HOW TO LEARN FROM YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOWS

If you’re anything like me you’ve been watching more content than ever lately. With social distancing the only thing we keep getting closer to is the end of our list of TV shows, movies, and mini-series to catch up on. My guess is you’ve found yourself on more than one occasion staring at the TV uttering one of these familiar phrases:

• “I would have NAILED that!”
• “I could see that from a mile away - what were they thinking?!”
• “No! Don’t do that! Man! They really need me on this show!”

Before long you have deemed yourself the, “all knowing watcher” who accurately anticipates who is getting sent home, who will win a prize, and who will last until next week’s much-anticipated episode (which happens to automatically start for you - like magic!). 

But what if you actually were on one of these shows? Would you be ready? Would you need to study up before being dropped into the middle of an episode? While I love learning, there is something about tying that learning back to my everyday life that I really love. So, inspired by this extra-TV-time quarantine time we’re having I have compiled a list of resources to learn from inspired by some of the best TV competition shows. 

As someone who received offers from 4 out of the 5 sharks on Shark Tank (go ahead google my name and Season 5!) I’m giving you an insider’s guide on how to improve your skills so that you will ready right alongside some of your favorite contestants!

The best part? All of these resources are FREE! 

TOP CHEF: 

Whether it’s a quick fire challenge or restaurant wars Top Chef leaves many watchers, who may have never cooked in their life, yelling “No! That was too much salt!” Get your knives out and pan ready with these free cooking resources. Perfect for beginners who are navigating the kitchen for the first time these sites break down everything from mincing to chopping step by step.

• The Kitchn Cooking School - One Lesson a Day, for 20 Days. It’s easy, it’s fast & you’ll have these skills these skills perfected long before Thanksgiving!
• BBC Food Techniques - A huge list of handy how-to’s from how to boil an egg to how to melt chocolate. Who knew melting chocolate would have so many steps?

SURVIVOR: 

With a tagline like “outwit, outplay, outlast” there’s a reason why Survivor is one of the longest running reality shows. Whether it’s a jungle, wilderness, or a deserted island contestants have to use everything from the power of persuasion to teamwork to make sure they make it to the finale. To make sure you are primed for survival on a secluded island...or maybe just in the workplace with these key courses. 

• LinkedIn Learning: Effective Listening - There is no way to outwit if you aren’t listening to your fellow contestants plot! This course breaks down listening with actionable tips and tricks to begin using right away.
• LinkedIn Learning: Being An Effective Teammate - Everyone is part of a team whether that is at work, at home, or within their family unit. If other humans are counting on you (that describes all of us!) learning to be a good team member is a must.

SHARK TANK: 

To this day I am guilty as charged for watching an episode of Shark Tank and thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” You’ve probably caught yourself once or twice saying the same thing or perhaps dusting off an old idea you had and wondering if it was any good. Or maybe you’ve started a side hustle and start thinking, “Maybe I could do this full time?!”

If entrepreneurship has peaked your interest try diving into: 

• LinkedIn Learning: Entrepreneurship Foundations - Jam packed with the 101's of starting a business this course is just over an hour and gives you real life examples of how to navigate uncharted territory. (Major bias inserted here because it's taught by...yours truly!)
• LinkedIn Learning: Giving Your Elevator Pitch - If you can’t impress the sharks in the first 30 seconds prepare for there to be blood in the water! Any Shark Tank fan knows it's sink or swim from the moment they walk in front of the sharks.

THE AMAZING RACE: 

From navigating foreign countries to finding local currency The Amazing Race has contestants facing challenges far outside of their comfort zones. While there are endless things contestants must learn (hello manual transmission vehicles!) the top two that cause a snag for contestants every season: speaking the language and directions.

• Duolingo - Learn a new language with fun games and cartoons with this free app. Type in your goals and a custom program is created just for you!
• Atlas Obscura - With daily contributions from world-wide adventurers this free online resource is jam packed with maps, experiences, and places one should know about. While the website is vast I was given the book version as a gift and have filled it with post-it notes!

These free courses and resources are a fantastic way to keep you learning and growing in this time of staying still and stagnant. Social distancing doesn't have to mean the pursuit of excellence stops! I hope you dive in to these opportunities to learn. Before long, as you enjoy TV time with friends and family, you will be able to say “I know can do that!” instead of “I think I could do that!” 

Do you have other free resources that are great for learning? Don’t keep them to yourself - quaranteamwork makes the quarandreamwork!

Please drop your favorite resources in the comments section so we can learn from you!

Kim Kaupe a co-founder, CEO, and the type of teacher who doesn't give homework. In addition to running The Superfan Company, Kim serves up street-smart business lessons weekly on her Coffee With Kim series as well as her Entrepreneurship Foundations course on LinkedIn. She graduated with a B.A. in marketing from the University of Florida and roots loyally for her Gators. You might recognize her from ABC’s hit primetime show, Shark Tank or as a judge in the 2019 Miss USA pageant live on FOX! Previously she was named to Inc.’s 35 Under 35, Advertising Age’s 40 Under 40 and Forbes 30 Under 30. You can find her on days that end in ‘y’ at @kimkaupe on all socials (but especially Instagram!).