I just watched a BBC trailer for the new Dragon's Den.
If this is what the participants (who must have agreed the script) and the BBC think is what makes it a good example of TV in any form, other than at last admitting it is pure Coliseum and nothing to do with good ideas and supporting business, then I say they need to look very carefully in the mirrors.
We have a coven of moody egotists huddled together, surrounding a blonde lady whose interestingly shapely leg, thanks to the camera angle, crushes a poor insect.
That insect is the person has an idea, and the guts to try and make something of it. And this is how they see themselves, and how to treat it. Nice one, guys. And as yet another metaphor for Brown's Britian, I can't think of a more telling one.
BBC - New Dragon offers tips for success
James Caan joins the Dragons for the new series
Entrepreneur, venture capitalist and multi-millionaire James Caan is joining Dragon's Den for the autumn series on BBC Two.
He offers these top 10 tips for would-be entrepreneurs looking to replicate his success.
1. Observe the masses and do the opposite
It is much easier to be part of the crowd than not, but an entrepreneur may need to swim against the tide.
2. Ambition is nothing without passion
Anyone can be enthusiastic. Passion is having the character to continue with an idea once that initial emotion has gone. You have got to have that conviction and unquestioning belief in what you are doing in order to be successful.
3. Presentation and preparation matter
If you do not make the best of yourself and present your idea in a clear manner, how can anyone believe that you will do the best for your business?
4. Prove your product
Have you got a good product with verified market acceptability?
Market acceptability means that it has been demonstrated to a number of people who have come back and said yes, this is something I would like to buy.
I certainly wouldn't invest in something that is no more than a plan on a piece of paper. Showing that you are able to execute your plans effectively is paramount.
5. Do your sums
Make sure that the figures stack up. Nobody is going to be interested in doing business with you if they can't see a return.
6. You can and must learn from failure
Entrepreneurs need to be prepared for things not working out as planned. They have to be prepared to make sacrifices for the business and be prepared for taking risks. Persistence is essential - who dares wins!
7. If you win, somebody else doesn't have to lose
Adopt a win-win formula. A lot of businesspeople walk around with an attitude of "I must win", which in practice often means "winning" at the expense of someone else.
To really succeed in the long term, you need to make sure that the people around you win too.
8. Your people are your business
How are your leadership skills? Successful entrepreneurs are rarely one-man bands and exceptional communication skills are vital.
9. Complacency is your enemy
No matter how successful you are, you should never rest on your laurels. Every year you should be wondering how to replicate or build on the success of the year before. It's an ongoing thing - you're never home and dry.
10. Don't work too hard
There are times in business when you have to put everything on one side and really go for it, but there's no point working seven days a week if you don't take time to enjoy life.
