logo
Barbara Corcoran: I sent this email to get on 'Shark Tank'—after they'd 'already chosen someone else'

Barbara Corcoran: I sent this email to get on 'Shark Tank'—after they'd 'already chosen someone else'

CNBC15-07-2025
Real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, a longtime investor judge on ABC's "Shark Tank," might've missed out on the television role that changed her life — if she hadn't sent an email about it first.
Seventeen years ago, Corcoran found out that the show's producer, Mark Burnett, had chosen another Shark candidate over her, she posted to LinkedIn on Friday. "They'd already chosen someone else, but I wasn't ready to give up," Corcoran wrote in her post.
Instead, she sent Burnett a lengthy email listing the reasons why she deserved the seat instead. "I understand you've asked another girl to dance instead of me," the email read, according to a screenshot posted by Corcoran, now 76. "Although I appreciate being reserved as a fall-back, I'm much more accustomed to coming in first."
From there, she walked Burnett through her character, work ethic and leadership style. She wrote about teachers who dismissed her because she struggled to read, battling dyslexia. She mentioned an ex-partner who swore she wouldn't be successful without him, and wrote that "everything I've done in business so far" had prepared her for this moment.
Instead of declaring that Burnett should choose her over the other candidate, she suggested that he fly both of them out to Los Angeles and compare them against each other.
"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," she wrote. "I've found in building teams myself that the combination of personalities is always more important than the expertise or strengths of single individuals."
She closed her email with confidence, writing that "the reputation you have in your field is equal to the reputation I have in mind, Mark. I know you're the best at what you do and I trust you'll reach the right decision. I've booked my flight for the 6th and hope to be on that plane."
Sending that email ultimately got Corcoran the role, she wrote in her LinkedIn post: "Sometimes the door won't open until you knock louder."
Not taking rejection personally is a skill that takes time and self-awareness. The next time you're facing a rejection, you can take a page out of Corcoran's book, further explaining your qualifications and continued interest in the role. Or you can use it as an opportunity to build your network, Jolen Anderson, chief people and community officer at BetterUp, told CNBC Make It on April 15.
Say you've done a couple of interviews for a role and ultimately didn't get it. In your "thank you" email to the recruiter or hiring manager, add a sentence along the lines of, "I'm sorry that my skills didn't align with this particular role. Are there other opportunities at the company that you think might be a match for me or other people in your network you think you can introduce me to?" Anderson recommended.
Worst-case scenario: They don't respond, and you continue on with your search. Meanwhile, you've shown some good sportsmanship, and you might stay top-of-mind for a hiring manager who spent days getting to know you, your background and capabilities.
It's the "best thing that a candidate can do," said Anderson.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

50 Products So Revolutionary, You'll Call Them Paul Revere
50 Products So Revolutionary, You'll Call Them Paul Revere

Buzz Feed

time33 minutes ago

  • Buzz Feed

50 Products So Revolutionary, You'll Call Them Paul Revere

A Java Sock that'll do the two most important things for your beloved iced coffees ( drinks. I know people drink other drinks!) 1) It'll keep that caramel almond milk cold brew cold for ages — hours, according to reviewers — and 2) It'll keep your drink from sweating into your cupholder or all over your desk. It's a cruel twist of fate that iced coffee sweats as much as we do in the summer. A hidden fly trap you plug into an outlet when you have house flies, fruit flies, moths, or gnats crawling around. The little light lures bugs by up to 400 feet (!!!), and the sneaky design means this thing'll be blastin' bugs by the dozen without ruining your room's clean aesthetic. Snif's Dead Dinosaur perfume for anyone who loves the smell of gas stations so much they dream of a world where they can shower under the gas nozzle like it's gosh darn body wash. This body spray really does have notes of gasoline along with pink pepper, ginger, cedar wood, and magnolia flower. A Shark Tank-favorite Click & Carry Grocery Bag Carrier that'll give you Herculean strength in an instant. Hook your bags to the clip, place it around your shoulder, and lift up to *80 pounds!!!* without bag straps literally breaking your back. A ChomChom pet hair remover roller — this is gonna pick up fur and lock it inside the roller, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it doesn't lose its effectiveness with heavy use. We love our pets but woof, shedding is their greatest skill. A can of fire extinguishing spray designed for sparking your muscle memory because nothing sounds scarier than not knowing how to use an extinguisher when you notice a fire start to spark. A touchless vacuum — go ahead and throw that dustpan in the GARBAGE where it belongs. With this, you'll no longer have to bend and snap every time you sweep. An ingenious sandwich cutter and sealer for making crust-free sandwiches in a cinch. As all toddlers know (and I still can't figure out why), crusts are the enemy. And a much-needed peanut butter knife with a brilliantly shaped blade that'll guarantee not a *drop* of your perfect peanut putty goes to waste. Hate getting peanut butter all over your knuckles when scraping out the container with a standard knife? Get this in your life. A pack of "Food Cubby" dividers designed for picky eaters of all ages. These suction to your plate, preventing foods and sauces from intermingling while you eat. A stick of NerdWax to keep your glasses on your face no matter how much you move. Well, my four-eyed face is gonna love this stuff. A soothing behavioral aid toy with a faux heartbeat that'll be your puppy's ~dream~ toy and help *you* finally get to sleep while crate training. A set of wad-free pads for keeping your bedsheets from tangling in the wash. Get this and keep those laundry clods from wasting precious drying time! A smudge-correcting clear nail polish to basically turn back time and save your freshly-painted fingers from the smudge you caused by scratching that itch you shouldn't have scratched. Put this polish on top and roll back the clock! A magnetic cat-eye gel nail polish kit for anyone who knows all things can be fixed with a killer manicure. Not only will you get an onslaught of compliments, but you'll also be able to say, "Why thank you, I did them myself!" to boost your cool kid ego even higher. A computer shade, because as much as we may love working outside on a sunny day, our screens are basically impossible to see when daylight hits them. Use this clever laptop accessory and get your tan going strong *while* organizing Google docs to your heart's content. A "Shower Cat" for folks who spend half their time in the shower making hair art on the walls, which inevitably ends up clogging the drain. TMI? This makes catching your hair *much* easier and gives it a proper place while you finish sudsing up. A fleece-lined pouch hoodie that'll be so darn cozy even your surliest cat won't be able to resist snuggling the day away with you! FINALLY. A "Door-Doc" so you can prop open front load washers and prevent mold and mildew without taking the time to actually switch the The Car Seat Key for parents and guardians who have had one too many manicures ruined by car seat clips. This makes buckling and unbuckling your little one *super* easy, and it even hooks onto your keychain, so you've always got it with you when getting in the car. A water bottle *bag* that'll hook comfortably snug around your beloved tumbler so you can carry it like a crossbody bag. This has room for your phone, chapstick, cards, and even includes a clip to hang your keys from. You know you'll always have your water bottle by your side, and thanks to this, you'll *also* remember all your other essentials too. A touchless paper towel dispenser — reviewers rave about how much less messy this makes grabbing a paper towel when they're covered in cake batter, sauce, and such. If you're looking to add a useful, futuristic touch to your classic farmhouse kitchen, look no further than this! An adjustable duster brush that'll spruce up your window shades so well while cleaning, you just might notice you actually do have a view through those dust bunnies. A pickle keeper and juice strainer so you can snack until your heart's content *without* getting pickle juice all over the place. A silicone clip-on strainer that's dishwasher-safe, attaches to any size pot or pan, and is designed to save a bunch of space in your kitchen cupboards. A Baseboard Buddy that'll basically work like an eraser. This has an extendable handle that'll make cleaning tiny corners and often-ignored areas not just simple, but suuuper satisfying. A rolling egg dispenser sure to become the practical purchase you didn't know you needed. This saves a surprising amount of space in your fridge *and* makes snatching an egg a cinch, thanks to, weirdly enough, gravity. A PhoneSoap cell sanitizer that'll disinfect your device (or glasses/anything that'll fit inside) in just 10 minutes. Sleep soundly with this beside you as it kills the germs your phone has gathered while roaming around with you through public transit and bathroom get it. I mean, just check out the reviewer's "before and after" bacterial test below! A self-closing, mess-free toothpaste cap to help save toothpaste in your household, even if your kids are rather enthusiastic when squeezing goop from the tube. Plus, this prevents crusty toothpaste buildup! A Cruiser City from Veer designed with swivel wheels furthest from the handle, so you'll be able to push it like a stroller while still getting all the benefits of a ride-on wagon! If you love wagons but find navigating them through grocery isles and sidewalks a chore, this is for you. Push it through the city, then pull it if you're heading uphill or on rockier roads. This is a truly game-changing way to explore the world with your kids. Plus, it has cup holders. And a playmat shirt with roads connecting a small city together — perfectly sized for your kiddo's toy cars! You can "actively" play with your kids simply by lying down while they race cars on your back for ages! Enjoy that back scratch and nap. You deserve it. A 360-degree spill-proof cup designed with a game-changing silicone top that can be sipped from any spot (hence the 360 name). The sealed top is non-spill on its own, unlike pop-lid sippy cups. The water comes out from the very edge and only when sucked. This teaches your kiddo how to drink from a traditionally shaped cup very early and without the need for a straw. Sip, sip, hooray! A seat gap filler to save your phone, keys, and french fries from certain doom. A fire and ice candle kit that'll transform from a ring of ice into a mini serenity pool as the tea candle inside melts the ice around it. Replace your cold weather candles with this cool option if you love candles year-round — this'll be the summer solution you've been looking for! A pack of Elephant Trax labels to make storing (and finding!) things you've packed easier than ever. Attach a sticker to the box, take photos of everything inside, and you're all set! You now have a visual inventory! Never confuse your Halloween and Christmas storage again. The Nightmare Before Christmas vibe isn't really your thing anyway. A window-installed pet door so your pet can easily get in and out of the house, even if you have a rental. No more destroying doors by making tinier doors! A sleep-training alarm clock to make rule-following seem positively perky! This displays darling tiny robot facial expressions and glowing colors to let your kids know when it's time to sleep and when it's okay to get up the parents. An LED fog-less mirror for couples who are one "get your beard hair out of the sink!" fight away from someone sleeping on the couch for good. Reviewers love using this in the shower as it prevents that very mess from ending up in the sink. Genius. A MacBook shortcut keyboard cover that'll be your own personal Genius Bar assistant if you don't quite know all the MacBook shortcuts off the top of your head. Use this and you'll easily be able to open search bars, minimize and open windows, take screenshots with your know, genius stuff. An Air Fort you can store flat (it's about the size of a sweatshirt when folded) and then inflate with any regular ol' box fan when your kids want to play! Cloning paste — if you've found that your houseplants are standing around stagnant, you're gonna *love* this stuff! This little formula helps encourage new growth and buds. It's technically made for orchids, but it works on all sorts of plants! Begonias,a string of pearls, pothos, you name it! A JetKids ride-on carry-on suitcase you may feel all braggy about when you see other parents at the airport with exhausted kids who are sick of traveling before they even board. This wheeled suitcase is specifically designed so your toddler can safely sit *while* wheeling them around the airport. That's not all! Once you're in your seats, this transforms into a leg rest or in-flight bed to give your kids some extra space. Long-haul flights are about to get a smidge more manageable. A versatile travel harness seat with adjustable straps — this can roll up tiny enough to stash in a bag so you can stop for lunch the moment your kids start getting hangry, without worrying about whether or not the restaurant has a highchair for your youngest. A molecular gastronomy cake that'll help adventurous home chefs create their very own raindrop cake — a refreshing dessert that'll be a hit with everyone! A pair of sliding wrapping paper cutters so you can stop wasting paper when your scissor skills aren't what they used to be. Seriously, you were the best paper cutter in your kindergarten class; what happened?! A set of "wine wands" for cheap-box-wine-loving fiends who don't want their boozy movie nights turning into hungover mornings. Simply swish these in a glass of wine, and in three minutes, those pesky sulfates and histamines will be removed. They've become hangover-free drinks thanks to these real-life magic wands. A versatile veggie chopper that'll help you prep (and clean up!) with speed that feels downright magical. The interchangeable blades just pop out, then just throw them right into the dishwasher! A reviewer-favorite Alleyoop 4-in-1 makeup brush designed with an eyeshadow brush, a blush brush, a brow brush, *and* a blending sponge — all in one! This beauty tool is about to become your new best friend, adventuring with you (because it's small enough to fit in your bag for quick touch-ups) every single day. A soup can safe — this is so realistic it'll put you at ease if you have a stack of cash or valuables you want tucked away, safely hidden in your food storage. And finally, a hooded shark "blanket" (really just an oversized onesie) you can scoot on into when movie night calls for some AC and extra cozy attire. Honestly, now that you know this *treasure* exists, it'd be fishy if you didn't get it. It's gonna be dropping ~Jaws~ — there's no doubt about that!

Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson share affectionate red carpet moment
Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson share affectionate red carpet moment

USA Today

timean hour ago

  • USA Today

Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson share affectionate red carpet moment

Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson played it up for the cameras at the London premiere of their latest film, "The Naked Gun." As they posed at the red carpet's step-and-repeat, Anderson, 58, leaned up and gave Neeson, 73, a smooch on the side of his face. As they took photos with one of the film's producers, Anderson was seen clasping Neeson's hand around her left hip. The actors' coziness reflects the praise that the onscreen romantic interests have heaped on each other in interviews leading up to the movie's release, which reboots the "Naked Gun" franchise from the 1980s and 1990s that was born out of the ABC sitcom "Police Squad!" Neeson made headlines in 2024 when he said in a People magazine cover story that he is "madly in love with" Anderson. He added: " I can't compliment her enough. She's funny." Meanwhile, Anderson told Entertainment Weekly in an interview published in May that "our chemistry was clear from the start." She added: "We have the utmost respect for one another." She called filming with her costar "electric in a way" and praised him for being "inspiring, "a true gentleman" and "a legend — and deserving of the title." 'My relationship is my work': Pamela Anderson talks family life, surviving 'a tough business' Anderson also opened up about the behind-the-scenes of filming, joking that she and Neeson had "romantic dinners" with both of their assistants. "Our relationship stayed 'professionally romantic' during filming," she said. Both actors, who have been previously married to other celebrities, have indicated a lack of interest in dating. The "Baywatch" star told USA TODAY earlier this year that the adult sons that she shares with first husband Tommy Lee, 29-year-old Brandon Lee and 27-year-old Dylan Jagger Lee, are her priority. "I'm a very lucky mom, but I've always felt a little guilty that they feel so protective of me. I wish our family survived intact; I've never gotten over it, and that's something I've carried with me," Anderson said. "Even now, my relationship is my work. I have two grown, beautiful kids who say, 'Mom, all we want for you is to be you and realize your potential.' And that's exactly how I feel for them... I want them to live their own lives: full of ups and downs, mistakes, and whatever they're going to do in their careers, and not to worry about Mom." 'I think that's it': Liam Neeson suggests retirement from action movies in 2025 For Neeson's part, when he was asked whether he was dating last year, he told People: "No, in a word. I'm past all that." He was married to Natasha Richardson from 1994 until her death at 45 years old in 2009.

See how Lululemon items compare to Costco 'dupes' claimed in lawsuit
See how Lululemon items compare to Costco 'dupes' claimed in lawsuit

USA Today

time2 hours ago

  • USA Today

See how Lululemon items compare to Costco 'dupes' claimed in lawsuit

Luxury athletic wear maker Lululemon is suing warehouse giant Costco over alleged "knockoffs" or "dupes" ‒ cheaper copies of popular items ‒ sold by the warehouse giant. Lululemon filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Central California on June 27. It alleges that Costco's in-house Kirkland Signature brand infringed on its trademarks, trade dress and design patents, and caused "significant harm" to its brand. The company is seeking unspecified monetary damages for lost profits and a halt to Costco's production and marketing of the copied items, which allegedly include hoodies, jackets and pants. Here's a closer look at the Lululemon clothing items in question: The Lululemon items cited in the lawsuit include "Scuba" hoodies, "Define" jackets, and "ABC" pants. The company alleges that an "ordinary observer" would not be able to tell the difference between the two brands in the lawsuit. Costco's products cost significantly less than Lululemon clothing. A Lululemon 'Scuba' hoodie sells for $99 to $118 on the company's website, the lawsuit says, while the Costco item costs $8. The "Scuba": An oversized half-zip hoodie features finger holes in the sleeves and a kangaroo pocket in the front. It retails between $99 and $118 on Lululemon's website, and its alleged Costco "dupe" called the "Danskin Half-Zip Pullover" retails for $8. The "Define" jacket: A full-zip jacket features shaping lines on the front and back to accentuate the wearer's waist. It retails at $128 on Lululemon's website, and the alleged Costco "dupes" called "Jockey Ladies Yoga Jacket" or "Spyder Women's Yoga Jacket" retail for $22. The "ABC" men's pants: Features five pockets, ornamental lines and a four-direction stretch. They retail at $128 on Lululemon's website, and its alleged Costco "dupe" is called the "Kirkland 5 Pocket Performance Pant" retails at $10. Here's what the court documents show: In addition to the articles of clothing, Lululemon alleges that Costco stole its "Tidewater Teal" color, a popular color offered among several of Lululemon's clothing items. What is Costco's Kirkland brand? Costco's Kirkland Signature brand is its flagship private-label brand launched in 1995, named after Kirkland, Washington, where its headquarters were formerly located. According to the Wall Street Journal, Kirkland items account for about a third of Costco's revenue and brought in $86 billion last year. Though Costco sells name-brand items, it frequently features a Kirkland-branded item next to the name-brand at a lower cost, similar to Walmart's "Great Value" line. The lawsuit stated that Costco is "known to use manufacturers of popular branded products for its own KIRKLAND® 'private label' products" and that the practice could lead consumers to believe Kirkland products are made by the same suppliers of the original items. The lawsuit claims Costco "does not dispel this ambiguity." Reporters for this story reached out to both companies but did not receive a response by the time of initial publication. In previously reported stories a Lululemon spokesperson told USA TODAY "As an innovation-led company that invests significantly in the research, development and design of our products, we take the responsibility of protecting and enforcing our intellectual property rights very seriously and pursue the appropriate legal action when necessary," Note: USA TODAY is mentioned once in the lawsuit as covering Lululemon products but is not an involved party in the lawsuit. CONTRIBUTING Greta Cross, George Petras

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store