Competition in the Dragons’ Den

CBC unveiled it’s new look and theme yesterday and launched the new CBC News Network as CBC NN, calling it “the most sweeping reorganization in CBC history,” according to Richard Stursberg, executive vice-president of CBC English services.

Dragons' Den Dragon Kevin O'Leary

Fortunately, CBC will be keeping their hugely popular Dragons’ Den show, hosted by Dianne Buckner, featuring Dragon Kevin O’Leary and behind-the-scenes industry advisor & show blogger Sean Wise.

Strong out of the gate this month and only in to it’s 4th episode this week, with it’s biggest season in its history, Dragons’ Den is now posting viewership larger than Hockey Night in Canada, reaching over 1.7million viewers last night.

Dragons' Den host Dianne Buckner

As we watch aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to the Dragons, we cheer, we critique, we get engaged with their stories and their struggles. And we gain business lessons and perspective along the way.

At NSB, we’ve experienced a growth in interest from businesses both small and large, inspired by the show and hosting dragons’ den themed events, featuring these experts from the show.

NSB’s Sean Wise is the official blogger for the Den and between blogs about contestants and episodes, he’s offering his ‘Wise Tips.’ He recently posted his Wise Tip #4 we’ll share with you here since every business has their competitors:

Dragons' Den advisor and blogger Sean Wise

Wise Tip #4:
Competition – The Good, The Bad & The Ambush

Good competitors: They do such a poor job at running their business that they make you look really good.

Bad competitors: They dominate the industry. Become their friend and see how your unique qualities can add value to their business.

Ambush competitors: They’re the black aces who quietly stroll into town… If you’re not fully aware of those in your town, you may end up walking into a place that’s not safe to be.

Sean is the Dragons’ Den show’s industry expert and Professor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Ted Rogers School for Management at Ryerson University. He’s a man who has been with the show since the beginning and who has helped Canadians’ raise more than $2 Billion in financing.

Tags: business, CBC News Network, CBC TV, competition, Dianne Buckner, Dragons' Den, Kevin O'Leary, National Speakers Bureau, NSB, Sean Wise, Wise Tips