Top 5 Business Secrets from Reality Shows

In the finale of Top Chef Masters, underdog chef, Marcus Samuelson, beat out his older and more "seasoned" (I couldn't resist the pun) rivals, Asian fusion chef, Susur Lee and the seafood luminary, Rick Moonen.

Reality shows illustrate powerful strategies for success in business. 

1. Focus on Your Uniqueness: Marcus Samuelson, winner of Top Chef Masters, was born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden. For his final entrée, he cooked a traditional African sea urchin, a risky move, but it told his story, illustrated his unique point of view, and made him stand out from the other chefs.
2.  Be Teachable: Put together a stellar Success Team of coaches, colleagues and mentors. The most successful contestants on American Idol are the singers who listen to their vocal coaches and the judges.
3. Make Decisions Quickly: Reality shows force contestants to act on their choices. The highly successful business owners I interviewed for my book, Bags to Riches, had vivid visions, made decisions quickly and took action.
4. Spotlight Your Sponsors: I love to watch the masterful way that reality shows feature their sponsors. On Project Runway, they had the fashion designers go to the Saturn Showroom and make dresses out of car parts. On Dancing with the Stars, they have the Macy's Stars of Dance showcase. Give credit to the people and companies who make your dreams possible.
5. Give Back:  The new generation of reality shows focus on giving back. Oprah's foray into reality shows was the Big Give. Her contestants gave away money to deserving people and causes. The winner, Stephen Paletta, got $500,000 for himself and $500,000 to give away. Celebrity Apprentice and Top Chef Masters also have the contestants give back to their favorite charities.

 

Comments

[Jen]

That's a great point -- I love watching the reality cooking shows on the FoodNetwork and find that there are some really great strategies they try to impart to the contestants. They really are applicable to strategies any business would need.

[Beth Walte]

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[Linda Hollander-Wealthy Bag Lady]

Thanks for your keen insight. I don't even cook and I love the chef competition shows. My favorite show was Top Chef Masters and I thought Susur Lee would win easily.