TV Programs

[ajdriver]

I’m sorry, I admit it, my eyes wandered to another business forum.
And on that forum are several people looking for people to volunteer to go on a TV programs about business start ups.

My first thoughts are, mmm, this could be a great way to make people aware of the business and I will hopefully learn a lot. It should also help me stay focused on the business idea.
As well as that, it should help develop my character and hopefully I will become more talkative and less nervous.

Then I thought, that is all well and good, but people might steal my business idea. But it’s not unique anyway, and I can’t possibly have 100% market share. I plan to start in one area and possibly expand in the future, but by that time, others will have launched similar businesses, but then again, they probably will have anyway.

What’s everyone’s general opinions on going on TV. Cameras following you around all the time etc.

Cheers
Alan

[gj]

We probably overestimate the impact of what is probably one off exposure like this.

My gut feel is that:

The chances of actually getting on are small

They will only screen "entertaining" stuff which could be negatives of your busines

It is likely to be very disruptive

That said, if you like the idea of the exposure, go for it!

Graham

[Thais]

I wouldn't bother with it if I were you. I agree with the one-off exposure - to make any impact, you need constant exposure.

I went on a local radio programme once - it brought me loads & loads of phone calls over the ensuing few days, but not one single £ of business!

:?

Unless of course they are going to pay you for doing it, in which case.... :D (Not likely!)

[ajdriver]

I wasn’t really thinking of doing it for the exposure as such. More the fact that I would like to watch one of these programs myself, so why not take part.
One of the companies even said that they will help with support etc.
I have never particularly been interested in been on TV, but in the future if I ever decided I wanted to be, I would look back and regret it perhaps.

Also for future marketing it can be referred to. Such as in the local paper ‘remember those two young business men from Channel 7’s Business Start Up, well now they ….’

[Thais]

Yes, you've got a point there! I use my radio experience to say "as heard on...." on my website :D

Anyway....go for it then - for me any new experience is a good experience! You'll definitely learn from it, whether for good or for worse!! Try & make sure they show you the final edit though, before it goes on air :?

[gary]

I can't see any reason why not to do it if you're interested in getting your mug on TV. Just be aware though that most documentaries are made to be interesting, so as Thais says, the final edit may not be quite what you are expecting and it may even portray a negative image of you and your business.

[Thais]

Some TV progs can really help people. Look at that recent one about the Essex chap who started a free range, organic, eco-friendly farm!! He went into it with eyes wide shut but stuck to his ethical principles, & even though he comes over as barking mad...you can't help liking him! :?

I should think he agreed to make that docu for financial recompense though, to tide him over the bad times, of which he has many. I would certainly buy his produce! :D

[SillyJokes]

If it was just about the business that would be OK, but when it starts prying into your personal life and doing a hatchet job of your personality then it's damaging.

I personally would not want to 'prostitute' my family for the sake of the business.

On the other hand you have to do something outrageous to be remembered.

[adam]

I said yes but as said by others it depends on the programme.

All publicity is NOT good publicity, Good publicity is however, that is why they call it good! (TM)

[Alpha]

Hi Alan

One of my clients was selected to go on a programme called 'Mind your own Business'

They should be filming the program in a couple of weeks to be screened they think at the end of march.

Will let you know what the feedback is.

They have said that will do some sort of makeover of the business premises (shop) so at least they get something out of it even if the advice they get for improving the business and margins is nothing more than they have already been told.

[ajdriver]

Thanks once agian guys.
I emailed a few of them and only got one reply who wanted more infomation then never got back to me.