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Mark Cuban, the billionaire investor and owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, has built a reputation as a successful entrepreneur. In a recent video Q&A with Wired, Cuban revealed that his drive to become an entrepreneur stemmed from the fact that he knew he would not thrive as an employee. From a young age, Cuban honed his sales skills through a series of side hustles, which eventually led him to launch his first company, MicroSolutions, in his mid-20s.

However, the initial struggles of MicroSolutions left Cuban feeling terrified. The company faced numerous challenges, with "no sales" and Cuban's anxiety reaching new heights. Despite these difficulties, Cuban never considered giving up on his fledgling business. He had experienced a string of job terminations, fueling his belief that being his own boss was his best chance at success.

Cuban's determination paid off when MicroSolutions was eventually sold in 1990 for a substantial sum of $6 million. This success paved the way for his next venture, the audio streaming company Broadcast.com, which was acquired by Yahoo in 1999 for a staggering $5.7 billion.

Throughout his journey, Cuban realized that his entrepreneurial spirit often clashed with the expectations of his employers. He was perceived as a know-it-all and his initiatives were sometimes misunderstood as disrespect or insubordination. Cuban's primary skill in sales became his fallback, and he believed it was a practical skill that could lead to success in any field.

In a TikTok interview, Cuban emphasized that being great at sales meant understanding people's needs and positioning oneself to help them, thus creating opportunities to close deals and build companies. This sentiment echoes throughout Cuban's career, as his sales prowess played a significant role in his achievements.

Mark Cuban's story is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs who face obstacles in their journey. His refusal to give up, even in the face of fear and uncertainty, propelled him to incredible success. From selling garbage bags door-to-door at the age of 12 to becoming a billionaire investor and NBA team owner, Cuban's story showcases the importance of resilience and embracing one's entrepreneurial spirit.

As Cuban continues to make headlines with his various business endeavors, his journey is a testament to the power of determination and an unwavering belief in oneself.