There's something about reality television. The Apprentice, Fear Factor, Survivor, American Idol...the list goes on and on. People love reality shows.

I read yesterday that America Idol had twice the audience than The Grammy Awards. Incredible. People preferred watching amateurs perform in early elimination competition than professional's being recognized for their accomplishments. There's more to the story than that, but that's an interesting part of it.

What is it about reality shows that attract audience? It's real. At least it's staged to be real.

People are intrigued with the behind the scene concept. There's something interesting about seeing real people in ordinary, often extraordinary, situations. Real people doing real things, it's an interesting concept.

What if you extended this concept and phenomena to business?

Most businesses are cold. Just names of faceless corporations. With exception of flamboyant CEOs, you never know the people behind the company. People make a company, they are the company, yet you rarely know any of them. What if companies gave insight into internal organizations and workgroups, adding a little reality to the company's business?

I'm not talking about blogs or transparency; I'm talking about putting people in front of the business. Let your market know about people, teams, and workgroups within your company. Maybe as simple as showcasing employees of the month, celebrating anniversaries and corporate longevity, congratulating employees on personal successes and events...in the public eye. Essentially, making the people in the company as publicly important as the products, services, and customers we normally hear about.

Here's another way to express with I have in mind: make your company human. A business is people serving people. Let your market know about your greatest people and organizations...we love reality.

Food for thought.