Business reality shows: Good or bad?

Business reality tv shows: Are they good for UK business?

  • Yes

    Votes: 37 59.7%

  • No

    Votes: 25 40.3%
  • Total voters
    62
  • Poll closed .
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DanMartin

DanMartin

Free Member
May 14, 2007
2,829
149
Bristol
  • #1
    Are the likes of Dragons' Den, The Apprentice and Tycoon good for UK business or do they paint a bad picture of how companies really work?

    Do you agree with the words of Sir Digby Jones who said Sir Alan Sugar's upfront approach in The Apprentice "does a great disservice to business" and Ashley Ward, of the European Leadership Programme, who said Tycoon is "a bad example of the quality of support this country provides new businesses. The entrepreneurs in the show admitted going to pieces and performing below their best abilities because of intimidation from Peter Jones".

    Let us know by voting in our poll above and adding any extra comments below.
     
    D

    Dawg

  • #2
    Dragons' Den and The Apprentice aren't really comparable are they? Apart from both being execrable representations of real life, Dragons is about doing it for yourself, and Apprentice is about pole dancing; rising up the greasy pole of corporate life.
    Dragons has the saving grace of encouraging people to start out, even if it is misleading about funding and growth. The Apprentice merely shows how people aspire to being an inadequate, semi-neurotic wannabe meedja whore.

    So Business Reality Shows: Good idea in theory. The shows mentioned: not reality, not good, with Dragons being just ok.

    (Didna vote; no box for 'a pox on all their production houses')
     
    Upvote 0
    Write My Site

    Write My Site

    Free Member
    Jul 21, 2006
    1,305
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  • #4
    Like most TV in the 'reality' genre, shows like The Apprentice etc show an exaggerated form of reality. I still think these shows are good for UK business, though, for the simple reason that they've revived an interest in enterprise in this country.
     
    Upvote 0

  • #5
    I think Dragons Den is good for business, it potentially sparks those with an idea into actually doing something about it, particularly when you witness some of the truly awful business ideas they have on there as well as the good, you have to think ' could do better than that'.

    The Apprentice I don't think does anything for business, most of these people work feathering someone elses nest not their own and the majority are cringingly dislikeable.

    Tycoon, was essentially Dragons Den style, but with some terrible business ideas on there again, and seemingly quite a lot of hand holding & introductions to the right people and a complete lack of true initiative, so that didn't inspire me at all.
     
    Upvote 0
    B

    batespcm

  • #8
    I like dragons den and the apprentice both good TV

    and if you accept that they really are just TV then that is fine


    i didnt watch tycoon so cannot comment on that one shame about peter jones he always came across os ok on dragons den
     
    Upvote 0
    Darren Falkingham

    Darren Falkingham

    Free Member
    Jul 3, 2007
    471
    199
    Bristol
  • #9
    I have to agree with the sentiments so far - if the 'cream of UK business talent' is represented by the 'contestants' on some of these shows, we're in trouble! For that reason I said No, in general the're not good for UK business.

    But Dragons Den I think does have value - especially when the Dragons start to ask challenging and pertinent questions about market research, budgeting and forecasting and, especially, checking out supply and distribution agreements.

    Darren
     
    Upvote 0
    mumper

    mumper

    Free Member
    Jun 3, 2005
    1,349
    0
    68
    UK
  • #10
    They're all edited to make good television and obtain high viewing figures. To the programme makers, real business doesn't come in to it.

    Cheap-to-make television - saves TV bosses from having to come up with anything new or thought provoking.
     
    Upvote 0
    S

    Short Time Stationery

  • #11
    The one series that I really did like was "The Troubleshooter" with Sir John Harvey-Jones. Going in and identfying problems with a return in 6 months to see how things were going approach.

    More programmes in that format please.
     
    Upvote 0
    DanMartin

    DanMartin

    Free Member
    May 14, 2007
    2,829
    149
    Bristol
  • #12
    Troubleshooter with Sir John Harvey Jones is often cited as the best business reality show ever broadcast on British television. The fact that it's still being talked about suggests that claim is true. It appears that the 21st century equivalents have a lot to live up to.

    Sir John is certainly responsible for some interesting quotes:
    • "Leadership is the priceless gift that you earn from the people who work for you. I have to earn the right to that gift and have to continuously re-earn that right."
    • "Basically I try to jolly things along. After all, the problems can only be solved by the people who have them. You have to try and coax them and love them into seeing ways in which they can help themselves."
    • "It is the responsibility of the leadership and the management to give opportunities and put demands on people which enable them to grow as human beings in their work environment."
    • "I've spent 30 years going around factories. When you know something's wrong, nine times out of ten it's the management - in truth, because people aren't being led right. And bad leaders invariably blame the people."
    • "Successful industry is about change. If it isn't changing, it's dying."
     
    Upvote 0
    W

    weddingcrafter

  • #13
    I loved Mary Queen of Shops too and also (going back a bit) Back to the floor. There was another show a couple of years ago similar to the Queen of Shops show which was also good.

    These types of shows give real insight and useful advice. "Reality" shows like Dragons Den and The Apprentice I enjoy as entertainment but have very little to do with real business.
     
    Upvote 0
    John Stokdyk

    John Stokdyk

    Free Member
    Jun 20, 2007
    37
    2
    Brighton
  • #15
    "No publicity is bad publicity" still holds true. Dragon's Den, The Apprentice and the like are all ludicrous soap operas, but they do have the effect of stimulating entrepreneurial urges. It's a lot more productive for the economy for people to think about developing their business ideas than to think they're going to become overnight stars on Big Brother, X Factor, Fame Academy etc etc...

    My favourite business reality TV show is Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares - he actually goes into restaurants and tries to make a difference. While I don't necessarily admire his consulting style, both viewers and participants can learn from the shows.
     
    Upvote 0

  • #17
    The Apprentice was a souped up BB - absolute rubbish! I always found I wanted to punch them all.

    Dragons started out reasonably enough, but then got silly. the 'Dragons' were ripping the half-decent people off with their percentages taken.

    Tycoon was a waste of time and looked like a PR exercise or a trumpet-blowing exercise for the maker.

    I did like Troubleshooters though, much in the same way I like Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares ;)
     
    Upvote 0
    C

    Crafty Sara

  • #21
    From your other thread I see there are more programmes I should have been watching!!! Was too busy building the business to pay attention to what's on!!! Speaking as a complete business beginner (soon to be up and running successful business!!) Dragons Den and Apprentice both have given me pointers - and 'learn from their mistakes' moments!! Both have been really enjoyable to watch too. I'm sure whether you're watching it from your your plush MD's office with wall mounted tv or your portable in your basic kitchen while you build your business makes a big difference to your views of the shows though!

    Perhaps those of us watching on portables can give an update of our views once we are in the MD's plush office in a future poll!
     
    Upvote 0
    R

    Redalfie

  • #24
    The business TV shows has stimulated a massive interest from people not in business, and has created a culture of interest, admiration, inspiration and envy. The government promised to promote "entrepeneurial Britain" and stimulate business success, and it seems have done little esle other than rely on these business programmes to do just that. Britain used to put its head in the sand with regards to business, now more people are fascinated and interested, and actually champion those profit makers we see on the TV - a total change in mindset. It has created a greater awareness and to a limited degree, understanding, on business and risk assessment, go getting etc. I think the cheap tv is also an excellent way to promote company's, products and business people, so PR is good. Obviously, TV has to have a story - invariably, the business mentor must be seen as money thirsty, demanding, unrelenting and challenging. I actually think the "characters" on these programmes try too hard to fit the TV producers criteria, rather than retaining these traits yet delivering more strategy and coaching, rather than boardroom accusations and unrealistic provocations.
     
    Upvote 0
    E

    ECGH

  • #25
    I think in general dragons den is pretty good, they make people realise it isnt easy getting out there and getting noticed with what ever product people wish to succeed with, it points out that they seriously need to do their homework and having a good idea alone is just the very beginning of the business wish ladder
     
    Upvote 0
    B

    Babak

  • #26
    This forum and particularly this poll was brought to my attention by a colleague. I work at The Business Channel, a TV channel on Sky dedicated to business; to me one of the more interesting comments on the page is from RayB, preferring to spend time working online than watching television.

    In reference to this and the backlash against the 'Dragon's Den' reality shows I have to say there are other breeds of business TV which definitely have a value from a business perspective. It's a shame if this type of reality show puts anyone off business or television.
     
    Upvote 0
    D

    Dawg

  • #27
    Babak
    I have to say there are other breeds of business TV which definitely have a value from a business perspective.
    Click to expand...
    Please, don't be shy, tell us what they are and where to find them. Bloomberg is okish if you need that info stream, but, like Ray, I find most TV terminally trivial, whereas online there is a wealth of good information.
    And it's not just clearly defined 'business'. The net provides stuff like TED: where on TV do you get that sort of quality info?
    If you know, and/or are part of a supply of quality TV, please, let us know.
     
    Upvote 0
    B

    Babak

  • #28
    Dawg, I was wrestling with my signature and I also did not want to be overtly promoting our channel out of respect for the forum, but seeing as you ask... :) please see the current schedule on The Business Channel website, 'What's on' page (a Google global search should find it, I'm not allowed to post URLs on here before 15 posts).

    You will see profiles of UK businesses and entrepreneurs down to the smallest market traders, programmes on international business leaders and global markets, about getting over the fear of public speaking or about legal business structures; names like Yo Sushi, Gardner Merchant
    IKEA, Airbus and Boeing, Coke and Pepsi.

    This is a raft of seriously valuable business viewing, somewhat different to the Dragon's Den and Apprentice's of this world.

    I understand RayB's point; though I have to say the progs we're showing can be incredibly inspiring if I say so myself - it was this that drove me to work at The Business Channel!

    Please let me know what you think - and feedback on the progs from anyone else would be welcome. btw the channel is on Sky 547.
     
    Upvote 0
    E

    ECGH

  • #29
    I find 'The Business Channel' on SKY very interesting. It shows a range of small businesses to the larger businesses. It enlists experts in their fields to help sort out internal problems i.e. profit and loss accounts that are'nt viable ........to who to employ as director of company internally in a family business.

    It has all you can think of regarding business situations and gives out valuable advice.

    My husband is an expert himself in business and had many all big and successful and has turned many around from the brink of collapse, however, I cant say the same for myself, im not 'that' keyed up as i should be so do like switching to the sky business channel when ever i have the time.

    I'd say some tv is valuable and some, like dragon's den are for ratings more than anything, though saying this, it can also be quite valuable to some who wish to start out as they may throw booby questions to potential entrepreneurs that may not have thought of that line of prepertation, this of course can help them in the long run.

    I dont know about you, but if you're starting out, any advice, help, tip, is appreciated and shows like this can bring some things home, even though quite scary.

    :rolleyes:
     
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    Lasting Designs

    Lasting Designs

    Free Member
    Aug 10, 2007
    925
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    Isle of Wight
  • #30
    ECGH said:
    I dont know about you, but if you're starting out, any advice, help, tip, is appreciated and shows like this can bring some things home, even though quite scary.

    :rolleyes:
    Click to expand...

    Actually there's a very good point here. In the case of DD, its great that the BBC did follow up the series with the Where are they now? programmes.

    The point being that had it been left at the "Deal or no deal" stage then the public wouldn't have benefited from the outcomes of all the ideas. It was important that the BBC didn't neglect those that didn't secure funds, as some of which have still have a business with their pitched ideas.

    The biggest lesson being, that being knocked back by the Dragons, doesn't mean they didn't have a business, or a viable one at that! More power to the BBC for doing that.
     
    Upvote 0
    B

    Babak

  • #31
    ECGH said:
    I'd say some tv is valuable and some, like dragon's den are for ratings more than anything, though saying this, it can also be quite valuable to some who wish to start out as they may throw booby questions to potential entrepreneurs that may not have thought of that line of prepertation, this of course can help them in the long run.

    I dont know about you, but if you're starting out, any advice, help, tip, is appreciated and shows like this can bring some things home, even though quite scary.

    :rolleyes:
    Click to expand...

    I agree. Though skewed, they do portray some elements of the business world, how people react and think and so on; they provide entertainment and accessibility: "if they can do it so can I ...".

    I think what is needed is more shows to balance out programmes like Dragons and Apprentice. Material to show other sides of business, including topical issues such as environment, social enterprise, youth and so on.

    The Business Channel has just finished the first of its programmes made in-house. What I would really like to do is get people involved in suggesting what they want to watch. So I can take feedback from forums like this one to our CEO and head of buying and say here's what people want to watch, or they didn't like xyz show last month.

    By the way, thank you ECGH for the feedback about The Business Channel. Good to know.
     
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    Mr Wise

    Mr Wise

    Free Member
    Aug 26, 2007
    31
    0
    Newcastle-Under-Lyme
  • #33
    I watched the apprentice - and although its set out as a sort of business program, i cant help but see the amount of TV editing and the mission of the TV bosses - which is to grab viewer numbers!

    but i also see each task as a mini Case Study, and as its a visual case study, i can sit in my chair - with a birds eye view, and see where mistakes are being made, and make my own judgement on how something should be done - and comparing that with Sir alan's outcome, and the outcome of the teams.

    i voted yes - that it does help business - but only really as a sort of lesson/inspiration to those in business.

    Matt
     
    Upvote 0
    S

    swsw

  • #38
    Agree,

    They're a good thing because it encourages people to think 'what if...'

    On the other hand, I'd do crap on both shows although I consider myself a pretty good entrepreneur.

    So maybe they're not too realistic.

    Besides, in most cases it's better to use OPR (other peoples resources) than OPM (other peoples money), so the basic proposition of Tycoon is wrong in my view.

    Fun though.

    Steve
     
    Upvote 0
    B

    Bradk

    Free Member
    Aug 27, 2007
    10
    0
  • #39
    Dragons Den is great. It does always bother me when people give away 30%+ of there business for figures as small as 50k. Lets face facts! you can get that from a bank and you have an exit point. I actually feel sorry for some of the people on that show. There was a guy that had a seatbelt device for pregnant women. It was a great product. All he needed was a decent sales guy to get him into mothercare, tesco, johnlewis etc and he would of been fine.
     
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