Testimonials

To Whom It May Concern:

The biggest adventure in my life was developing and eventually launching my dream of America's only national cable and satellite television network totally dedicated to all levels of football. Accomplishing such an impossible feat was compounded by the fact that I had no experience and no knowledge whatsoever of the industry or what it would take to take my idea from idea to reality. Enter THE CABLE MAVEN! Recalling that I had seen that someone somewhere was knowledgeable in this area and actually sharing this wealth with others, I found Sheldon through his course given at that time through The Learning Annex where hundreds of want-to-be network founders would flock.

I remember like yesterday, his knowledge and understanding of the industry was both complete and encouraging. He helped me to realize that with the correct action I could compete with the big boys. Soon, I would win his grace and he would actually agree to help me from an involved advisory level even traveling with me to meet the powers that be. His briefing and guidance and my drive and desire were an incredible match and my idea was received positively and continued to grow and grow to eventual launch.

I am forever indebted to Sheldon and wholeheartedly recommend any of his line of services or products to anyone wanting information they can process, guidance they can trust, and understanding that can bank upon in the pursuit of their dreams he has been solicited to enhance.

Sheldon is in a word, wonderful. You are blessed to experience his guidance. I know I was.

Jantonio Turner
Founder
TFN, The Football Network, Inc.

 

The Harmony Channel was first conceptualized around the turn of the millennium -- when I was sitting around with some friends trying to find something to watch on television. The 9/11 incident was still fresh on our minds and alive in the news media. Someone said that we needed a new television channel – one that focused on good experiences. I said, “The Harmony Channel,” and we joked about the sort of programming that would be on it. It stuck with me…

Knowing that my lifetime dreams would not be realized with my current employer (or any employer, for that matter), I began formulating my next career move. The Harmony Channel kept popping into my mind… mass media, a chance to expose millions to the visual music genre. With HDTV taking off, the “sensory bandwidth” of television is getting closer to a dome theater. But a new television channel? How the heck does one do that?

I went online and Googled “Cable Network Startup Kit.” Right at the top of the list was a dead hit “The Cable Television Network Startup Kit. ... ORDER YOUR START-UP KIT TODAY: ONLY $179.95 (For overnight delivery, please add $30).”

I was amazed! When my startup kit arrived, I learned boatloads about the cable industry from media maven Sheldon Altfeld. It included contacts, trade journals, professional societies, and details on starting, staffing and operating a cable television network. It also included a sample business plan on CD-ROM. With such a comprehensive start-up kit in hand, how hard could it be?

I worked on the Harmony Channel business plan to launch an HDTV network for some months, but my fulltime position prevented me from really devoting the time to this venture that it deserved. So with the economy improving and my home life stabilizing, I left my fulltime position at Spitz in March 2004 to peruse the development of a cable television network. I first re-named it from “The Harmony Channel” to just “Harmony Channel” to avoid a controversial acronym. I then started attending cable television tradeshows, venture capital fairs, and meeting with television professionals. I realized that I was facing a long hard road with no guarantees of success, thinking that it could take a year or more before getting the network on the air. Indeed, the road was longer and harder by far than I had ever expected…

Edward J. Lantz, President & CEO
HARMONY CHANNEL

 

I first met Sheldon in the early nineties when I attended his seminar on Starting a Television Channel. Since then we have worked on several projects related to the startup of Black Belt TV and I have found his advice and assistance to be invaluable.

In addition to the basic startup functions, Sheldon has advised me on TV and Satellite distribution, marketing and promotion opportunities, and developing advertising properties for third party promotions on my network. His keen understanding of the marketplace and key directives have helped me to build a successful TV brand under the most competitive conditions.

I place a high value on Sheldon’s input and find him always available to assist me with answers to questions and for troubleshooting problems with my network. He was instrumental in the start of Black Belt TV and continues to be one of our main supporters and advisors.

Erik D. Jones
Chairman / C.E.O.
BLACK BELT TV / The Martial Arts Network
Direct Line (909) 592-1572
Fax (909) 954-9329
Erik_Jones@BlackBeltTelevision.Info
(NOTE: Black Belt TV is one of the most successful Internet Networks. Check it out at: blackbelttv.com.)

 

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you. Your advice is always right on target. When I think about the huge project I have set forth for my life, I sometimes feel overwhelmed. But, when I talk to you about something that is giving me a problem, you seem to be able to put it all into perspective. There aren’t many like you…you’re a different breed. For someone who has such an impressive resume attached to his life, you are the most down-to-earth, helpful and knowledgeable person I know.

--L.K, Irvine, CA

 

Just wanted you to know that I received your Cable Network Start-Up Kit today. What an invaluable tool it is! I have been digesting it like there is no tomorrow. I do have to say that the Business Plan alone is worth way more than what you are currently charging. I know, because I have written many business plans and business models for the Internet and multimedia companies.

--B.S., Houston, TX