"Within the first paragraph"- Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban explains how he identifies a bad email

Mark Cuban, a prominent Shark Tank investor and entrepreneur, has a straightforward approach to identifying ineffective emails. During an interview on Fishbowl Pod with Jules Terpak on December 17, 2024,, Cuban shared,

"You know you can tell within the first paragraph whether it's legit."

His method revolves around recognizing patterns that indicate whether an email is worth further attention. By focusing on brevity, clarity, and the value presented in the message, Cuban ensures he prioritizes actionable and relevant communications.

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How Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban quickly recognizes bad emails

The rule of the backstory

Mark Cuban's primary rule when evaluating an email is related to the backstory. He finds that emails that delve into lengthy personal histories often indicate a lack of focus on the actual business proposition. Highlighting how extraneous details, such as childhood stories or unrelated family anecdotes, detract from the message, he remarked,

"The longer the backstory, the worse the email,"

The Shark Tank investor specified that when an email starts with a personal narrative—such as "I grew up in Kansas City and my mom was this and my uncle was that"—he immediately deletes it without reading further. According to Cuban, such narratives do not contribute to the value of the email and are a signal to move on.

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The perfect email

So, what does Cuban consider to be the ideal email? He emphasized the importance of a concise, to-the-point message that clearly explains the value proposition. The ideal email should present the business concept or technology in clear terms, stating its capabilities and benefits straightforwardly.

Cuban provided an example of an effective email structure, suggesting that the content should include a brief overview like "Hey, I got this technology it does ABCDE," followed by a simple call to action:

"Are you interested, do you want to learn more?"

The Shark Tank investor also mentioned that including a link to a website or a proposal could be helpful, allowing the recipient to quickly determine if the opportunity is worth pursuing.

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Key factors for Cuban's evaluation

Beyond brevity, Cuban also looks for specific elements that help him evaluate the legitimacy and potential of the opportunity. He noted that an effective email could include a proposal done for another company, or a direct link to a relevant website.

If Cuban finds the technology or business model interesting, he may choose to dig deeper and request more information. However, he is also cautious of generic buzzwords like "Uber of something" or "Airbnb of something," as these terms are often used in an attempt to capture attention without providing substantial details.

In these cases, the Shark Tank investor typically dismisses the email as unworthy of further consideration. Cuban's method reflects a broader philosophy of efficiency and focus, ensuring that he spends time only on emails that offer clear value and avoids those that present extraneous details or vague promises.

Mark Cuban’s approach to evaluating emails underscores the importance of concise and focused communication. His rule of identifying the value within the first paragraph ensures that only emails with clear intent and relevance receive his attention. As Cuban explained,

"If it’s interesting, I’ll dig in and look for more information."

The Shark Tank investor emphasized that by avoiding unnecessary backstories and vague terminology, senders can improve their chances of crafting emails that resonate with recipients in professional and business contexts.

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