Making a million dollars doesn’t necessarily require inventing the next Uber, building a billion-dollar startup or landing a spot on “Shark Tank.” There are plenty of ways to get there, according to billionaire investor Mark Cuban.
Cuban discussed the idea during a September 2025 episode of Sean D. Nelson’s “Let Me Save You 25 Years” podcast. When Nelson asked Cuban what immediately comes to mind when he hears that “there’s a million ways to make a million bucks,” Cuban had a one-word answer.
“Sales, man.”
Also read: Kevin O’Leary just laid out 5 rules every investor should know
Cuban also warned entrepreneurs against becoming too focused on fundraising.
“They make it about raising money as opposed to making cash,” he said.
He said he has seen entrepreneurs become focused on securing the next funding round rather than building a business that can support itself.
“If you go into a business, every single business I’ve ever started, I go into it thinking, how quickly can I be profitable?” Cuban said. “And what can I do to make this business profitable?”
For Cuban, the path to a million dollars can take many forms. But when asked to name the first one that came to mind, he didn’t hesitate — sales.
Cuban says sales can open the door
Cuban explained that someone who knows how to sell can first use that skill to find a good job and make money. Once that person becomes really good at selling a product or service, Cuban said that person can eventually start a business of their own.
“If you know how to sell, you can be great at something, find the right job where you can make money, and then if you get really, really, really good at selling that product or service, you can start your own and just crush it,” Cuban said.
He then made his broader point about why sales matter so much.
“To me, you know, there’s never been a company that succeeded without sales,” Cuban said. “And knowing how to sell, knowing how to sell is the key to making a million dollars every single time.”
Mark Cuban says to focus on sales rather than fundraising when building a business.Christopher Willard / Getty Images
AI could give sellers another opening
Cuban also sees an opportunity for people who understand artificial intelligence and know how to apply it to businesses.
“If I was starting in tech right now, I would do everything that I possibly could to understand as much as I can about AI,” he said.
More Personal Finance:
The tax rules that can quietly ruin your Roth IRA conversion strategy
Choosing an annuity for retirement rests on hidden features, risks
One index exposes your bigest retirement fears
Maximize Social Security survivor benefits by avoiding common traps
Cuban said many companies still don’t understand how to use AI to improve productivity and profitability. His advice was to learn how the technology could help a specific industry and then take that knowledge directly to businesses.
“Just walk in and say, ‘Okay, I’m your guy,’” Cuban said.
He compared the approach with what he did in his 20s, when computers and software were still new to many businesses.
Cuban’s three traits for entrepreneurs
Sales wasn’t the only quality Cuban emphasized.
When Nelson asked about the traits Cuban looks for in entrepreneurs he might invest in, Cuban named curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to sell.
“Can they sell? Are they adaptable? Are they curious?” Cuban said.
Cuban also said he looks for people who reduce stress rather than create it, describing the best employees as those who get things done and make life easier for the people around them.
Profit matters more than raising money
Cuban also warned entrepreneurs against becoming too focused on fundraising.
“They make it about raising money as opposed to making cash,” he said.
He said he has seen entrepreneurs become focused on securing the next funding round rather than building a business that can support itself.
“If you go into a business, every single business I’ve ever started, I go into it thinking, how quickly can I be profitable?” Cuban said. “And what can I do to make this business profitable?”
For Cuban, the path to a million dollars can take many forms. But when asked to name the first one that came to mind, he didn’t hesitate — sales.
Related: Read More