Emailing Mark Cuban
Use one of Mark Cuban's public email addresses. Cuban has quite a few public email addresses associated with his different business ventures. You can try emailing the one that seems most in line with your business interests or questions. Cuban is the chairman, CEO, and president of AXS TV. Contact him here if you have an idea for a TV show or a media-related business. You can use his company email address to get in touch with him: [email protected] Cuban has an email address associated with the Dallas Mavericks, which he owns. That email address is [email protected]. Contact him here if you have a sports-related suggestion. People who have been able to get in touch with Mark Cuban have used the email address [email protected].
Provide a direct subject line. Mark Cuban gets hundreds of emails a day. If you want to get his attention, use a direct but attention-grabbing subject line. One person who successfully contacted him wrote, “Wanna disrupt the insurance industry?” Make sure your subject line tells Cuban what your business proposition or question is about. Try things like “Question about tech investment” or “Proposal for social media business venture.”
Strike the correct tone. Keep in mind that you’re writing an email to someone in a position to do great things for you professionally. Your email should sound professional, and you should come across as polite and respectful. Don’t be overly familiar. It might seem like a good idea to write to him in a friendly way to get his attention, but it could backfire. Avoid saying things like “Hey Mark!” or “What’s up?”
Structure the email correctly. You should begin your email with “Dear Mr. Cuban,” not anything like "Hey," or with no salutation at all. Make sure you use proper grammar and use complete sentences–stay away from internet abbreviations. You should also have multiple paragraphs–one to introduce yourself, one to introduce your business or idea, and one to ask for Cuban's input.
Include the basic relevant information. People who have been successful in cold emailing Mark Cuban have answered three basic questions up front. They've told Cuban what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, and what their traction is (how much interest there is in their business or product). Introduce yourself by sharing your name, any educational background you have, and how much business experience you have. You can also add something to catch his interest. For example, maybe you've been starting businesses since elementary school. Keep your answers to these questions short – two or three sentences each. They should each have their own paragraph, as well. If you already have a product, have started promotions or hired staff, include that in your paragraph on your business or product’s traction. Be direct when you ask for his help/input. You can say something as simple as "I think you can see how devoted I am to this business and how much potential for success it has. Would you be willing to develop it with me?"
If you already have investors, include a list of their names and affiliations.
Keep it brief. Cuban is a busy individual who receives a large quantity of emails per day. If you send him a long email right from the start, he might skip over it. Giving him a short email packed with only vital information is a far better option. The email should only be 3 to 4 paragraphs. If he likes your idea, he will reply asking for additional detail. Provide that detail after he asks for it, not before.
Give it a day or two. People who have successfully heard back from Cuban typically say that the investor replies within 24 hours. Once you email him, give it a day or two before you contact him again. If you decide to contact him again, make it short and sweet. You can say something like "I recently sent you an email regarding a business proposition. I'm sure you're busy and so I wanted to let you know I'm here to answer any questions you may have."
Using Social Media
Send him a message on Facebook. You can send Cuban a private message via Facebook without even becoming a fan of his page. Alternatively, you can also “like” his page and leave him a comment directly on his timeline. The URL for his Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/markcuban.
Send a Tweet to his Twitter account. Cuban regularly updates his Twitter account, so sending a Tweet to him can be a good way to contact him. You can either send a Tweet directly to him, or you can reply to one of his Tweets. His Twitter handle is @mcuban. You should use Twitter as an option for short comments and questions, not business pitches. In addition to tweeting Cuban, you can also follow him to receive updates on his activity. This is a great way to stay updated on his newest business ventures.
Leave a comment on his blog. Mark Cuban frequently updates his professional blog, which is full of his thoughts and bits of advice. Read through the posts and determine if you have any comments to say in response to any of them, or if they deal with any questions you already have. If so, you can leave a comment on any individual entry. Go to his blog directly at: http://blogmaverick.com/
Auditioning For Shark Tank
Apply online to appear on the show. The Shark Tank website has a page where you can send an email to the casting team. The URL for that site is http://abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank/send-an-email. You’ll have to read the terms and conditions and then agree to them. Once you do this, an email screen will automatically pop up. Make sure you include your name, age, contact information, and the name of your product. You also need to include information about your business or product. Pitch the dream, rather than the figures, so that the casting directors can really pick up on your passion. Also include a bit of brief background information about the history of your product or business, as well as an outline of how you plan to make your business thrive.
RSVP to a live casting call. Live casting calls are also a chance to get on Shark Tank and meet Mark Cuban. The Shark Tank website has a list of open casting call locations when the process is underway. The open calls usually begin in January. Download the Application packet and fill it out completely before you attend the open call. The packet is available on the open call page of the Shark Tank website.
Attend a live casting call. When you actually show up for the casting call, be prepared for the resources you'll have. You won’t necessarily have access to electricity or any A/V equipment, so don’t rely on computer presentations for your pitch. You can leave big props in your car until you get your wristband once you get to the venue. Then you can go back and get what you need for your pitch.
Prepare to pitch to the show. If you make it through the audition round, you’ll have a chance to be on the show and actually pitch to Mark Cuban. Tailor your pitch to him in order to increase his potential interest. Research the products he’s invested in from the show as well as his current businesses to tailor your pitch to him. Cuban has invested in Ten Thirty One Productions, an entertainment company that specializes in live-action horror attractions. He's also invested in sports apparel, smartphone LED bulbs, and restaurants.
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