Inside the Dragons' Den

T'n'A in the Den

Last year, one the show's most memorable pitches was from Bikini Weenie. Who got an earful about using sex to sell product.

This year the Den's features a few more risque deals, including the one below in the this screenshot.

So a question to all you Armchair Dragons:

Baby Dragon Born

This week we got news that Dragons' Den has another new fan and Laurence Lewin has a new granddaughter.

Congrats to LL, and of course the baby's mom and dad.  I'm told that all are healthy and happy, but the baby seems to be taking her lead from her granddad's fellow dragon, Kevin O'Leary, and is already working the blackberry. Scary....

DragonSlayer spotted in London?

It appears that the London Small Business Center is determined to give their local contestants a leg up.

In an article in today's London Free Press, the London Small Business Center annouced they would be offering a "DragonSlayer" training course for anyone in the region going on the show to face the Dragons in Season Two.  Their thinking? better prep = more deals for London entrepreneurs. Hard to argue with that logic.

I only wish other cities were as passionate about supporting their entrepreneurs.

For the full story, click over here: http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Business/2007/04/09/3962441.html

Everybody is getting pumped for s2 Auditions

How to Apply

We are now accepting applications for season two.

Even if you have already applied (over the last 6 months) you need to read this.

You have two choices to get on the show:

1) apply online, by creating a login and then filling out the application form.  You can start by clicking here: http://dragonsden.quickselect.net/login.php

2) apply in person, download the application form and attend an audition live to pitch us your idea.  You can start by clicking here: http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/

While both options are open to you, my sense is that applying person will give you a better shot as it allows the producers to get a "feel" for you, your business and how you'll fare vs. our Dragons.

Auditions

Still no word from the CBC on the dates, location or even cities for season two auditions. 

So while I love to hear from each of you, please stop emailing me.

As soon as we get the 411 on auditions, rest assured you will see it here first. In the meantime, make sure you register early for the process by clicking over to: www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/apply

If they are so rich, why don't they change their clothes?

OK, I thought I had answered this question, but alas, I keep getting asked. So for once, and hopefully for all, why do the Dragons, if they are so rich, wear the same clothes every episode?

The answer is simple, the magic of TV, here see if this makes sense:

• the show is shot over a period of days
• the producers never know which pitches will be good and which ones won't be
• so they end up mixing and matching pitches from different days to make each episode
• if the dragons changed clothes ever day, then when they mixed pitches from day 1 with pitches from day 4, viewers would know, and it would look stupid.

I actually think there is some foo foo TV term for this, but to me its just about editorial continuity.

OK, any other questions?

Season Two: Poll 1

As we move into preproduction on Season Two of Dragons' Den, we want to know your input on how we can make the show better. To that end, I'll be posting a series of questions on how we can improve. Each one will last a few days, then I'll take the results to the big cheeses at CBC and tell them what you, the ARMCHAIR DRAGON ARMY wants!  So vote, be heard and feel free to post comments below.

First up - should we have an audition show or two? Should we do what idol, model and the rest do, make 1 or 2 auditon shows so you can see what the season has in store for you?  Shoule we put together a show or two showcasing those that wish to pitch the Dragons?

We're Back....Season TWO

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Boys and Girls,

Children of all ages.........WE ARE BACK!!

Yes, you heard it hear first.....the CBC is proud to annouce the Dragons' Den will be back for Fall 2007.  And you know what that means....? This Blog is back.  Stay tuned to this blog for all the news that you need to know about season two of Dragons' Den.

First up, Auditons....my sources at the CBC says auditions may go as early as April. Yes, that is less than 30 days away.  Check back here to find out more, but for now, make sure you submit your application here..... http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/apply.html

Season Two annouced....

Still no word "officially" from CBC but my sources tell me an announcement regarding Dragons' Den Season Two may be made as early as mid February. 

On a related front, those looking to apply to be on Dragons' Den Season Two have an interesting opportunity to "get to the front of the line" through a contest the CBC is sponsoring with Profit magasine.

It is called the Pitch4Profit_contest and it started last Friday.

Entrepreneurs upload a 90 second elevator pitch (video or audio file), outlining what their business does and why its needed.  The 3 best pitches (as decided by viewers and judges) get a chance to pitch the Dragons during the tapping of DD:S2.

Even if CBC announces DD:S2 in February, auditions might not begin until April or May, this contest is therefore an easy way to guarantee you a chance to pitch the Dragons and to do so months ahead of the competition.

For more info, click over to www.CanadianBusiness.com/pitch4profit