November 3, 2008

Fun, Inspiring TV Shows that Upgrade Your Professional Presentation

Here are six inspiring television shows that can help you deliver remarkable services, stand out from the pack, and upgrade your professional presentation.

If you’re going to watch TV, might as well choose something intentional that will help you grow and expand.
 
The next time you need a mental break, or find yourself in the mood for a little TV fun and relaxation, look for one of these shows. They always leave me inspired.
 
  1. Iconoclasts on the Sundance Channel
 
Produced by Robert Redford and the late Paul Newman, this show puts together two unlikely celebrities for a day and you get to tag along. You learn how each individual found their path to fame and fortune (some strategically, some just following their bliss and all with their fair share of risk), and the unique beliefs that has attracted success.
 
My favorite episodes so far: the pairing of Dr. Deepak Chopra and comedian Mike Myers, and the mega millionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and African peace activist and spiritual leader Desmond Tutu. To watch the conversations unfold between two unlikely people is fascinating and is like being privy to the inner secrets of what it takes to make a difference in the world.
 
    Learn more about the show: http://www.sundancechannel.com/iconoclasts
 
 
 
  1. Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares on BBC America Channel
 
This is the only show that inspires me to talk back (make that yell back!) to the TV and grab anyone in sight to come watch and learn with me. In fact, I think the lessons are so powerful I would require all my private clients to watch this show if I could.
 
Celebrity Chef and owner of a global restaurant empire, Ramsey is invited to turn around a failing restaurant. Some get it, take his advice and succeed (and it makes you want to shout for joy at a small business success!), and others don’t (it breaks my heart to see business owners unwilling to do what’s best for their staff and business) and even more don’t like his tough love approach.
 
This show is moving, inspiring and showcases how businesses can become successful with the right actions and mindset. You can feel how deeply Ramsey cares for these restaurant owners and how passionate he is about his craft – quality cooking, serving others and showing people a great time.
 
Now don’t confuse Kitchen Nightmares with Hell’s Kitchen. The latter is trash and won’t showcase Ramsey’s entrepreneurial wisdom.
 
 
Learn more about Kitchen Nightmares here: http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/154/about.jsp
 
 
  1. What Not to Wear on the Learning Channel (TLC)
 
Each fashion makeover participant thinks they’re projecting a message that they most certainly are not. For example, the school teacher who’s trying be young and hip and ends up looking unwittingly losing respect from her peers. Or in the case of an aspiring singer who is working hard at stepping into the limelight but dresses in shlumpy outfits that hide her unique beauty and thus making it impossible for her to stand out and be noticed for her gifts.  
 
What is relevant for the solo-preneur is the tips, insights and teachings on how to look the part. Every person who comes on the show thinks they’re dressing appropriate for their career and life goals, but deep down are unconsciously sabotaging their success by dressing in a way that inhibits their confidence.
 
It’s emotional, transformational and you get an insider’s perspective on how we all hold ourselves back in unconscious ways.
 
We may not like that first impressions count or that our clothing projects a message about our business. But it’s the way of the world.
 
Let me ask you this: If your business where to dress a certain way? What would it wear?
 
Are you dressing the part?
 
Catch this show and learn how to upgrade your professional presentation in a way that works for you.
 
 
 
  1. How Do I Look appearing on both the Style Network and E! Channel
 
Another version of the above. A lifestyle makeover show where participants are given a new wardrobe (and a new lease on life) by two friends and a professional stylist. It’s fascinating to see people say goodbye to what no longer serves them and come out of their shell. I cry every time.
 
 
  1. E! True Hollywood Story on the E! Channel
 
Recently, I caught the tail end of Food Network Star, Rachael Ray’s E! True Hollywood story and it was wonderfully inspiring. It reminded me that we all start small and locally. She taught cooking classes at the local Price Chopper, did local radio shows in her town and self-published her first cookbook. It’s how many health, wellness and change your life professionals make their start too.
 
These stories and others like it remind me that it’s not an extraordinary gift or talent that makes a success, it’s the discipline and willingness to do what comes next in the face of fear. Regular people doing extraordinary things. That’s what this show is about.  
 
    Catch an episode here: http://www.eonline.com/on/shows/ths/index.jsp
 
 
  1. VH1’s Behind the Music on VH1
 
This show takes an intimate look in the personal and professional lives of musicians, tracing their struggles, setbacks and successes. Since its premiere in August 1997, the series has profiled music artists from the ‘50s through today, from Gloria Estefan and Metallica, to Karen Carpenter and Motley Crue, to Cher and Ozzy Osborne, in more than 150 episodes.
 
You don’t have to like the artist’s music to find the stories compelling. No matter what your “art” is – be it counseling, coaching, speaking, healthcare or hands-on healing – you’ll be able to relate to what it takes to do something different in life.
 
 
Don’t have these shows on your cable/satellite dish. Check out YouTube.com.

To your success,

Karin

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Filed under Blog, Business Inspiration, Honing Your Message, Resources by Karin

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