I’m a fan of shows like the Apprentice and The Dragon’s Den where the focus is on business. They are often quite tacky (all reality television is tacky), but they usually find a way to entertain, and when you throw in some form of business element it tends to grab my attention. The Dragon’s Den in particular was good watching when it was briefly on in Australia because I knew the entrepreneur “dragons” well.
I’ve been hearing a lot recently about Joel Comm’s latest project The Next Internet Millionaire, which is a web reality show based on starting an Internet business. I have to admit I’m pretty skeptical about any Internet marketing experts branching into reality television (that sounds like a recipe for even more tackiness!). As long time readers of my blog know, Joel’s marketing tactics in the past have gotten my into trouble as an affiliate of his, but given how much money Joel is throwing at this project ($400K budget) I had to take a look.
Here’s the basic premise -
Twelve contestants will receive an all expenses paid trip to learn from the masters of marketing while they compete for cash, prizes, and the ultimate joint venture with Joel Comm.
Some of my personal mentors, Rich Schefren, Mike Filsaime, Mark Joyner and Jeff Walker are included in this project as teachers, so it’s certainly got the backing of the experts.
If you are interested to read more, check out the website, there are a ton of videos and info about what the project is all about and also audition videos with the 12 finalists.
Leaked Video?
There is a potential “leaked video” at YouTube from the set of the reality program, which probably is a marketing stunt knowing these guys and really isn’t leaked, although it certainly looks rough enough to be leaked accidentally.
You can check it out here -
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5TaDrizSCp4
As you can see from the video it’s a full television-style production (I can see why they need such a huge budget), so it should be interesting to watch how it goes. It would be great to see more Internet business covered on television and maybe this show is the first step towards that outcome.
PS – I’m not promoting this one as an affiliate, just a casual observer.
I very much think that is a marketing / publicity stunt
Yaro, this is literally happening just up the street from me (well a 30 minute drive). The Denver Post did a terrific article on this at http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_6495430.
I will be watching the show to see how everyone makes their millions, to see what Joel’s up to, and to check out the show’s marketing as well.
I heard about a woman from Pueblo Colorado being in the finals, but I didn’t know it was a Colorado thing. I’ll check out the Post article. Never heard of Dragons Den. Sounds … humm.. interesting maybe..I’m a closet Apprentice fan. Opps. guess I’m outta that closet now.
Now that is one reality show I’d probably watch. It would be cool if it had a blogging business. Can you use your influence to make that happen?
Hi Yaro,
Picking up on a different part of your post to the other commenters – I was just wondering what you meant by “knew the dragon’s well”?
So I’m wondering, is this the same Dragons Den from the BBC we get here in the UK, and if so.. who do you know and how? Or is it more of a “know of” ?
I only ask because I’m trying to work out how you got to know those people!
A video marketing stunt on YouTube? I thought you were too young to be so skeptical.
Godhn, they did an Aussie version of the Dragon’s Den with Aussie entrepreneurs, most of whom I knew and one I have met, Sarino Russo, since she’s from Brisbane.
It was a good show, if a bit silly at times.
Lori – no, sorry, although I’m sure there will be “training” about how to use blogs as part of an Internet business, there always is.
I am a fan of business reality shows as well. I would be interested in see what the show had to offer.
I’m sure that the video is leaked by one of the core people in the project. Viral video seems to be one of the key areas where internet marketers are trying to get buzz going at the moment.
Have you put anything up on Youtube etc to get people interested in the blog mastermind series?
Steve – nope, haven’t done anything with YouTube at this point and I’m not really doing any more marketing of Blog Mastermind besides some JVs now and then.
The focus for the moment is cementing a great program and keeping the current members happy. Once I am happy with how everything is running, I’ll start to think about other marketing opportunities.
I’m excited about this reality show. But this video seems pure advertising to me.
Hmmmm… Maybe I should start leaking videos of behind the scenes stuff from The Next Internet Millionaire set too!
Big Jason
Wow, this reality show is awesomewow, the new revolution will be hitting the internet marketers all over the world. It will explode with great internet marketing ideas.
I will surely follow on each episode.
I’m hooked already!