Orange Girl World

Go on a reality TV show (or at least audition for one)!

When Andy Warhol said his well-repeated quote about everyone being famous for 15 minutes, he was probably just being flippant.  However, he has been proved right.  Reality TV is here to stay, and it is no longer remain the domain of freaks, mentalists and the deranged.  It’s time for everyone to get in the act.

I interviewed for The Apprentice UK last week.  Okay, I only made through three rounds, but I cracked the top 200 candidates, and I think that’s pretty good going for someone who has no business experience at all.  It was also the most fun I have had in ages. 

Admittedly, it’s a pretty narcissistic thing  do you.  The whole time you are only talking about yourself.  I am sure that there are plenty of people who would feel uncomfortable doing this, but given the record number of people who started blogs last year, it seems like there are tons more people out there who love to talk about themselves. 

It gives you a great confidence boost.  Honestly.  You have to convince a panel of people that you are the greatest thing since slice bread, and at the end of the day I was starting to believe my own hype.  It had the same effect of repeating positive mantras in front of a mirror, but it was even better because I could see other people starting to believe it too.

It can be a tremendous kick start to your career, and I not just talking about people who become Z-list celebrities off of Big Brother.  Think of the life-changing opportunities offered by shows like Dragons Den.  You can now find Levi Roots’s Reggae Reggae Sauce in shops everywhere.  Hamfatter now have £75,000 to record their next album and an instant buzz because of their appearance on the Den.

And whether you would like to admit or not, I bet at least one of your favourite television programmes is a reality show.  Wouldn’t you love a back stage pass?  Wouldn’t you like some insight on the whole making-of process?  Half of my excitment at The Apprentice interview was getting to know the other candidates.  Hopefully, one or more of them will make it through, and I can say that I’ve met them.  It’s always brilliant to meet people off the telly.

With the absolute glut of reality shows that litter all the channels, there is bound to be one the matches your interests and personality.  You simply have to find the right one.  So what are you waiting for?  Get auditioning and applying!