TV pitchman Billy Mays gets his own reality show... and, by the way, are you one of those people who are terrified of direct marketers (like Billy)?

Got a note this morning from World Copywriting Blog Executive Contributor Jim Van Wyck that everybody's favorite (or least favorite) TV personality, Billy Mays, has landed his own reality TV show.

Jim found this out from Dave Kaminski's Web Video University blog.  I highly recommend you read the entire post.

Dave makes two very powerful points:

… coming from the world of direct response, I also know from multiple, first-hand experiences that there are two universal truths:

1. Direct response advertising…when done correctly…can be devastatingly effective

2. The corporate world is terrified of direct response style advertising

Interesting, huh?

Here's a shortcut link to Dave's post:

http://tinyurl.com/direct-marketing-terrify

David Garfinkel

Update June 28, 2009: Billy Mays was found dead in his Tampa home early this morning East Coast time.  May he rest in peace.

Comments

[HankyTankyHanger]

I met Billy Mayes last year at a trade show. He gave me the words that kept me motivated. If anyone knows how to reach give Billy Mayes please tell him I said thank you.

Chrissie.

The best and last hanger you will ever buy!
Hanky Tanky Hanger-hang 12 tops or bottoms on one hanger.
1-877-hangs12

[David Garfinkel]

Hi Chrissie,

If you would share what he said I would be eternally grateful, and I'm sure the other readers of this blog would very much appreciate it!

Thanks,
David

[Ajlouny]

It's so sad that he has died. He is so young and from his info commercials was so vibrant and full of life. I bet he suffered internal brain injuries from the flight he took. RIP Billy.

[David Garfinkel]

Ajlouny,

Thanks for the comment. The official coroner's report said he had an enlarged heart and died from heart failure. Of course it could have been internal brain injuries that were never detected, or mentioned, as well... ?

[Teddy Garcia]

If you enjoyed the marketing skills Billy Mays posessed then you should really check out this extremely detailed dissection of what made Billy's marketing work so well.

http://www.strategicprofits.com/blog/billy-mays-marketing-magic/

Tons of great marketing advice here for any business owner!