A Tribute to Billy Mays.

Billy Mays has been entertaining millions on national television since he first sold OxiClean and Orange Glo on HSN in 1996. Since then, no one has had as great an impact on advertising as Billy Mays. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Billy and to his family and friends. All who knew Billy personally know that he was a great pitchman, perhaps the best we'll ever know, not because he was loud or because of his signature smile but because Billy was a great person. I first met Billy at an OxiClean advertising shoot in 2005. I last saw him at the Response Expo in San Diego in May, 2009. When he was swarmed with friends and fans, he yelled my name to catch my attention and gave me a firm handshake and a smile. Billy was a genuine friend, even to those that came across him only a couple of times each year. Thank you Billy for your inspiration, not only as a pitchman, but as a true friend. Out of the highest respect to Billy, I'd like to share some of the best spots Billy ever did. They portray only a small part of his huge personality. Hopefully, you'll get a glimpse into his energy, his eagerness to help others and his honesty.




TV will never be the same!

Billy Mays dies at age 50

Shocking and sad news for all of us. Billy Mays has died at the young age of 50. He leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. My condolences to his family and all who knew this iconic figure and great man.

Details of his passing are still sparse, but FOXNews posted what information we do know a few hours ago.

'Infomercial King' Billy Mays Found Dead in Home - Celebrity Gossip Entertainment News Arts And Entertainment - FOXNews.com
'Infomercial King' Billy Mays Found Dead in Home - Celebrity Gossip Entertainment News Arts And Entertainment - FOXNews.comPosted using ShareThis

Interview with an infomercial king

Telebrands CEO A.J. Khubani gave an extensive interview to USA Today regarding the DRTV industry and how inventors can reap huge rewards by bringing their products to Telebrands or a similar company for nationwide marketing. The interview gives a great behind-the-scenes look into the fast-growing infomercial world. A.J. reveals that his private company spent over $300MM on television advertising last year, more than nearly all major consumer product companies. With that advertising spend, you can estimate Telebrands revenues at $750MM to $1 Billion, including retail and international. Wow!

The great news is that if you have an invention of your own and can't get an audience with TeleBrands, it only costs a few thousand dollars to work with a proven advertising producer and get your product on national television. If it makes money, TeleBrands and their counterparts will be knocking down your doors to license your product. I've had a few friends go this route with great success. The producer I know best is Harvest Group in Colorado (www.harvestgrowth.com), but there are a few others as well.

You can read the full USA Today front-page article HERE.

Or see A.J.'s interview below:

Cozy

Cozy. Interesting product. Huge offer! ...that makes for a powerful combination. It's certainly not as entertaining of a product as the Snuggie, but I can see myself using the Cozy more frequently. If the Cozy is truly as relaxing as these actors make it appear, I will use one for those office cat-naps I take all too often.



I'm not sure I've ever seen an offer quite this extensive...for $19.99, they somehow give you a stuffed neck pillow, an inflatable travel pillow insert, a Cozy "arm hammock," a fleece blanket, a fleece scarf, an eye mask and a travel case. I recently purchased a neck pillow in the airport for $20 by itself!

Comfort Wipe. Funniest ad of the year?

Comfort Wipe. Intrigued? One of my all-time favorite lines from any movie is in Adam Sandler's Big Daddy, when the little boy gets all excited and exclaims "I wipe my own A#@, I wipe my own A#@!" That is a monumental achievement in a child's life. The first wipe. For parents, it's an even more monumental occasion since it's the last time they will have to wipe their bums for them. Over the course of several decades, though, wiping your rear gets less and less exciting. I must say that I actually don't even enjoy the experience any longer. However, I do look forward with worry and anxiety for the day that I will no longer be able to wipe myself. For those that are getting closer to that undesireable destination, there's now a product that promises to give you a few extra days of control...a few extra days where you can still wipe yourself without help from the attending nurse. I guess for even a few extra days, I would pay anything. Yes, this is a REAL product...check out their website.