An Unconventional Entrepreneur Learn About Marc Cuban

Mark Cuban is one of the most creative and unconventional entrepreneurs in the world. Widely known for his business pursuits in sports and technology, he is continually making his presence felt in the world of film and television. After several onscreen roles, Cuban is now an unyielding investor in ABC's Shark Tank.

In 2003, Cuban, along with his business partner Todd Wagner, acquired Landmark Theaters, the largest art house movie theater chain in the US, as well as Magnolia Pictures, an American film distributor. Cuban is also the owner of the Dallas Mavericks and the founder of HDNet, which is currently being rebranded as AXS TV. Cuban’s AXS TV is co-owned by Ryan Seacrest Media, eMARG, and Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Before he entered the world of sports and entertainment, Cuban sold Microsystems to CompuServe and, subsequently, Broadcast.com to Yahoo! for 2.5 billion dollars in 1999.

Mark Cuban is the true definition of a Rainemaker. His passion for business, ability to think out of the box, and drive for pushing the envelope, are empowering; he never stops seeking to be the greatest at what he does and never lets anyone tell him that there's something he can't do. Mark Cuban took a moment to speak with Raine Magazine to share some insight into why his bold moves, on and off the court, continue to inspire entrepreneurs around the globe. 

RAINE: Being involved in everything from technology to film, which of your business ventures brings you the most excitement?

MARK: They all do. I’m not going to get involved with something unless I really like it. And I love competing, so all are great sources of competition.

RAINE: Your 2011 book, How to Win at the Sport of Business, is packed with many great tips for the entrepreneur. What is the single most important piece of advice from the book that you would recommend to new business owners?

MARK: You have to know your industry better than anyone; otherwise, the folks that know it better have a big edge over you.

RAINE: Most entrepreneurs build one company and stick with it. You’ve built several and have invested in many. Why have you chosen this strategy?

MARK: I love the excitement and energy of taking on the challenge of a new business and competing with the establishment. It’s just in my DNA.

RAINE: What were the challenges of building your first company?

MARK: Surviving. Most small businesses fail. I had to find ways to make sure my company would grow and succeed. I really didn’t know what to expect when I started MicroSolutions, but I figured it out and we did very well. 

RAINE: What three things attributed to the rapid success of your first company?

Mark: Sales effort, knowledge effort, and customer support effort.

RAINE: What skills helped you the most in successfully selling your first two companies?

MARK: My ability to position the companies at the forefront of an industry. 

RAINE: Regarding business, your portfolio is very diverse. Do you seek out investments that are of personal interest or select from readily available opportunities?

MARK: I have so many opportunities that come to me on a daily basis as well through Shark Tank—I just pick and choose. 

RAINE: What has drawn you to the entertainment world for your business pursuits?

MARK: Mostly my partner Todd. He always wanted to do movies. I wanted to support him in his effort.

RAINE: Most businessmen don’t get the opportunity to act on television. What opened the doors to your first television role?

MARK: Walker Texas Ranger was filmed in Dallas. After they ran through every other actor wanna-be in Dallas, they got to me, and I was in 3 episodes.

RAINE: What do you enjoy most about appearing on television?

MARK: I just like acting. It’s left brain compared to the right brain of the business world. Which makes it very hard for me; that's why I like the challenge.