By Robert Pagliarini, Tribune Media Services
At last count, Oprah Winfrey was worth a little over $23.234 trillion. Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, but there’s no doubt she’s done well for herself in doing well for others. Now it could be your turn. Oprah launched the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) at noon on January 1, 2011. It’s a massive undertaking that could transform cable TV. And if you’re willing, it could also transform you.
Here are five ways you can partner with Oprah:
1. Buy stock in Oprah. You can make an investment in Oprah’s new network by making an investment in Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA). This worldwide media and entertainment company operates many networks including the Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet, and is also now a 50:50 partner with Oprah in the Oprah Winfrey Network. Bet on Oprah with a bet on Discovery Communications. Disclaimer: This is not a recommendation to buy Discovery Communications stock.
2. Get cast on a new show. There are two types of guests on shows: experts and non-experts. Take a look at some of the new and upcoming OWN shows to see if you would be a good fit as an expert. All of the major television shows such as “Dr. Phil,” “Good Morning America” and others get thousands of pitches a year from experts wanting to be on the show. It can be tough, but not impossible to break through. The other option is to appear as a non-expert. If you go on as a non-expert, make sure you learn something from the experience and/or have a strategy for your 15 minutes of fame. Submit yourself to the general Oprah casting page, or find the show you are interested in and look for who they are casting.
3. Pitch your own show. What does a new network that promises 24/7 content need? Content, of course! If you have an idea for a show that would be a good fit for OWN, this could be your opportunity. Here’s what you need to know. First, an idea is not enough. At the very least, you need to write a two to three page treatment for the show — similar to a business plan. What’s the show about; what’s the hook; what’s the intended market; who’s involved (e.g. host); what’s the format; and how does it differ from other shows already on TV? You’ll also want to summarize several sample shows. Second, if you’re really serious, in addition to the treatment, you’ll want to shoot a pilot. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to cost much, but it does need to get a producer interested in the concept. Before you pitch a treatment or pilot, watch the series “Oprah Behind The Scenes” for an inside look at what it takes to produce a show and what they look for. You can pitch Oprah via their website or look to partner with a production company.
4. Write a book. Over the past several years there have been many best-selling books that took an idea and followed it for a year. For example, there was the woman who gave her husband sex every day for a year for his 40th birthday. She then wrote a book about it. There was another where the author strictly followed every word in the Bible for a year, and then wrote a book about it. I think a fantastic idea for a book would be for someone to follow every piece of advice on OWN and document their transformation. I’d call it, “My Year With Oprah,” or something similar. I’d love to write this book, but I’d love even more to read it. If you’re stuck in a rut, have a bit of free time and like to write, consider this. Who knows? You may even end up on OWN talking about it.
5. Start a blog. If you don’t have a book in you, consider starting a blog that documents your transformation from watching OWN. Watch the shows, follow the advice, and discuss how it has impacted your life. Maybe call it “My OWN Transformation.” Once you get enough readers, you could easily display ads. If the blog becomes a hit, pitch it to an Oprah producer. If it doesn’t become a hit, at least you’ve made some positive changes in your life.
There are lots of ideas on how to cash in on Oprah, but if you want to cash in with Oprah, just watch the network.
Robert Pagliarini is a CBS MoneyWatch columnist and the author of “The Other 8 Hours: Maximize Your Free Time to Create New Wealth & Purpose” and the national best-seller “The Six Day Financial Makeover.” Visit YourOther8Hours.com.
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This was printed in the January 29, 2012 – February 11, 2012 Edition
