Michael Alden - Blueprint to Business

MICHAEL ALDEN

I've had the opportunity to work directly with Michael Alden on his children's book. His business know-how and ability to get things done is unparalleled.

Naren Aryal, CEO Mascot Books

As an entrepreneur and author myself, I would recommend Blueprint to Business to anyone who is in business or looking to start a company. Michael Alden's no nonsense approach is much needed for anyone who wants the real truth about the life of an entrepreneur.

Ken Kupchik, author of The Sales Survival Handbook Cold Calls, Commissions, and Caffeine AddictionThe Real Truth About Life in Sales

Michael Alden's story is truly inspirational. He has seen some extremely difficult times and has overcome extraordinary odds along his journey. He harnessed what he learned even as a young child to achieve great business success. The lessons in Blueprint to Business not only help those in business but it is for anyone who wants more out of life.

June Archer, author of YES! Every Day Can Be a Good Day: The Keys to Success That Lead to an Amazing Life

As a young entrepreneur, I have found that truly successful people help and teach others. Michael Alden has taken the time to help me with my business and my book. His experience is undeniable, and I would recommend Blueprint to Business to any entrepreneur who wants to learn from someone who has done great things and continues to.

Casey Adams, Social Media Influencer and author of Rise of the Young: How to Turn Your Negative Situation into a Positive Outcome, and Build a Successful Personal Brand

Being an entrepreneur has its challenges. Michael Alden shares his business experiences to help others succeed. His advice and enthusiasm is directed towards teaching and leading through example. If you are looking to succeed in business this book is a must read!

Christopher J.Wirth, entrepreneur, speaker, trainer, coach and host of the No Quit Living Podcast

I've known Mike for over ten years. I have had the opportunity to work very closely with him on dozens of transactions. His ability to get things done and work through obstacles is second to none. When most people would give up, Mike figures out a way to get things done.

Jim Shriner, television personality and author of Live Disease Free Naturally

Copyright 2018 by AMGM, LLC. All rights reserved.

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is Available:

ISBN 978-1-119-42492-5 (Hardback)

ISBN 978-1-119-42495-6 (ePDF)

ISBN 978-1-119-42498-7 (ePub)

Cover Design: Wiley

Cover Image: belterz/iStockphoto

This book is dedicated to my amazing staff. Without my staff this book would not be possible. More specifically I would like to thank Shauna, Kayla, Garrett, Jeff, Jason, Chris, Linda, Asia, Steve and Korie. Your dedication and hard work is what made this book a reality. Thank you!

Growing up poor you would think I would have learned. Seeing my mom get eviction notices on our door in the projects you think I would have learned. Declaring bankruptcy in my late twenties you think I would have learned. Getting myself in millions of dollars in debt you think I would have learned. I've had more than a few Baba Booey moments in my life to say the least. But, there were many valuable lessons along the way. Like many things in my life I learned the hard way. This book is for those who want to learn from the mistakes of a real entrepreneur who started with nothing since the day I was born until now, generating millions of dollars.

It was mid-July 2016. I was about a month away from the launch of my second book. We had thousands of books presold and I was excited about the launch. I had just finished up a swim in my new pool in the house we had built. My girlfriend, Shauna, and I were getting ready to take the boat out for the day. It was hot, the sky was bright blue, not a cloud in sight, and the ocean was calmjust a perfect New England summer day. My businesses were rocking and things were great. Then I received a text from a vendor asking me when we were going to pay a small bill that was past due. He was one of the smaller vendors we dealt with, and he was looking for twelve thousand dollars owed. My companies have generated hundreds of millions of dollars, we have built brands, sold companies, and sold product all over the world. We had been in business since 2008 and done great things. When I received the text I thought that it must have been an oversight in our accounting department. I called accounting and found out it wasn't an oversight. We knew that we owed the money. Then I got a sick feeling in my stomach. I was about to go out on the ocean all day and blissfully enjoy the fruits of my labor, when I realized that something was wrong.

In the very beginning, we had dealt with difficult financial obstacles that most businesses face when they do not have adequate capital. We bootstrapped things and struggled for years. But by 2016 things were great! Or so I thought. On that beautiful summer day in 2016, I realized that I had to dig in again and do the things that most would be unwilling to do. I obviously cancelled my boating excursion and went to the office. What I discovered made me even more physically ill. We were in much more debt than I had realized. Now, being in debt is not a big deal if you are aware of the debt and understand how to manage the debt, which I have done for years. But when a small vendor, a small-business guy with whom I have a close personal relationship, is stretched for twelve thousand, it's a problem. I tell you this story to give you the real-life experience of an entrepreneur. I want people to see what happens in business, and not just the great things. The great things come when you are able to work through the not so great things. As I write I have made some major changes in our business and business models. The great news is that these changes were not only necessary but also essential in order to survive in the current world. Some of the changes were very difficult to make. But with change comes opportunity, and with opportunity comes growth and stability. I have made many mistakes in my career and I want to highlight them so that you don't make the same ones.