What Shark Tank Doesn’t Show You

business planning entrepreneurship Aug 07, 2025

Shark Tank is fun to watch, but it’s not exactly the full picture of what starting a business looks like. The reality is that most entrepreneurs aren’t pitching in front of millionaires. They’re building websites at midnight, cobbling together personal finances to fund their startups and brewing up new beers in their garages (true story).

They’re also figuring things out as they go. It’s a lot of trial and error, and here’s what doesn’t always make it into the highlight reel:

  • You don’t need a perfect pitch. You just need a real solution to a real problem. Customers care more about whether you can actually help them than how polished your elevator speech sounds. If you solve something that matters, they’ll listen.
  • You probably don’t need investors, but you do need traction. Most businesses start with sweat equity and their owner’s savings, not outside money. Focus on getting customers, making sales, and proving your idea works. That’s what builds real momentum.
  • You don’t need a 10-year plan. You need a next step. Long-term vision is important, but execution happens in small moves. Figure out what you can do today that moves things forward and then do it again tomorrow.

Forget the highlight reels. Build what makes sense for you, serve your customers well and keep moving forward. That’s how successful businesses are made. 

 

And if you want a little structure to get started, I’ve got you. My business planning guide and startup course were built for people like you—ambitious, smart, and ready to take the first step. If you’re looking for some structure, support and real-world advice (minus the fluff), check out First-Time Entrepreneurship: Your Complete Success Roadmap and Unleash Your Profits: The Strategic Business Plan Guide.

Developed for first-time entrepreneurs, these resources are all about helping you move forward with a plan that works. Not sure what type of business you want to start? Figure it out in 30 minutes or less with my FREE 5-page, interactive PDF. Click here to download.

 
 
 

Let's Connect!Ā 

Looking for more helpful business tips, strategies and articles? Sign up for my email list and you'll be the first to know when new content drops.