Acclaimed real estate mogul and Shark Tank investor Barbara Corcoran addressed farmers and ranchers at the closing session of the 97th American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show.
Corcoran, one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country, turned a $1,000 loan into a $5 billion real estate business. She is currently an investor on ABC’s No. 1 show on Friday night, Shark Tank, and has helped more than 30 entrepreneurs succeed in their respective industries. Corcoran shared her tips for creating a brand and taking charge of your image.
“One of the most valuable lessons I learned early on in business is that perception creates reality,” Corcoran said. “It’s up to business owners to take a proactive approach to change their image and increase credibility with customers.”
According to Corcoran, farmers can take this same approach to dispel the myths of corporate farming and help the public understand the business of the family farm.
After seven years of investing in new businesses on Shark Tank, Corcoran found the majority of her investments were in food businesses.
“I invest in the entrepreneur, not the business,” said Corcoran. “I’ve found that people in the food business are givers by nature. They’re kind, they’re good souls, and they’re true blue. And when I work with them, I’ve got substantial, loyal partners that stick with the business until it succeeds.”