So you want to be “Oprah,” do you?
Can’t say I blame you. No other media outlet gets the type of proven results as an appearance on “Oprah Winfrey.” Millions of Americans view Oprah’s endorsement as all they need to buy something.
As you might imagine, there is lots of competition for such a coveted placement. Before you attempt to get on her show, there are some things you need to do to ensure you and your product stick out from all the other people who also are dying to meet Ms. Winfrey in person. Hopefully, you can get her seal of approval!
Before you start pitching Oprah’s producer, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you or your product worthy of national attention?
This is an important question and one that Oprah’s producers take into consideration. You may be the biggest real estate agent in Altoona, Pennsylvania, but if you think your award for being first in sales for your region is going to get Oprah in a tizzy, you are seriously delusional.
On the other hand, if you pulled yourself up from your bootstraps and overcame struggles beyond normal comprehension (such as walking 20 miles barefoot every day for three years) on your way to becoming the biggest real estate agent in Altoona, then you might have a shot on Oprah.
- Do you have a larger-than-life personality?
“Hot” personalities do better on TV than mellow people. It’s a fact. That’s why Rachael Ray and Dr. Phil were picked by the Big O to become stars. If you have a wild personality and are willing to jump on couches to express your point-of-view, you have a better chance of getting on Oprah than someone who is more low-key.
- How willing are you to reveal your true self?
Although Oprah’s endorsement can sell products, it is a personality-driven show and producers are looking for stories. Some folks who could be great Oprah guests miss out because they want the focus to be on what they’re selling rather than who they are.
For instance, I once had a client who wanted to be on Oprah, but missed out because she didn’t want to discuss her very compelling real-life story. This was a woman who was kicked out of her house at 17 and put herself through college by dancing until she built up a very successful online business.
She only wanted to focus on what she was selling, not on her past. Granted, her past was painful, but if she had been willing to discuss it with Oprah, she would have reached millions of people who would have been touched and she probably would have become a big star.
If you don’t feel comfortable revealing yourself emotionally, it’s that much harder to get on Oprah.
- If you are selling a product, is it of particular interest to women?
Oprah’s audience is mostly female. Therefore, the producers are more interested in guests that have an appeal to women. That doesn’t mean you have to be a woman or sell a product geared towards women, but it does mean that having a good human interest story will go a long way towards getting the eye of the producers and captivating the viewers.
- Is this the time to start acting like a diva?
So you’ve created a compelling pitch that has captured the interest of Oprah’s producers. What now? Well, don’t start acting like a diva. Oprah is the only diva on this show.
It’s amazing how many people who’ve been asked to be on Oprah hurt their chances by making demands such as wanting payment or insisting they get to approve the other guests.
Guess what! If Oprah wants you, you show up and be nice and give them whatever they want. If you’re a big celebrity or someone caught in a big scandal, maybe you can make demands, but if you’re like the rest of us, you’re just lucky they asked you.
Anyway, to sum things up: An appearance on Oprah can change your career, so make the most of it, but also have realistic expectations. Do that and you’re sure to have a great segment and – who knows? – maybe you will get your own show someday. |
