An often-heard request from PR clients: Can you get me on Oprah?

A lofty request, sure. But one that’s certainly worth it, considering Oprah Winfrey has dramatically boosted the national exposure for brands featured on her show, particularly the ones on her “favorite things” episodes.

So, today, PR pros can relax a bit because the queen of talk is ending her show’s 25-year national run (plus a year-and-a-half on local Chicago television) as part two of her highly anticipated farewell show airs.

The Chicago Tribune and USA Today, among others, live blogged the big event.

Perhaps coincidentally—perhaps not—the skies have opened in Chicago (where the “Oprah” show is taped) and released a steady downpour all morning, prompting many on Twitter to suggest: “The sky is crying for Oprah.” (Or, maybe, because the Bulls lost last night.)

Chicago weather aside, small businesses may shed a tear over her departure. Oprah is leaving her syndicated show to focus on her OWN cable network, leaving a void for many small businesses seeking national exposure, according to Reuters.

The news service on Wednesday detailed a number of small businesses that benefitted from the “Oprah effect,” when the host features a product or service on her show and the brand becomes overwhelmed with orders and interest.

“The unique thing with Oprah and the ‘Oprah effect' is that it really is sincere and heartfelt,” Derek Smith, vice president of sales and marketing at Zagg, told Reuters. “The things that she puts and promotes on her show are things that she truly believes in.”

Zagg manufactures an iPad cover that doubles as keyboard. Oprah featured the gadget on her show in February. According to Reuters, the show propelled Zagg into the spotlight—instantly.

Reuters reports:

“After the show aired, sales of the product jumped in electronics retailers and again rose following a rerun more than a month later. Meanwhile, shares of Salt Lake City, Utah-based Zagg Inc reached an all-time high in the first quarter.”

Smith told Reuters: “Money can't buy that kind of exposure.”

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