If you think you are the only one who has to apply for jobs with a cover letter, you’re wrong. Even giants like Barbara Corcoran have to do it. Here’s the story of how Barbara Corcoran’s risky email ended up scoring her a seat as a Shark on the hit series.
The role on “Shark Tank” almost slipped through Barbara Corcoran’s hands. Producer Mark Burnett had originally chosen and cast another person. But Barbara pushed back with a daring email that convinced him otherwise.
She sent a bold email making the case for why she belonged on the show. There’s a lot to learn from Barbara Corcoran’s risky email negotiation lesson.
Lessons From Barbara Corcoran’s Risky Email
Barbara Corcoran has always been a go-getter in her professional life, and we can learn a thing or two from her.
Whether you use this in your next job cover letter or college application, the wisdom is universal and applicable everywhere.
1. Sell Your X-Factor With Proof
When you’re negotiating, whether it’s pitching a new client, vying for a promotion, or trying to land an investor, leaning on emotion alone rarely gets you far. Showing the measurable results you’ve created paves a stronger foundation.
Corcoron directly translated this into her approach to secure a seat on the Shark Tank panel. “I do my best when my back’s against the wall. I love the heat of the competition as I’ve learned it brings out my best. I’ve had all my big successes on the heels of rejection and, frankly, it’s right up my alley,” she said in her letter to the show’s producer.
She backed up her point with real examples from her journey. Safe to say it worked out well, given her longstanding presence on the show.
This approach is very much usable for the common man as well, be it for job interviews, college applications, or anything else in between.
2. Why Timing is Everything in Negotiation
Timing can change the outcome of a lot of business decisions. Move too fast and you risk coming off desperate, hold back too long and the chance is gone.
Instead of gulping down the rejection, Corcoran took the bold and ballsy step of writing to Burnett. This letter ended up switching the situation in her favor.
Barbara commented on the situation, saying, “That email got me the seat and changed the course of my life. Seventeen years later, I’m so glad I pressed send. Just a reminder, sometimes the door won’t open until you knock louder.”
Barbara has often said that the turning point in many of her deals wasn’t just the offer itself but precisely WHEN she made it. It’s a very you-snooze-you-lose kind of mentality for her. QUICK and well-timed offers had a higher success rate than waiting for some miraculously good timing.
3. How Barbara Turned Rejection Into Leverage
Barbara believes a strong negotiation starts with clarity. You have to spell out exactly what you want. She also sees timing and ego as major players in how things turn out.
This mind game of sorts was front and center in the letter she sent to Mark Burnett. Instead of accepting rejection, she reframed it as an opportunity to prove her value.
She has elucidated on the same, saying, “If you have both ladies in LA, you can mix it up a bit and see which personalities make the best combination for your show. I’ve known from the get-go that the shark role is a perfect fit for me. Everything I’ve done so far in the business and TV worlds has made me ready.”
Barbara wrapped up her note by striking the perfect balance. She acknowledged Burnett’s pick but made it clear she was the stronger choice. To quote her exact words, she said, “I’ve booked my flight for the 6th and hope to be on that plane.”
Barbara Corcoran’s Biggest Negotiation Lesson
Barbara’s path to the Shark Tank judge’s panel shows that doors don’t always swing open on their own. Speaking up for yourself can change everything. She didn’t wait for the perfect moment or hope someone else would notice her value.
She made her case clearly, took a risk, and pressed send. Barbara Corcoran’s risky email not only got her on Shark Tank but also reshaped her career. Sometimes the boldest moves come down to trusting your gut and asking for what you want.
