"A moment on the carpet means everything" Shark Tank's Lori Greiner discusses why she joined the show

Millions of people watch ABC's popular show Shark Tank every Friday night to witness entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to five prosperous business magnates. Lori Greiner, who is sometimes referred to as the "Queen of QVC," is one of these ruthless investors. She is renowned for her keen business sense and sincere compassion for businesses.

In a candid Instagram video posted on January 21, 2025, Greiner opened up about her motivation behind joining the show. She shared:

"I've been an entrepreneur and an inventor, so I know what it's like to be them. And I relate to them. And I know that a moment on the carpet means everything,"

The 'carpet' she's referring to is the famous platform where aspiring entrepreneurs showcase their ideas, which frequently symbolizes years of personal commitment and arduous struggle.

Greiner knows all too well that for many, these fleeting seconds in front of the Sharks might mean the difference between success and failure, having gone from innovator to retail queen herself.

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Lori Greiner’s time on Shark Tank and past ventures

Greiner's approach to investing in Shark Tank stands out for its blend of business savvy and emotional intelligence. She explained in her recent social media post:

"I sit here paying forward because I've been an entrepreneur and an inventor and I know what it feels like to be them,"

This perspective shapes how she evaluates pitches, looking beyond just the numbers to see the person behind the product.

For Greiner, each pitch is more than just a business proposition.

"Hearing their stories and learning about who they are, it's a lot about the heart and soul and changing people's lives," she noted.

This philosophy has led her to become one of the show's most successful investors, with numerous deals turning into retail triumphs.

Greiner started her business from the ground up before becoming a Shark. She started her adventure with a single innovation and built it into a multimillion-dollar global business. Her record speaks for itself; she has developed over 400 goods and is the owner of 120 U.S. and foreign patents.

Her popularity on QVC, where she has been a celebrity for over 16 years, is evidence of her skill at marketing. She stated in her Shark Tank bio:

"I can sell hundreds of thousands of dollars in minutes, not months,"

This ability to move products quickly has become her trademark, earning her the nickname "The Warm-Blooded Shark."

What sets Greiner apart is her instant product evaluation skills. As she confidently puts it,

"I can tell instantly if a product is a hero or a zero."

This gut instinct, honed through years of experience, has rarely led her astray.

Lori Greiner gives back to the community

Greiner believes that success entails accountability. She sees herself as more than simply an investor on Shark Tank; she also serves as a mentor, advisor, and occasionally even a support system for aspiring business owners. Beyond the performance, she is dedicated to giving back; each year, a sizeable amount of her company's income is donated to different charities.

Her own experiences as an innovator and businesswoman have led her to be committed to assisting others. From negotiating patent regulations to growing manufacturing, she is aware of the difficulties involved in launching a product. Her active involvement in investing has aided several entrepreneurs in realizing their business goals.

In the competitive world of business television, Greiner has carved out her niche by combining sharp business instincts with genuine compassion. Her success story serves as inspiration for countless entrepreneurs who step onto that carpet, hoping for their moment to shine.

Through her role on Shark Tank, she continues to demonstrate that success in business doesn't mean leaving your heart at the door.

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Catch new episodes of Shark Tank every Friday at 8 PM ET, with streaming available on Hulu.