How to TRICK Your Way into the Shark Tank
How to TRICK Your Way into the Shark Tank
How can entrepreneurs use a mindset of constant improvement to innovate?
I constantly question: "There has to be a better way." It’s not something I choose to think about—it’s just how I see the world. It’s not a gift; it’s a curse.
Everything I observe, I analyze through this lens. I can’t help but look at how things are done and immediately think this could be improved. It drives my wife and friends crazy because, no matter what the plan is, I always have a new idea or an alternative approach. I always think, "You know what we could do instead?"
This relentless need to find a better way fuels my approach to business, innovation, and problem-solving.
What signs indicate it's time for entrepreneurs to pivot their strategies?
One challenge many people face is knowing when to pivot. Sometimes, we think we’ve found a better way to do something, make a change, and then realize it was a complete failure.
I recently heard someone say, “Just because you order a crap sandwich doesn’t mean you have to eat it.” The problem is that when people take pride in their ideas, they often refuse to admit when something isn’t working. Instead of acknowledging the mistake, they try to convince themselves and others that it is still a good idea.
As entrepreneurs, we do this a lot. Inventors are probably even more. We admire stories like Edison failing a thousand times before inventing the light bulb. Still, the key lesson isn’t just persistence—knowing when to step back, admit an idea didn’t work, and move forward in a different direction. That requires humility.
Success isn’t just about pushing forward—it’s about recognizing when an idea isn’t right and being willing to course-correct.
How can the book of Proverbs improve business decision-making and relationships?
I want to share a lesson I learned from the book of Proverbs. When I was younger, someone challenged me to read it, and it impacted me. Proverbs is in the middle of the Bible, and it's ideal for those who might shy away from religion, judgment, or condemnation. The book was written around 4,000 years ago by King Solomon, one of the most successful figures in history. He had more wealth, property, and cattle than anyone.
King Solomon was blessed by God and, toward the end of his life, wrote several books, including Proverbs, which is packed with wisdom. Proverbs has 31 chapters, meaning you can read one chapter daily for a month.
If I haven’t read Proverbs in a while, I start to feel spiritually hungry, and nothing else seems to satisfy that need. For anyone who feels lost or discontent, I challenge them to read the Proverbs for a dose of timeless wisdom rooted in God’s word. It doesn’t take long—just a few minutes—and will always provide something meaningful to reflect on.
Proverbs have undeniably impacted how I view life, business, relationships, and decision-making. They give me an eternal perspective and remind me that our time here is short. I’ve said goodbye to several friends recently, and those losses remind us that we need to make high-quality decisions and surround ourselves with people who uplift us.
Not everyone thinks this way, but I believe everyone should.
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.*
