The Celebrity Apprentice – Watch and Learn

If you’re like many entrepreneurs, you probably don’t watch a lot of TV. With all you have to do and keep track of, who has the time? So when you do watch, it’s great if you can actually learn something that will help you in your business while you’re being entertained. The new season of The Celebrity Apprentice premiers March 14 th on NBC, and it promises to offer a mix of excitement, suspense, humor, and some valuable business lessons. As with the previous two seasons, a diverse group of 14 celebrity “ candidates ” is playing for their chosen charities – rather than a job within the Trump organization, as in the original Apprentice. Contestants compete against one another in business-related team “challenges” throughout the season. After each challenge, someone from the losing team is fired by Donald Trump in the dreaded boardroom. It is during these challenges, and later in the boardroom gatherings, that we can pick up some lessons on how to – and maybe more importantly, how not to – be an effective entrepreneur. Each of the celebrities in this upcoming season is, to some degree, an entrepreneur, in addition to being an athlete, comedian, rock star or other entertainer. We’re sure to see a great variety of management styles, as well as a good mix of marketing ideas and project management dos and don’ts. It will be interesting to see if, for example, Cyndi Lauper ’s quirky, outspoken personality will make her an effective project manager, or if Sharon Osborne ’s straight-forward approach will get better results. If past seasons are any indication, we’re in for a lot of surprises. With two professional wrestlers ( Bill Goldberg and Maria Kanellis ), an 80s rocker ( Bret Michaels ), and a disgraced politician ( Rod Blagojevich ) in the running, anything can happen. It might just be that the contestant you think is going to have the best chance of winning will be a dud, while the one you think is a flake will turn out to be a real pro. In any case, this eclectic assortment of stars is sure to provide plenty of entertaining moments. And of course the show’s host, Donald Trump, is always good for some interesting gems. Entertainment factor aside though, it’s undeniable that Mr. Trump, one of the world’s most visible billionaires, knows business inside and out, and his boardroom discussions and show commentaries often have a lot to teach current and would-be entrepreneurs. Trump demands the best from himself and from those he works with. When he takes on any project, whether it’s constructing a high-rise or starting a new company, he puts his heart and sole into it. That’s why so many, whether they love him or hate him, have to admire him for what he’s accomplished and the gusto with which he’s done it. The Celebrity Apprentice will air Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on NBC. Check it out for some suspense, a few laughs, and yes, a tip or two for being an effective business person. What are your thoughts on the Celebrity Apprentice show? Who is your favorite celebrity from this season’s Celebrity Apprentice? Voice your comments below!