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Comments for this video
Loved the video, Michael. Thanks for helping me to become a sportscaster and host of my own show. Without your mentoring program, I'm still stuck in an office working a job I hate.
As CEO of my company I look for people like you who constantly are making opportunities out of their lifes challanges, and you have done just that. Your video was inspiring, funny and useful for anyone who is looking for that opportunity to change their life.
These are times for people who find themselves in the same situation that you were in , to reinvent themselves, and you are providing them just that. A goal without a plan, is only a dream....
M. Dillon CEO
The Healing Haven
Malibu, CA
Excellent video! It is very informative, humorous, and nicely done. I agree with "M. Dillon, CEO of The Healing Haven, 'A goal without a plan, is only a dream'." May all who have a dream contact you because you have the plan that will allow them to attain their goal. May they have the faith and courage to take that first step of faith that you did in starting your business. My motto: "no regrets." I wish you the best in this contest and with your business.
Excellent video Michael. I'm glad to be part of your network!
martin
Michael, God allows these trials in our life so that we may focus more on Him and to discern the gifts and talents he has gifted to us. Clearly you have embraced these challenges (trials) and are using your gifts - your own talents and those you have reached out to (gifts). Continue to persevere ... leveraging your talents and network to succeed!
You have reminded us that networking and building relationships is what life is all about; regardless of whether it’s in the office, our families, our faith, or even our adversaries. It's about getting to know who the other person is and not the “what.†It’s about how life’s jigsaw puzzle fits together; finding the pieces and fitting them together while keeping the bigger picture in sight. God creates paths for us but we have to be willing to walk them and trust in Him. You have walked the path.
I still find the ingenuity and inspiration that you operate in to be encouraging and motivating in any and every endeavor.
Thanks for doin' it Michael. It's a joy to watch you build your company.
Love you,
Kathy
Good Luck Michael! I hope you win..The prizes could surely help someone with 5 children. By the way..You have a beautiful family!
Love that "A Goal without a Plan is only a Dream"
Plan On Winning...Make Your dreams Come true!
I'm now on the air in San Francisco because this man had the guts to go for his dream. Thanks, Michael...your story gives me courage to ignore my fears and go for my dreams.
Mr. Madden:
I have been where you were a couple of days before Thanksgiving... no fun! I agree with others commenting, job well done!
In a time of crisis most people suffer from anxiety and have no direction. Your video provides instruction and inspiration on how to be prepared in case that day ever happens. Sometimes the best messages come from those that are brave enough to share their life's story. Great video and thanks for the useful networking tips.
I will most certainly try and use everything you stated TODAY, NOW.
It seems obvious Michael, it's just that doing is always the hardest/easiest part.
Michael,
Thank you for sharing this and very best wishes. The video was VERY informative about networking. Made a lot of sense - and the use of humor was very creative. Congratulations! Stephanie
Hi Michael. Glad you landed on your feet. I found your video content useful, but of poor technical quality (unever audio in cutaways). Why is this important? It distracts the viewer, detracting from your otherwise strong message. By the way, I'm a lifelong broadcaster (40 years in June), former broadcast school director, and owner/founder of a new media communications production and consulting firm. Wishing you success in landing the grant! Regards, Ken Main, Penguin Pods www.penguinpods.com
good job daddy
keep doing what your doing
love you
Congratulations on making it this far! I think this contest serves as a perfect parallel for your life. If only everyone was able too see you build it from the ground up, I think they would ALL vote for you. Your success speaks for itself. I wish I had the guts too put myself out there like you've done! I'm so happy to see how many people you have helped, and lives you've turned around, thanks to both your business and wisdom. Keep going!
Great Video! I found it both inspiring and quirky. You went out on a limb and pursued your dreams. Congratulations!
Hi Michael,
Great job with your video. It has a concise message presented in a funny, useful and inspiring way. You're right... Networking IS key and has never been more apparent to me than now. Thanks! C.Parrish
Great Video- sending all of our best wishes your way!
the Norman Family
I want more information about networking.
Great video! I totally understand what you went through. My husband recently lost his job and we have done what we can to stay afloat. Luckily for me, I have networked for several years. I have used these networks to continue to support my family while my husband finds employement.
thank you for this video and for reminding me how important it is to have useful contacts!
Michael like the video and you are absolutely correct about Networking.
In the Movie its a wonderful life when everyone in town is there for George Bailey at the end . The Quote " Here's to George Bailey , The richest man in Town " rings as true today as it is back then. the Friends /network/Connections you make in life really do define how rich your life truly is.
Great video and good luck, Michael.
Michael, your video was great and inspiring. I hope to be able to contact you in the future for your program
Very inspiring video! Mr. Madden acted appropriately and responsibly in time of crisis in order to save his family from financial meltdown and homelessness. This should be considered a lesson learning video for everyone! Networking is important in succeeding, and making your own opportunities is proactive, compared with just waiting around for one. I was inspired by this video!
briand65@verizon.net
Very inspiring video! Mr. Madden acted appropriately and responsibly in time of crisis in order to save his family from financial meltdown and homelessness. This should be considered a lesson learning video for everyone! Networking is important in succeeding, and making your own opportunities is proactive, compared with just waiting around for one. I was inspired by this video!
Very inspiring video! Mr. Madden acted appropriately and responsibly in time of crisis in order to save his family from financial meltdown and homelessness. This should be considered a lesson learning video for everyone! Networking is important in succeeding, and making your own opportunities is proactive, compared with just waiting around for one. I was inspired by this video!
This was a great video and very informational. This shows if you have the desire to do something you can do it.
I find networking a valuable tool in the commission of a sale, getting interviews, and producing commercials. This video should inspire folks to get networking, soon.
Not only did you save yourself and your family, but you have also given broadcasting hopefuls another option to fulfill their dreams. Congratulations Michael! Looking at where your life was on that day in 2007, and how far you've come, it seems to me you've already won! Thank you for the inspiration and God bless!
Michael,great video shows what can be done if you stay positive . Never give up. Having a plan and that can do attitude can accomplish a lot . This video inspires me to keep on working on my goal to become a radio dj. I will not give up. I will get my dream job in radio .
I think you have got the right "when one hand washes the other both hands get clean"
Hi, Michael.
When it comes to networking, it is obvious that you are "intu-it." You faced a "Madden-ing" situation head-on and achieved success. There's hope for us late-career changers yet! I wish you the best (unlike my bad puns)!
It looks like you'll be mentoring future Intuit award winners, Michael. Great video and story!
Michael, I commend your tenacity and drive. These are hard times and your e-mails keep me thinking that there is a chance this career may come true for me. I am also aware this field is tough and not overnight success and will be hard at times at best. Thanks for your help.
I've always thought that you never know who will present you with the next opportunity,and therefore,it is of the utmost importance to network with as many people as possible,in as many arenas of life as possible. This video proves my belief, in a very tangible way. It seems that you are living the American dream. I hope i will be my own boss,one day. Working for somebody else is just making them rich,and keeping you poor. Your video shows a way out. I wish you the best of luck, in all you do.
First of all, thank you Michael for emailing me all these years. Even though I have been unable to take advantage of attending your program, I was assured that you were still there to help if and when I could do it. And, thanks again for your inspiring video. I'm still in another job but I know with help that I can keep my dream alive and hopefully go into the broadcasting profession. Most importantly, I will be able to pass along an opportunity to help another person achieve his/her dream too.
Michael, thanks for keeping after me. Please keep it going. I'm proud of you for taking the risk and for pursuing the goal. Blessings to you and your family.
Good vid Michael
Dear Michael. I have always believed that to promote others before yourself is how we should conduct our networking. Anyone involved in a common cause of positive influence are broadening their contacts and horizons. It is good fortune that you, your family and all of us can celebrate your "BMG" start up, and, on going achievements. Your generosity proves that you promote others before yourself with compassion and community spirit. Thank you for all your kindness and encouragement over the years
Michael, this video truly is an inspiration in more ways than one. You've shown with this video clip that with the right determination---especially in these troubled times we're currently living in---you CAN survive and be prosperous. And that's a message that we need right now, more than ever. Thank you so much.
Way to go Michael!! My congratulations to you!! I liked the video!!
It's been said that it's not what happens to us, but how we react to what happens. What a great example of someone who didn't allow his circumstances dictate his life.
Bravo Michael !
Michael this video got me to look back and to do some forward thinking. Thank you for sharing this with us all.
Mr. Madden, I, along with several other jocks and producers applied for jobs that were being offered by Ad# 19390. We were told by Mr. Johnathan Harris, the ad's author, that we were being selected for the positions. I can't express how heartbroken we were when we submitted the contracts we were given to our lawyers only to find out that Mr. Harris had no resources at all and had just been released from prison. Please remove ad# 19390 so that others are not victimized as we were. He's a fraud!!!
Thanks Michael for sharing this video with me. I too have lost a job that has changed my life for an unknown and worrysome future. Networking will have to be a procedure to start practicing. Thanks again for the USEFUL INSPIRATION.
Wayne. Massena, N.Y.
As always, very inspiring
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
Interesting video. I admire your entrepreneurial spirit.
Great story! You set an excellent example of how to handle adversity.
This is so ontime Michael. I have heard that everyone by the age of 65 will be either dead or dead broke. Networking while being involved with the right company can build a financial fence around your family that nothing can touch. Thank you for your inspiring story and I pray that your business will be even MORE successful than anticipated!
This is so ontime Michael. I have heard that everyone by the age of 65 will be either dead or dead broke. Networking while being involved with the right company can build a financial fence around your family that nothing can touch. Thank you for your inspiring story and I pray that your business will be even MORE successful than anticipated!
Thank you for all the great insights you've given for free the past few years, Michael. I've kept them all in a Word file!
Wishing you all the best for your family and this venture,
Chris
In a time of economic chaos, unelected autocracy, and congressional "out-of-touchidness", it would seem to a struggling small businessman to create something out of nothing; particularly when destitution seems imminent.
In this informational video, Michael's ability to combine his natural talents but also left plenty of room to learn through adaptation.
Learning to relearn is very humbling to all of us; it is very well to see it in practice and reap its true rewards. Thanks Michael.
Great Video! I stumbled across this, and found it very inspiring. We all have sat in your shoes before - it is only the great ones who end up on top, with a Network that helped get them there. Congratulations!
Michael, this has really got me thinking. While I have not always been sure of what "networking" is or how it is done, I know I need to do it in my life. It is time to truly pursue the dream I have always had...to be in radio. I simply can not allow my current work and hours, lack of funds, etc stop me. Thank you Michael...the old tune comes to mind again..."my future is so bright, I gotta wear shades"...even at 55 years young.
Michael,
Your stories continue to inspire, especially for those of us facing similar economy-related difficulties. Thank you for sharing.
Michael - Thank you for sharing your blessings. I hope you continue to be blessed and your work fruitful!
Michael - this is an amazing story, and it gives great credit to your program. Many thanks!
Mike, straight up, I have mild/borderline Autism and my communications skills are limited. I was in radio until 2000 when I had a spat with a troublesome co-worker at a hometown radio station in CT. Since then I have been in two other lines of work and to be honest I did not like what I did nor what I am doing now. I could cry of course, but I want back in broadcasting and back NOW. And good luck with this contest.
My hubby and I too are at a crossroads in our lives. After 34 years of marriage, we've lost everything due to my being sick and uninsured for 4 years, and then my hubby had to close down his one-man mortgage company last year and has been out of work for 17 months now. Going into broadcasting is his dream, but without the means to get started, it would have to remain a pipe-dream. It's never too late to switch careers, and it's never too late to reach for the stars!
I got my 3am call at 9am--two weeks after Christmas and three weeks after my Mom's funeral. My Mom-my best friend and only living relative-was hit by a car and killed. I went from $42,000 to no savings or credit, as all went to help my mom. I have been limping along ever since. I have helped and hired so many in broadcasting but they, too, are hit by this economy--so what happens to us?
What a great video, Michael-very inspiring!
This video was great. All of the above-inspiring,funny and informative! When life throws you lemons made lemonaide!!! Thats exactly what you did! Congrats on all your success and future success.
Hope you win Michael, your story was very inspiring and it just shows no matter how bad things get don't give up just keep going.
Michael i'm impressed & have shared your past "apprehension" and i like the signs (especially the off-ramp) being an ex-80's video production mgr; but how the heck did you get your neighbor Rob Reiner to put a CHRISTmas wreath around his New York neck in that opening shot????/regards;and win it/mh1053
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
Michael, great job on giving others hope of making it in this biz.
I am 47 and have 378 days to go (but whos counting?) for my 30 years and retirment. Because of my funny entertaining personality I use the PA at work and people clap or say"your in the wrong business" everyday They are right. I had my 3rd and 2nd class radio/telephone licence before I got out of high school. I thought I was going into broadcasting. But I got a job, raised a family and now 30 years later still have the passion to get the job I thought I would have way back in high school.
Wonderfully done!
Nicely done. I've never really understood the networking process until recently, and this video shows the essence of it in a way that anyone can understand and immediately use in their life. Good luck and may your business and your network thrive. (Im going to have to network my way into your broadcasting program - smle)
Michael,
As someone new to networking it was very helpful to see what triggered your desire to start your company.Great video, keep up the good work.
Great video Michael. I hope to be able to enter into your program sometime in the future as finances allow as it has always been my dream. I'm afraid I may be getting a bit too old now though, but you never know! keep up the great work!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
Moved me to look at where I am and where I would like to be. To question whether I am like a ship being tossed about by the winds of life. Or am I deliberate about the direction I am headed.
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
It is inspiring and useful! It's alomost the same I'm going through
here in MIchigan. Thank God for help from my parents on support
of living. But it's unfortunate that their support is not with programs
such as this. In fact, their are some folks, including family members
that don't think this program is serious. But besides all that!
Michael you did what you had to do and fortunately you had some
resources at least to help you! And if I had just that little bit like oyu
did, that's all I need!
Michael
This is usefully inspiring and instructional!
Michael
This is about keeping your poise and making a good rational
decision. But whereas if you go on the deep end and panic
you get into trouble! From my experience this is the way to go!
Peace and patience is virtuous!
This video is very useful and tactfully instructional!
Very nice indeed, it shows that sometimes in life, when it is easiest to quit, that is when we need not to.
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
Great video, very incouraging! Glad to hear stories like yours. Peace to you~
Michael, great job. You are a success beyond the outcome of this contest. I look forward to seeing you continue to go the next level in your work!
I hope this video inspires a lot of people out there. I'm developing a network of my own now. I'll let you know how things turn out.
Video was great! The gentleman at the end screaming is what I want to do every day when I leave my job. The time for a change is now.
The time is now indeed. What a great video and story. Because of my love of music and sense of humor, people have always told me I should have been in radio, but somehow life got in the way of my enjoying life. Well, I want to enjoy it now...thanks again Michael for this chance.
Truly the time is now. What a great video and story. I too have had the 3PM call in my life. Due to my love of music, sense of humor, and the fact I spent nearly 12 years in music retail, peole have told me since I was young, "you should be in radio". Well, somehow life got in the way of me enjoying life, however, I want to enjoy it now--this is something I KNOW I can do with a little help to jump start the process--thanks for the chance Michael!
This video was fantastic, you are such a strong man, Michael, I love how you made yourself just by being stubborn and being commited. This video was very inspiring, and it made me realise you never know when something like that could happen! Good luck to you and your family! You're a great Role Model Michael, and you are a winner! Thanks for making this video, people like me, need something like this to look at, when we're feeling down and out! Peace and Love! :)
Michael, so inspriring. I too have a dream or even for my Husband as he has been laid off for 3 months now and my hours have been cut. We are both in our forties and have a 9 year old. I would love to make a change now...
I wish you the best.
I thought the video gave some really good tips to success. Thanks for sharing your experiences! My favorite tip was the one about considering the quality rather than the quantity of those you network with.---Angie Malone, www.angiemalonestudios.com
Networking with other winners such as you is a pleasure. Continued success!
Tremendous story. Keep up the great work.
What a great video!! I have always wanted to be a broadcaster, but I don't have the funding for trainning! Please chose me!! THANK YOU!!!
Wow Michael! From just speaking to you over the phone, I would have never guessed that this was your story! God has truly blessed you! What an awesome story! It would be a real blessing if you won this! I also can't wait to start my training and I'm so glad that I was referred to your training program!
Your Video is very informative, inspiring and funny. Best Wishes to you on broadcasting---your passion.
Very inspirational video, Michael! It was absolutely wonderful and inspirational while being quite enjoyable. Good luck, Michael! Hope the video does well!
Very inspiring Michael, thanks for sharing your story with us!
Very inspiring Michael, thanks for sharing your story with us!
Fantastic video Michael very inspiring. It makes me feel like there actually hope in doing what you love to earn a good living.
Very inspiring Michael, thanks for sharing your story with us!
Networking is very important. But there's something else here too- You're helping people! I think when a person genuinely sets out to help people the rewards come. Best of luck to you in this contest and in all you do.
PS-Please pick me.
Excellent video and excellent essay on networking. Success can often come by excellent videos and excellent networking skills. One can make a lot of contacts by networking, and the friends on a network can help with allmost anything...including jobs and technical help. positively
Dale Carter
dalecarter47@gmail.com
4509-55 Avenue,
Lacombe, ALberta
Canada
T4L 1H2
This is very useful and intriging Mike!
I'm starting to do some of this now!
Actually the video is great and so is the essay on networking. One can use networking for allmost anything. One can find a boyfriend or girlfriend...future wife or husband...a product or service...a CD or DVD...buy anythiung or sell anything...find out information and find out how to get in contact with allmost anyone. By selling things you can also barter one product or service for another service or product....You can find friends to help you, or you can help people...Positive/loving/kind
Michael, thank you for sharing this video with me and inspire me to become the great broadcaster I dream to be. I hope I can keep receiving all the advices of yours and to take further actions.
Today I broadcast a radio sports show in the Dominican Republic and I would love to have you on my show as a Special Guest (by phone).
Regards,
Rafael Bello
Desde las Gradas Radio (From the Stands)
Dominican Republic
rbello@desdelasgradas.com
You are an inspiration.
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
Michael,
Thank you for this message, which all of us can take to our own benefits. These four minutes that you lend to us can go a long way for anyone who chooses not to back down, as was the case with you in 2007.
I admire you for how you handle the setting, by moving on, in a calm way.
In the end, it seemed that it was a smooth transition as you had friends that helped you get to were you needed to go.
But this was also a display of having faith in God, for anything is possible through him.
Thanks, Michael, for the inspiring, useful and funny video. You took a risk and it paid off. I'd like to do the same thing but reality always gets in the way. So I keep staying at the job that simply pays the bills and I keep wishing that someday it will be different. Maybe soon it will be.
Awe inspiring video.. very sombre moments there... highly courageous of you Michael.. you remind me of the guy who created a billboard in Texas looking for a Job.. being pro-active is the name of the game.
Congratulations on your new found fame...
So, this is the Man of the moment huh? Glad to finally put voice to face et al!
Well done Michael, awesome vid and worth all the 4 minutes!
Will be rooting for you...
Michael.
I had no idea this is what you went through to overcome obstacles... I know what the rate race feels like, and it ain't pretty, no Siree!
I recall one company I used to work at in Atlanta where, if you were a minute late for work, they'd make you stand in front of the whole office and sing!
Yes, sing!
Now, unless one breaks out to start their own company, you're just a pawn in the great scheme of things!
Well done once again Mr. Madden.
Michael, I thought that was a very honest video. As a person who used to be employed at a major media outlet, I totally understand the term "NETWORKING" I did the same thing that you did. I created a website after I was laidoff hoping to take advantage of my networking contacts. Even though I have some pretty good contacts as part of my network, it hasn't helped me finacially. Guess they wasn't that good. The dream lives on after my broadcasting school rejection 20 years ago. Go figure that 1
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
This video was inspiring due to the despair expressed in the story and how I can relate to this; and how one man overcame obstacles and made a name for himself in the broadcasting field.
Best of luck Michael!
Thanks for putting the time in to try and help people. Very commendable.
Atta Boy Michael... knew you always had it in you since I started receiving your newsletters way back in 07.
Can't wait to see what you've got in store now that you are Captain of your own ship!
Good luck.
Now, this is what I call Confidence and faith in confined spaces!
If you don't choose to act, chances are you will either drown or suffocate!
You however Michael, chose the hardest way out, and look where it got you!
Primetime Television babe!
Now, that's what I call a can do guy... you can be my plumber anytime when I purchase my mansion Michael! LOL
Way to go.
It's a good thing I came across your newsletter when I did, otherwise I would be missing out on all these throat-gripping thrillers you're throwing at us... absolutely edge of seat with white knuckles give-away!
Congrats by the way!
Wow... talk about sitting on a stove with the ambers stocked!
You did it Michael...WooHoo!
That's what I'm talking about... can't wait to sink my teeth in this profession, Ryan Seacrest watch out as I'll be the host of AI pretty, pretty soon!
Well done Michael...
Great video Michael! I love the proactive approach to solving a major life crisis. Don't let the problem or crisis envelop you; make the crisis work for you. And that is exactly what you did. Kudos
sometimes you think you are ready for the call and then you get reminded when you see things like this how unprepared you may really be. Thanks for the reminder and a reminder that the call does not always mean disaster, sometimes it is a call to simply wake up and go forward.
NCTROL
This was amazing! I am so glad I am now a part of the community-best wishes always!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
GOOD LUCK MICHAEL!!!
I hope you win, Michael. You have sent me broadcasting tips for years and have never asked for money in return. The only thing you have asked of me is to not allow my dream of becoming a broadcaster to die. You deserve the best because you practice what you preach by giving without expecting anything in return.
I'm glad you now have your own company, because the other broadcasting company you were with tied your hands and never appreciated the work you did with people like me.
Be careful if you ever speak to this man in person. He will crack you up. The first time we spoke, he asked me if I was "Behaving myself". I'm 36 years old...nobody asks me that...but Michael. When assured that I was behaving myself, he said "shame on you".
Whenever we now speak, I assure him I'm misbehaving...and he says "attaboy"
The guy is a great networker because he keeps it real. I can see why others came to his aid, because he's an honest dude that cares about people.
Good luck, Michael. You've helped me overcome my fears and concerns and fully realize my potential.
Great Essay and video, the importance of networking. And paying it forward. This is great.
Michael you're an inspiration and proof that networking can pay off in the long wrong.
Good luck michael!!!
Micheal, I only got to know you and your company few weeks ago but already you have made a big difference on my life and i want you to know that only for people like you we wont have the courage to chase our dreams so i thank you for that. As the saying goes "Chase the dream not the fear"
I love the video. It's proof that under any circumstances you can create your own good fortune. Perserverance and a little blood sweat and tears are what eventually puts you in the right place at the right time.
Glad it worked out for you
What an uplifting story. Thanks for giving us all the gift of hope and the tools to act on it.
I just took a buyout from my previous employer last week and I would like to follow my passion which is sports. Very inspiring video, Michael.
no matter what your dream is, you are gonna hit some dead ends. Its up to you to find the other doors when the first door is closed. Thanks Michael
awesome. really enjoyed it.
well put together- good work
Inspirational! This is a message of courage and strength. This video is a message to all to not quit. No matter how bleak something in life may be. Follow your dream and don't ever give up. The sun will shine again tomorrow. I realize these are just words. But I believe them. I have to believe them. It's what keeps me going. As I am in this situation myself. Your video is another good example of this. I finally found my passion in life. I won't quit trying.
really liked the video Michael
Michael,
I really like your Video - very professional - very well done!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Makes me want to host my own show. well done.
Michael, thank you for sharing your experience. The video is very useful, inspiring, and funny! It is truly amazing what people can do when they find themselves in similar situations. Reinventing yourself and turning dreams into plans that succeed is truly why I am pursuing this opportunity. Your story along with the real key to unlocking doors (networking) gives hope to those pursing this dream.
very informative and will try it in different aspects of my own life!! thanks michael
Good luck, Michael
Finalist story from Michael_Madden:
Two days before Thanksgiving 2007, my job ended abruptly after seven years. With five children to support - Christmas around the corner - and little money - I called on my network. Here is what I did:
I first sought out others looking to network, and went to:
• Craig’s List – Barter exchange. Two services I advertised for Barter:
1. My soon to be broadcasting schools apprenticeship training program ( valued at $5000)
2. A fully researched and formatted Google Adwords campaign for a business
• Next, I tapped into my network and contacted a friend who owned a web development company. He was more than willing to build a broadcasting school website and wait 180 days for payment.
• Contacted a copywriting friend who agreed to fine-tune the copy I was writing for my still unbuilt website.
• Consulted with a friend who is an SEO Expert to develop a search engine placement strategy.
• Reached agreement with a colleague to allow our sports broadcasting webinars to be used as the new curriculum.
• Called a well connected acquaintance for a referral to the best graphic designer he knew. The graphic designer he recommended cut me the deal of a lifetime when she learned who sent me.
Within a month, agreements had been reached on both of my Craig list barter offers, resulting in:
• $1500 cash in exchange for formatting two Google Adwords campaigns for a Real Estate company in San Francisco.
• A player piano from a man in Atlanta in exchange for broadcasting training services. The broadcaster who agreed to mentor this person in her Atlanta radio station was also a member of my previously established network.
• My nephew then sold the piano on eBay, resulting in a $4300 sale.
Two months into my nomadic journey to start my own business, the web copy had been written and fine-tuned, six future issues of a newsletter prepared, and the website completed.
In an almost too-good-to-be-true scenario, my very first lead turned into a sale. Within a month of this students training, he was hired by the radio station. I now had his success to point out as proof of my new company's legitimacy. The company has been mildly profitable since day 1 and continues to grow - even in these tough economic times.
• Every single person I had contacted in my moment of need was a member of my network. Many had commented that they were willing to help me since I had done so much for them in the past and never asked for, or expected anything, in return.
Here are a few insights I have learned about networking:
• Start today – you never know who may be calling you before Thanksgiving


Michael, you're doing it when it would have been easy to cry about your fate. Who cares where the judges vote you...you're already a winner to those of us who know you, do business with you, and most of all...to your family