WWS#86: How Peyush Bansal Almost Rejected Shark Tank

This is the ‘Win with Stories’ newsletter. It’s focused on helping founders, entrepreneurs and business owners. Every week I send an email with a business or life message wrapped in a short story. I also share one actionable tip to help you enhance your business storytelling skills.

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How The Shark Tank Team Convinced Peeyush Bansal

If you are active on Linkedin or Twitter, then you are the hate the Indian version of the show is receiving.

I am not sure if all of the hate is justified, but yes, the allegations need to be investigated.

This edition of my newsletter though, has nothing to do with the recent controversies.

It’s about how Peeyush Bansal, arguably the most-admired shark on the show, would have not accepted the show’s offer.

Peeyush narrated the story on a recent episode of ‘Figuring Out with Raj Shamani’.

When he was first made the offer, he wanted to turn it down. But his wife, Nidhi, insisted that it was a great opportunity.

And then when they went on their vacation to Maldives.

Peeyush watched back-to-back episodes on the television in his room while facing some of the most pristine waters one can.

He did the same at other engagements as well.

Despite him enjoying the show, he wasn’t sure.

His question was, “Boss, time kahan hai?”

Like most entrepreneurs he was hard-pressed for time, and the show needed lots of it.

It’s funny that even when he shot the first time, he wasn’t sure. That’s why he hadn’t signed the show’s contract.

Then the lights went on.

The shoot and the startup founders’ energy inspired him. Then, there was no looking back.

Peeyush was a convert into the religion called Shark Tank India.

The rest, like they say, is history.

One communication tip today:

The Shark Tank team was okay to take the risk of Peeyush shooting without having signed a contract.

My guess is that they were confident that he would be completely sold out once he participates in a real shoot.

And that’s exactly what happened.

This brings me to the communication tip for today: Offer trials, encourage action

I am sure you’ve heard this advice many times before, especially if your product is B2C.

But the same works in B2B too. Coaching and consulting are prime examples.

Deepti(name-changed), a friend, wanted leadership coaching and was offered a 30-min free consultation.

This session was offered by a partner at a leadership development company.

By the end of the call, Swati was convinced that she wanted to sign up for the program.

Interesting, right?

Think about how you can reduce the friction your customers feel by offering them a trial of your product or service.

Hope you found this newsletter useful 🙂

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