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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Shark Tales summary
Barbara Corcoran
Bruce Littlefield
Brief summary
Shark Tales by Barbara Corcoran is a captivating memoir that shares her journey from struggling entrepreneur to real estate mogul. She provides valuable business insights and inspiring tales of overcoming obstacles.
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Table of Contents
Shark Tales
Summary of key ideas
From Humble Beginnings to Shark Tank
In Shark Tales, Barbara Corcoran, along with co-author Bruce Littlefield, takes us on a journey from her humble beginnings to her success as a real estate mogul and a star on the hit TV show Shark Tank. She begins by recounting her childhood in a large, working-class Irish family, where she learned the value of hard work and resilience from her parents.
Corcoran's early career was marked by a series of odd jobs, including a waitress, a teacher, and a house cleaner. She shares how these experiences taught her valuable lessons about customer service, sales, and the importance of taking risks. Eventually, she borrowed $1,000 from her boyfriend and started a real estate company, The Corcoran Group, which she grew into a multi-billion-dollar business.
Lessons from the Real Estate World
Throughout Shark Tales, Corcoran shares the lessons she learned from her time in the real estate industry. She emphasizes the importance of branding and marketing, recounting how she used innovative tactics, such as staging apartments and creating eye-catching ads, to set her company apart from the competition. She also discusses the significance of hiring the right people and fostering a positive company culture.
Corcoran's journey was not without its challenges. She faced setbacks, including a failed business deal and a lawsuit from her ex-partner. However, she persevered, using these experiences as opportunities for growth and learning. She encourages readers to embrace failure and view it as a stepping stone to success.
Transition to Television and Shark Tank
After selling her real estate company in 2001, Corcoran transitioned to television, becoming a real estate contributor on NBC's Today show. She then found her biggest platform yet as one of the original 'sharks' on Shark Tank, a reality TV show where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of potential investors.
In Shark Tales, Corcoran shares her experiences on the show, discussing the qualities she looks for in entrepreneurs and the strategies she uses to make successful investments. She emphasizes the importance of passion, resilience, and the ability to think on one's feet, traits she herself embodies and values highly.
Life Lessons and Advice for Entrepreneurs
As the book draws to a close, Corcoran reflects on the life lessons she has learned and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. She encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities, take risks, and never shy away from a challenge. She also emphasizes the importance of giving back, sharing how she has used her success to support various charitable causes.
In conclusion, Shark Tales is a candid and inspiring account of Barbara Corcoran's journey from a humble start to a successful career in real estate and television. Through her story, she imparts valuable lessons and advice for entrepreneurs, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with passion and perseverance.
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What is Shark Tales about?
Shark Tales (2011) is a captivating memoir by Barbara Corcoran, co-written with Bruce Littlefield. It chronicles Corcoran's journey from a struggling waitress to a successful entrepreneur and one of the "sharks" on the hit TV show Shark Tank. Filled with humor, valuable insights, and practical advice, this book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of business and the power of perseverance.
Shark Tales Review
Shark Tales (2003) is an intriguing memoir that dives into the fascinating world of business and entrepreneurship. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With hilarious stories from the author's journey as a successful entrepreneur, this book offers an entertaining and insightful look into the business world.
- The book provides practical advice and actionable tips for those looking to start their own business, making it a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Through personal anecdotes and lessons learned, Barbara Corcoran shares her experiences of triumphs and failures, fostering motivation and inspiration in readers.
Who should read Shark Tales?
- Entrepreneurs looking for business advice and inspiration
- Individuals interested in the behind-the-scenes stories of Shark Tank
- People seeking a firsthand account of overcoming challenges and achieving success
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Shark Tales FAQs
What is the main message of Shark Tales?
Shark Tales teaches valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, perseverance, and finding one's unique path to success.
How long does it take to read Shark Tales?
The estimated reading time for Shark Tales is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Shark Tales a good book? Is it worth reading?
Shark Tales is worth reading for its inspiring stories of entrepreneurship, practical advice, and valuable insights in a concise format.
Who is the author of Shark Tales?
Shark Tales is written by Barbara Corcoran and Bruce Littlefield.
What to read after Shark Tales?
If you're wondering what to read next after Shark Tales, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh