Shark Tank body language: Does Mark Cuban size up entrepreneurs in one look?

Watching Shark Tank, you might notice a pattern with those entrepreneurs who get investment opportunities. To be frank, they follow a few guidelines. They don’t slouch. They don’t put their hands on their waist, and they certainly don’t point at the investors. Fans of the show notice that those folks who enter the Tank introduce themselves to the Sharks confidently. And they exit with an opportunity.

One Shark in particular appears to read potential entrepreneurs very well. Yes, we are talking about Mark Cuban.

Looking to be wise about his investments, week after week fans can watch as he offers up a little routine to find his matches. The camera catches him often giving the once over look when someone walks in the room. When he engages, for the most part, he leans up on his chair to command attention. Yet, when he thinks someone is feeding him untruths (or he questions the data), he tends to lean back in his chair and his hands start moving quickly as he speaks.

These telling signs make it easy to guess if Cuban’s interested. The body language offered up when the business person responds makes or breaks the decision to move forward. He sizes up the potential opportunity and he does it quickly. Obviously, there isn’t a lot of time to decide, but he can be seen being very precise when the cameras are rolling

The telling signs on Shark Tank can also be seen in the real world. Body language sets the tone for an entrepreneur and it signals the final decision when it comes to the investor. It’s probably the most important aspect of the meeting, but it’s often overlooked as preparation is placed elsewhere.

Your body language is part of the package

If you’re a fan of Shark Tank and other reality business shows, you will notice how body language guides an event and naturally sets the tone. It can’t be edited out and it does weigh in on every decision made in business. If you are confident, so is your idea. If you find yourself being conflicting or flopping, it shows. Those movements are just as important as the pitch itself and you need to be aware of every aspect of your time with a potential investor.

Entrepreneur’s thought of the day: Never forget that you might be verbalizing that you’re a successful entrepreneur, but not showing it. Deals happen when you reflect your desire for success in every way.

This column was written by Jodi Jill and if you’re looking for more then be sure to head on over to the link here. Also, you can follow her on Facebook and Twitter! (Photo: ABC.)