Reality TV has invaded just about every network on television. Ordinary people are getting their time in the spotlight through shows like Biggest Loser and Real Housewives. But some of these celebrities are turning their 15 minutes of fame into successful careers and lucrative positions. They're not about to be washed up designers, no-name singers or forgotten bachelorettes. They're writing books, helping charities and launching new businesses.

Big Brother Winner Inspiring Others Through Blog

Dan Gheesling

Dan Gheesling took home $500,000 from winning Big Brother Season 10 back in 2008. He used his money to buy investment properties so he could continue to coach high school football while still earning additional passive income. "I come from a normal upbringing, where $500,000 is a ton of money and I wanted to find a way to create passive income from it," he says. "I took time out and did a lot of research about buying real estate."

In addition to real estate, Gheesling has also taken to writing, which he does through his recently launched blog Iwouldcoach.com. It's a motivational blog that Gheesling says has been growing like crazy thanks to his awesome supporters. "Since starting the blog a few months back, it has grown exponentially every week," explains Gheesling. "I contribute this growth mainly to the fact that all of the people who have followed me since being off the show have helped to spread the word about the blog. They have done it mainly through the power of Twitter and Facebook."

And to anyone who dreams of being on reality TV, Gheesling's advice is to keep trying until you succeed. "It took me three times to finally get cast on Big Brother, but each time I went through the process I learned something new that I used to my advantage the next time around," he says. "I got more comfortable and further in the casting process each time I went through which was not a coincidence." Gheesling says most people give up the first time they're shot down by a producer, but instead of giving up he says keep trying.

MC Hammer's Cousin Using HAMMERTIME Fame to Help Military Families

Bigg MarvBigg Marv has lived like a celebrity for years, but his regular appearance in his cousin's recent hit reality show HAMMERTIME made Bigg Marv a favorite around the world. Bigg Marv's publicist attributes his popularity to his ability to laugh at himself and maintain a close connection with his family despite fame.

Before HAMMERTIME, Bigg Marv worked for his cousin on the road and also did some acting and consulting. But Bigg Marv isn't simply riding MC Hammer's coattails-- he's making a name for himself as well. He recently hosted a celebration for the troops with Ne-Yo and he's also working on a sitcom called KINFOLKS. He's active with the Boys and Girls Club and also loves supporting military families. "My dad was in the Navy so we traveled a lot, and there were times when we didn't know if he was coming back. That was hard on us, and I know that it is hard on other families as well," he says. "I just think it's important for us to do what we can to make it easier for them and let them know that someone cares about them and the sacrifice that they are making."

Entrepreneur Finds "Instant" Success After Appearance on ABC's Shark Tank

For 25 years Kim Nelson, 48, has been baking professionally but her April appearance on the popular ABC reality show Shark Tank Kim Nelsoncompletely changed her life. The week following the show's broadcast, her company Daisy Cakes received 2,000 cake orders-- the same number she used to fulfill in an entire year. She went from two employees to 15 working around the clock in her tiny South Carolina kitchen. Kim still mixes lemon curd on one of her four Sears Kenmore stoves in a yellow pot passed down from her grandmother, but she's now shipped her famous cakes to every state-- including two to Alaska.

On Shark Tank, Kim received a $50,000 investment from real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran. Besides giving Kim cash for a 25% stake in her business, Barbara is also giving Kim business advice. Kim says in the two seasons of Shark Tank no other company has experienced the explosion of success she's enjoyed. "Because of this door having been opened for me, as long as I keep working hard, the only direction for my business to go is up, up, up! This is an opportunity of a lifetime," says Nelson. "Barbara is very well-connected. She started plugging Daisy Cakes from day one. I truly appreciate everything she has done and is continuing to do to make my business skyrocket."

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