Assembling a team can be challenging when team members have different backgrounds, unique personal agendas, and unrelated methodologies. If it is difficult to get busy people to sit at the same table, it can be much more challenging to get a team emotionally centered. Here are 5 Cool Ideas to get teams started. Tweet
5 Cool Ideas for starting a team
1. A meaningful quote can provide solidarity and purpose.
We know that a picture is worth a thousand words, but what is a word worth? Well, a word can be invaluable if it helps center a team on a theme. A special word can unify and educate. Introduce a word every day and over time, people will increase their vocabularies. Share a combination of words like a quote or a song lyric to cultivate passion and a sense of team spirit.
2. Workers relate better when they learn about each other.
Elton Mayo, founder of the modern day Human Resources department, taught us that workers have a need to feel like they belong. A sense of belonging sets the stage for employee retention, loyalty and a general sense of espirit d’corp. Have team members share something about themselves that no one else knows. This process is fun and builds rapport like no other exercise.
People will offer the most interesting information as they try to entertain and make each other laugh and think. You can do this exercise every week for a month and it will never get old.
3. Have a look at the past.
Have everyone bring a childhood photo to work. Scan the photos into a presentation and have fun guessing who is who. Tell stories about the photos and enjoy each other as you discuss things that have nothing to do with work. Then, get down to business.
4. Group reading can establish work themes team and teach lessons.
Many work groups participate in book clubs. Team members come to work a half-hour early one day a week to discuss a book that everyone is reading. Take turns having everyone recommend a book.
5. Present one Cool Idea a day.
Get the ideas from my 5 Cool Ideas book series. Use the books to present one cool idea or a 5 Cool Ideas topic before every meeting. The idea should be related to the task at hand. Ideas will spark other ideas.
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The above article is available for republication on your blog, website and in your newsletter. Simply send a message stating your intent through Michael’s website.
I’m speaking in Jamaica and brought some reading material on the trip.
My September/October issue of AAA Living magazine features an interesting article on the dangers of “deering while driving.” It got me thinking about how humans handle problems.
Apparently, there are 1.5 million car-deer collisions annually. The magazine states that the crashes kill some 150 people. These accidents aren’t healthy for the deer, either, as hardly any of them are wearing safety belts. Tweet
Here’s a surprising driving tip
The article lists three ways to avoid an unwanted wildlife encounter:
1) Stay alert. Deer are the most active at dawn and dusk.
2) Deer travel in herds. If you see one animal, there are probably many more nearby.
The third piece of advice is rather surprising:
3) Don’t veer for deer. Experts say that swerving is much more dangerous than hitting the animal. Veering could easily introduce oncoming traffic or an unforgiving bridge abutment into the equation.
Sometimes, it’s best to face a problem head-on
The “don’t veer for deer” lesson is a good metaphor for other types of problem-solving.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to stay alert for communication problems related to customer service, marketing, and such. And yes, these problems often “travel in herds.”
Lots of us try to avoid problems by ignoring them, procrastinating or even denying the problems exist.
Yet, in many cases, it’s best to confront the problem head-on. Face the problem as if you would position yourself directly in front of a camera.
Let the conundrum collide with your personal life or your work routine. This will create a unique opportunity to uncover a solution.
I once earned a speaking engagement by impressing Roxanne Gibbs, editor of The Nation, then a prominent Barbados newspaper. I first met Roxanne and five of her friends in a banquet buffet line. Later, she recounted that I remembered all of their names after the meal.
5 Cool Ideas for remembering names
1. Use a system you can rely on.
People who use a memory device called mnemonics remember Pat’s name because she is wearing purple, but may struggle to recall Pat’s name when she wears brown. Try to remember a person for who they are, rather than what they wear.
2. Use “cluster imprinting” to learn names.
The goal of cluster imprinting is to imprint your brain with the person’s name eight to ten times within three minutes of meeting them. Listen to the person say his or her name. Then you might say “Catherine, it’s nice to meet you.” You’ve now heard her name twice.
3. Repetition is a form of practice.
After being introduced, you might say “Catherine, is that Catherine with a ‘C’ or Katherine with a ‘K’?” The person could answer “‘Catherine’ with a ‘C’.” Now you’ve heard the name five times and visualized it at least once. If someone approaches you and Catherine, offer to introduce the new person. “Catherine, do you know Tom? Tom, this is Catherine.” Now, you’ve been imprinted with Catherine’s name seven times.
4. Practice remembering the name right up until you say “goodbye.”
When it’s time to excuse yourself, you might say “It’s been nice meeting you, Catherine,” which makes the eighth time your brain has been imprinted with her name. You are not likely to forget “Catherine.”
5. Use interval training to achieve total recall.
Try to recall the name at several intervals during the next 24 hours, stretching the time span for each attempt. Another form of interval training is to review rosters and registration lists before and after the meeting.
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The above article is an excerpt from Michael Angelo Caruso’s book, 5 Cool Ideas available from Edison House.
E-mail introductions are a fantastic way to help people, build your network, and upgrade your team.
But it takes a little time to keystroke the verbiage, so I simply save that chunk of text as a template and customize the details each time I use it.
Below, I give you the best way to introduce me, followed by a generic template you can use to introduce anyone. The template is a great time-saver! I’ve been teaching this technique to audiences across America. Tweet
It’s the best way I know to facilitate introductions online.
E-mail introduction for Michael Angelo Caruso
I would like to connect you with a very excellent speaker and author. His name is Michael Angelo Caruso. As both a friend and business consultant, Michael has helped me with many aspects of my business.
What makes him so special is his ability to work with both very large and very small businesses.
He has helped me improve sales, sharpened my product presentations, given me many time-saving ideas and even offered valuable advice for managing my employees.
His knowledge on Internet marketing, including social media, e.g., Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter, is of the highest order.
I invite you to visit his Web site at www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com as I am sure you can find a use for Michael. In addition, I’ll bet you instantly think of people you know who can use his services.
Thanks for your consideration and please let me know how things work out!
E-mail introduction template
Hi, PERSON A!
I would like to connect you with WHO PERSON B IS TO YOU. His name is PERSON B NAME. As both a friend and business associate, PERSON B has helped me with many aspects of my business.
What makes him so special is his ability to XXXXXX and XXXXXXX.
He has helped me XXXXXX, XXXXXXX, and XXXXXX.
His knowledge of XXXXXXXXX, XXXXXXXX, XXXXXXX is quite impressive, so I thought you’d like to be connected.
I invite you to visit his Web site at www.ABCDE.com as I am sure you can find a use for PERSON B. In addition, I’ll bet you instantly think of people you know who can use his services.
PERSON B, PERSON A is a fantastic XXXX and XXXXX. She is very good at XXXX and XXXX. I think she may be helpful to you when it comes to XXXX XXXX XXXXX.
Consider yourselves connected and please let me know how things work out!
Note: Michael Angelo Caruso will be giving his favorite Facebook marketing tips at a special evening program at Tre Monti Restaurant in Troy, Michigan on November 8, 2011. Come have dinner, laugh, and learn!
Facebook is the biggest communication revolution since the invention of the telephone.
Initially known as “a good way to meet chicks,” Facebook is now a solid promotional tool that moves millions of dollars in products and services all over the world. And for the most part, it’s free.
You’d think people would be adding people to their FB network like crazy, yet the average FB user only has around 165 friends. Amazing.
Friend people with more friends than you
If you’re too lazy to build your own network, there is another strategy you can use. Hitch your wagon to people with bigger wagons, by friending folks with large networks. I’ve even started a Facebook sub-list I call 3K, which indicates which of my FB buddies has at least 3,000 friends.
By the way, I probably have a bigger wagon than you, which means that by connecting with me, you are increasing your marketing reach without even taking time to build your list.
Like I’ve indicated, this shouldn’t be your “Plan A,” but it works.
You can get into my airspace by connecting with me here:
Connecting with me via all of the above links will introduce you to thousands of my friends and allow me to easily tag you in the future. Do this with your other friends who are well connected, as well. I hope all this new attention won’t go to your head. lol
Welcome to the social media revolution and remember, don’t drink and type.
A while back, I did something most business people never do.
I started giving away my products and services. And it’s the best thing I ever did for my consulting business.
Every Monday at 4:00 ET, I jump on a conference call to dispense advice on everything from Internet marketing to event planning. The call-in codes are below.
Many callers have booked me to speak at various conferences and fundraisers. I help them save time, increase attendance, promote their events, and get the most from their marketing efforts.
My seminar fundraiser program has so far raised over $150, 000 for Rotary, Chambers of Commerce, and other non-for profit organizations.
Some callers have yet to do business with me. They are prospects who often convert after being on the call.
You should consider giving away your products and services. If you cannot afford to give away any of your current products, think about developing a product that you can make available.
“Set the hook” by sample selling
Fisherman know that you have to “set the hook” when the fish nibbles at the bait. Setting the hook is that small jerky motion that pulls the hook through the fish gill. The hook is a reversed-barbed piece of metal that makes it difficult for the fish to escape once he takes the bait.
That’s what free information and free products do. I call it “sample selling” because its like giving folks a free sample of what you do so they become interested in spending money with you.
It’s an easy marketing strategy to implement and everyone wins.
Free call and great marketing advice
You can hear how I do this and get yourself some terrific marketing advice by being on the call this Monday, from 4 to 4:30 PM ET. And did I tell you that the call is free?
Use call-in number: 218-339-3600, access code: 686134#
What does your company give away to promote business?
Peter Falk, who played one of television’s greatest characters, passed away last week, but not before giving salespeople one of the greatest closing techniques of all time. Tweet
Falk played Lt. Columbo, a bumbling police detective so unusual, he didn’t need a first name. Columbo was a true original, a slow-moving, hunched over man wearing a rumpled raincoat and carrying a stogie.
Columbo never seemed to know which way was up—until he solved the crime, usually by tricking the perpetrator into talking too much.
The TV detective used what we now refer to as “Doorknob Close.” His patented “close” was to turn around as he headed out the door and say something disarming like, “Just one more thing.” [Watch the 5:02 mark in the above video.]
The Doorknob Close, also known as the “Reverse Close,” works best when the detective/seller has given up and is literally saying “goodbye” to the perpetrator/prospect.
No seller ever plans to use the Doorknob Close, but it can be very useful because it contains the element of surprise. Here’s how it works.
Let’s say a sales presentation does not go well and the prospect has not been forthcoming regarding his reasons for not buying. Perhaps the prospect has ended the presentation by saying something such as, “I need more time to think about it.”
The salesperson thanks the prospect for his time and slowly walks to the door. The seller places her hand on the doorknob and then suddenly turns around and says, “Now that the presentation is over, may I just ask . . . why didn’t buy from me today?”
Peter Falk
The timing of this question makes it much more effective than if it’s asked earlier in the presentation because the prospect, thinking the presentation is over, begins to relax.
The Doorknob Close is powerful because it catches the prospect in an unguarded moment. The question, when posed from the doorway, almost always results in new information, which the seller can then use as an opportunity to reopen the discussion.
Caveat: Do not reward an honest answer by re-entering the room, taking your coat off and asking for another cup of coffee. The Doorknob close is an extra opportunity to close, but don’t try to force the prospect into immediately reversing his decision.
The Doorknob Close in Action
As with all the closes, there are many variations. One of my clients, a national retailer of automobile tires, uses what they refer to as a “second effort” to convert the sale as the prospect is walking out the door.
A person who is leaving the store without making a purchase may not return, so the employee tries to re-engage the prospect before he leaves the premises. This technique can be used on the telephone, too.
Thanks, Lt. Columbo!
The Doorknob Close has rescued countless sales through the years. Never give up on asking one more question and keeping dialog open. Sometimes that “one more thing” is the sale. RIP, Peter Falk and Lt. Columbo.
Every seller should know about 22 ways to close
Want to close more sales and make more money? Learn more sales closes from 22 Sales Closes That Work, a one-hour audio program and 30-page e-book that will help you improve your sales numbers almost overnight.
As with all of Michael Angelo Caruso’s offerings, this product comes with an unconditional money-back guarantee.
The first type likes to mosey through a do-it-yourself program. It’s a comfortable pace and they have a lot of fun.
The second type is always thirsty for ways to get practical tips that save time and produce revenue. This group also has a lot of fun, but they also find ways to build brands and make money.
The latter group likes to “Facebook with purpose” and these are the folks who tend to seek me out for help.
Here’s a partial list of what I teach in my social media sessions, which will help you improve your business almost immediately. This program includes dozens of proven strategies for securing a stronger Internet presence using Facebook (FB), Linkedin (LI), Twitter (TW), and YouTube (YT). Tweet
This is non-technical content:
Facebook is the New White Pages
- Learn how social media will help your biz when you use it as a system
- Appreciate how FB, LI and TW are alike and different
- Grow your friend list without getting slapped by the “Facebook police”
- Use Michael’s “3K Klub” trick to get FB friends to help you sell
- Protect your name online; learn valuable image marketing tips
- Discover the single best way to engage Facebook friends
- Add 100 additional connections in a flash
- Arrange for your FB posts to go to Twitter at the same time
- Use the “Notes” tab to provide more content
- Get Michael’s proven strategies for micro-blogging
- Improve dialog 0n FB, so you’re getting more biz and less small talk
Linkedin is the New Yellow Pages
- Get the most from cyber-introductions
- Learn LI’s best (hidden) feature
- Build a highly qualified list of prospects on Linkedin within 30 days
- Get a secret way to direct message groups of Linkedin contacts
- Arrange five more key Recommendations on Linkedin
- Learn clever ways to re-purpose those testimonials
- Leverage the power of LI groups
- Use LI polls to test-market ideas
- Market targeted messages to Linkedin sub-lists
- Why you should post .pdfs, even though Google can’t read’em
- Use Linkedin to push your competition off the first page search results
Twitter, Video Marketing and How They Work Together
- Use Twitter as early warning system for customer service issues
- Connect your social media platforms
- Harness the awesome power of video marketing
- Learn why Twitter is more important than FB and LI combined
- Establish a Twitter presence by making 100 your firs day
- Improve your Twitter page background and readability
- Integrate your social media marketing with your regular distribution list
- Schedule your Tweets to occur 24×7
- Learn Video production secrets to save you tons of time and money
- Keep YT from recommending your competition in “related” vids
- Use video marketing to get happy customers to sell for you
Let’s talk!
Your first consultation is free! Just give my office a call at 248-224-9667. Let’s get the word out.
Internet marketers and business owners always ask me where they should be putting their marketing efforts. Of course, your company Web site is a critical place for you to spend time and money.
But what’s the second most important Web site for your business? I’ll give you a hint.
It’s not Linkedin. And it’s not your Linkedin business page, although you should have one.
It’s not your Facebook page. And it’s not your Facebook business page. You should have one of those, too.
The second most important Web site for your business is not YouTube.
It’s not even Google.
These are all valuable sites for marketing your products and services, but the one site that should be a part of every online business in 2009 is …
Here’s why in one sentence–Google crawls individual Tweets. Tweet this article.
You can post Facebook status updates all day and night, but Google will not see them. The same is true for your Linkedin status updates.
But, Google indexes your individual messages on Twitter and makes them available to people doing Web searches forever. Of course, you’ll be putting key words in your Tweets, but imagine what will happen when you’re putting your Web site address (or an abbreviated version of it) in 80% of your Tweets.
This is probably hard to imagine because Facebook and Linkedin don’t work like this. Twitter is more powerful than Facebook and Linkedin combined!
That’s why, if you aren’t using Twitter, you are missing out on the greatest opportunity for building relationships with your customers and prospects. You are missing out on the best free branding tool on the web.
And you are missing out on huge amounts of free traffic and increased sales!
There’s just no excuse for any business, large or small, to not be using Twitter, which has improved my reach immensely. I’m on Twitter at @MichaelACaruso
Learn more about using Twitter and other social media platforms from my four CD program–a home or work study course titled, Social Media for Work. For a limited time, I am including a free 30-page, social media e-book with all orders, so click today!
Best of luck on all your marketing efforts. I you want training or other types of help, let me know. Let’s get the word out!
Lots of people are frustrated by Facebook and confused by Twitter. They’re spending lots of time posting and setting up business pages, but not getting much for their efforts.
When things aren’t going right, it can be helpful to look at what you’re doing wrong. I can help you in at least two ways.
1.) I’m holding a cool social media event on Tuesday, June 14 in Troy, Michigan. This event really is social. There’ll be food, drink, music, and conviviality, whatever that is.
2.) If you can’t attend, you can get the content on audio CD. Use the Coupon Code SOCIAL to save a whopping $33, if you order within the next 24 hours.
Either way, you’ll get a ton of great information on how to improve your situation using the most revolutionary communication tool since the invention of the telephone–social media, baby.
Can I be direct with you?
I think one of the reasons for my success in the speaking and training business is that I’m a direct person. I tell clients what they’re doing right and I tell them what they’re doing wrong. I tell them exactly how to improve.
Not everyone likes my style. Heck, I don’t like being told I’m wrong. But when I get over my ego issues and really pay attention, I improve.
So, here I go again, being direct. I hope it helps you improve. Based on what I’m seeing out there…
Want to fix what’s wrong? Wanna know what you’re doing right?
Then attend my great social media event on Tuesday evening, June 14 at the fabulous Tre Monti restaurant in Troy, Michigan.
If you can’t attend, order my Social Media That Works program on (4 audio CDs). Use Coupon Code: SOCIAL to get 1/3 off; save $33, but only for the next 24 hours!)
Let’s get your social media campaigns humming so more people can purchase your great products and services!
The above article is available for republication on your blog, website and in your newsletter. Simply send a message stating your intent through Michael’s website.
I’m speaking in Jamaica and brought some reading material on the trip.
The “don’t veer for deer” lesson is a good metaphor for other types of problem-solving.
I once earned a speaking engagement by impressing Roxanne Gibbs, editor of The Nation, then a prominent 
The above article is an excerpt from Michael Angelo Caruso’s book, 
E-mail introductions are a fantastic way to help people, build your network, and upgrade your team.
Note: Michael Angelo Caruso will be giving his favorite 
A while back, I did something most business people never do.
You can hear how I do this and get yourself some terrific marketing advice by being on the call this Monday, from 4 to 4:30 PM ET. And did I tell you that the call is free?
There are two types of people using social media.
I think one of the reasons for my success in the speaking and training business is that I’m a direct person. I tell clients what they’re doing right and I tell them what they’re doing wrong. I tell them exactly how to improve.
