The Apprentice = never TPS check!!!
- Thread starter maxine
- Start date
S
silvermusic
Surely anyone knows this is down to dramatic license, it's all set up with these companies weeks in advance. The Yellow pages lark is just for the TV cameras. Look how clever I am, pick up a phone book and make myself an appointment and earn some money. As for the Girls team quoting £300 and what they said to the bloke afterwards, if it had been my business they'd have been out of the door on their backsides, cheeky buggers.
As much as I love watching it, I take it more as a comedy programme then anything serious. It's so obviously all one big set up. Would I hire any of them? haven't seen one yet that I'd hire in any series.
As much as I love watching it, I take it more as a comedy programme then anything serious. It's so obviously all one big set up. Would I hire any of them? haven't seen one yet that I'd hire in any series.
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- Original Poster
- #3
Yeah you are so right! 
Would love for them to get standard responses for anyone calling people registered on TPS though as that would make good telly - getting told to get lost in much stronger words (see links to threads "Cold Calling RIP etc)
Girls didn't do any research or planning (yawn) and should have been thrown out of that place in the first 20 seconds.
But, this does get my goat, comedy or not as it does give a message to anyone thinking of starting or running a business or anyone thinking of doing telemarketing that it is OK to just pick up the yellow pages and start calling. A colleague of mine has been working in a large company recently where they have been doing exactly this and not aware of TPS at all so this just gives the message that it is ok.
Would have been funny for Nick and Margaret to have said "By the way lads you made a lost of £4,850 as you got fined by TPS"
Would love for them to get standard responses for anyone calling people registered on TPS though as that would make good telly - getting told to get lost in much stronger words (see links to threads "Cold Calling RIP etc)Girls didn't do any research or planning (yawn) and should have been thrown out of that place in the first 20 seconds.
But, this does get my goat, comedy or not as it does give a message to anyone thinking of starting or running a business or anyone thinking of doing telemarketing that it is OK to just pick up the yellow pages and start calling. A colleague of mine has been working in a large company recently where they have been doing exactly this and not aware of TPS at all so this just gives the message that it is ok.
Would have been funny for Nick and Margaret to have said "By the way lads you made a lost of £4,850 as you got fined by TPS"
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silvermusic
The one that got fired was so obviously clueless and missed the point completely that anything they spent on materials got taken off their profit, whooosh straight over her head. Oh look we're within budget, had me in hysterics from the start.
Looking forward to next week's comedy. Anything that involves food on that programme is always good for a laugh.
Looking forward to next week's comedy. Anything that involves food on that programme is always good for a laugh.
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On last nights showing I would have fired the lot of them. Correction, I wouldn't have hired any of them in the first place.
I can't believe that they were the best of all the applicants for that show. They must have been selected for their TV entertainment value, because I didn't see any business accumen or ability at all.
I can't believe that they were the best of all the applicants for that show. They must have been selected for their TV entertainment value, because I didn't see any business accumen or ability at all.
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Very funny. You are dead right, it is just like the Generation Game. Except that the tasks in the Generation Game were more like real life.
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Obviously more suited to working in the public sector where how much you spend is not an issue
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I think they've got a collection of 12 Stereotypes, you look at each of them and you see similarities to people in previous series.
But this lot do seem particularly wet.
I watched it on the sky+ with my finger on the FFwd button. Which kind of tells you how engaging it is. (But then I watch everything now on FFwd!)
But this lot do seem particularly wet.
I watched it on the sky+ with my finger on the FFwd button. Which kind of tells you how engaging it is. (But then I watch everything now on FFwd!)
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Yes, but be grateful that they that they will be swallowed up in a large organisation where they can do limited damage, unlike in a Micro or SME!
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I'd agree with that 100% Boxby, every new series that starts I like at them and think, ah yes "he or she's like so and so from last year"
Anita going was no surprise she looked uncomfortable from the off and saying at the end 'Alan does like lawyers' its basically because they cant do the grass roots stuff, i.e. in your face cold calling and selling and its always the hard nosed sales people that seem to fare well. Next week looks a hoot and I take it they must pass their basic hygiene certificates before unleashing their cooking skills!
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For all their talk about how ambitious they are and how much they're "into" business, only one of them appears to be a business owner:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/apprentice/candidates/biographies/c_400006.shtml
The most ludicrous is this guy:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/apprentice/candidates/biographies/c_400002.shtml
... hold on. Aren't you a teacher?
Oooh, it's a dog-eat-dog classroom out there...
Steve
http://www.bbc.co.uk/apprentice/candidates/biographies/c_400006.shtml
The most ludicrous is this guy:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/apprentice/candidates/biographies/c_400002.shtml
... hold on. Aren't you a teacher?
Oooh, it's a dog-eat-dog classroom out there...
Steve
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- Original Poster
- #20
Agree totally. Very stereotypical. By race, background, educational attainment etc
... and what about the one who said that for him "business was better than sex"
deary me
What really bugs me though is that some business people do get ideas from the Apprentice and do look to it for a representation of business life because of Sir Alan's career etc but what a crock!
We all know that one of the biggest hurdles to running a business is keeping up with all the legislation and red tape and this program does make it look like a business version of the generation game (well said Alex!). If only things were that easy hey?
As Garyk says are they going to do their basic food hygiene cert next week?
... and what about the one who said that for him "business was better than sex"
deary me
What really bugs me though is that some business people do get ideas from the Apprentice and do look to it for a representation of business life because of Sir Alan's career etc but what a crock!
We all know that one of the biggest hurdles to running a business is keeping up with all the legislation and red tape and this program does make it look like a business version of the generation game (well said Alex!). If only things were that easy hey?
As Garyk says are they going to do their basic food hygiene cert next week?
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It's good TV, but, like Top Gear, they have a production crew setting all these 'situations' up beforehand.
Like last night, the men's team marched into St Pancras station and started polishing travellers' shoes.
Try doing that yourself without the necessary permit and fees paid, you would soon find yourself escorted off the premises.
Ditto washing cars in Sainsbury's car park.
Like last night, the men's team marched into St Pancras station and started polishing travellers' shoes.
Try doing that yourself without the necessary permit and fees paid, you would soon find yourself escorted off the premises.
Ditto washing cars in Sainsbury's car park.
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Its the same with Dragons Den, style over substance. I wish they'd come up with something like a Business Skills School programme, where it encourages BSU's but also has something for established companies. We all have learnt something from forums such as this one, so it would have some validity for all watching. The closest we get to that from the MSM is BBC's Working Lunch.
I know business has a competitive eliment to it, but where has the message that business doesn't always have to be like that gone. Win at all cost, is a message that seems to dominate society in general these days, wasn't it Avis who made a successful point of being second best. The problem with the culture that the Apprentice and DD promote, is that not clinching THAT deal is that those that don't win are rubbish, clearly that's not the case.
The problems we as a country are suffering today, IMV stem from this attitude. Its all about having the latest kit, gadgets or the most money, stuff thats all it is. People need to be educated that the latest gadgets aren't the be all and end all. In many cases people have phones that aren't anywhere being used to anything close to its full potential, it's over kill. Yet its dressed up as the MUST HAVE item.
Its time people are told that they have a brain and that is probably the best gadget they have. Thinking through a set of problems, using a pencil and paper if you need to, can be, dare I say it, often is more productive. KISS, remember that? There's a lot to be said for it, not enough logistical thinking is used it seems, clearly it wasn't last night. If a business based series was made, using common sense and a simple approach, to running a company, as the basis then it would be a winner I'm sure.
In fact last nights Apprentice highlighted everything I've been talking about. Without being disrespectful to cleaners, but last nights episode is the classic, I don't have any O levels - business start-up. Bright people made a complete balls-up of it, why? because they clearly weren't able to prepare their task using KISS. I know of many accademtic denied people, who would have breezed that task, would they call themselves business people, of course not. They don't see themselves as business owners, because they don't understand it, yet last night proved that people with qualifications coming out of their ears aren't any better for what are basic tasks.
So come on BBC, ITV or whoever, give us the programmes that encourages a "can do" attitude and remove some of the precieved mystic from business.
I know business has a competitive eliment to it, but where has the message that business doesn't always have to be like that gone. Win at all cost, is a message that seems to dominate society in general these days, wasn't it Avis who made a successful point of being second best. The problem with the culture that the Apprentice and DD promote, is that not clinching THAT deal is that those that don't win are rubbish, clearly that's not the case.
The problems we as a country are suffering today, IMV stem from this attitude. Its all about having the latest kit, gadgets or the most money, stuff thats all it is. People need to be educated that the latest gadgets aren't the be all and end all. In many cases people have phones that aren't anywhere being used to anything close to its full potential, it's over kill. Yet its dressed up as the MUST HAVE item.
Its time people are told that they have a brain and that is probably the best gadget they have. Thinking through a set of problems, using a pencil and paper if you need to, can be, dare I say it, often is more productive. KISS, remember that? There's a lot to be said for it, not enough logistical thinking is used it seems, clearly it wasn't last night. If a business based series was made, using common sense and a simple approach, to running a company, as the basis then it would be a winner I'm sure.
In fact last nights Apprentice highlighted everything I've been talking about. Without being disrespectful to cleaners, but last nights episode is the classic, I don't have any O levels - business start-up. Bright people made a complete balls-up of it, why? because they clearly weren't able to prepare their task using KISS. I know of many accademtic denied people, who would have breezed that task, would they call themselves business people, of course not. They don't see themselves as business owners, because they don't understand it, yet last night proved that people with qualifications coming out of their ears aren't any better for what are basic tasks.
So come on BBC, ITV or whoever, give us the programmes that encourages a "can do" attitude and remove some of the precieved mystic from business.
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I agree with all you say there Lasting Designs, however I think we have to remember rightly or wrongly its all about good TV, viewing figures and the preception.
At the end of the day the people who produce this business program and I use term loosley are wrapped up in the new buzz phrase 'Business is the New Rock and Roll' (which annoys me!!) so that's how they want to portray it; however I think its provides a disservice to anyone thinking about starting up because hype will be at the forefront of people's minds rather than critical thinking.
I have to say the "Negotiation skills" employed by one of the girls beggers belief she basically called the guy a liar and underlined it with her tone the volume and inflection of her voice.
Anyway that's my view.
At the end of the day the people who produce this business program and I use term loosley are wrapped up in the new buzz phrase 'Business is the New Rock and Roll' (which annoys me!!) so that's how they want to portray it; however I think its provides a disservice to anyone thinking about starting up because hype will be at the forefront of people's minds rather than critical thinking.
I have to say the "Negotiation skills" employed by one of the girls beggers belief she basically called the guy a liar and underlined it with her tone the volume and inflection of her voice.
Anyway that's my view.
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Great post Alan
I too look at this show as comedy. All they do is chuck a load of *****y, I'm a leader, so called alpha males and females together and watch them fight. The part that made me cringe most last night was when the girls b-team leader argued £60 isn't a lot of money when in fact it was about 30% less than the girls a-team, what the hell?
I too look at this show as comedy. All they do is chuck a load of *****y, I'm a leader, so called alpha males and females together and watch them fight. The part that made me cringe most last night was when the girls b-team leader argued £60 isn't a lot of money when in fact it was about 30% less than the girls a-team, what the hell?
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- Original Poster
- #26
Entertaining as it is, it is also bordering on irresponsible to be putting out these kind of messages given the recession and how desperate some people are to start or hang on to their business that they think that some things in the Apprentice are the way to do things?
I don't have a problem with Sir Alan's tough-talking or results-focused-attitude. I think that is refreshing as just says what a lot of people think but just dress it up nicer but really think there is opportunity for something a lot more helpful with the entertainment too.
Top post Alan I would watch the kind of show you suggest
I don't have a problem with Sir Alan's tough-talking or results-focused-attitude. I think that is refreshing as just says what a lot of people think but just dress it up nicer but really think there is opportunity for something a lot more helpful with the entertainment too.
Top post Alan
I would watch the kind of show you suggest
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I do understand it a bit I mean im the same as these people ..
Im driven ,abitiious (cant even spell it !),highly motivated , business wise ,street wise .Yes and Im a winner and I love a challenge
Today I will acheive !!!!!!
I will get to the sandwitch shop before everyone else!!!!
cause sometimes he runs out of red onion ...I like red onions!!
Im driven ,abitiious (cant even spell it !),highly motivated , business wise ,street wise .Yes and Im a winner and I love a challenge
Today I will acheive !!!!!!
I will get to the sandwitch shop before everyone else!!!!
cause sometimes he runs out of red onion ...I like red onions!!
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Yeah same here, I need to win. However, I really dislike those people who shout about how they need to win and love money. They just come across as talkers and thats all.
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Exactly. Don't forget The Apprentice moved to BBC 1 prime time from BBC2. I think it became even more extremely focused on entertainment after that.
But let's face it. Does anyone really take it seriously? Even some of the contestants I'm beginning to think may have their tongue in their cheeks.
Cheers
Alex
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silvermusic
One thing it does show is that all the winners on all the previous series are not those that are high-flyers from well paid jobs with fancy titles that have tons of education and qualifications, bulls***, and talk the talk, but normally those who left school at 16 and worked their way up in the world through hard graft and real world experience.
Give me a person that has fought theri way up the ladder, has bags of good old-fashioned common sense, and is a hard worker anyday.
Give me a person that has fought theri way up the ladder, has bags of good old-fashioned common sense, and is a hard worker anyday.
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silvermusic
Not sure when it's repeated but it's available on The BBC's iPlayer.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00jj4zj/The_Apprentice_Series_5_Episode_1/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00jj4zj/The_Apprentice_Series_5_Episode_1/
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I wonder!! There was a disturbing number of cliches in last night's show, particularly when the contestants were talking about themselves. At one point I thought "did you really just say that? Do you know how ridiculous you sound?!"
I actually thought last night's episode was underwhelming... The Apprentice is normally great entertainment but last night it was a little tired.
Here's our review of it, by the way:
http://www.realbusiness.co.uk/business-comment/5594531/the-apprentice-who-went-who-stayed.thtml
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I'd probably get thrown off for ruffling too many feathers
Mister B
Nah, those are the ones that get to stay in now - makes the TV much more entertaining.
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