LORI GREINER
breaking the glass, but not of the tank…
We are all aware of glass ceiling in the corporate world. But when it comes to Shark Tank, Lori Greiner is the perfect example of a successful investor and an entrepreneur herself. In-fact, Lori brings to the Tank, all things important, that other Sharks fail at: Patience, Empathy, Eye for detail.
** Lori will gradually chew all the numbers and the data flying around. She will likely be the last one to give a verdict, unlike the other hyenas around her, who are desperately waiting to shout:
(a) “I am out”
(b) “I will take a flyer on you”
(c) “I shall withdraw the offer if you wait for other sharks”
** With her empathy, she connects extremely well with the entrepreneurs. Once again, she will refrain from mocking and uttering:
(a) “Take your business in the barn and shoot down”
(b) “Ay Chihuahua Caramba” (whatever that means!)
(c) You are a Wantapreneur” (not expected from the whale — Link)
(d) Her empathy even extends to her fellow Sharks, whose views she respects, rather than imposing rudely (again a common practice in ST).
But make no mistake, Lori is not a weakling. The ‘Queen of QVC’ is by far the most successful Shark.
In the Tank, Lori quickly morphs into a Worker bee — steadily grinding her way towards successful investments. While analyzing her approach to investments, I find some common traits in her investee companies:
(a) Lori loves to invest in products, which need to be demonstrated.
(b) Since the product needs demonstration, she requires the packaging to be super effective in terms of communicating the message.
(c) She stays out of complicated/ hi-tech/ high debt companies.
(d) Rather prefers to invest in simple products, which can find use in our daily lives. She will skip seasonal and discretionary categories. (Link to Hire Santa)
(e) She looks for products that improve the convenience and comfort of our lives (Link to Safe Grab Microwave Silcon Mat).
(f) Lori has churned out the top most successful businesses out of Shark Tank: ‘Scrub Daddy’ and ‘Squatty Potty’. Both are in the Hygiene/ Care category.
(g) Like many of her other investments, both these find application for Daily/ Home use.
Barring her cat fights with Barbara (which are not instigated by her), Lori comes out as a highly presentable, warm and affectionate person. We wish her truck loads of sweet success.
