TV + Entrepreneurship Brainstorming Needed

[Dien Rice]

Originally Posted by Ankesh

How would you make a TV show about entrepreneurship interesting? So that the mainstream population watch it?

What should the show have that would make you watch it?

Should it be biographical? Or interview based? Or a mix of both?

Do you have any creative idea or twist that would make a good TV show that inspires more people to become entrepreneurs?

Hi Ankesh,

Because you're going for a mainstream audience, I think you have to capture their attention the same way other programs do...

I think that's usually through conflict! Pretty much all stories are based on a conflict... It could be a straightforward conflict between two or more people. Or it could be a more complicated type of conflict, like of an individual against society, or even of an individual against his or her own fears... Or a "conflict" between a goal a person wants to achieve, and all the very tough obstacles in their way...

That's a basic component of any kind of "riveting" story-telling... It also holds on TV. Pretty much all soap operas, dramas, and so on, are based around various conflicts, how they arise, the effect on people, and how they resolve themselves...

Even non-story shows have conflict! Think of quiz shows, or reality TV... They always manage to work conflict into it somehow... That's because, that's what keeps people riveted to the show!

Keep in mind that the "conflict" does not have to be the violent type. But it does have to create tension, so people are fascinated on how it's going to resolve itself and play out...

The other thing you need, I think, are main "players" that people can relate to, and empathize with. That's one reason why "rags to riches" stories are so interesting. "Ordinary" people (who are not rich) can empathize with the person, at least in the "rags" stage of their tale...! And, usually they have some kind of obstacle (i.e. conflict) that they have to overcome on their road to success.

Anyway, I think you should try to keep those two things in mind if you want to appeal to the masses... Make sure there's conflict to keep people watching, and "personalities" that people can relate to...

I think you can work these things into practically any type of format.

I hope that helps... Please keep us posted on this project, because it's fascinating...

Cheers,

Dien

Ankesh,

I don't think there is much market for business tv shows without a more cutting edge hook to it otherwise like in states many get regulated to public television.

This is what I might think might be bold for Indian tv.

What about a show on female startups and along the way you integrate business lessons and how family relationships are affected.

Can you match an Indian and a Pakastani starting a business together?
Maybe in some kind of cricket related business? or some kind of
Bollywood enterprise?

Hi Ankesh,

This topic goes well with Dien’s post about fear.

You said that you wanted to create a program for the mainstream population to watch.

Jay Alexander’s response was about “I can do it, let me SHOW you how you can too!” And I think that’s the way you should go. Dien was on target too.

Look around, and ask “what’s already being done successfully, and how can you do it better.”

In America, our late night TV is flooded with “get rich now in real estate, buying notes, stock market, etc.” Most of these advertoirals are heavy with testimonies, benefits, and results. Of course there’s the irresistible offer to act now!

Think about focusing on TELLING THE STORY of how certain people overcame their obstacles: social, personal, financial, etc. that led them to success. Show the results, and benefits. Provide third party testimonials when you can. Then make an irresistible offer for the step-by-step plan that solves your target markets problems.