 Shark Tank Fidgeter Comes Up Golden
Oct 20th, 2017 by Jane Noble The other evening I was sitting watching Shark Tank when a particularly interesting pitch came on. It wasn’t just the product that was fascinating, but also the entrepreneur introducing it. His name is Jason “Fidgetman” Burns and his company is called Fidget Land. It sounds like the place most of us live! Jason was seeking $49,000 for 10% stake in his company. Helps ADHD and Anxiety. It turns out that Jason suffers from ADHD and constantly needs to keeps his hands busy or his leg bouncing or his toes tapping just to stay focussed. Jason wanted to find a way of calming himself that was more discreet. To that end he has created a range of fidgets that look like small metal puzzles and consist of a series of rings, rubber bands and small chain links that twirl and spin. Fidget Land claims that its customers have had success using its fidgets to overcome or cope with symptoms associated with ADD, ADHD, learning disabilities, sensory integration, anxiety, autism, nail biting, thumb sucking, hair twirling, trichotillomania, stress and more. Robert HerjavecIt turns out that many of the Sharks have some sort of learning disability or mental challenge. Robert Herjavec, was referred to as hyperactive when he was young and frequently bounces his leg to stay focussed. He found the fidget very soothing and made Jason an offer. Mr. WonderfulKevin O’Leary, a.k.a. “Mr. Wonderful,” was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was six. As a young schoolboy in Montreal, the Canadian financial guru was good with numbers but couldn’t read. O’Leary’s therapists helped him believe in himself again in a very unusual way: by convincing him to think of himself as a “mutant with superpowers.” This gave him back the only thing he says he really needed: confidence. Positive reinforcement can be hugely beneficial. Our first book, “The Power of Piggie Bear” tells children they are amazing just the way they are. If you say to yourself “I am amazing” often enough, you will start to believe it and confidence will build. WIth confidence, you can achieve anything! Daymond John Shark Daymond John is also dyslexic. He started selling handmade wool hats on the streets of Hollis, Queens and rose to debuting his own label in the fashion houses of Manhattan. None of this success would have been possible had he let his dyslexia define him. Barbara Corcoran: Barbara Corcoran, a highly successful real estate mogul, made an offer of $50,000 for 20% of Fidgetland, which was accepted by Jason Burns. Barbara has been very open about her own learning disabilities. Like Kevin and Daymond, she also suffers from the word processing disorder and says she was lousy at school and a straight D student! Barbara only realized she had dyslexia when her son Tom was diagnosed in second grade. He is now in his third year at Columbia University. Barbara has an adopted 7 year old daughter who also experiences learning difficulties. Overcoming mental challenges seems to have made these Sharks stronger and more determined to achieve incredible success. Recognizing the Gifts Barbara is a champion for anyone with mental challenges and recognizes the gifts that can often accompany mental health issues. Many of the successful entrepreneurs she has invested in have overcome mental health challenges to become more flexible and willing to fight in life and in business. Feel Free to Fidget AnywhereFidget Land creates fidgets for adults and a smaller version for children. The fidgets are quiet and will not disturb colleagues or classmates. They can be used in the boardroom or in the classroom to absorb excess energy and help maintain focus. https://www.fidgetland.com/ |
