No, this isn’t a parody on Saturday Night Live. It’s more like The Apprentice meets YouTube. Next Internet Millionaire is the new kid on the competitive reality show block. But, there’s a twist. It won’t be on television. And executive producer, Joel Comm is the “Donald Trump� of the show. His claim to fame is that he was one of the first internet millionaires.
Oh, wait a minute—there’s an even bigger twist…
I was surprised to see the line-up of 6 women and 6 men competing for the gold. I haven’t done the research but the internet seems be dominated by men. My curiosity has risen a notch because I am wondering if these are token women, some of which may have been thrown in as eye candy or if any of these chicks have enough in their back pocket to win. Will this be one small step for man and a quantum leap for women? Time will tell.
Clearly, there isn’t a shortage of TV shows where people compete for a large sum of cash (sigh). So my first question for Joel Comm, even before wanting to know what this internet show is about is … why do you think people will watch the show for the next twelve weeks starting Friday, August 17?
JOEL: I can think of several reasons!
First of all, this really is a historic event. No one has attempted a competitive reality show of this magnitude for an Internet audience. When the public embraces this program, it will take more power away from the big networks and advertisers will shift more of their advertising budget to future new media-based projects. Since I am strong believer in free markets, I have to believe that this can only be good for business and consumers.
Next, unlike other reality programming, viewers actually stand to LEARN something from watching The Next Internet Millionaire! Yes, the show will be entertaining and a certain degree of drama will ensue. However, those who watch will pick up on valuable information from the teachers who appear on the program, bringing educational value as well.
Finally, the show is really about our cast members and their drive to win. Reality TV is big because it provides us with real characters that we can identify with. I believe viewers are going to enjoy watching the contestants learn and compete for the ultimate prize. After all, there is a $25,000 cash prize and a dream joint venture on the line. So who will it be? I hope you will tune in and find out!
What’s the story behind The NIM (Next Internet Millionaire)?
JOEL: Earlier this year, I surveyed the Internet marketing landscape and realized that many marketers were selling their products and services to the same people, again and again. Recognizing that the potential market is far greater, I sought to find a way to bring the online business opportunity to the masses. With the popularity of reality television and the rise of online video, I decided that an Internet reality show would provide a timely convergence of the two.
I contacted one of my previous joint venture partners, Eric Holmlund, and we set out to create the world’s first competitive Internet reality show. The goal was to raise the bar for online video by giving viewers a compelling reason to tune in to long-form weekly entertainment on the web. We know that viewers are leaving traditional television in record numbers, so the show would seek to provide an alternative for those who were turning to the Internet for their entertainment. We decided the show would have to maintain network-quality production values and a compelling storyline where viewers would not only be captivated by our cast and the competition, but also by the educational element that would introduce them to the opportunities afforded them to make money on the Internet.
How did you become an Internet Millionaire?
JOEL: I started my first website, worldvillage.com, in 1995, before the Internet was a household staple. I intended to design sites that provided a family-friendly alternative to much of the “garbage� that was available online.
In 1996, I partnered with a graduate student who had developed the foundations for a multi-player Internet game site. Allowing people from all over the world to play board and table games such as hearts, spades, chess, checkers and backgammon against each other in real time, it quickly developed a loyal following and was subsequently purchased by Yahoo! In 1997. The site is now known as Yahoo! Games, one of the world’s most popular multi-player game sites. That was my first million-dollar deal!
My company has since developed a number of popular websites, including one of the web’s first bargain-hunter shopping sites, DealofDay.com.
In 2004, I released my first ebook to immediate success and acclaim. I had discovered strategies and techniques for maximizing revenue streams with Google AdSense, Google’s contextual advertising solution for site owners. After learning how to generate $500-$1000 each day in passive income with the AdSense program, I discovered there were thousands of people who were eager to learn how to do likewise.
In 2006, my traditionally published book, “The AdSense Code,� hit the New York Times Best Seller list and has become the definitive guide on the topic.
I continue to develop new products and services designed to help small businesspeople harness the power of the Internet to build their businesses. As a result, I am often asked to speak at seminars and conferences on the subject of making money online. It is truly a blessing to be able to see the lights go on over people’s heads when they see the potential for what can be done online.
What are the chances of the average person becoming an Internet Millionaire?
JOEL: Well, I consider myself an average person! Honestly, I think it is much easier now than when I got started because people don’t have to make the same mistakes that I made. With all the resources and training materials that are now available, I think the opportunities are stronger than ever before. It really just takes someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, a creative spark and a willingness to do what needs to be done in order to achieve their goals. Most people fail because they give up to soon. Let’s face it. Not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur. You have to be willing to take risks and believe in your dreams.
How many people competed to be one of the final 12?
JOEL: We received nearly 300 audition videos for the first round of our competition. What’s interesting about this is that some larger, well-established sites had attempted online audition submissions and several of them struggled to gather at least one hundreds auditions. So we’re pretty pleased with the number of people who were willing to make a video and throw their hat in the ring.
Is this anything like “The Apprentice�?
JOEL: I was a big fan of Trump’s show, but he really lost me last season when he had the losing team sleep outside in a tent. I really believe it was inappropriate to be treating young professionals as though they had signed up for Survivor. One look at the declining ratings would indicate that I wasn’t the only one who felt that way.
The Next Internet Millionaire certainly focuses on business, but it is about the NEW way of doing business. While Trump was looking to hire someone for a job, we are looking for the right joint venture partner. The winner will be someone whom I will work alongside, seeking to build a success story for them, not just for me. The world is changing, and when you compare the traditional ways of corporate America with the entrepreneurial spirit of the Internet, you discover that it’s an entirely different mindset. And it is the way of the future.
Will we be able to watch previous episodes if we miss one?
JOEL: Absolutely! There are several wonderful benefits to having a program developed purely for the Internet. First of all, we don’t have the constraints of television. That is, we don’t have to “fill� a timeslot with storyline that doesn’t advance. Each episode of The Next Internet Millionaire will be as long as it needs to be in order to tell the story.
Next, when we put an episode online each week, viewers will be able to enjoy the episode at their leisure. Just as Tivo has demonstrated that people are eager to watch what they want when they want it, the Internet allows us to cater to the “on-demand� mentality and let people decide when they want to watch the show.
Finally, we expect that new people will be tuning in with each new episode. They will be able to visit our site and start with episode one right away. It’s kind of like the way I watched season one of Lost. I waited for the DVD set and consumed the entire season in a matter of days!
Who are the contestants?
Jaime Luchuck - Toronto, Ontario
Born in Saskatchewan, Jaime grew up heavily involved in dancing, even winning the Western Canadian Championships in her age group. After high school, Jaime’s weight mysteriously plummeted to 92 pounds and doctors were unable to diagnose her. Unwilling to accept defeat, she took matters into her own hands and ended up getting well with the advice of alternative health professionals. Since that time, Jaime has pursued her dream of acting and honing her graphic design skills.
Alisande Chan - Port Coquitlam, British Columbia
From the pain and endurance of being disciplined in a martial art to waltzing in a ballroom, this semi-pro-poker player achieves her goals. Alisande has a carefree attitude that is balanced by an analytical side. Her strength lies in her ability to see the positive in all people and situations. Alisande has been in the corporate environment as well as a homemaker, and she enjoys donating her time to coordinate charitable efforts.
Christine Schaap - Rockford, Michigan
Christine is a successful author, speaker, and life transition coach. Married for over twenty years and a homeschooler for twelve years, Christine is a mother of five who has volunteered with organizations such as MOPS, Habitat for Humanity, World Relief, Special Olympics, and her local crisis pregnancy center. Her company’s goal is to inspire women to lead productive lives with passion and purpose – no matter what
their age.
Carly Taylor - Cambridge, UK
Experienced in offline and online marketing, Carly has worked for a large radio station, handled media buy and built relationships with national magazines and newspapers in a male-dominated industry. A self-described tough negotiator, Carly thrives on the buzz of a fast paced marketing environment. A practioner of yoga, martial arts and dance, Carly has a love for creative writing, poetry and philosophy.
Debbie Ducic - Pueblo, Colorado
Not one to shy away from challenges or new experiences, Debbie is an advocate for women who want to step up and take on their challenges. She is a team builder, leader, mentor, mother, risk taker, networker, teacher and a wife. With years of experience in a range of different industries, Debbie is an adventure-seeker with a compassionate heart for others.
Laura Martin - Austin, Texas
A country girl with a love for the big city, Laura is an accomplished athlete with an independant streak. Having worked with some top Internet marketers, she comes to the competition with a strong desire to learn and apply. Laura enjoys traveling, photography and outdoor activities. She is determined to make the most of this opportunity.
Jason Henderson - Lewisville, TX
Nationally certified personal trainer, actor and model, Jason is a former professional basketball player and fitness expert. An online entreprenuer of several years, Jason’s company is focused on helping people achieve better health and improved lifestyle through better posture.
Charles Trippy - Tampa, FL
As the son of a professional musician, Charles grew up surrounded by people in the rock and roll industry. A musician in his own right, Charles is a college student who has developed a love for computers, and in particular, online video. He currently maintains a popular YouTube channel with over 30,000 subscribers.
Nico Pisani - Costa Rica
A self-defined Renaissance Man, Nico is an American living in Costa Rica who has become an expert in Costa Rica travel and wildlife conservation. His diverse life experiences include interests in real estate, exports, tourism, expatriot relocation, business consulting and conservation. A former PGA of America Golf Professional and Certified Personal trainer, Nico is also an accomplished musician and video producer.
Steve Schuitt - Diamond Bar, CA
The youngest cast member, Steve reigns from Massachusetts, has lived in both Alaska and Hawaii, and now resides in California. After four years of college, Steve has recognized that there is more to life than just getting an education to get a job. His desire is to go beyond the traditional work environment and seize opportunities that can be leveraged to have a significant impact on his life and the lives of others.
Thor Schrock - Lincoln, NE
Thor is an entreprenuer with a successful computer repair company in Nebraska. His creativity has led him to create and host a weekly radio program that enjoys the highest ratings in its time slot. A dedicated husband and father, Thor is driven to succeed by helping other people succeed.
Jason Marshall - Ocean City, NJ
Committed to pouring his life into others, Jason considers his strong faith to be his most important attribute. An aspiring illusionist and amateur video producer, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and is a one-on-one aid to Petey, a young man who suffers from muscular dystrophy.
What skills did they have to learn?
JOEL: Over the course of the 12 episodes we have filmed, the contestants had the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s most respected Internet marketing teachers. People like Mark Joyner, Armand Morin and Marlon Sanders spent several hours each day equipping the contestants with skills they could apply to their online business. They learned about branding, copywriting, ecommerce, online video, guerilla marketing, viral marketing, social networking sites and many more techniques and strategies that are used by those who are already making millions of dollars online.
How will you determine the winner?
JOEL: In true reality show fashion, contestants are eliminated each week based on their performance in a challenge or task. We started with twelve contestants, but with each episode, the pack is narrowed. I think viewers will enjoy seeing who can take on the challenges and come out on top.
I’ll be watching and writing more about NIM (Next Internet Millionaire) over the next few weeks. Let me know who you want to win. I’m expecting your comments.
This entry was posted on Sunday, August 12th, 2007 at 9:47 am and is filed under Online Business, Work, Starting a Business, Inventor, Work at Home Mom. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.33 Responses to “Next Internet Millionaire Isn’t on TV, You Watch on Your Computer”
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August 13th, 2007 at 7:57 am
GREAT BLOG! Thanks so much for sharing your excellent information. I just found you (via a google alert about women bloggers) and am excited because you will be listed in my top 5 women who blog this week on my Virtual Woman’s Day Blog at http://www.virtualwomansday.com.
After all, aren’t we all hoping to or working towards living the lifestyle of our dreams?
I am also an avid reader of Women Entrepreneaur and will look for articles you have written.
Warmest regards,
Heidi Richards, Founder & CEO - The WECAI Networkâ„¢ - http://www.wecai.org
August 13th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Hi, Great article! Upon reading your blog, it amazes me. Different rich people, different internet millionaire testimonials. So inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
August 13th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Wow! This is FANTASTIC! It’s great to see original entertainment coming to the web. I’m so sick of network television and this looks to be a quality production. Thanks for writing this article Michelle!
Warren H.
August 14th, 2007 at 6:05 am
Great article!, I learned allot from Joel’s book and newsletters. I am looking forward to see the show going live, but even before it even started I spent many hours on the website watching the teaser and the auditions. For me it has as much (if not more) entertainment value as network shows. (and think of this, internet is the REAL NETWORK!)
Jesse B.
August 14th, 2007 at 6:07 am
Thank you very much for the insights and precious information.
This is awesome! I am excited about seeing this groundbreaking reality show…
Henry T.
http://www.midasemarketspace.com
August 14th, 2007 at 6:13 am
I had the pleasure to work with Joel and the contestants and I don’t think there are any “token” guests. Each possess some quality that could make them a possible winner of this competition. My hats off to all the contestants for their bravery and to Joel and his team for coming up with such a unique reality competition. My feeling is that even those who do not win, will walk away much wiser, and able to make their next million on their own. I will encourage everyone I know to follow this show.
August 14th, 2007 at 6:46 am
I have been following Joel’s development of this program, almost since it’s inception, and I’ve must admit, you are very accurate in your reporting. I will be following your blog entries very closely to see your take on the whole thing. Good work, Michelle!
Hale
August 14th, 2007 at 6:53 am
What is the business?
August 14th, 2007 at 7:18 am
I just had heard about this on another site and can’t wait to see this show! I really got sick of the apprentice and so much of the reality tv on the networks is so bad. It seems like it is getting worse and worse. This looks to be a refreshing breath of something new, so I will be watching.
August 14th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Nice Article, Michelle!
I’ve been following the show’s competition and have my favorites picked out already!
Will put a trackback on my squidoo site about the contestants we like best…
All my best to you!
Karen Kay
August 14th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
I’ve had the privilege to see some of the behind the scenes activities, live on the site. You will be blown away. If you like The Apprentice, Survivor, and YouTube, then you will LOVE the Next Internet Millionaire!
August 14th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
The information on Jason Henderson seems to be incorrect and sparse on the details. Jason has been marketing online for himself and clients since 1996. He had some of the biggest internet marketers in the world endorsing him for the show both to their lists and through youtube.
August 14th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
[…] Click here to read! […]
August 14th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
I’ve always been a fan of Joel Comm, and now he went and made Internet Marketing cool, and entertaining!
How can you beat that?
I’m studying this launch very closely, and it will be interesting to see if the contestants can really “make it so”!
August 14th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
This is great!!…I can’t wait to see the show!…It will be exciting to see how each contestant will perform and I hope it will be a learning experience for me too!. Congratulations to all!…for making this live internet show!
Joel P. http://www.simpleplantobefree.info
August 14th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
The show looks great and the potential to actually learn something is a novel twist! I would think again about the women being tokens. They have the potential to kick some serious…
August 15th, 2007 at 2:20 am
Dearly Beloved Michelle:
This is a great piece of information regarding the NIM show.
Have been keeping up with the happenings there and surely look forward to more over the coming weeks!
Thank you for this.
Remain blessed and a blessing.
Regards,
Olakunle Solomon Fatoye.
August 15th, 2007 at 5:11 am
thank you for a work well done
August 15th, 2007 at 5:59 am
I didn’t like the article’s point of view because it was “PREJUDICED”, from a woman’s point of view, articles should show Professional Journalism and not idiocy! Competition isn’t about SEX,it’s about entrepreneurship! The women have a 50/50 chance as the men to win/lose! I vote for the best presentation! Tom Hopkins,Union City GA
August 15th, 2007 at 10:37 am
This should be a great show. I can’t wait to see the tasks and solutions. It will be a nice change of pace to see a show that gives the contestants real tasks that relate to their goal job, and not selling lemonade on the street.
August 15th, 2007 at 11:14 am
I can’t wait. I have been so excited about watching the show. The funny thing is, I don’t watch TV. Less than 90 mins a week, but I will be checking this out.
Thank Joel, can’t wait. Go Texans. (Can’t help it, from Dallas)
To Your Immediate and Lasting Success,
Kenney Jr.
http://themakemoneyfromhomeblog.com
August 15th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Great article! Joel Comm’s vision of combining a high quality competitive reality show production with internet marketing is truly an out-of-the-box creative idea and in the spirit of true Entreprenuership!
I look forward to watching the whole season!
August 16th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
The Perfect Storm: Education & Entertainment
This reality show has piqued my interest enough for me to dedicate a huge chunk of time from my busy schedule to follow each episode. I’m already committed to watch each episode multiple times so that I can dissect what the contestants are doing and be a shadow contestant. My personal goal is to be a better marketer by the end of the series. I’m really excited and am eagerly looking forward to the next 12 weeks!
Edutainment is my cuppa tea! Give me more…
Watch every move that I make on my blog and cheer or jeer as the mood
takes you.
Brad Codd
http://www.InfoQuick.com
August 17th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
I have been following Next Internet Millionaire from the beginning. I even auditioned for the show! Being an Internet Marketer, I think this show is a real hit. I watched the first episode on the edge of my seat. The show was put together very well. I think the show will bring more people into the Internet Marketing field. I plan on sharing Joel’s YouTube channel with everyone of my YouTube friends! Now I just can’t wait until next weeks show.
Ryan Bessling
http://addertube.com
August 19th, 2007 at 5:44 am
[…] Links | Entrepreneur.com interview […]
August 19th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Joel Eric are definitely breaking new ground here and I applaud them for it. I’ve known Joel for years and most of the teachers on the show as well. I’m sure they will have a lot in store for the contestants. I know I’ll be following the series myself to see how the teams do.
Great job!
August 20th, 2007 at 12:09 am
Wow, this live internet show is awesome, I can’t wait to see the show.
Th new revolution will be hitting the internet marketers all over the world. It will explode with great internet marketing ideas.
I will be following the show to gain some new internet marketing tips.
To all the contestants, show your brilliant ideas.
August 20th, 2007 at 6:11 am
If you’ve been reading the comments on Joel’s blog entries you’ll remember that I’m the guy who has taken on the challenge of beating the Next Internet Millionaire by acting as a shadow contestant.
I’ve reviewed this weeks episode and posted my solution to my blog located at:
http://www.infoquick.com/blog/millionaire/
Check it out and let me know what you think by posting a comment.
August 22nd, 2007 at 7:22 am
This seems like a great idea! The internet has again, proven to be a vital source of brand marketing at it’s best!
As for the concept, I truly believe in the team work principle. Great job!
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Congrats to all stakeholders. What a fantastic innovation coupled with exemplary internet marketing tips.
August 31st, 2007 at 4:49 am
that was a great interview and I have to agree the Next Internet Millionaire is really exciting and engaging!
it’s definitely comparable to the Apprentice! though I’m sure more drama will unfold when the competition starts to heat up! Looking forward to the next episode!
September 5th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Eric
I couldn\’t have said it better myself.
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:14 am
america’s next top model
I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read.