10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert: Step 4

Step 4: Give presentations at consumer fairs, trade fairs, networking events & exhibitions. You never know who’ll be listening - or on the hunt for talent!

10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert: Step 3

Step 3: Write a book & become the authority. Researchers and producers often search online bookshops to find out who has written books about the subject/area of expertise that’s relevant to the programme they’re developing. It's what I used to do at the end of each series of Changing Rooms when we were looking for new designers to join the team. So if you’ve got a book in you, write it!

10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert: Step 2

Step 2: Understand the industry. If you’re applying for a job, you research the company and figure out what you what you have to offer. If you want to get on TV, the same applies. Watch TV. Think TV. Understand TV. Read the media sections of the nationals and sign up for the trade magazines to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s being commissioned, which shows are getting the highest ratings, who’s making them and, more importantly, why you’d be perfect for them.

10 Steps to Becoming a TV expert: Step 1

Britain’s Got Talent has come and gone and auditions for The X-Factor are underway. Both shows are fantastic opportunities for singers and dancers to promote themselves to the industry. But if you’re an expert – historian, scientist, property guru, chef, lawyer, businessman, tradesman, doctor, dentist, designer, criminologist, psychologist, marine biologist, etc – and you want to promote yourself to the TV industry, you have to understand the market, figure out what you have to offer and start making some noise. In other words, you need to get to work. There are 10 steps you need to take to be considered for TV opportunities. So starting at the top ...

Step 1: Define your USP. There are thousands of experts like you out there. What makes you stand out from the rest? What’s going to make TV producers, commissioners and – ultimately – viewers, sit up and take notice of you? Is it your contagious enthusiasm for the subject matter? Your quirky personality? Your sense of humour? Or maybe the projects you’re working on or the people you have access to?

Could you be a TV expert?

If you want to be a TV expert you need to think about how to pitch yourself to the TV industry. My 'Could you be a TV expert?' seminars are packed with tips and ways to do this. But don't take it from me. Read what a reviewer from remotegoat.co.uk had to say here.

Want to get on TV? Get on findaTVexpert!

If you want to be on TV, researchers, development producers and heads of talent have to be able to find you. Being on findaTVexpert is one of the ways the TV industry finds experts, which is why more and more experts are signing up to showcase their skills, passion and expertise. To see the latest experts hoping to catch the eye of a TV producer, click here.

More experts being found on findaTVexpert

People often ask me what kind of experts the industry (TV, Radio & Press) is looking for. The answer's quite simple: all kinds of experts. And the good news is that more and more members of the media are finding them on findaTVexpert, as you can see from the latest success stories below:

1. Janet T - Tapping for Weight Loss, Anxiety, Depression, etc: has been signed up for a new Channel 4 series. Details tba.

2. Ceril C - Red Carpet Style, Celeb Lingerie Secrets, Dating: is guest presenting on QVC from May 14th.

3. Nadine H - Time Investment Expert, Time Management, Jugglista: is in talks with a PR company re a media campaign they're running.

4. Naomi R- Life Coach for Children: Self Esteem, Divorce, etc: has been put forward by Maverick TV for a programme they're developing.

5. Audrey D - Food Scientist, Nutritionist and Omega 3 Expert: provided expert comment for the Daily Mirror and Men's Health magazine and is in discussions with a PR agency re a media campaign they're planning.

6. Stephen M - Explosives & Bomb Expert - ex MoD: is involved in a documentary series that Lion TV is making for the BBC.

7. Dr Abigael S- Doctor of Clinical Psychology: was interviewed by BBC Radio Humberside and Lincolnshire re depression and by Grazia re Cheryl Cole and why she's reluctant to open up about her feelings.

8. Julie C - Evolutionary Social Psychologist: was booked as the expert for the Eden Project's 'The Big Lunch' media campaign, which is a UK-wide incentive to get neighbours talking. Also interviewed by BBC Radio West Midlands re what ring tones say about you.

9. Amana W - Coach-find your personal 'X' factor,and stand out: was contacted by Men's Fitness re an article and by Summer Films re a project they're developing.

10. Deborah J - Historian: Toys & Women Inventors: is in discussions re a pitch to The One Show about British female inventors.

11. Tim B - Physique Specialist: was contacted by Love Productions re a programme they're pitching to Channel 4.

12. Chi C - Science & Technology: was contacted by Shine TV who are interested in casting her in a new CBBC show.

13. Jacky N - Paranormal Experiences, Angels & Afterlife: was booked to do the media promotion (radio, TV & print) for the DVD release of the 'Lovely Bones' film.

14. Debi B - 'Get what you want' Coach / Expert: was also asked to do a piece for Mens Fitness and has a programme in development with a broadcaster. All hush hush for now.

15. Jane W - Life Change Expert: was interviewed for the April issue of Health & Fitness.