CYLS 104: Surviving The Shark Tank - Lessons From Over 5,000 Shark Tank Pitches with Brandon Andrews

About our Guest:

 

A communicator, social innovator, and entrepreneur, Brandon Andrews works with Values Partnerships to lead a nationwide casting tour focused on bringing more diverse ideas and voices to ABC’s hit show, Shark Tank. He is also leading an effort to support entrepreneurs through developing a network of capital, skill-building, and other resources. 

In 2015, Andrews worked with A+E Networks, iHeartMedia, and the United Way to develop the Shining A Light Concert for Progress on Race in America, Shining a Light Fund, and Conversations on Race in America documentary. 

Previously, Andrews worked as a consultant assisting disruptive and social impact organizations with digital strategy, online advocacy, and navigating the federal system. He spent 5 years in the U.S. Senate where he handled technology, small business, and defense policy.

Andrews assisted in planning the first My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Data Jam, which laid the groundwork for evidence-based MBK work around the country. He is also a mentor for Qeyno Labs' MBK hackathons, engaging thousands of young men of color in computer science education nationwide. He was appointed to the D.C. Commission on National and Community Service.

Brandon provides commentary on policy, politics, and entrepreneurship on TVOne, BBC, NPR, Fox News, and other outlets.

 

Episode Summary

 

In this episode Brandon shares his secrets to garnering and sustaining relationships that have put him in positions of power. Tips on surviving on ABC's shark tank, calculating what you should be paid for your time, paid vs free work and his journey of becoming a man.

 

Insight from this episode:

 

• Reasons why always being of service helps
• Strategies to sustain relationships both professional and personal
• 3 keys to sustaining relationships – find the right people to make sure you

are in the right company, be consistent, build layers to your relationships,

• How to Decipher between authentic and in-authentic relationships
• The importance of keeping your word
• Tips on how to calculate what you should be paid for your time
• Tips on how to survive the Shark Tank show
• Tips on if you should take venture capital funding

 

Quotes from the show:

• “The spark of innovation and the grit that you need to grow a business overtime, those attributes exist in every community, every zip code, every area around the country and really around the world but the resources do not.” – Brandon Andrews episode #104

 

• “Your heart might be right, your mind might be right but that doesn’t mean that your wallet will be right from volunteering to do work” – Brandon Andrews episode #104 on volunteering vs. being paid for your time

 

“The key to not being taken advantage, the key to making sure it makes sense is to do check ins with yourself and check ins with whoever is in power at the organization.” – Brandon Andrews episode #104

 

Resources Mentioned:

• https://buffer.com/
• Brandon’s phone number: 2028313031

 

Favorite Book:

 

On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and The Heroic in History - Thomas Carlyle

 

The Fire Next Time - James Baldwin

 

Harvard Busines Review's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself

 

Favorite Quote: “My feet’s is tired but my soul is rested” – Sister Pollard

 

•  

3 keys to Create Your Best Life:

 

1. Raise your hand and volunteer
2. Do what you have to do no matter what, keep moving forward
3. Connect to something bigger than yourself

 

 

Stay Connected:

 

Create Your Life Series:

 

https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/

https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/

 

Kevin:

www.kevinybrown.com

www.instagram.com/kevinybrown

www.twitter.com/kevinybrown

www.facebook.com/kevbrown001

 

Guest Name:

www.brandonandrews.me

www.Instagram.com/yesbrandon

http://www.twitter.com/brandontalk

https://www.facebook.com/Brand.Andrews

Brandon’s phone number: 2028313031

  

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