To start a new business you need an idea. If you want the business to succeed, the idea needs to be a good one. You could do a market research of what is lacking in your area, what businesses are doing well and which ones are failing, check with friends and family members what they think the neighborhood needs, or you could just save yourself the time and effort and turn on TV.

At first you may think TV has nothing to do with successful business, but if you consider it for a moment, you’ll notice how closely they’re connected. Reality shows are a driving force for all kinds of enterprises, so if you want the new big thing, just watch the latest episodes or the newest premiers. When the reality stars are shown running a new undertaking, or a new show about a particular business starts, the popularity of a specific dealing goes up in a heartbeat. Miami Ink and its spin off LA Ink are responsible for thousands of new tattoos, and because of the Teutuls of Orange County Choppers not only new custom shops opened up but also motorcycle rentals Miami to Portland.

When Heidi Klum said her first “auf wiedersehn”, people who never thought about clothes wanted to become couture designers; “outwit, outsmart, outlast” became a phrase used not only in Survivor, but in schools and workplaces as well; and the “secret ingredient” was the main part of dinner at more than one house. It’s because TV is powerful, guest starring at most homes daily, being introduced to us at an early age and joining in on our way into adulthood.

Reality shows and competitions are what people can’t get enough, and that’s why all you need is a look at the season’s hottest shows to know if it’s Harley rental Miami needs, if Houston will do great with a cooking school, if you should open a wedding cake bakery in New York or a dog grooming place in San Francisco. Just write that TV idea into your business plan and get started before the show goes off the air.