Tuned Into Business:

I’m not a bit surprised that Tony Robbins has upgraded from infomercial guru to his own reality television show. In fact, I can’t believe it took so long.

NBC has cleverly teamed up with “Biggest Loser” producer Reveille in hopes of transforming people’s lives. The show won’t include the run-of-the-mill plastic surgeons, fitness trainers and taskmasters. Instead, Robbins will be working with people in distress who need effective tools to thrive. Over the course of several months, the show will follow the journey of the participants and document how their lives changed for the better.

You will more than likely be hearing about the show soon because it has been in the works since last year, when NBC ordered eight episodes.

How do you think Robbins will do now that he has a show that people are usually wide awake for?

The producers at the Discovery Channel are looking for builders, scientists, inventors, engineers, carpenters, welders, mechanics and architects who love to invent new gadgets. People who love to build robots; harness racing power; weld together bizarre machines that drive, fly, climb, shoot flames or launch projectiles for a team challenge that will show off your handy skills, such as: welding, knowledge of aeronautics, auto mechanics, hydraulics, carpentry, pyrotechnics, thermodynamics, aerodynamics, material science and electronics.

If you, or someone you know, is a gonzo engineer/scientist or a high-energy, creative, fun builder, click on the link below. This game show is perfect for thinkers, dreamers and doers eager to let their inner MacGyvers be seen, and who are ready to collaborate with a team of other builders to beat the clock and “SAVE” the BIG PRIZE.

For more information go to:

http://www.realitywanted.com/call/4360-discovery-channel-game-show-casting-engineers

Imagine . . . CNN is quoting a few of the comments from Facebook, the social networking site it partnered with for the 2009 inauguration.

This partnership made it possible for me to sign in to my Facebook account and update my status next to the streaming CNN.com live video of the inaugural coverage. I am not alone, because this morning Facebook reported averaging more than 4,000 updates per hour, and it peaked at 8,500 every minute when President Obama gave his inaugural speech.

What is the BIG deal about Oprah gaining weight? I was at the supermarket and her name was plastered on the cover of a bunch of different magazines at the checkout counter. Lots of people, including me, gain weight and lose weight and gain and lose. So what?

CNN talk show host Larry King’s hour-long discussion put Oprah Winfrey’s most trusted advisors on to talk about the 40 pounds she’s gained. The chat fest included personal trainer Bob Greene, Dr. Oz and spiritual adviser Michael Beckwith.

King opened the discussion talking to Bob Greene:

King: All right, Bob, is this an embarrassment for you to have her this overweight, frankly?

Greene: Not at all. You know what, I think–first off, kudos to Oprah. She comes out and in a very public and candid way explained that she’s struggling with this.

People are struggling with this. And the irony of it is that people quickly forget that Oprah lost a total of 90 pounds and, for the most part, kept most of it off. She kept it off for close to 15 years. Now she put only 40 of that back and has since gotten back on the wagon.

OK, so more than a decade has gone by and Oprah has gained some of it back . . . I call that being human. A 40-pound gain is no joke, but she most certainly isn’t alone. In fact, this is pretty common. Not to mention a wonderful opportunity for us to be encouraged and to get motivated if we need to drop a little or a lot of weight.

As far as I’m concerned, the only reason Oprah’s story should be getting this much coverage is because obesity is an epidemic in this country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity in adult women in 2005-2006 was 35.3 percent. Also, being overweight increases the risk of:

• Coronary heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancers (endometrial, breast and colon)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
• Stroke
• Liver and gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
• Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)

But wait, there’s more… The Office of Minority Health says that four out of five black women are overweight or obese.

One of the last questions King asked Green about Oprah’s weight struggles was…

King: Bob Greene, do you think Oprah will make it?

Greene: Well, obviously, I’ve been with her. She’s very encouraged. It’s so funny; I get that asked that question a lot. I’ve been working with her for 14 years. And never on an interview, and I won’t start tonight, will I say the words “she beat it.” You don’t beat this. It’s, again, this daily thing, where you are recommitting to the life that you’re meant to live every day of your life.

If you missed Larry King, here’s the link to read the transcript:
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/01/07/larry.king.oprah.transcript/

Let me know your thoughts, concerns or your plans for dealing with the battle of the bulge.

Cheers!

Michelle

If you are sick and tired of those reality shows featuring the attractive man with not much substance, then you’ll be glad to know that Beauty and the Geek is now casting. Whether you’re a movie buff, chess whiz, Mensa member, computer nerd, D&D Leader or spend your nights playing RPGs, this could be your chance to be a part of a show where intelligent geeks finish first and rich.

They are looking for intelligent and quirky guys who are 21 to 28 with a high IQ or a savvy intellect. If you are more likely to be featured on Jeopardy than The Bachelor, then this show could make you richer in life and even in love.

Beauty and the Geek is turning the tables and showing America that smart and quirky guys have more to offer. If you can teach a beauty a thing or two and have something to learn from them, then this is your perfect opportunity.

To AUDITION:

You must include your name, age, brief bio on how you are a geek,
contact phone number, city where you reside and a photo.

http://www.realitywanted.com/call/3447-beauty-and-the-geek-now-casting 

For a list of other reality show casting notices visit http://www.realitywanted.com

There’s no question in my mind why Donny Deutsch has featured Mike Michalowicz on his show The BIG Idea not once, not twice, not three times–but multiple times. For one, Mike has the gift of gab and a unique spin on how to get rich now, not someday.

Just when you thought the American Dream was dead on arrival, Mike comes along with solid, tried and true info on how to resuscitate your tired little list of goals and live the life of your dreams. He’s on fire, he’s got me on fire, and if you aren’t on fire and making money, it’s your own damn fault. He’s written The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, and it’s required reading. That is . . . if you want to join the ranks of the rich and famous (before you’re worn out and in a walker). I haven’t been this excited about a book since I got the first copy of my own book, Weekend Entrepreneur. LOL.

Bottom line, if you want to know what superstars say, do, how they act, write and who they network with, check Mike’s website. Everywhere I go I take his book with me, including to the bathroom . . .  don’t laff, it’s called The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur (duh?). It’s a quick read, only 178 pages. Mike’s even got tips on how you can increase your revenue by as much as 600 percent using the Visual Daily Metrics system.

If you miss the boat by not reading this tell-it-like-it-is guide to cleaning up in business even if you’re at the end of your roll, don’t blame me. I’m tryin’ to tell you waz up. He’ll even give you a free chapter excerpt of the book at www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com.

Hit me back right here at Tuned Into Business and let me know if you’ve read the book and what you’re up to.  Also, if you’re stuck, maybe Mike will answer your most burning question or dilemma here.

Hola!
Michelle

It’s that time of year when reality shows are casting. Remember Wife Swap, the television series where two moms live in each other’s house for seven days and usually end up driving the husbands crazy? . . . well, they’re casting, and you can get the details about it now. Plus several new shows are looking for interesting people, and you can check those out as well.

Please be sure to click on the link to apply or get more info. I’m posting this on October 13, 2008, so depending on when you read this blog, I’m not sure if these shows will still be casting.

1. MTV’s True Life: I’m Having Twins (or Triplets)
Are you pregnant . . . with twins, triplets or even more? Were you previously unable to conceive but, with the help of fertility drugs, now expecting multiple babies? Are you concerned about the financial, physical and emotional toll of taking care of more than one newborn, or the possibility of complications during pregnancy or birth? Is this your first pregnancy, and perhaps an unexpected one? Were you looking forward to an active lifestyle or career that you are now going to have to put on hold? Or is this the first step in creating the big family you’ve always wanted? Have you always wanted twins, and now your dream is coming true? If you’re pregnant with multiples, MTV wants to hear from you.

If you appear to be between the ages of 18 and 28 and identify with any of the above, MTV wants to hear your story. Email the network. Please be sure to include your name, location, phone number and a recent photo.

www.realitywanted.com/call/3381-mtvs-true-life-im-having-twins-or-triplets

2. NBC casting holiday home videos
The holiday season is just around the corner and, this year, NBC is counting down the most hilarious and entertaining holiday moments from families across the country.  We’re looking for everything from classic Christmas chaos to Hanukkah mishaps to memorable New Year’s moments for a new NBC special airing this December.  We’ll choose from thousands of home video submissions, then rank the best America has to offer!  So if you think your memorable holiday moment will “light up” our countdown, please send us your home videos now in order to be considered for this festive holiday special!

What we’re looking for: Amusing and/or heartwarming moments from the holidays, such as accidents involving a Christmas tree, wild or funny behavioral moments with the local mall Santa, sledding mishaps, holiday cooking/dinner table disasters, and any other event the camera caught that might make America smile, laugh, cry or cringe!

www.realitywanted.com/call/3382-nbc-casting-holiday-home-videos

3. Wife Swap now casting
ABC’s Wife Swap is looking for a family of entertainers. The series where two moms switch houses for seven days and live in the shoes of the other woman!

• Is your house a constant party?

• Is your wife a drill sergeant?

• Do you and your family play in a band or have a sideshow act?

• Does your husband use more hair products than you do?

You tell us what makes your family unique. Casting Producers for ABC’s Wife Swap are looking for our next stars. Any person who refers a featured family receives a $1,000 referral award. Families selected to appear on the show receive compensation for their time.

Wife Swap airs on Friday nights at 8 p.m. (Check your local listings.)

www.realitywanted.com/call/3388-wife-swap-now-casting

4. Married women with obsessions now casting
Looking for married women who are addicted or obsessed with something in their lives and want help.

We are interested in hearing any obsession/addiction story you may have. Some examples of stories we are looking into are:

• Out-of-control eating

• Gambling addiction

• Obsession with working out/going to the gym

• Hoarding addiction

• Obsession with the internet

• Shopping obsession

• Addiction to drugs/alcohol

If you fit any of the above or have your own unique obsession you are dealing with, please apply and include the following info:

Name:
Age:
Occupation:
Marital Status:
Number of Children:
Phone No.:
Brief description of your obsession:
Picture

www.realitywanted.com/call/3390-married-women-with-obsessions-now-casting

5. Major television network now casting inventors/aspiring entrepreneurs
Shark Tank is a new TV pilot for a major television network now casting inventors and aspiring entrepreneurs for Mark Burnett Productions.

Do you have an amazing idea or product but need the money to back it?

Would you like the opportunity to pitch your invention to severalmultimillionaire investors?

If so, we want to hear from you.

Email a brief paragraph containing only nonconfidential and nonproprietary information about yourself and your idea, along withcontact info and a recent photo:

www.realitywanted.com/call/3389-major-television-network-now-casting-inventors-aspiring-entrepreneurs-shark-tank

6. Casting Bloggers for new major network show TV Diaries
Would your real-life escapades make your mom blush?

Is there more to you than meets the eye?

DO PEOPLE EVEN KNOW THE REAL YOU?

A new series–TV Diaries–is sweeping the nation for the best untold stories and secrets.

If you think your life will keep America tuning in, then we want you.

The Conlin Co. is currently casting guys, girls and duos who are bold, provocative, interesting and–shhhh!–secretive and are willing to open up their lives to America for cash prizes.

If you make people think your life is an open book, but know you can’t judge a book by its cover–grab a video camera, and welcome to America’s most cutting-edge new show:

*Complete details available starting 10/2/08. Send us an e-mail in the meantime.

www.realitywanted.com/call/3353-casting-bloggers-for-new-major-network-show-tv-diaries

7. Dreaming of Hollywood project now casting
You’re moving to Hollywood to become an actor, model, musical artist, writer or filmmaker. It’s the adventure of a lifetime. So you need to share your adventure with the rest of America. If you’re ready to pack up that car and drive out to Hollywood, Pilgrim Films and Television (the producers of Dirty Jobs, Ghost Hunters and Ultimate Fighter) wants to make you the star of your own web-based series.

Producers are searching for a young, energetic, unknown talent between the ages of 18 and 24 who has made up his/her mind to leave home and take on Hollywood in the next two months. We will pay you, supply you with your own camera equipment and create a series to document your cross-country drive, your arrival in Tinsel Town and the first few, exciting weeks of your life in Los Angeles. This will be your opportunity to show everyone at home that you will make it in the business.

www.realitywanted.com/call/3356-dreaming-of-hollywood-project-now-casting

8. Casting athletes for Ecko TV videos
Ecko TV is the brainchild of the  innovative and iconic Mark Ecko, who is looking for hot talent from surf, skate, bmx, graff heads, snow . . . to create a dope segment. He’s got the production; you just need to show up. If you’re interested, submit your vid and/or pics on this page or any links blowing up your spot, and you may be selected to get some national exposure through Ecko TV. So stop reading and start hustling. You’ll get Ecko gear, exposure, screen credits.

www.realitywanted.com/call/3358-casting-athletes-for-ecko-tv-videos

9. TV Made Me Do It now casting
Are you a TV-inspired wild animal or reptile trainer? Were you inspired by a show on Discovery Channel, Animal Planet or National Geographic to work with venomous snakes, wild bears, vicious sharks or deadly crocodiles? Did you have a career epiphany after watching Crocodile Hunter, Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures, The Grizzlyman Diaries or something on Discovery’s Shark Week? If so, we want to hear from you. We produce a series called TV Made Me Do It–a Canadian-based documentary show that looks at people who’ve been inspired by television. One of our season 2 shows is themed around wild animal trainers, and we are looking for people who were driven to do what they do because of something seen on TV.

www.realitywanted.com/call/3359-tv-made-me-do-it-now-casting

10. Women . . . Do you have gripes about your body?
A national syndicated medical talk show wants to hear your complaints about your body.

Every woman worries about having the perfect, model-esque body. The average American model is 5′11″ tall and weighs 117 pounds.  But the fact of the matter is that the average American woman is 5′4″ tall and weighs 140 pounds. Most fashion models are thinner than 98 percent of American women.

• What do real women complain about?

• Tired of you cellulite, sick of your back, are your lips too small?

• Or do your complaints about your body go beyond the exterior, such as a low sex drive?

We want to hear what’s on your mind. Tell us your story and be sure to give a lot of details and provide a number where we can reach you.

Look forward to hearing from you soon!

www.realitywanted.com/call/3361-womendo-you-have-gripes-about-your-bodies-now-casting

11. The CW’s Operation Fabulous! makeover show now casting
The network that brings you the No. 1 reality hit, America’s Next Top Model, is now casting for a makeover show on The CW TV network in your hometown.

We need outgoing people with amazing personalities who are in desperate need of a style makeover.  We are looking for individuals who have triumphed over great adversity or who have been blessed beyond comparison. If you have a great story, we’d like to know about it.

Nominate yourself, a friend, or loved one who is deserving or really needs this opportunity.

Please send your name, age, height, weight, contact info and recent photos (include a full-body and closeup shot) along with your story of why you deserve a makeover from America’s Next Top Model’s glam gurus. Or nominate someone whom you think deserves it.

Makeover contestants must be female between the ages of 19 to 32 to apply.

www.realitywanted.com/call/3335-make-over-show-now-casting

Well, that’s all for now. I hope you will send this blog post to your friends, family and associates so they can check out some of these reality casting notices. Good luck and let me know what you’ve been doing and what your plans are for the future.

Michelle 

When it comes to timing, Oprah always comes up with topics that inform and entertain. Her show that airs on Tuesday, September 23, is perfect if you need to weather the financial storm. It’s called “Recession-Proof Your Life.” And money mogul Suze Orman has the 411 on what we can do this minute to keep our money safe (assuming you have any left).

The best tip on the show was a woman named Jill who travels the U.S. in her RV. That wasn’t exciting to me because I much prefer to fly. But what got my attention is that she has a website about RVing, and it is so successful that she earns all her income from this internet-based business.

I have always wanted a cool online business that generates money for me while I sleep, eat, play, take the kids to class or anything else my little heart desires.

I did a little digging, and it turns out that she built her own website–with no prior experience, using a fascinating online self-study course called Site Build It. More than 100,000 people have taken the course, and it has created tons of successful online businesses. How did the Oprah show find her? Yep, you guessed it . . . a simple Google search. For more info, check out this entertaining Site Build It video by clicking here.

Let me know how you are dealing with the recession. And if you have a great idea for a business, you can comment below.

Cheers!
Michelle

The business of finding that special someone has become ridiculously profitable for dating companies. And it doesn’t matter if you are a big fish or a one-man band.

Consider the proliferation of dating sites like PerfectMatch.com and MingleCity.com. TV commercials have been cropping up for Chemistry.com and, for a hot minute, I noticed that Dr. Phil had hung his shingle up at Match.com. Meanwhile, Marcus Frind, founder and CEO of Plentyoffish.com, has managed to take the free dating site he’s been running out of his apartment since 2003 to the top (Number one in Canada, number one in the UK and number three in the U.S.) using artificial intelligence. He probably figured, why buy the cow when you can develop an AI to run your site for pennies on the dollar? Frind, a 29-year-old computer programmer who appeared on The Today Show last summer, works a measly 10 hours a week and rakes in net profits of about $10 million a year. Clearly he’s struck a nerve worldwide. So, from what I can see, dating and the search for love represent a culture on the rise that doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.

Another observation is the growing trove of TV shows such as The Bachelor and Flavor of Love, not to mention the copycat spinoff shows now airing. I suppose people need something to talk about at the water cooler, eh?

Have you noticed that matchmakers are now the “new kid” on the TV chopping block? I suppose it’s time for them to bask in their 15 minutes of fame. I’m wondering whether some TV exec is going to get the ax when the first matchmaker show fails. Here’s a snapshot of the shows already airing:

Millionaire Matchmaker recently premiered on Bravo, starring third-generation matchmaker Patti Stanger. Boy is she a pistol! One minute she’s complaining because the chicks she’s selected aren’t what she considers hot (a seven on a scale of 10). Then she’s exasperated when her Gulf Stream-clad bachelors only want to date bombshell beauties (duh).

The other matchmaker newcomer is the tempestuous Patti Novak, star of A&E’s Confessions of a Matchmaker. Novak runs her business from her Buffalo (New Yawk) office and was recently seen on Oprah as “America’s Toughest Matchmaker.”

Based on most of what’s out there in the world of dating, my first reaction was, “Is that all there is?” I was feeling unfulfilled about the whole thing—I would compare my research to eating Chinese food; I was hungry an hour later. But I kept thinking, “There’s got to be a better way!” And there is. In fact, in my next blog post, I’ll share my findings about MatchMatrix.com, an exciting new relationship website that’s like a magic bullet for identifying your perfect match. You may want to take advantage of getting a free communication report at MatchMatrix.com.

If I were you I’d get a second free report for the person you are interested in to see if both of you share the same style of communication. I can’t wait to tell you how I personally tested MatchMatrix on myself as well as several friends, associates and a couple of journalists.

Your feedback is always a plus. In fact, some of my best ideas come from people like you. So keep those comments coming. Your feedback lets me know which topics are important to you.

Cheers!
Michelle

When Donny talks, it’s time to listen up. And when he gives the sort of endorsement he did recently, you really wouldn’t want to miss it. But just in case you did, Donny turned the reins over to the very talented and capable Carla Harris for his signature “Millionaire Secrets” segment. She may not be a household name to you, but she is a powerhouse. The show didn’t have my total attention until he shouted out, “You wouldn’t get a meeting with Carla Harris in a hundred years.” Harris is a managing director in global capital markets at Morgan Stanley.

Here are Harris’ tips from The Big Idea, along with some of the incredible things the Harvard grad has done.

1. Bring your authentic self to work. Make sure you leverage what makes you, you. Your competitive advantage is who you really are.
2. Be a risk taker. The person who is going to be rewarded in any environment is the person who is willing to think out of the box. Failure brings you a gift, and that gift is experience.
3. Live in your power. Understand your strengths and your weaknesses.
4. Perception is the co-pilot to reality. How people perceive you will directly impact how they deal with you. Think of three adjectives that are consistent with who you really are.
5. Be the author of your own agenda. It’s your life, and it’s your career. Do not manage your career based on someone else’s path.

Prior to her current position at Morgan Stanly, Harris was a senior member of the equity syndicate desk and was in charge of initial public offerings for UPS, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Ariba, Redback, the General Motors sub-IPO of Delphi Automotive and the $3.2 billion common stock transaction for Immunex Corp.

Honors

• Fortune magazine’s list of “The 50 Most Powerful Black Executives in Corporate America”;

• Black Enterprise magazine’s “Top 50 African Americans on Wall Street”;

• Essence magazine’s list of “The 50 Women Who are Shaping the World”;

• Ebony’s list of “15 Corporate Women at The Top”;

• Network Journal’s 2005 list of “25 Most Outstanding Women in Business”;

• “Woman of the Year 2004″ from the Harvard University Black Men’s Forum.

She rocks, and my biggest regret is that what I’ve written doesn’t capture her enthusiasm. I felt like I wanted to go for a run after listening to her.