I love Shark Tank! It is, in my opinion, one of the best reality shows on television.

Every time I watch Shark Tank, I feel like I learn something new. Not necessary about a particular product but more about the important characteristics that one should have to be successful.

Being a Salesforce Administrator, it’s natural for me to evaluate these lessons and apply them to my everyday life!

So, here are the seven important lessons I’ve learned over the course of several seasons of Shark Tank. Think about how you can apply these lessons to your own life; personally and professionally.

1. Be Confident

You can see a winner a mile away. Confidence isn’t just something you feel. It shows on the outside too.

Notice that many of the entrepreneurs who make a deal in the shark tank exude confidence (maybe a little too much at times too).

Confidence communicates drive, self-reliance and determination. People are attracted to those that are (or act) confident. Don’t let your insecurities show through. Work through them and shine!

Be careful though. Those that are naturally confidence can sometimes come across as overly confident. Don’t become so confident that you aren’t liked. It can become an unattractive quality if not kept in check.

2. Know What You Want (and what you don’t)

Just a few weeks ago a young lady with a “revolutionary” sports bra walked into the tank looking to make a deal. She was offered several creative deals from various sharks but she was surprisingly quick to turn them down while at the same time providing a counter offer.

Her decisiveness impressed the sharks so much that they were willing to negotiate with her because they wanted to work with her. They were impressed with what they saw.

When prepping for a big life decision, an executive presentation or any other large changes which may be in the works, it’s important to think ahead and know what you want out of the experience.

It’s equally important to know what you don’t want. If you don’t know what you want, you’ll start to crumble under pressure and no one likes to have that deer-in-the-headlights look.

It can be intimidating to be in front of the sharks (whoever your sharks are). Your train of thought can easily slip away. It was clear that this entrepreneur know exactly what she was looking for in a business partner and she wasn’t afraid to stick to the plan – even if that meant leaving with nothing.

Be decisive. Don’t waffle. Plan ahead.

3. Be Memorable

We keep hearing the buzz words “Personal Brand” a lot these days. Heck, even I’ve talked about it here on the blog! But it’s so important to have some understanding of your brand because it is still true that you get only one chance to make a great first impression.

Why not make that first impression one that people will remember and talk about for a long time?

After all, the entrepreneurs who don’t make a deal with a shark have an opportunity to get their product and brand in front of millions of viewers. Think about this in terms of leaving a legacy. As a Salesforce Administrator, I don’t want a new administrator to inherit my org and think “gosh, this guy was a slob.”

You want your users, managers and peers to wish that you were still working with them; that you had never left.

How will you be remembered?

4. Be Passionate

Passion is important. Some of the folks that walk into the shark tank are overly passionate, but it proves that they love what they do and they believe in the product or service.

If there  is one thing I can say about Salesforce Administrators, it’s that we are a passionate bunch! Just one look at the Success Community will tell you that.

When that passion translates into your day-to-day, people will take notice. Are you passionate about driving user adoption? You probably love creating the training materials – and you are really good at it too!

What are you passionate about outside of the workplace? Perhaps your family. Maybe you are passionate about jazz flute or hiking, or you like knitting sweaters for cats!

Whatever it is, let your passion overflow! There are huge amounts of creativity that comes out of passion. If you aren’t passionate about something, find that one thing that just makes you smile and do that one thing.

5. Be Willing to Compromise

There is a lot of talk around how and why to say “no” to executives and users. I believe that this is a good quality to have and it is necessary from time-to-time, but please, don’t let no be your only response.

Robert Louis Stevenson said that “Compromise is the best and cheapest lawyer.” He’s right.

While you shouldn’t compromise on who you are or your fundamental principles or beliefs, there is room for compromise.

Why not get along with people – meet them half way. You’ll find that doing so will open up new opportunities.

Just think, what would America look like if there was more compromise between political parties?

6. Don’t be a Diva; Learn to Take Advice

People who think they have all the answers drive me crazy. They are always wanting to be the center of attention and seem to have an ego bigger than Mariah Carey.

Diva’s don’t seem to take advice very well so please, don’t be a diva!

When someone provides you advice, take it. You don’t need to do anything with it but you should be willing to listen and learn. It’s only through collaboration and idea sharing that we grow.

Give people an opportunity to give you advice and feedback. Iron sharpens iron. Learn to accept that for what it is.

7. Communication is Key

No one likes to be confused. When you go into the Shark Tank, your message needs to be clear, concise and to the point. If the sharks don’t understand your product, they won’t invest.

Salesforce Administrators – take stalk now. How are you communicating to your users? Is it the same way you are communicating with executives? Are you droning on and on and on and on and on and on?

Every conversation should matter. It’s an opportunity to build your personal brand and drive change; sell your idea or product!

Use clear language that your audience can understand and remember, keep it simple.

Your Turn

Are you a fan of Shark Tank? What lessons have you learned from the show? Share those and any other thoughts by leaving a comment below!