel company prior to holding those positions. I'm in the planning phase of starting a men's ultra-luxe limited run footwear company and a technology based luxury apparel brand. My goal is to focus on classic styling with quality. What are the biggest mistakes I need to be aware of? Is ir enough to have just one thing that makes the bend unique and in this global market how do you stay focused on your market? How can a brand get cult status like anything Ralph Lauren puts his name on but stay as underground as Supreme has done. Where does a brand begin to lose its relevance? Thanks, Mark Nathanael Hardy VICI Footwear / Harlem-Haarlem

I moved out of my house at at 15, bought my first 5 condos at 18 sold them in a month and a half for a $40k profit. I have started many different businesses all profiting within the first year. However no matter how well my numbers are or what I accomplish I find it hard to find viable investors. Without sounding vein, my ideas are multi million and billion dollar ideas that need large sums of money. I feel I have hit the limit of growth with the money that I have to invest. Where does a young 23 year old entrepreneur such as myself aqcuire sufficient financing?

I'd like to ask Daymond, if he was to start his apparel brand today, how would he build his brand from scratch?

Just completed year one of my startup company - truly an MBA from the school of hard knocks.  I'm very excited about year two and think taking on a partner would help immensely.  The company is lots of work and I don't think I'll be able to find someone that shares my passion.  I want to maintain my friendships and family relationships so friends and family members are not options.  Any suggestions of where to look for a partner?