According to Inc, billionaire Mark Cuban is pushing a surprising job strategy for AI-skilled workers that completely bypasses big tech companies. The 67-year-old entrepreneur, who revolutionized pharmaceutical markets with his Cost Plus Drug company, now says people should spend all their free time learning AI to exploit this “unique opportunity.” But here’s the twist: Cuban specifically advises job seekers to forget targeting leading corporations and instead focus on the far more numerous opportunities at small businesses. He made these comments on CivicScience CEO John Dick’s “Dumbest Guy in the Room” podcast, comparing the current AI wave to the early internet days when companies hired young tech-savvy workers who could implement new technologies quickly. While acknowledging that big companies are spending billions on AI development, Cuban notes they’re primarily hiring top-tier tech talent, leaving most job seekers out in the cold.
Cuban’s Small Business Bet
Here’s the thing – Cuban’s argument actually makes a ton of sense when you think about it. Small businesses are desperate right now. They’re watching the AI revolution unfold and realizing they can’t afford to be left behind, but they also can’t compete with Google or Microsoft salaries. So they’re forced to get creative. They’ll take chances on younger workers, people without fancy degrees, anyone who can actually make AI work for their specific business needs.
And Cuban’s comparison to the early internet days? Spot on. Remember when every small business suddenly needed a “web guy”? That’s exactly where we are with AI right now. Every local retailer, every small manufacturer, every service business needs someone who understands this stuff. They don’t need PhDs – they need practical problem-solvers who can implement AI tools that actually move the needle.
The Big Company Reality
Now, let’s talk about those big corporations Cuban says to avoid. He’s not wrong about their hiring strategy. When Microsoft announces they’re spending billions on AI, they’re not looking for entry-level prompt engineers. They’re hunting for senior researchers, experienced engineers, people who can build foundational models. The barrier to entry is incredibly high.
But here’s what Cuban might be underestimating: the stability factor. Sure, small businesses offer more opportunity and potentially faster growth, but they also come with more risk. That AI job at a 50-person company might disappear if funding dries up or if the owner gets cold feet about technology investments. Big companies might be harder to break into, but they offer resources and job security that small businesses simply can’t match.
Is This Advice Too Late?
I can’t help but wonder – are we already past the sweet spot for this strategy? The AI gold rush has been underway for what, two years now? Every college student and their brother is adding “AI skills” to their resume. The market might already be getting crowded at the entry level.
Still, Cuban’s core insight remains valuable: look where others aren’t looking. While everyone fights over the same jobs at the same tech giants, there might be incredible opportunities hiding in plain sight at smaller companies. The key is finding businesses that understand they need AI but don’t know how to get started. Those are the places where a skilled worker can make a real impact – and probably get paid pretty well for it too.
Basically, Cuban’s telling us to stop following the herd. In a job market where everyone’s chasing the same few positions at big tech, the real opportunity might be helping Main Street businesses survive and thrive in the AI era. It’s contrarian advice from someone who’s built his career on seeing opportunities others miss. Worth considering, even if you ultimately decide the corporate path is right for you.
