Hi! Lori Greiner at your service. I'm a Shark on ABC's Shark Tank, and author of "Invent It. Sell It. Bank It." Lay it on me Reddit!

Can you do something about the amount of pretzels in chex mix? Seriously, it's bullshit. If I wanted pretzels, I would have bought a bag of pretzels.

I'll see what I can do and personally for me, I want more of the Sesame sticks!

What's one company on Shark Tank you regret not investing in?

I have no regrets. Everything I have ever wanted I have always invested in.

Hi Lori,

I've always wondered about one aspect of the show I don't understand.

Sometimes someone will say "thanks for the offer, I'd also like to hear if there are other offers on the table" and it seems they either get shouted down and ridiculed for asking around, or the sharks will nod and agree and continue speaking like nothing out of the ordinary was said. At first I chalked it up to how close the offers were to their asking price, but I've seen it happen both ways regardless of that fact. Is there more happening that just gets cut from airing, or is there something else I'm missing?

(By the way, thanks for doing this AMA!)

Yes - sometimes pitches are an hour to an hour and a half. You only get to see about 10 minutes.

Has Anybody ever flipped out or became angry at you or any of the other sharks for not investing in their products?

No - thankfully :)

Why are you so hot in those dresses? It distracts me from the conversation

Good to know ;)

You are one of my favorite sharks! How often do you guys tape? It must be hard to get you all together

Thanks so much! We tape mostly in the summer and it's not too hard to get us all together - it's our job ;)

When you and the other sharks go out for drinks and food do you guys split up the bill evenly, fight over the check, or play some game like credit card roulette? Also, the show is awesome!!!

Thanks so much and glad you like the show. As for paying, Daymond always sticks me with the bill ;)

Hey Lori! You're my favorite shark on the show, and I'm a huge fan of the show. I have a few questions for you.

Have there been any deals that you opted out of during the show just to regret your decision later?

Who is your favorite shark, besides yourself, on the show?

Have you ever had any heated arguments off camera with any of the other sharks?

No - I don't look back and don't have any regrets. I like all the Sharks for different reasons. Kevin and Damon are hilariously funny. I love to watch Mark in action. Barbara zaniness is a hoot and Robert's always got my back!

1. We saw some bad pitches but was there ever a situation where the contestant turned out so bad you decided not to air it?

2. After going through the Tank, can contestants veto airing of their pitch? If say they feel it would generate more harm than good for their business.

3. Can you confirm the era of Intrusive product placement on Shark Tank is over? You already run what is essentially a 1 hour commercial. By forcing those additional ads, especially on contestants, I feel it takes away from the credibility.

Thanks!

Yes - there are definitely pitches that don't air.

What is mark cuban like off camera ?

He's a good guy. Very smart and moves very fast as most brilliant people do.

Do you use any QVC Products in your house?

Yes - all of mine! Kidding aside, I happen to really like luminara flameless candles, bye bye undereye by IT cosmetics and a lot more.

Lori we always see on Shark Tank how the show has changed peoples lives.

How has the show changed your life?

It has changed my life immensely because I know I have helped a lot of people.

Hey Lori, What advancement would you like to see in the world in the next couple of years?

Better cures for cancer.

Hi Lori, Firstly, I wanted to thank you for being such an inspiration to women with a passion for leadership and a fire for entrepreneurship! My question is:

Where is one place in the world that you recommend everyone should visit during his/her lifetime?

Thank you so much for your kind words. OMG - Paris (can't die without going there), Italy (anywhere!), and Russia - St. Petersburg (the Hermitage is unbelievable)!

I need to know, what kind of wine are you drinking right now?

Merlot!

Is that really your money being invested on Shark Tank? It seems like a lot is being thrown around between the Sharks..

Yes that is my money. And I need to invest it wisely!

Hey Lori! Happy to see the Dropstop guys achieve massive success with their product. Helped out Marc & Jeff with some small promotions back in the day when Dropstop first came out :). Just wanted to say that I see you running giveaways all the time, and you should check out my service to help you power them: ViralSweep

Thanks - my Drop Stop boyz are the best! And I will check it out!

What was the most ridiculous product you saw on Shark Tank?

I think the most ridiculous product on Shark Tank was the guy who said you would get Abs of Steel just by breathing. He was a great pitch person and I talk about him in my book about him being a great pitch person but I'm still working on those abs ;)

Lori, if you could have any (reasonable) superpower, what would it be?

To read people's minds.

Ever think you should patent the long sleeve cutout dress? I'd invest!

Yup :)

Hey Lori! Are you living in Chicago now? And if so, why did you pick here?

Also, the guys at the station and I have a long standing bet on who can get the biggest celeb to visit and have dinner with us. So far it's Coolio. I'd love to have you as a guest.

Yes I do live in Chicago but travel a lot. And what station are you talking about?

Hi Lori! I'm huge fan of yours on shark tank! I wanted to ask if there was ever a turning point in your life that made you work hard to become successful or have you always had the drive to become successful?

I have always had the drive to be successful. I think most entrepreneurs have this personality type and I talk all about this in my book.

What's Kevin like off the show? Also, is there any entrepreneurs on the show that you truly wanted to make a deal with but couldn't make a negotiation?

Kevin is hilariously funny. Mind you, Kevin is Kevin and what you see is what you get (with all the Sharks).

Do you ever get distracted by kevins shiny bald head?

Of course Kevin is distracting, but after I hit him a few times, he gets better :)

Hey lori, what has been your proudest moment of being an entrepreneur?

There have been several. Getting my own hour show on QVC. Becoming a Shark on ABC's Shark Tank. Seeing my first product in a retail store. And knowing how much I am helping others.

I have an idea for an invention but dont have the crazy amounts of money to hire a patent lawyer to look into it for me.

What can i do?

There is a section in my book about patents and it explains everything in simple language and will give you everything you need to know.

How long does it take you to find a "hero" versus a "zero"?

I know instantly if a product is a Hero or a Zero. And in my book, I have a checklist for you that will help you know if your idea is a Hero or Zero.

The power of Lori , we signed up to Reddit just for her

Yay - love hearing that!

Hello Lori, You're a huge inspiration to entrepreneurs! What ever happened to the plate topper deal and were other deals that fell through after airing?

Plate topper guy was stubborn and didn't listen to anything anyone had to say. Same in the Tank. Can't go forward with that.

I'm watching a Shark Tank episode right now on Hulu. The one with the Bamboo towels. I saw Lori's eyes light up at one point. I'm predicting a deal.

Make sure you watch until the end - your prediction might just come true.

What's the biggest investment you've ever done on the TV Series.

$425,000

What's the best thing you've ever bought for over $500?

Wow - I like everything I buy over $500 :)

Hi Lori - our family are huge fans of the show.

Do the Sharks ever invest when a product is still in the R&D phase?

Yay - so glad to hear this. And yes, this does happen. I will invest if it is something really cool and has amazing potential.

As a fellow Chicagoan, I'd love to know your favorite restaurants and/or bars here in this great city!

I love Joes for steak and seafood!

[deleted]

In my book I have a whole section on funding. It truly walks you through the best ideas and opportunities.

What's the most memorable moment you've had working with a company you invested in?

I had a really touching one today. We filmed a segment on The Queen Latifah show which airs next Wednesday, the 19th, and my Drop Stop boyz said some really touching things about me and our partnership so that's fresh on mind. Make sure you watch the episode.

Will you be my girlfriend? Can I be your boyfriend?

You'll have to talk to my husband about that one!

Hi Lori, welcome to Reddit!

I'd like to ask if you have any tips for time management. How do you manage your day in day out activities and stay productive while also finding time for yourself? Do you work weekends?

I work as a personal banker full time and have 2 startups on the side. I'd love to hear what you have to say about staying focused, motivated, and realistic. I'm checking out your book as we speak.

Thank you!

EDIT: Can you reply via text as I am unable to watch the stream at this moment. Please and thank you.

Yellow Pad to keep track. Deal with the hots and urgents first, then go down the list. Notes on ipad and iphone...but yellow pad keeps it together. Old school!

HEY!!!

YOU ARE VERY BEAUTIFUL

THAT IS ALL.

Hey! You are beautiful too and thanks. That's all ;)

I don't know what this website is and I hadn't heard of it until you tweeted a little bit ago haha but I just wanted to thank you for signing copies of your book for qvc. Mine came today and I'm so happy to have it :) How many did you have to sign?

Thank you so much for your support. I signed 15,000 books! But there are not many left so glad you got yours.

Hi Lori... I am a marketing analyst with 20 years of experience. Any advice on starting my own consulting business? I want to do it gradually (i.e., don't quit my day job). Any insights are appreciated!

Do it gradually and make sure it is going well before investing a lot of money. I always say, make sure it is a Hero first before mortgaging the house!

What's your favorite movie??

Where do I start - American Beauty is a big favorite. Still and have always loved the Godfather Series.

You're so gorgeous is hurts my eyes. You have such pride and you're fiesty as hell in the most nicest way. At what age did you realize you were a Badass?

You are too sweet. Young. I needed to be :)

Hi Lori, Big fan of Shark Tank. But there is one thing that bothers me on the show. Its when one of the Sharks makes an offer but says the presenter only has 10 seconds to accept or the offers off the table. Is this not a bad business practice? They scorn the presenter if he wants to hear the other Sharks offer, but isnt it good business to hear all the offers? Why do you think the Sharks do this and do you also believe its poor business practice?

You don't see everything that is happening on the show as it is edited down. That being said, sometimes this is used as a tactic and even I have done this myself. If you want to win, and you know it's a product that you want to have, you want to end the negotiations with others right away. I even do this in an episode coming up - stay tuned!

Hi Lori,

I love you on Shark Tank and love your products! I wish you much luck and success. Chicagoans unite!

Chicago wat wat!

I am a huge fan of Shark Tank; I really started to enjoy the show when you joined. If you were on any other show on television (not fiction), which one would it be and why?

Key and Peele, Mindy Project. Not nec fiction, but love them. Also The Good Wife, Mad Men...sorry all fiction!

How many failures did you have before you succeeded?

Honestly, my first product was a very big success and the other ones after it as well. That wasn't where I experienced issues.

How tall are you?

6'5", with the afro 6'9" :)

What salad dressing do you prefer?

Caesar for sure! Second I Blue Cheese. and don't forget about Ranch.

Hey Lori, will your book be available in french anytime soon? Also, have you ever been to Montreal or Quebec city?

Oui! I will let Random House know you want it. Follow me on Twitter and I will keep you posted.

Hi Lori! I love your book and everything you do on QVC! My daughter loves your makeup organizer! How did you stay strong and not get discouraged as you first tried to sell your inventions?

Thank you so much! Anytime you ever hit a road block, you have to keep going forward, get smarter and learn from it and don't ever give up!

What has been your biggest challenge in your career?

Dealing with unscrupulous people. P.S. - I have triumphed. Remember, Karma is a bitch - I believe in Karma and I have seen what goes around come back around.

Do you feel as if you gravitate to certain products or ideas in the tank? Or do you think you're very diversified?

Thank you for answering!

Yes - I gravitate to products that are Heroes! I think things that solve problems. If they are demonstrable, even better but all in all I like good products and great people to work with!

Thank you for doing this AMA! What would you say your best investment from Shark Tank has been?

I have many and I love them all. If I had to say the ones that are doing the best at that moment, they would be Drop Stop, Scrub Daddy, Cordaroys, Readerest, Marz Sprays (just launched in Walgreens today), Stella Valle, Pursecase, Invisiplug and Bambooee.

Two questions for you Lori:

1. What should young entreprenuers take advantage of that they won't be able to do at a later age?

2. If you were 18 years old, and about to enter entrepenuership, what advice would you give yourself?

Absorb everything you can. Learn, teach yourself, research everything you need to know to about what's required to achieve your goals.

Hey Lori! Thanks for doing this AMA. Besides yours and the other shark's books, what do feel are absolute must read business, sales, etc... books?

Frankly if you have an idea, and want to know how to get it out there step by step by step - I think my book is the one ;) Look at the reviews on Amazon and people are saying they have read a lot of books but this one is the first one that has really helped them.

What is your most successful product on QVC, and did it come from Shark Tank?

My most successful product was my Gold & Silver Safekeeper Mirrored Jewelry Cabinet. You can check it out here on QVC.

I love Shark Tank and the way you try to give everyone something positive about their person or product, even the clear losers. Was there ever an owner or product that you found beyond hope in every way?

Platetopper. Too stubborn to listen. Stubbornness always gets in the way!

What's your biggest guilty pleasure?

Red wine ;)