Access the U. S. Patent Office’s application at https://www. uspto. gov/patents-application-process/file-online. Patenting your idea prevents other people from stealing it. You can patent any new, useful idea, process, or product. Your claim is protected even while the patent is pending. [2] X Trustworthy Source United States Patent and Trademark Office U. S. government agency responsible for registering and protecting patents and trademarks Go to source Consider contacting a patent attorney to help you complete the application. Hiring an attorney costs about $5,000 to $10,000 on average.
If you live in another country, you will need to travel in order to attend casting calls or the show. Keep this in mind when deciding if you’re ready to apply.
The average age of consent is 18, but this varies slightly from state to state. The age of majority may be a little different where you live.
Convicted felons are barred from the show. If you have felony or misdemeanor charges pending, you can’t apply. You and your immediate family members cannot be employed by Finmax LLC, Sony Pictures Television Inc, or other companies involved in the show’s production. You can’t be employed by these companies 1 year before you apply. You are ineligible if you are a candidate for public office. You must also agree not to run for public office until 1 year after the initial broadcast of the last episode of the season you appear in.
Look for casting call dates at https://abc. go. com/shows/shark-tank/open-call. Waiting to apply is no guarantee you will get an audition. Your application may get lost in the shuffle. Lots of people want to get on the show!
Some examples of occupations to list include nurse or firefighter. Like other demographic information, your occupation may be a part of your pitch to the show. The producers often take advantage of these details to pick applicants with compelling stories. You do not need to provide biographical information about your business partners. All you have to do is list their names where the application instructs you to.
Examples of the categories describing your business or product include technology, sports, entertainment, and pets. The form will ask what phase your business or product is in. Phases include the idea stage, research and development, beta testing, and operating and shipping. Focus on pitching your dream rather than the figures. Facts and figures are important, but drive, determination, and passion really sell ideas to casting directors.
Submitting a photo is optional. If your product or business is in the idea stage, you won’t have anything to submit. If you can submit an image, do it to boost your application.
The casting call schedule is posted at https://abc. go. com/shows/shark-tank/open-call. In 2019, for instance, casting calls happened in Washington, California, Tennessee, Nebraska, Arkansas, and New York. These locations change from year to year.
Print out the application by visiting https://abc. go. com/shows/shark-tank/applications. Some example questions include “What are the biggest hurdles you have had to face?” and “What will you do with the investment money?” If you are applying with a team of collaborators, each person needs to fill out their own application.
The crew typically hands out wristbands from 9 to 11 AM, but check the schedule for any changes. [8] X Research source The casting team generally attempts to get through all applicants that arrive at the venue, but keep in mind that this can change at any time. Your application only gets reviewed if you go through the audition process at the open interview unless you submit a separate application online.
Being a confident entrepreneur means showing poise and answering questions about your business or product with ease while still smiling. Speak in a firm but consistent tone. To stand out among everyone else, know your pitch idea well and show how much it means to you. Bring along a good prototype or other presentation material. You do not need to dress up or do something wild to succeed. If your business is in the idea phase, a great pitch is your best resource. Bring in props like posters showing your idea and how it will function when you finish with it.
If you have a product prototype to show off, bring it with you. You can also bring in computers, props, and other equipment. Give the crew as much of a hands-on preview of your business as possible. Facts and figures are okay to include if they are relevant. However, keep your pitch short and to the point. The boring financial stuff is better left to your paper application.
Watch your email as well. You usually won’t get a response through email, but you never know. Getting a callback is no guarantee. If you get rejected, you may receive a letter in the mail or hear nothing at all.
Expect the phone call to happen several weeks or months after your confirmation letter. It depends on the casting team’s schedule. They have to get through a lot of applicants. The interview covers questions about your business background, your noteworthy experiences, and your motivation. The casting crew member will also ask you about how you developed your idea and the steps you have taken to make it a success. Treat the call like a second interview. Put your confident and vivacious personality on display to succeed.
Keep in mind that you’re a semifinalist at this point. It doesn’t mean you’re on the show yet, but it does mean your chances are pretty good.
Video submissions are usually done online after the second round of applications. The video producer you talk with instructs you on how to submit the video. Usually it is through email, but they may also let you submit it on a CD through the mail if needed. Film as professionally as you can. Get a good video recorder, work in a well-lit room, and dress appropriately. Set up your product or business, if you have them, in a good light. Explain why your project is worthy of funding. If you have a relevant personal story to tell, include it in the pitch. Also, cite any meaningful sales numbers indicating your project’s success.
Professionalism includes any business website or pictures you take. The producers will look at these. Make sure they display your project well and show plenty of attention to detail.
Think from a producer’s perspective. Ask yourself if you would want to cast yourself or watch yourself on TV. Producers generally like entrepreneurs that offer drama, surprises, or tension.
Also, study entrepreneurs who failed to get a deal. Try to figure out what went wrong during the pitch. Doing this is especially helpful for products that look interesting but don’t get funded. Listen to the remarks from each shark. All of the judges respond differently to ideas and approaches. Figure out how to appeal to as many of them as possible.
For example, start giving your pitch to family and friends. Then, work with business associates and other people within your network. If you can, test it on strangers to get honest feedback. When you get approved for the show, you get put through rehearsals. The producer will make sure you’re ready for the show and give you some practical advice to succeed.
If you get accepted on the show, you will likely have a few months to practice. Give your pitch in front of the mirror as well as people you know. Practice until you get comfortable saying what you need to say. Edit your pitch selectively. If it doesn’t sound right to you, chances are you can improve it.
You can apply again as long as you haven’t filmed a show episode for your idea. If you think the producers rejected your application at any point during the casting process, consider applying again. If you were lucky enough to get to the filming stages, the producers may have chosen not to air your episode. Your best bet is to reapply with a new camera-ready idea. Remember that many people apply for the show. Even if you have a good pitch, the show’s producers may not get back to you. Your second application may end up in the hands of a different producer.
