Reality TV as a Source of Solid Business Advice

Last week I interviewed Chris Cornyn, a branding expert specializing in the specialty foods industry, who is one of the mentors for a Lifetime network tv program called "Supermarket Superstore." The premise of the show is that contestants who have a product that they'd like to bring to market come to the program to be challenged on the business decisions that must be made along the way. They get advice on how to build a brand, and I gather that they progress through the program based on their success in following that advice. Then at the end, the winner will get a package of services from Cornyn's agency, DINE Marketing, and a chance to pitch their products to supermarket buyers.