Archive for the ‘Leadership’ Category

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Only one PowerPoint slide?!?!?

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Michael Angelo Caruso not using powerpoint blogI haven’t used PowerPoint in over six years.

Now that the word has gotten out, I’m being asked to teach people how to improve their presentations by NOT using the most popular presentation tool of the 21st century.

Call me old-fashioned, but I think it’s more important to use business presentations to establish rapport, build relationships, and develop conversation that helps clients.

I can’t understand why salespeople or other leaders would take the trouble to assemble an audience only to say, “Please look away from me to the screen while I turn down the lights.”


PowerPoint trick #56

If you feel you must use a handful of PPT slides, put them in the middle of the presentation.  This way you can look into the audience’s eyes at the beginning of your talk and at the end.  The end, of course, is where all good presenters stage the “call to action.”

Recently, I started using PowerPoint again, but with a twist . . .


I use a single slide during my talks

This one graphic image is so powerful, you can hear a pin drop when it appears on the screen.  This slide is all audience members can talk about when the presentation is over.  And get this–the slide usually has no direct connection to the subject of my talk!

What is this magic slide and how can you use a similar technique to strengthen your presentations?

Well, the slide is a very unusual graphic based on a personal story.

When my father was in the hospital a few years back, our family kept a journal at his bedside.  We used the notebook to  track Dad’s progress and leave each other reminders of what to ask the doctors.

Dad even wrote in the journal, especially after the medical team inserted an “NG tube,” an eating tube which kept Dad from being able to speak.

Anyway, about two weeks into his hospital stay, Dad’s health was failing due to mysterious complications.

We were all looking for clues about how to help him get well, so in a quiet moment, I asked my father what he thought was happening.

Michael Angelo Caruso father story

Dad's parting words

He wrote, “I think I’m improving.”

And then, he died the next day.

Although this story and the accompanying slide are not usually the core message of my speeches, it’s incredibly easy to integrate its optimistic theme. 

After all, a dying person who remains upbeat can teach us all a bit about having a better attitude.


Try using only one effective slide

I’ll bet you can can improve your speeches and presentations using a similar strategy.

Learn more about how to improve your talks by listening to my How to Give Killer Presentations audio CD.  It comes with a 30-page e-book loaded with tips to make you an even better communicator.

As with all my info products, How to Give Killer Presentations, comes with an unconditional money-back guarantee if you’re not fully satisfied.

Can you say “no” to PowerPoint and use only one slide in your presentation?  It just might make you a better speaker.

 

Learn more at a one-day retreat at Michael’s home

Michael will teach you how to develop a one-slide PowerPoint presentation by sharpening your storytelling skills.

This one-day training session is like a master’s course in public speaking and will give you skills you can use the rest of your life. 

Inquire about his next event at 248-224-9667.

Are you aroused when presenting?

Thursday, April 8th, 2010


Readers always write:

Hi, Michael-

Do you ever get nervous when you speak?

Susi in Montgomery, Alabama


The 411

Dear Susi,

Never tell the audience you're nervous

Never tell the audience you're nervous

Thanks for your interest in speaking, particularly the pesky issue of nerves.

Of course, preparation and practice can help a presenter be less nervous.  That’s why I’m amazed at how few speakers actually rehearse their presentations.

Perhaps these speakers prefer to feel a little edgy at curtain time.  Such speakers subscribe to the Yerkes-Dodson law, which demonstrates an empirical relationship between arousal and performance.  Yes, I’m still referring to speaking.  ;-)

It’s true that a certain amount of nervousness and anxiety can be beneficial, but a debilitating sense of nervousness is uncomfortable for the speaker and also the audience.  People don’t want to be in the room when a presenter is falling apart, especially if they paid to get in.  So, it’s a good idea not to “tell” the audience that you’re in distress.

In poker, a “tell” is a physical gesture from a card player that indicates what the player is thinking.  The gesture can be a twitch or sip of water or a stroke of the chin.  Never “tell” the audience that you’re nervous.  Make them figure it out.

I don’t get nervous anymore, but my best advice to quell a case of the nerves, is to distract yourself by showing interest in your guests.  Circulate the room just before your presentation.  Ask people easy questions about your subject matter and you will forget you are nervous.  It’s impossible to worry about yourself when you are showing interest in others.  Working the room is a great habit, anyway.

Here’s another trick for calming your nerves.  Try lightly touching your thumb to the middle finger of the same hand.  Many people find comfort in performing this yoga-like position.  Try it during your next presentation.

For more information on how to quell nerves and otherwise sharpen your presentation, have a look at my Present Like a Pro DVD.

When does “new” become comfortable? (Part 2)

Sunday, March 21st, 2010
Ed Futa, General Secretary of Rotary International

Ed Futa, General Secretary of Rotary International

Twitter has recently suffered a serious blow to its image.  People are talking (and tweeting) about how many folks sign up for the social media platform and then fall away in the first few months of membership.

This lack of involvement is a problem for many other organizations, as well.

I recently delivered a keynote speech for Rotary in Nashville.  The talk was on leadership, with an accent on membership retention.

Ed Futa, General Secretary of Rotary International and another speaker at the conference, reminded me that the first year of  membership in Rotary is critical because Rotarians who become actively involved during the first twelve months tend to become valuable members.  These people also remain members longer.

Getting people to become active in the organization is a problem that exists for many employers, too.

Employers all over the country are frustrated when they hire new workers only to have the newbies assimilate slowly or not at all.

It usually goes like this:  A first year-employee doesn’t engage because he is new.  The newbie doesn’t engage during the second year because he made it through the first year without really being involved.

During the third year that employee has developed a full-fledged pattern of non-commitment and in the fourth year, he starts looking for another job because he “doesn’t really fit in.”

Ironically, the solution is to raise expectations of the new person and communicate those expectations in no uncertain terms.

Rotary clubs can insist that new Rotarians attend their annual District conference.  Currently, only President-elects and other club officers are expected to attend the conference.

Employers can make certain types of employee involvement mandatory or a condition of employment.  For example, the employer might tell a job candidate, “You’re hired under the condition that you sign up for one of our work committees within the first 30 days of employment. ”

These types of measures help new people become comfortable faster, which is good for business.

When does “new” become comfortable? (Part 1)

Sunday, March 21st, 2010
Old friends reconnect after 30 years

Old friends reconnect after 30 years

I had the pleasure of recently reconnecting with an old friend from college.

I hadn’t seen Chris (Rahi) Hassab for nearly 30 years.  We met as classmates at Wayne State University.

Apparently, our mutual friend, John Austerberry, mentioned my name to Chris so she reached out to me and we arranged lunch.  When we got together, it was like being reunited with a long-lost friend!

But here’s the weird part–Chris and I weren’t that close in school.

Time, however, has somehow made us closer and I felt like we had much in common, even though Chris and I had absolutely no communication for nearly three decades.

Our conversation was remarkably unreserved as we happily shared  personal details about our respective lives–information that we hadn’t shared with each other even back in the day.

How is this possible?  What suddenly made us perceive each other as “safe” confidants?

When does “new” become comfortable?  How can people develop the ability to help relationships blossom faster at work?

Salespeople covet skills that help shorten the selling cycle.  Managers would love to get new employees to plug in sooner rather than later.  Customers adore service providers who can practically read minds.  What is the secret sauce that allows relationships to blossom quickly and easily?

When does “new” become comfortable and how can we get comfortable sooner?

The Hall of Fame ballplayer who was consistently inconsistent

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Harry Heilmann, inconsistent baseball star

Harry Heilmann, inconsistent baseball star

Harry “Slug” Heilmann is a Hall of Fame baseball player who spent most of his  playing years with the Detroit Tigers.  He and Ted Williams are the last two American League players to hit over .400.  Heilmann’s career batting average of .342 is the twelfth-highest in major league history.

Heilmann also won an amazing four batting titles.  But here’s the twist.  He won them only in odd-numbered years (1921, 1923, 1925 and 1927).

Harry Heilmann was consistently inconsistent!

This story reminds us how important it is to establish a winning formula and then deliver it as consistently as possible.

Your company provides training to its employees, right?  Here are some great ways to maintain consistency and deliver exceptional training results:

1.  Hit the ground running. I do this by making sure attendees have positive expectations regarding the event.

2.  Get everyone involved. Get as many people as possible to verbally participate in the first five minutes of the training session.

3.  Make training fun/interesting. Hint: Fun is not necessarily what the trainer thinks is fun.  Been to some sessions where the fun felt artificial?

4.  Ensure success. Follow through is the key.  I ask attendees to use what I teach them and send me a “success story” within 48 hours of the program.  You’d love to read my e-mail!

Right now, my most popular programs are on effective leadership, including the best ways to motivate and online marketing, including social media.  Learn more about these great seminars and keynotes at

http://www.michaelangelocaruso.com/events/seminars/ and
http://www.michaelangelocaruso.com/events/keynotes/

Share this message with your boss and HR department head so we can hit a home run for your team!

New Year’s resolutions that pay big dividends

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

31If you’re like me, you’re looking for ways to have a better year starting January 1.

Below are nine  easy ways you can become an even better person in 2010.  Call them New Year’s Resolutions, goals or whatever, they offer a great return on investment.

Many of these improvements offer a double dip.  If you become a better leader at work, for example, you are likely to become a better leader at home or for your condo association.

I’ve created easy-to-read e-books on the following topics and they will be instantly sent to you, when you place your order.  You’ll receive tips you can use right away and the information is very affordable at less than $10 per e-book.

If, from now on, you want to:

1  Serve people better

The secret to improved customer service is more focused dialog with the customer.  Unfortunately, auto-responders, Web site forms, reduced staffing and a faster speed of life tend to reduce the amount of focused dialog . . .

2  Be a more effective leader

Freud–and Aristotle before him–noted that two things motivate most humans.  Effective leaders know how to leverage what Freud called the Pain/Pleasure Principle.  I’m referring to the anticipation of pleasure (which isn’t usually  money) and the avoidance of pain . . .

3  Manage time better

Time, of course, is a limited commodity, but almost all of us can manage time by using systems.  A system, for example, will keep you from losing things, which ultimately saves time . . .

4  Cope with stress

Let’s be clear–stress is not natural.  Sure, there’s good such a thing as good stress, but it is not normal to always be edgy.  Many people are surprised to learn that stress is actually a choice–or more likely, a series of choices . . .

5  Deal with difficult people

I teach how to deal with a dozen types of difficult people.  The first step in dealing with them is to realize that the resulting conflict is because of you, not because of them.  With a couple of easy techniques, your situation can be much better . . .

6  Give better presentatations

One of the easiest ways to become a better presenter is to deliver a unique message.  A simple way to be different than other speakers is to not use PowerPoint.  If you must use a projector, only use it during the middle third of your program because  . . .

7  Negotiate to win

The best negotiations result in both parties wanting to do business again, but the Survivor mentality of modern businesspeople usually a conquer and destroy mentality . . .

8  Start a business

There’s never been a better time to start a business.  Digital products cost practically nothing to produce.  Marketing programs are as inexpensive as ever, thanks to the clever use of social media and video marketing . . .

9  Become known as an industry expert

There are two ways to become an industry expert FAST.  The first is to become known as a speaker in your area of expertise.  The second method is to become a published author.  Self-publishing makes this much easier than you think . . .

As always, you will be completely satisfied with my info products or I will make things right.

“Michael Angelo Caruso is a leader in the field of human development.  An inspirational writer, Michael draws from a wide variety of teachings to help create positive growth for individuals and their companies.”

-Jerry Nehr, President, Creative Discoveries Training and Consulting

Here’s wishing you a safe, happy and prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,

Michael Angelo Caruso

P.S.   For more on the power of New Year’s resolutions at work and at home, read my blog for DBusiness magazine.

Things you probably don’t know about Donald Rumsfeld

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Composed in Peachtree City, Georgia–

Donald Rumsfeld Things you didn't know about Donald Rumsfeld . . .

He and his wife Joyce have moved about 48 times.

Rumsfeld was hired with no business experience to be CEO of the Searle company.  There, he orchestrated massive downsizing and rebuilt the failing company by sueing the FDA, which had stalled the approval of a product called Nutrasweet.  Eventually, Searle was sold to Monsanto, netting Rumsfeld millions of dollars.  

He is the only person ever to serve as Secretary of Defense twice.  The first time, under President Ford, he was the youngest SecDef (age 43).  The second time, under President George W. Bush, he became the oldest person (age 74) ever to serve in that postion.  

Rumsfeld was In the Pentagon when it was attacked on September 11.  I've seen a video clip of him carrying the wounded out of the burning buildin.  

He is the grandfather of six.

Rumsfeld worked at a stand-up desk.  He is known for his remarkable stamina and may still become known as one of the greatest crisis managers in history.

Hey, Entrepreneurs–Big goals require focus

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

Microwaves, ATMs, computers.  Business entrepreneurs have so many time-saving devices, why are we still starved for time?

The key is FOCUS!  You only have so many of what Dr. Jack Canfield refers to as “attention units.”  If you dedicate too many of these attentions units to unimportant tasks or if you don’t delegate, critical tasks such as planning and learning will get past you.

Set aside time to attend worthwhile conferences.  These types of training days will help you establish goals and stay on track.

Conferences and retreats will get you into the same flight plan as other successful, like-minded people.

My friend, Minesh Baxi, is holding such a conference in Troy, Michigan, January 22-23.

Here’s how you can attend this two-day workshop FREE . . .

I’ve been invited by successful author, speaker and business coach Minesh Baxi to speak at Entrepreneur Success Bootcamp at Troy, Holiday Inn (now Quality Inn) on Saturday, Jan 22 and Sunday, Jan 23.

This program will feature a number of established speakers including:

1.       Michael Jeffreys – Founder of the Yes Positive Network
2.       Shawne Duperon – 5 time Emmy Award Winner
3.       Burl Adkins – CEO of GTA and Entrepreneur Hall Of Fame
4.       Tim Green – Referral Institute of Michigan CEO and author of Set 4 Life
5.       Michael Angelo Caruso – National Sales and Marketing Trainer
6.       Charlotte Irwin – Author and Owner of largest Massage Therapy, Holistic Clinic in South East Michigan
7.       Jane Stewart, PhD. – Brain Training and Productivity Expert
8.       Hena Husain, PhD. – Author and Behavioral Psychology Expert
9.       Craig Wagenschutz, CPA and Profitability Expert
10.   Al Crawford, LBN Regional Director and Facebook/Social Media Expert

Here is how you can get your spot at NO cost.

a.       Go to http://bit.ly/Ent2010
b.      Click on Order button
c.       Use coupon code CARUSO2010
d.      The price will become zero
e.      Then, go to the next page to enter your information

No credit card necessary.

Please not there are limited spots and this offer ends on Wednesday, Jan 19 at 5 pm ET.  Get 2011 started off with this exciting workshop.  If you have any questions, please call Minesh at 248-498-7133 or email him at minesh@mbaxi.com

See you on the weekend of Jan 22, 23!  Remember, the link to get in FREE is http://bit.ly/Ent2010 and use coupon code CARUSO2010

(If you have already registered, you do not have to register again)

A word to the wise:  Every time I get a little too comfortable, I attend a conference that helps me grow my business.

Every day can be independence day

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

Posted from Ft. Smith, Arkansas-

Profile, blue pinstripe 2008 crppd I’m excited to be in Arkansas to keynote a conference on leadership.

I’m lucky because audience members have always been interested in my message and what I do as an information marketer.

Lately, however, that curiosity is more of an aggressive interest.

That’s because more and more, people are being asked to take care of themselves.

This persistent request is redefining relationships all over the fruited plain and encouraging all of us to become more independent.

Banks say, “We’re limiting your credit.”  Employers say, “We can no longer match your 401k” and “pay for your own dental insurance.”

This is not an economy problem or a money problem or even a job problem.  It’s a relationship problem.  There are four basic types of relationships:  dependence, co-dependence, interdependence, and independence.
 

The four types of relationships

If you need your boss more than she needs you, it may be in a dependency relationship.  A person usually becomes painfully aware of dependency status when he gets laid off, when the economy slumps, and during periods of high employment.

A co-dependent relationship is even more precarious.  In this situation, you and your employer need each other to succeed.  This reduces the risk of being let go, but it can be a new kind of trap because you can’t leave.

A relationship of interdependency is healthy, but can be difficult to attain and balance over the long term since the dynamics of this kind of relationship can be complicated and involved.

Finally, many people find independence to be extremely rewarding.  Think “financial independence” or the concept of being self-employed.  By the way, being your own boss is not for everybody.

A good balance for most people is having an interdependent relationship with an employer and some sort of independent, supplementary income to make life a little more rewarding and fun.
 

Passive income is a step toward independence

Almost everyone has knowledge worth selling.  By creating and marketing information products, such as books and audio programs, you can easily become a bit more independent, financially and otherwise.

Best of all, you don’t need to quit your job to enjoy extra benefits.

Create Sell Info Products Michael Angelo Caruso blogLearn more from my How to Create Information Products audio program, which covers how to create passive income by being a speaker or author.

This CD and 30-page e-book will help you achieve a terrific relationship with yourself.  After all, every day is independence day.

-Michael Angelo Caruso, author of over 75 information products

Busy is not always productive

Saturday, January 24th, 2009

Hummingbird The tiny hummingbird flaps its wings so quickly, it can hover in one mid-air.  But being busy doesn’t always translate into productivity.

Lawmakers, for example, have been frantically trying ”fix” the economy, even though it’s fairly evident they have no idea what’s wrong.  (If they knew something was wrong, they would have fixed it before we got to this sorry situation.)

A team of Israeli scientists published a paper in the Journal of Economic Psychology on the topic of busy vs. productive.

The scientists studied soccer goalies and determined that most goalies dive to the left or right during a penalty kick, even though the best defense is often to maintain position in the center of the net.

In soccer, in politics, and in business, taking action is often considered productive, even though not taking action is often the smart, efficient move.

This is counter intuitive to “norm theory,” which portends that taking action is always more strategic than doing nothing.

 

It’s better to be productive than busy

More on how to increase productivity and improve time management at www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com.

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