"Foundation of great businesses": Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec talks about investing in great relationships

Robert Herjavec, an investor on Shark Tank, recently underscored his belief that the strength of relationships within a business is as important as the product or service itself. In his December 21, 2024 Instagram post, he wrote,

"Great relationships are the foundation of great businesses."

Herjavec emphasized that when he invests in entrepreneurs, he not only evaluates their business proposals but also assesses the people behind those ideas. He further explained that, in his view, a successful business relies on "trust, mutual respect, and shared values" among its team members.

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The role of relationships in business success: Insights from Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec

Herjavec noted that while considering investments on Shark Tank, his concern is not just about the business pitch but more about the people behind the businesses and their ability to form meaningful connections with other people. He noted:

"Who you surround yourself with shapes the energy and outcomes of your business."

According to Herjavec, successful companies are based on strong interpersonal relations, where mutual trust and respect for one another characterize the decision-making process and maintain a healthy environment at work. The Shark Tank investor also quoted a line by Richard Branson, pointing out the aspect of human bonds in the corporate world. Herjavec wrote,

"@richardbranson once said, 'A company is simply a group of people.'"

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Cornerstones of strong partnerships

In his post, Herjavec brought attention to the fact that trust is a fundamental component of any business relationship, as it is not only about having confidence in someone's ability to do something but also believing in their integrity and reliability.

He added that mutual respect among business partners is essential to create an environment where open communication can thrive, leading to better collaboration and more effective decision-making. Alongside the caption, he wrote,

"I like to invest in people I like to hang out with. For me, it's not just about business; it's about building meaningful connections and creating success together."

Herjavec mentioned that partnerships built on trust and respect tend to lead to more successful outcomes, as these principles ensure that all parties work toward common goals in a supportive and productive manner. The Shark Tank investor also wrote,

"Business isn’t just about profits; it’s about relationships."

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Shared values and their impact on business growth

Herjavec highlighted the factor of shared values among business partners in his investment strategy. He suggested that when people related to a particular business share similar values, they get more prepared and better at making strategic decisions or moving towards successful long-term outputs.

"Trust, mutual respect, and shared values make work more rewarding and partnerships more successful."

Herjavec also pointed out that shared values contribute to a cohesive company culture, where employees and stakeholders are aligned in their efforts to achieve the business goals. He noted that businesses built on aligned values are often more sustainable and generate more meaningful results over time.

"Choose to work with people who make the journey worthwhile," the Shark Tank investor concluded.

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Catch new episodes of Shark Tank season 16 airing on ABC every Friday at 8 PM ET, or stream the episodes anytime on Hulu.