Act Now!: How I Turn Ideas Into Million-Dollar Product

Product and pitch advice from the man who turned television into Sellevision

The Ginsu Knife, the Great Wok of China, the Food Saver, Tony Little's Ab Isolator — all have sold millions and become household names thanks to Kevin Harrington's insightful vision to bring the traveling salesman's pitch to television. Since the late 1980s, when Harrington's first infomercial aired, the extended commercial, or infomercial, has become a social institution and an intriguing way for anyone with drive, determination, and a good product to become wealthy beyond their dreams.

Some people take life as it comes; some grab it by the ears and shake and shake. Kevin Harrington is one of the shakers. When he has an idea, he 'acts now' and doesn't get discouraged by challenging situations — he finds a way around them.

The story he tells in Act Now is partly about his role in bringing changes to the industry and the business methods, marketing tactics, and strategic decisions he's made along the way. Budding entrepreneurs, creative inventors, and ambitious businesspeople will reap the benefits of Harrington's insights: how he chooses his products, what criteria he demands of his infomercials, and the details surrounding his choices in spokespeople, timing, and synergy.