I recently found this in my email inbox:

Contestants Wanted for New Business Reality Show

Entrepreneurs wanted for new Reality Web Series that will become a PBS Special. “The Apprentice” meets “Oprah” in an online show where participants make real changes on their ‘inside world” in order to achieve measurable success in their “outside world.” Business Growth through Personal Growth.

Requirements: 

Candidates should be successful entrepreneurs and small business owners who understand the power of mastermind teams, personal growth work, subconscious reprogramming, and cutting edge online, social, and mass media marketing. We are looking for 18 strong entrepreneurial self-promoters to join us on this cutting edge project intended to be a PBS Special beyond its life as a web reality series. There is a fee to participate.SUBMIT your headshot, plus links to your websites and related press material for immediate consideration. The adventure begins January 1!

Reality TV is everywhere – and now it’s coming to PBS. (Probably at 4 in the morning, but hey, who’s knocking it?)

Suddenly, normally prudent business owners wondered whether they had the calling; at least one colleague emailed me about whether this could be a good investment.

Here are four quick ways to figure out whether you’ll get a call-back, and if you’ll even want one, assuming you’re willing to pay for your minute of TV, or web-based, stardom:

  1. On-camera publicity can be very useful, depending on the outlet. Is this the kind of company you want to be seen with?
  2. Play the odds. Before you shoot your first audition, dig into the selection process. How many finalists does it take to find a winner? Remember, this is their process, not yours. And you’re cattle until you’re called.
  3. Know the hook. Every producer has a team in mind, and drama, and a story arc, and the camera. What’s the angle they’re looking for? Is your angle good enough (and one you’re willing to share)?
  4. Dare to say “no.” A good show isn’t necessarily what’s good for business.

Know that just applying will be a big distraction and an even bigger distraction if you go all the way. At the end of it all, what will it do for business? And would you actually want your customers to see it?

Some folks say that all PR is good PR. Not me. Not this time. Never mind paying for it.

By: Amy Bermar
Twitter: @amybermar