Get All Access for $5/mo

This Is the Biggest Mistake Entrepreneurs Make, According to Mark Cuban The billionaire also revealed his phone number and invited anyone to text him.

By Kyle Schnitzer

This story originally appeared on Ladders

Kobby Dagan/Shutterstock via Ladders

The biggest mistake an entrepreneur can make when launching their own business starts with money, according to one billionaire.

Dallas Mavericks owner and tech tycoon Mark Cuban dished some career advice in a podcast interview with On Air With Ryan Seacrest, where the Shark Tank star told Seacrest that the "biggest mistake" new business owners can make is thinking they have to raise money.

"I think the biggest mistake people make is once they have an idea and the goal of starting a business, they think they have to raise money," Cuban said. "Once you raise money, that's not an accomplishment, that's an obligation. Now you're reporting to whoever you raised money from."

Cuban, 61, was referring to how outside help could put a stranglehold on new business owners because when you take outside money, usually there are more voices in the room.

He advised entrepreneurs to grow a business from the ground up the old-fashioned way.

"If you can go out there and start it on your own — like I started out by selling garbage bags — whatever it is … try to find something that you can make or that you can buy yourself and sell to people around you, then ask for referrals and grow the business that way, and you can turn it into something enormous," he said.

In the interview with Seacrest, Cuban invited anyone to text him at 214-614-6002. He said he tries to respond to nearly 30 texts a day, which might be the only way you can get in touch with him.

Cuban previously said he hates phone calls and meetings because business never gets done.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Franchise

The Top 10 Coffee Franchises in 2024

From a classic cup of joe to a creamy latte, grab your favorite mug and get ready to brew up success with the best coffee franchises.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

'Jaw-Dropping Performance in 2024,' Says a Senior Analyst as Nvidia Reports Earnings

Nvidia reported its highly-anticipated third-quarter earnings on Wednesday.

Business News

'Do You Sell Cars?': Tesla CEO Elon Musk Trolls Jaguar Rebrand on X

The team running Jaguar's X account was working hard on social media this week.

Marketing

How Small Businesses Can Leverage Dark Social to Drive Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Dark social accounts for 70% of social media shares and is crucial for small businesses. Here's how you can tap into this hidden marketing opportunity.