I don't watch much TV, but I do like this one, although I'm finding the Dragons unnecessarily harsh this time around, especially Peter Jones, who was previously a bit squidgy round the edges, and this new woman, Deborah Meaden, looks like a no nonsense kinda gal too. My kinda gal, actually. I like the pitchers who keep it simple and get to the point (and don't run out of breath, mumble, stumble and forget what they were going to say.... "IT'S YOUR BUSINESS - FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE - HOW CAN YOU FORGET?!"
The fact is that the program focuses on the products, but as my mate, Greg Ballard (massively successful property investor - Passive Investments) is fond of saying, it's not about the product, it's about the BUSINESS opportunity. It's about putting X amount of money into something (frogs, dogs, clogs, cogs, it could be anything) and knowing, or estimating, that you'll get Y amount back out. In fact, you'll notice that when turning something down, the Dragons will frequently say something like "I like the product but this is not a business".
Unfortunately, many people fall in love with their product and can't see when it isn't a viable business proposition - inventors are the worst offenders, but it happens in property, too. Because we all live in houses (although I did speak to a woman in Wales last week who said she spent a few years living in a teepee... yes, in Wales) we get emotionally involved. We want the property to look nice, like somewhere we might choose to live, but often it's the ugly houses that rake in the most profit.
Tip: if you're looking for an investment, find the ugliest, dirtiest house in the best area or street. You should be able to negotiate a good price and you have a great opportunity to force the appreciation, often for very little outlay, provided you don't fall in love with your baby and want it to have the best of everything, that is.
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