10 Ways To Get On Shark Tank

1. Eligibility Requirements Met

Before you can be on shark tank, you must make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.


First, you must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.


Second, applicants must have a clean legal record, meaning they cannot have any felony convictions, nor can they have any pending felony or misdemeanor charges.


Third, applicants have no association with the sharks, or any company running the show (Sony Pictures, ABC Inc., etc.).


Finally, applicants must not be running for public office at the time of applying and must agree not to run for public office for at least one year after their appearance on the show.

2. Product Has Traction

Most products on shark tank have traction, and are past the "I just thought of this" phase. Here are some benchmarks most products on shark tank have hit by the time they get approved.


Sales Numbers: Many products on shark tank have actually hit stores and have sales, that way if anyone asks (looking at you Mr. Wonderful) you will have that number handy.


Patent Pending Status: It is no secret that patent pending status is a big deal. This is a great way to show that you are serious about your idea, and therefore a legitimate contestant for shark tank.

3. Consumer Facing Product

It's no secret that all of the products on shark tank share one thing in common. They are consumer facing products that the person watching shark tank might actually buy!


Shark tank is a show that we watch thinking "oh neat, I could totally use that" or "I get why that exists, but it isn't for me." This is the appeal of the show, and we wouldn't tune in to look at things we didn't understand, or weren't for us. It just wouldn't be as interesting! So if you are selling a variety of products, highlight the consumer facing products first and foremost, as these are the ones that are likely to sell.


YES - Doorbell, scooter, surfboard.


NO - Complex medicine, business to business services.

4. One Simple Hook

Think about every product you actually remember from all of the shark tank you've watched. Do you remember everything about every product, or do you only remember a few select products, and only the basic point?


Probably, you remember one specific thing. Personally, I remember the yellow smiley face of the "scrub daddy" and the incredible dance moves of the "I want to draw a cat for you" guy.


The takeaway? Focus on one thing that is memorable about your product! If you run a taco shop don't tell us about the many tacos, and the burrito line, and the drinks. Focus on one thing. Maybe make one item special, like one really big taco that you sell. Then the pitch is basically "LOOK - HUUUUGE TACO." It would be hard to forget that. This means not only does the audience actually remember you and understand, but it is much easier to get on shark tank in the first place, because the producers will actually remember you!

5. Personal Problem Solved

A successful Shark Tank pitch often centers around a personal problem that you identified and solved. Investors are drawn to stories where the entrepreneur faced a challenge in their own life, and developed a solution.


This personal connection not only demonstrates your passion and commitment but also proves that your product or service addresses a real need. By sharing how you turned a personal struggle into an opportunity, you can create a compelling and relatable pitch that resonates with both the Sharks and the audience.

6. Apply Multiple Ways

To maximize your chances of getting onto Shark Tank, it's essential to apply through multiple channels.


Online

The most straightforward method is to submit your application online, where you can provide details about your business and why you'd make a great contestant. However, don't stop there—attending an open call is another excellent way to get noticed.


Open Call

These events give you a chance to make a personal impression on the casting team and stand out from the crowd. It does require being there in-person however, which may not work with your schedule.


Invite
Additionally, getting spotted at trade shows or through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo can also lead to an invitation to apply. These venues are where producers often look for innovative products and passionate entrepreneurs. By diversifying your approach and being proactive, you increase your visibility and improve your chances of catching the eye of the Shark Tank producers.

7. Entertain The Audience

When pitching on Shark Tank, it's crucial to remember that you're not just selling to the Sharks—you're also entertaining millions of viewers. This type of ad space, which is essentially what shark tank is, can be worth millions of dollars, so it is natural they would want something in return. The audience tunes in to see exciting, innovative products, and they expect to be engaged and entertained.


To captivate both the Sharks and the viewers, you need to bring high energy to your pitch. A flat, number-heavy presentation won’t resonate; instead, focus on delivering your message with enthusiasm and confidence. Showcasing your passion and making your product come alive on screen is key to winning over both the Sharks and the audience.

8. Prototype Included

Having a prototype significantly boosts your chances of getting on Shark Tank. A prototype allows the Sharks to see, touch, and understand your product, making your pitch more tangible and convincing. However, the ideal scenario is to come prepared with more than just a prototype. If you can present sales information, it shows the Sharks that there's demand for your product and that it has market potential.


Additionally, having engaging consumer content, such as testimonials, videos, or social media buzz, further strengthens your pitch by proving that real people love and use your product. Combining a prototype with sales data and compelling consumer feedback makes your pitch irresistible and demonstrates that your product is ready to scale.

9. Social Media Started

When aiming for success on Shark Tank, building a strong social media presence is crucial. If a producer shows interest in your product, they'll likely Google it to gauge its market potential and popularity.


Start by creating engaging profiles on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Share high-quality content that highlights your product’s features, benefits, and customer testimonials. Consistent, visually appealing posts can attract attention and build a loyal following. Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility and engage with your audience through comments and direct messages. Positive interactions and a growing online presence can boost your credibility.


If you have the means, you can even leverage influencer partnerships and paid promotions to reach a wider audience. A well-maintained and active social media presence not only impresses producers but also demonstrates your product’s market appeal, making your pitch even more compelling.

10. Professional Presentation Created

A polished presentation not only serves as a powerful advertising tool but also boosts your credibility. Having a professional presentation ready can be advantageous at trade shows, investor meetings, and networking events. It demonstrates preparedness and professionalism, making a strong impression and setting the stage for potential opportunities. A well-crafted presentation can be the key to capturing interest and securing investment.


Start by crafting a clear, compelling elevator pitch that succinctly communicates your product’s value proposition.


Next, design visually engaging slides that highlight key points such as market potential, financial projections, and unique selling points.


High-quality images and graphics can enhance your message and keep your audience engaged.


Practice delivering your presentation to ensure smooth, confident delivery. This rehearsal will help you refine your pitch and prepare for any questions or challenges.



Evan Martin

Evan Martin is an intellectual property attorney with a background in electrical engineering. Evan has worked with hundreds of small businesses, medium sized businesses, and large corporations bringing them from an initial idea to a granted patent.

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