Send to KindleThis is a guest post by the lovely Jill Shearer.
Since I am a somewhat guilty fan of many reality TV shows (So You Think You Can Dance ROCKS dammit!) I thought this post was a perfect fit for BGB. (Hey, ain’t no shame in my game, how about you?)
Reality TV, business lessons and entertainment, oh my! Read it and like it BGB’ers, and then tell me all about it in the comments below. 
Come on, admit it.
You’re hooked on those reality televisions shows, aren’t you? Of course, you don’t admit it to anyone but your mother, but you can’t wait to see who gets kicked off the island (oh, if only we could do that in real life!) or who doesn’t get the rose.
Even if you don’t follow them on television, reality competitions have permeated news programs and become a hot topic on message boards and water coolers all over the world.
They’re quirky, hilarious and shallow, but if you look a little deeper there are lessons to be learned from some of the most popular shows on television which can be applied to any business endeavor.
What am I talking about? Take a look!
Survivor
There’s a reason this show has been a hot favorite since its inception and why Richard Hatch has achieved immortality as the first winner and most memorable villain. I think the most important lesson from this show, besides pay your taxes, is say what you want about Hatch, he studied his competition.
Business Lesson:
In order to learn what you can do better than everyone else, learn as much as you can about the businesses or people with whom you are in direct competition. Unless it involves eating exotic and disgusting bugs. You’re on your own with that one.
Amazing Race
It’s nerve-wracking and full of adrenaline. Teams of people race around the world for the prize of a million dollars and of course, bragging rights. Two lessons as they can apply to your business are helpful here.
One, sometimes you have to work as part of a team in order to get to the next level. This isn’t always easy, even with people you know well, or maybe especially with people you know well. Second, remain flexible and innovative.
Final business lesson:
You never know what obstacles life is going to throw your way, but by being open-minded and flexible you can handle the majority of them and learn something in the process.
So You Think You Can Dance
Granted, these are young kids who have more talent than I have in my pinky finger. They can move their bodies in ways that makes my bones ache just watching them.
If I tried any of their moves, you’d have to call 9-1-1 and tell them to bring the Jaws of Life. But not only do these dancers perform with ripped-off toenails, bleeding blisters and bruised tailbones, some of them have been back as many as SEVEN times to make the show. Now, that’s dedication.
Business Lesson:
Never give up. Don’t let blood, blisters or bruises stop you from what you really want.
America’s Got Talent
Well, some parts do. Others, not so much. On this show, talents from all over the country (and other parts of the world) compete for a contract to perform in Las Vegas. Everything from kids singing and dancing to magicians to weird contortionists and even a guy who blows up hot water bottles stand on stage and perform their unique talent.
Business Lesson:
Don’t be afraid to try! Even if you don’t make it to the next round, your particular talent is yours and yours alone, and someone out there appreciates it. Even the hot-water-bottle blower received a few people applauding.
American Idol
Who hasn’t at least heard of this show? It’s been running since June 11, 2002 and has undergone a bit of a metamorphosis, although the basic premise has not changed.
The program is focused on finding the next singing superstar as chosen by the American public. There have been ten winners so far, but several of the lower-placing contestants have gone on to great success, as well.
Business Lesson:
You don’t have to win first place to be a winner. Oh sure, it’s nice to have the crown, but there’s no reason to fall on your sword if you don’t end up in the number one slot. Jennifer Hudson did not win her season – she placed seventh — but went on to win an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a Grammy, a BAFTA award and many more accolades.
Plus, placing lower gives you room for improvement. Do not despair! Keep moving on, because there’s a lot more beyond the horizon.
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Jill,
What an interesting insight on what most regard as a vast wasteland! I remember way back a few years when Survivor was just making it’s debut. I was excited and intrigued by the concept. When I first watched it though, I was so surprised by the fact that the best, most capable people were the first to be voted off. Somewhat the opposite of what you think you would want if you really were stranded in a real-life situation!
Love your sense of humor!
Karen K
Thanks! It is so true – I’ve yelled at the TV more than once when I thought America “got it wrong”! I think it didn’t take too many seasons for the people to realize they had to get rid of the capable folks on Survivor if they wanted to win. Though another great example of perseverance – love him, or hate him – is Boston Rob – trying again and again til he finally won it on the 4th try.
Ha I feel ya Karen. That’s why I could never get in to survivor I always felt it was rigged. Lol
The lessons reality TV can teach about your business: http://bit.ly/iILafM No, really!
Well written Jill, its true reality TV shows can teach us many things. You’ve mentioned so many reality TV shows but I’ve watched only Amazing race and America’s got talent. Though I watched only a couple of episodes the shows looked fabulous to me. The never die spirit of the contestants to compete with each other is inspiring and that’s what each of us are exactly trying to do, we’re in this big race each one of us trying to keep our business alive.
Hi George
Thank you for commenting. Amazing Race is my favorite – I’ve actually considered applying to be on it with my sister (we have this crazy idea we could win it if we didn’t get some taxi driver that got us lost!) Give So You Think You Can Dance a try too sometime – the things they can do – it is really incredible to watch.
Hey George I haven’t watched either of those but you should definitely check out so you think you can dance- tis AWEsome.
Business Lessons From Reality TV Shows – No, Really! — Big Girl …: Since I am a somewhat guilty fan of many re… http://bit.ly/iFr4Yu
I’ve been trying to pick up some business lessons from reality TV recently. I started watching The Apprentice a few weeks ago for the first time. Sadly, many of the people act like clowns, but here and there there are nuggets of knowledge worthwhile.
One good nugget can be the difference between success and failure.
Yes, So you Think You can Dance is one of my favorites. I think it’s the best dance shows out there. The business lesson here is i think that you can reach the top as long as you stay disciplined and motivated.
Yes! Discipline and motivation can take you far. And I love so you think you can dance.
Wow, this is something new to me. Extracting lessons from TV shows may not be too hard. But, digging insights from those TV programs and relating it to business is a big challenge. And I must admit that you have been great in hitting the right note. I was hoping you to include X Factor. But anyway, the list is good and I’ve learned a lot.
Lol..thanks Keith, glad you enjoyed! I actually don’t watch much X Factor myself, but I’m sure there are lessons to be gleaned from that as well!
Thanks for the reply. You’re the first ever to have replied with my blog comment. By the way, yes, there really are lessons that can be learned from X Factor, especially from Simon Cowell. LOL.
LOL.. glad I could beat a record.
I’m guessing Simon has a lot of lessons to impart, I always get a kick out of what he has to say. He might be a dick at times but he’s usually a dick that knows what he’s talking about.
Interesting article! i agree that we can learn many things from reality tv shows, by to shape your learning into a business is not an easy task, atleast not so easy for me. thanks for sharing such a good article .
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