Like a pitbull with ADD, Clearwater-based infomercial guru Kevin Harrington always seems to have a dozen projects in play at once.

While helping wrestler Hulk Hogan develop a new career as a pitchman, he's anticipating filming in October new editions of the ABC unscripted show Shark Tank, which has added comic/entrepreneur Jeff Foxworthy among the panel of business experts judging pitches.

And starting Aug. 31, he'll bring partner and former WFLA-Ch. 8 anchor Gayle Guyardo along on a 20-city motivational speaking tour for female business people, Empower 180, that also features former American Idol judge Paula Abdul.

Guyardo (left) says she'll speak on the challenges of being a woman trying to succeed in two male-dominated worlds, referencing her early career local TV news and her current efforts to learn the infomercial business.

The event kicks off Aug. 31 at the LA Convention Center and comes with a hefty ticket price. Basic tickets are $99, but to pitch your product or invention before Harrington -- just like on his ABC show -- the price jumps to $299. The deluxe admission, which includes prime seating, access to a VIP reception with the speakers and $300 worth of DVD, books and audioo materials, reaches $799.

Such events seem another way to tap the entrepreneurial fantasies so many harbor in an economy filled with downsizing and pay cuts. Who wouldn't dream of being their own boss -- inventing that miracle product or business concept that vaults you into the ranks of he big players? It's the same desire Harrington and other informercial players tap in soliciting inventors for their direct marketing commercials.

Right now, the Empower 180 website doesn't list any dates in the Tampa Bay area, with Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando as the closest planned cities. There's only one other venue announced, the Colorado Covention Center in Denver on Sept. 22, according to the site.