Blueprint to Business

131 Pages·2017·0.76 MB·English

by  Michael Alden

Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Introduction
CHAPTER 1: The Reality of Being an Entrepreneur
DO IT AGAIN
ONE BIG ORDER
WHAT NEXT?
WHAT ALLOWS ME TO SLEEP AT NIGHT
WHO GETS PAID?
CHAPTER 2: Getting Started
IS AN IDEA A BUSINESS?
DON'T JUMP COMPLETELY IN
YOU CAN BE PART-TIME AND PASSIONATE
ELF ON A SHELF
WAKE UP
GREAT IDEA, BUT…
DON'T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB
CHAPTER 3: Business Basics
PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS
NAMING YOUR BUSINESS
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
IT'S THE BORING STUFF THAT MATTERS
PATENTS
A BOTTLE IS JUST A BOTTLE, RIGHT?
WE'RE JUST MAKING MUSIC
WHAT ABOUT YOUR NAME?
WHAT ABOUT MY WEBSITE?
AN IDEA—WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT THIS?
CHAPTER 4: Action
DUMPSTER DIVING
THE PROCESS
NEVER PREQUALIFY
WELL, I DIDN'T PREQUALIFY AND I WASTED MY TIME
BLUE COLLAR GUYS HAVE MORE MONEY THAN YOU
SCRIPTS WORK, TRUST THE PROCESS
CHAPTER 5: To Know and Not to Do
CHAPTER 6: What Is Success?
EVERYTHING I TOUCH TURNS TO GOLD
IS ALDEN ESSENTIAL?
FAILURE ISN'T FAILURE
WINNING THE LOTTO DOESN'T MAKE YOU A SUCCESS
CHAPTER 7: Opportunity
HOW TO SCREW THINGS UP
WHAT I LEARNED FROM 1-800-FLOWERS
LOSING ONE DEAL MAY LEAD TO ANOTHER
MORE THAN YOU GET PAID FOR
CHAPTER 8: Failure
GRADUATE LAW SCHOOL AND DON'T TAKE THE BAR EXAM?
REALLY?
CHAPTER 9: Do What You Say
IN BUSINESS
HOW NOT TO OVERPROMISE AND UNDERPERFORM
IN PERSONAL LIFE
PARENTS, STOP OVERPROMISING!
SPOUSES
BACK TO BUSINESS
THE VALUE OF CONNECTION CAPITAL
A LITTLE MORE ON DEBT
IF THINGS GO SOUTH
SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO SAY “WHAT THE FUCK”
JUST DO IT
I'M GOING TO KICK YOUR ASS AFTER SCHOOL
CAN'T DO IT ALL YOURSELF
TALK WITH YOUR FRIENDS
IT'S NOT A DEAL UNTIL THE CAR DRIVES OFF THE LOT
CHAPTER 10: Making Money Doing Nothing
TRY THIS: IT WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND
LET'S TALK A LITTLE MARKETING
LET'S TALK LOCAL
STORIES SELL, NOT PRODUCTS
LET'S BUY A LITTLE INSURANCE
JOINT PAIN
PEOPLE, PRODUCT, PROCESS
THE CUSTOMER
CHAPTER 11: Stop Caring
REALITY
CARING IN BUSINESS
NEVER SECOND-GUESS YOURSELF
I MAKE CANDY—I'M NOT A FRAUD
FOCUS ON YOU
FOCUS ON YOUR WORLD
WHAT ABOUT ADVERSARIES?
CHAPTER 12: Lying to Our Children
ARE YOU HURT OR INJURED?
IT'S OKAY TO KEEP SCORE
STOP REACHING FOR THE STARS, UNLESS…
EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE A BEAST UNTIL THEY SEE WHAT
BEASTS DO
BUSINESS AIN'T SEXY
LET'S WRAP WITH UP WITH SOME RED BULL AND EMORY
VODKA
More Resources
WOULD YOU LIKE MICHAEL TO HELP YOUR TEAM REACH
THE NEXT LEVEL OF SUCCESS?
OTHER BEST-SELLING BOOKS BY MICHAEL ALDEN
Index
End User License Agreement
“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 Addiction—The 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
BLUEPRINT TO BUSINESS
AN ENTREPRENEUR'S GUIDE TO TAKING
ACTION, COMMITTING TO THE GRIND, AND
DOING THE THINGS THAT MOST PEOPLE
WON'T

MICHAEL ALDEN
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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!