While anyone could guess that ABC’s new show, Shark Tank, is part reality, part Hollywood, it holds a great deal of fodder for discussion. If you aren’t familiar with this entrepreneurial reality show, it’s based on everyday entrepreneurs approaching a panel of shark-like potential investors with their ideas. I love watching it just to hear some of the ideas that are presented and the way they go about it. Who knows, you might see an idea you’ve been thinking about!

If you do see an idea that you’ve been considering, listen carefully to the investor’s responses, but please don’t think that is how it is in the real world. Most investors are only interested in one thing (profit), but are not as cruel as you will see on Shark Tank. What you will learn are what investors are really looking at when an idea is presented to them. Old as well as young entrepreneurs can learn a great deal by watching this show.

Another learning resource you’ll like is the “Free Stuff” offered on the Shark Tank’s website. If you are teaching your teens business currently, there is an excellent Investment Glossary of Terms as well as a list of 150 of the best headlines ever. There’s many other goodies there, too, so it’s worth checking out even if you don’t watch the show.