Business Bricks

Matt Weston says:
I forgot to include above - if you catch this series, look out for longtime reader Marneta Viegas. She’s not been told exactly what episode she’ll feature in, but feature she will. Apparently Marneta had to wait nine-and-a-half hours to see the Dragons. Oh, and another reader Vanish Patel has made this site www.appearondragonsden.com (a man called Vanish telling you how to appear).
by Matt Weston on 15 Nov

Rob Bristow says:
From a self-confessed addict to the program, it constantly baffles me how people go through all the hoops to get on the program and put themselves in front of the “dream-makers” and then blow it during a relatively simple pitch and prep. I admire their guts for doing it but as Peter Drucker said - “create the future”, but use the guys on the den to realise the vision. Also, when they make you an offer, take it - after all 60% of £1 million is a lot more than 100% of nowt.
by Rob Bristow on 16 Nov

Matt Weston says:
Update - Marneta has just heard that her appearance will be aired Tuesday 20 December (the last of the series). So now you know.
by Matt Weston on 21 Nov

Canada Bob says:
Well it was my turn {29th Nov} and like most other folks the spin they put on me was simply intended to discredit me. I’m the guy who went on with the new way to shave, a radically different pre shave cream. More on that, and me at… www.moderngent.com

The worst bit is I spent 50 minutes being grilled and did more than hold my own with the Dragons, they soon found out that they aren’t the only ones who can breathe fire.

But when it came down to the show I got less than 50 seconds, and during that time no mention of what my product is called, how it works, or that I have Patents on it in 17 Countries, sold 2 Patents already, and without the support of a Name Brand or any Ad campaign I’ve sold >36,000 units already.

Neither did they mention that after trying the product {Ultra Shaving Cream} that Theo & Rachel both contacted me with more than a casual interest in the product.

I guess that they didn’t care for me being able to stand toe to toe with at least a couple of them, I’m far from being short of cash, all I was looking for was firstly the exposure, secondly the prospect of linking in with folks who might have the networks on hand that I could benefit from.

They didn’t like it at all when I told them I wouldn’t sell out for a Million {I’ve 8 years of my life into this project} and the cost of the Patents to date is over 200,000 quid…

If I was looking for a return of 5-1 I’d be in Ladbrokes not Dragons Den, sigh.

It’s a pity that a show that could showcase new ideas degenerates into a cheap production for the BBC, an opportunity for the Dragons to massage their ego’s and a slaughter house for folks who most likely have more skills than any of the Dragons.

I agree with all you said in the blog above, but I don’t regret taking them on, nor their ridicule, at 58 I’ve weathered more than they can throw at me. It’s just a pity that when someone goes on the show and runs the buggers ragged that you’ll never see that. The intent of the show isn’t to evaluate a new product or a new idea, it’s simply an attempt to shed someone’s blood {character} for the sake of ratings {which seem to be falling}.

I guess Ratings mean more than credibility to the BEEB these days.

The odd thing is, when I was down there I had the chance to look at some of the products/ideas some folks were presenting. At least one of them looked viable to me, but it never even made it to the show, even though some really frivolous things get a 10 minute spot…

I really do think there is a need for a display of British enterprise, and this taken in a more serious way would be a great platform, and an encouragement to others. But as long as the show is dumbed down then it serves little if any purpose, more’s the pity.

Anyway, yer all welcome to check out what I’ve been up to in the last 8 years with Ultra, and there’s an interesting Bio of the time I faced a REAL assasination, at the hands of folks more fearful then these puffed up dragons.
by Canada Bob on 30 Nov

Peter Martin says:
Interesting. This has coincided with a piece I have just read by Martin Webb in the Telegraph Online and have now replied to, citing such discussions as these to show there is a genuine frustration with dubious ratings-driven tactics and a desire to see more positive initiatives, which I believe can make for good TV.

So I truly hope to have the good fortune of meeting Mr. Webb one day.

When some of such pitching concepts were first touted around, seeking participants, we applied and often got as far as a telephone interview. I remember chatting with a BBC researcher, and amongst a few other concerns broached the subject of it not being intended as yet more car crash TV designed only to boost the channel’s ratings at the expense of those featured. I was assured not; it being the BBC and hosted by a major money editor getting cited in reassurance. Thank god we didn’t get chosen!

As non-business-trained folk with a creative idea based on a well-considered but still sincere and ethical plan, I can only imagine how we would have got savaged to the delight of the nation’s viewers. Or, like Canada Bob, as our main aim (nothing but publicity - who in their right mind gives over a massive %age of their precious baby just for an injection of cash that can be blown in a fortnight without highly structured mentoring? Not to mention taking time to ensure well scrutinised partner relationships in any deal) was too easy to identify, we may have been just get edited out.

I’d love to think that out there is a genuine effort on the part of all relevant parties (entrepreneurship grants/funds/mentoring, business chambers and other such groups (CBI, FSB, FPB, etc) and, yes, media companies) to try and put together what Martin describes. I for one am fed up with the spectacle of the coliseum being served up to appeal only to the masses, and would delight in getting a true sense of what it takes (warts and all) to innovate and build a business on a good idea, but with a genuine desire to make things work - from all parties involved - at the core of such a program/me.
by Peter Martin on 8 Dec

marneta says:
hi everyone
well im back after my mauling from the dragons on 20th dec. It was actually rather fun as they just laughed and laughed like children - which was perfect - as that is what relax kids is about. Getting children to be children and having fun and relaxing as well.
Interesting they did turn me down but Rachel Elnaugh has since contacted the office to place an order and Peter Jones did ask for a free cd on the day. He invested in another company - Truly madly baby who has since contacted relax kids to stock our products on their site. Well orders have improved even though I have got a reputation as a mad new age silly girl! Never mind they thought Depak Chopra was mad when he started!
by marneta on 6 Jan