Daymond John knows a thing or two about running a successful business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before he became known as the \u201cPeople\u2019s Shark\u201d on ABC\u2019s hit reality series, \u201cShark Tank<\/a>,\u201d John turned a bag of hats and an idea into the multi-million dollar apparel company FUBU. And since then, he\u2019s mentored many an entrepreneur seeking to do the same thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One particular soft spot for the shark? Former service members, he told Military Times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m constantly working with veterans as much as I can,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently, John is in his third year working with Bob Evans Farms to promote veteran entrepreneurship through the company\u2019s Heroes to CEOs program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now through March 20, veterans can enter the group\u2019s latest contest<\/a> for the chance to pitch their ideas to investors and win a $30,000 grant for their business. The finalists will receive a free trip to New York City for a personalized, 45-minute session with John to help them perfect their pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We asked John for some of the tips he gives to finalists and other entrepreneurs he\u2019s worked with, including on the show. Here\u2019s what he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n