When it comes to the success (or not) of an entrepreneurial venture, timing is key. In this episode, Fran Maier shares how her understanding of trends, her women-focused perspective, and her attitude towards risk, have allowed her to build multiple thriving businesses over her 25-year career. 

About Fran Maier

Fran has been involved in the creation and running of 5 different startups, including the world-renowned Match.com. She is a legendary entrepreneur, and brand builder who has won numerous awards for her work, including AlwaysOn’s “Top 25 Women in Tech to Watch in Silicon Valley,” and Hot Topic’s “100 Most Influential Women in Technology.” BabyQuip, Fran’s latest founding achievement, is a company that provides a platform where other entrepreneurs can rent baby equipment to traveling families.

Episode highlights:

• So much of a business’s success depends on timing, which is why it is so important to keep up to date with the trends that are taking place around you and make sure that your business ideas align with those trends. (04:59)
• Forming partnerships with other trusted brands is a great way to build the credibility of your business. (15:55)
• The entrepreneurial realm has been male-dominated for so long, and bringing in a woman's perspective opens up a whole new world of possibilities. (21:05)
• BabyQuip’s appearance on Shark Tank occurred on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Fran and her team managed to keep afloat by cutting down on marketing spending and branching out in terms of their offerings, and now they are reaping major rewards. (24:05)
• Because the millennial generation has a strong desire for travel, is comfortable with renting, and looks for specialization, the current environment is an ideal one for BabyQuip (and other businesses utilizing a similar model) to thrive within. (28:57)
• The BabyQuip business model cultivates entrepreneurship because the providers of the baby gear are all running their own small businesses through the platform. (30:24)

Fran’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

“Sometimes being ahead of the curve is not always the best thing. Timing is everything.” (07:39) 

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• Website

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