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If you’re thinking of going after national TV exposure to promote your speaking or your book, you might consider creating your own local TV show starring — you.

The reason to do this is that few national TV shows want to take a risk on an unknown entity. They want to see how you appear on camera. In order to do this, you need to create a (demo) reel showing your expertise in front of the camera.

How do you do this? You can try to get yourself booked on your local TV news. If they say yes, great. But then what? You need more than that for your reel. One choice might be to try to get exposure on local TV in other markets. This is a great approach if your budget allows for it.

But if time and travel expenses are an issue, there is a free or very inexpensive alternative.

In many communities, the cable TV providers must offer what is frequently called local access or public access. This means they have their own local production studios that community members can use to produce shows, which are broadcast on a local cable channel.

In order to produce a show, the cable company will usually require that you take their course on television production, usually offered for free or at a nominal charge.

Most people find these courses a lot of fun. When you’re done, you can be a TV producer. Not every graduate of the course wants to produce their own show, which takes a lot of work, but most are willing to volunteer on other people’s shows, operating cameras and such. That’s how most local access shows are produced.

The key to success is to make your shows informative and entertaining. And non-commercial. Most cable companies will not allow you to make this a profit-seeking venture.

Producing your own show and appearing in front of the camera can prepare you to appear on national TV shows in two ways.

First, you get to practice in front of the camera. When you watch your show, it gives you valuable feedback on how you come across. You have the opportunity to adjust your style before trying to become a guest on other, larger shows.

Second, you have footage to send to larger TV shows so they can see you in action. You can use excerpts from your show to create your reel. Having a reel will help you get on national TV talk and news broadcasts.

And getting on national TV will help you get bigger and better paying speaking gigs and help you sell more of your books.

Adapted from the book, You Can Be Famous! Insider Secrets to Getting Free Publicity.

Bio: Danek S. Kaus is a veteran journalist and publicist. He is the author of the new book, You Can Be Famous! Insider Secrets to Getting Free Publicity. Dan offers free initial phone consultations. Write him at dan@yourpowerpublicity.com .