Archive for the ‘Problem Solving’ Category

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How to introduce someone who is not there

Sunday, May 12th, 2013

closeup of handshake michael angelo caruso blogThe art of the introduction is not easy.

It’s like a golf swing in that many little things have to be done right.

Consider all the elements of the Perfect Introduction and that all have to be done in real time:

a. Use both parties’ names

b. Give a compliment about each person to the person he or she is meeting

c. Present the man to the woman

d. Present the younger person to the older person

e. Present the lower-ranking employee to the higher-ranking executive

f. Offer each party a relevant, timely reason for the introduction

g. Help spark conversation between the people

The art of the introduction gets even more challenging when the connection is being made electronically. 

I always appreciate it when people offer to connect me to their bosses, meeting planners, and people who plan training events. 

 

How to introduce me (or anyone) via email

Michael Angelo Caruso blog motivational speakerPeople are kind to want to introduce me to others. 

Let’s assume you’d like to introduce me to a potential client who might want to hire me to deliver a motivational talk or leadership training session. 

Here’s what works best to help me get the gig:

1.  Send the person an email and cc me.  This way, I can “reply to all” and close the loop.

2.  Say something nice about me to the third-party.  Make the compliment specific, please.  The goal is to make me stand out in the other person’s mind.  You might write something like:

“Michael is one of the best speakers I’ve ever heard on the subject of leadership, marketing, and general motivation.  He’s exciting, funny, and could be a perfect fit for your company.  

His keynote and training topics:   http://www.michaelangelocaruso.com/events/seminars/  

His speaking style in two minutes:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zHpgCtx5m0  

Please let me know how things work out.”

The third-party quickly understands that you have done him or her a favor by recommending a vetted resource.

3.  The connection gets made.  When I receive the email, I’ll follow up by clicking “reply to all.”  I will first say something nice about you to the other person.  Then, I will ask how I may be of service.  I don’t do a “hard sell” and I promise I will never embarrass you.

Now the third-party and I can communicate directly, which streamlines communication and moves things along quickly.

Use this introduction formula to introduce other people and you can also ask your referral partners to use it with you!

 

Reprint this article free of charge

You can re-purpose this article on your website or in your blog or newsletter.  Simply send us an email stating your intention. 

Assume the answer is “yes,” especially if you provide attribution by including Michael’s website, which is www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com.

 

Want to be a better networker online and in real life?

Networking Like a Pro Michael Angelo CarusoA wise man once said, “You will be the same person in five years that you are today, save the books you read and the people you meet.”

If people are your greatest resource, then you should do everything in your power to “network on purpose” by building strong distributions lists and sharing quality information.

People are your greatest resource so you should have large, potent networks of quality individuals.

Speaker and author Michael Angelo Caruso has built strong networks in three industries: entertainment, telecommunications and the speaking/publishing business.

He teaches his best techniques for networking in the 60-minute audio program, Networking Like a Pro.  This CD comes with a 30-page, companion e-book. 

Like all of Michael’s products, it comes with a 100% unconditional money-back guarantee should you be unhappy with the product for any reason.

This Rotary fundraiser is an easy $10K+

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

danville rotary michael angelo caruso seminar fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Danville raised $13,535

If you missed my recent call on how to raise money by holding a seminar fundraiser, I’ve got good news.

People called in from all over the country to learn how my seminar fundraiser program has raised over $150,000 for Rotary Clubs and Chambers of Commerce. 

We even heard from members of the Rotary Clubs of Corunna, Owosso, and Durand (COD) who banded together to stage such a fundraiser two years ago and are doing it again on November 13.

The good news is that the call was recorded.

 

Raise money and recruit members

To hear the playback recording just call 218-339-3699 and use access code 686134.  Reference code: 70

You can download the audio recording via iTunes or however you’d like using this link:   http://ow.ly/kxO2H 

The paint-by-numbers guide for staging a seminar fundraiser can be found here

Of course, I escort each event host through the process.  It’s really important to me that you are successful because my name is on your product!

 

It feels good to giveback!

Michael Angelo Caruso RotaryMy work with Rotary is in many ways the most rewarding thing I do. I wish everyone could feel the weekly gratification of service.

To learn more, simply “Like”my Troy Rotary Club’s Facebook page or visit the Rotary website.

The Perfect Apology — 5 Cool Ideas for saying “I’m sorry”

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

The perfect apology?

The perfect apology?

Reprint this article free of charge!  Just include a link to www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com 

It’s not easy to apologize–especially if you really mess up.

The alleged Boston bomber may be in custody, but the drama won’t be officially over until the young man is tried, convicted, and has an opportunity to apologize to the people he hurt.

Fast forward:  The apology won’t be good enough.

Even famous people get practice in the art of saying, “I’m sorry.”

Tiger Woods, Mel Gibson, and Lance Armstrong, are just a few of the famous people who have had to apologize recently.

None of the apologies were taken very seriously.

Tiger Woods gave a very public mea culpa when he exposed the world to the underside of his marriage and his sexual habits.  The media statement proved that the perfect apology is beyond the grasp of the golf perfectionist.  Most people felt his speech suffered from too much stagecraft.

Mel Gibson is an actor, but the thespian wasn’t very convincing when it came time to say, “I’m sorry” for his racial rants.

Lance Armstrong lied repeatedly about using performance-enhancing drugs to win bicycle races.  His public apology to Oprah was lacking in countless ways.

 

Why it’s so hard to say “I’m sorry”

china flag michael angelo caruso blog lying

China's flag

A while back, the United States Air Force shot a Chinese fighter pilot out of the sky. The pilot had flown too close to an American aircraft and did not respond to radio warnings.

The unfortunate incident occurred during peace time, yet the United States did not apologize until months after the event.

When official condolences were finally issued, the language was stiff and cloaked in qualification.  Political analysts surmised that U.S. diplomats felt that an apology framed in remorse would somehow be an admission of guilt.

In the business world, warring departments, feuding workers, and militant customers can make an apology just as challenging.   Image management and legal exposure often come into play, as well.

Here are 5 Cool Ideas for words that heal at work and at home.

 

The perfect apology

1. Be convincingly sympathetic.
A person’s greatest need is to be understood.   Of course, the best way to be convincingly sympathetic is to actually feel sympathy.  When apologizing, find time to listen to the people involved, even if you don’t necessarily agree with them.  Try not to be defensive.  This shared time is a great opportunity to stage an apology, but not if you’re argumentative.


2. Let people be “right,” even if they are wrong.

In our hyper-competitive society, many people are infatuated with being “right.”  Being right can be complicated because what is “right” for one person may not suit another.  Of course, in order to be “right,” someone has to spend time and energy proving someone else “wrong.”

When apologizing, it’s important to validate the other person.  Allow that person to cultivate and defend his or her opinions.  If you must argue, find ways to take yourself out of the argument by offering non-biased documentation to support opposing views.


3. You can apologize without admitting guilt.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary lists three definitions of the word “apology.”  The most commonly used meaning is “an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret.”  But an apology is also “a formal justification” such as a defense or an excuse.  The apology is a lost art.

Years ago, attorneys began winning court cases by depicting apologies as an admission of guilt.  An apology is not about admitting culpability or even involvement.  After all, I can tell an employee, “I’m sorry you’ve been so sick,” without actually having caused the illness. 

If an employee takes a few days off due to a death in the family, you are certainly within your bounds to say something like, “I’m sorry for your loss” without being implicated in the death.


4. You can apologize without the other person apologizing.

“Please forgive me.”  These three words will put you on the fast track to healing, especially if they are delivered directly following your apology.  The words “please forgive me,” put the onus on the other person to set aside his or her resentment and anger, but does not obligate him or her.


5. The perfect apology should be repeated when necessary.

Remember the shampoo label directions when using “please forgive me.”  Repeat when necessary.  Try this bit of language the next time you have to apologize:  “I want to take complete responsibility for the bad things that have happened between us. I’m very sorry and would like to start over.  Please forgive me.”  Only say it if you mean it.

 

Want more communication tips?

5 Cool Ideas book michael angelo caruso

5 Cool Ideas book

Author and motivational speaker, Michael Angelo Caruso, has a free newsletter with tips on how you can be an even better communicator at work and at home.

Subscribe to his 5 Cool Ideas at www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com

You can also order Michael’s popular 5 Cool Ideas book, which is jam-packed with hundreds of ways to improve your life at work and at home. 

You gonna listen to Mick Jagger or me?

Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

Mick Jagger

The Rolling Stones are touring again.  Look at Mick go!

Everyone wants more energy. Tweet This

Mick Jagger energy would be good, right?

In psychology, there are two main kinds of energy: positive and negative.

According to the First Law of Thermodynamics, energy cannot be created or destroyed.

This means that your best bet is to transfer positive energy from another source to you.

Highly evolved people are always on the lookout for positive energy sources.

You can monitor how much positive energy comes into your body in the same way you monitor what kinds of food you eat.

If you have potato chips in the pantry, you’re more likely to eat potato chips.

If you hang around negative people, you’re more likely to have negative energy.

Click the video below for more ideas on how to come into more positive energy.  

 

Why you can’t get no satisfaction

caruso band michael angelo caruso blog

Caruso band

I used to be in the music business. 

My brothers and I toured the country in a pop band called Caruso and we had a blast opening for acts such as Rick Springfield, Corey Hart, and Joan Jett.

I still love music, but I monitor how much I listen to music and how much I listen to motivational speakers and good audio books.

Everyone’s different, but I get much more positive energy from Wayne Dyer than I do from old Mick Jagger music.

Wayne and I visited on my recent drive to deliver a leadership keynote in Cleveland.  Wayne did all of the talking, I just listened and absorbed his positive energy.

 

Reprint this info free

You can re-purpose this article on your website, blog or in your newsletter at no charge.  Just send us a message stating your intention. 

Assume the answer is “yes.” if you are going to include Michael’s website, which is www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com. 

 

Want more positive energy?

Being the Best DVD michael angelo caruso blog

Being the Best

Learn more about how to transfer positive energy.  

Watch Michael’s popular DVD titled, Being the Best. 

All of Michael’s info products and live programs are covered by an unconditional money-back guarantee.  

We all have big egos

Thursday, April 11th, 2013

One of my favorite high school teachers passed away last month.  Tweet This

Veronica Caley taught a class called “Isms” at Trenton High School back in the day.  It was an eye-opening class for me, a freshman at the time.

Ms. Caley taught us about capitalism, socialism, communism–well, you get the idea.

We also learned about:

/ Geo-centrism – the belief that most things are happening around where you are

/ Ethno-centrism – the belief that your ethnicity is the most important or “central”

/ Ego-centrism – the belief that you are more important than others, at least some of the time

 

Ego — your best friend or your worst enemy

Sigmund Freud michael angelo caruso ego blog

Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud first described ego as the part of personality that strikes a balance between the basic urges of the id, the moralistic demands of the superego, and the realities of the world around us.

Freud believed that the id was the part of personality made up of all our unconscious desires, wishes, and needs. The ego helps satisfy the demands of the id in ways that are both realistic and socially appropriate.

Today, most of us associate ego with inflated self-esteem or self-concept.  If you think too much of yourself people might say “you have a big ego.” 

 

Everyone has a “big ego”

DBusiness magazine michael angelo caruso blog

DBusiness magazine

The premise of ego-centrism resonates because a person needs to think of himself or herself first when it comes to survival, comfort, emotional needs, and so on.

But ego can work against you.  Read my article in DBusiness magazine on how ego can negatively impact your marketing decisions.

I’m known as a “motivational speaker” who speaks to work teams to “boost morale” and help people feel better about their jobs.

What I really do is help people feel better about themselves.

More importantly, I help members of work teams relate to other team members with a simple exercise.  

This exercise forces–er, I mean encourages the listener to consider that the person sitting on either side of him also has a very personal perspective of the world. It’s actually a fun little bit. 

This group exercise works 98% of the time and my clients can’t believe how effective it is.

It works because attendees learn things about each other that they never knew, even though they may have worked together for a decade!

 

We’re all alone in this together

siloing michael angelo carusoTeams fall apart because of people’s tendencies to gossip, silo, compete, and practice ego-centrism. 

If you constantly dwell on why someone is different than you, it becomes difficult to think about all the things you have in common. 

Wives and husbands often fall into the unfortunate habit of focusing on what they don’t like in their spouses.  That’s how the husband becomes a “wasbund.”

 

Do entrepreneurs have too much ego?

michael angelo caruso motivational speakerWe all fluctuate between thinking too much of ourselves and not giving ourselves enough credit.  

I teach people to be better speakers and can promise you that most presenters aren’t very confident until they get coaching. 

That’s why many speaker don’t seem like themselves when presenting.

On the other hand, entrepreneurs, by definition, must have high opinions of themselves, right?

If entrepreneurs succeed, we call them heroes. If they fail, we often refer to them as dreamers.

DBusiness magazine, recently voted the best business magazine in the country, has published my article on how ego can keep us from being successful.  Read my article on ego with regard to marketing here.

 

Reprint this article at no charge

Feel free to re-purpose the above article on your website, blog or in your newsletter.  Simply send a message to us stating your intention.

Assume we’ll say “yes,” especially if you provide attribution and include Michael’s website, which is www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com.

 

Michael will help your team members appreciate each other

getting people to do stuff leadership tips michael angelo caruso If you work with people, you have to deal with ego issues–yours and theirs. 

Michael may be available to speak to your work team and help them work together better.  Give his office a call at 248-224-9667.

Meanwhile, check out his audio program, Getting People to Do Stuff and learn how to put ego to work for you.

The True Gentleman

Tuesday, March 26th, 2013

Michael Angelo Caruso true gentleman blog leadershipPeople are truly creatures of comfort. 

Recent surveys show that when it comes right down to it, most employees prefer a “comfortable” job over a bigger paycheck. Tweet This

Small wonder, really.  Society has become much more casual in the last decade, right?

The examples are numerous:

/Written and verbal language structure has been compromised.  Spelling isn’t nearly as important as it used to be; auto-correct or bust!  Complete sentences?  A thing of the past.   :-)

/Formalities are viewed as mostly superfluous.  Few people address others by “Mr.” or “Ms.”  Many of us don’t answer the phone or respond to email.  RSVP deadlines are a joke.

/Casual Friday has become Casual Every Day.  People wear blue jeans to funerals and guys wear pants well below their hips. 

 

But a gentleman is still a gentleman

Recently, I ran across a bit of prose that addresses a concept that should never change–the definition of a true gentleman. 

Hopefully, this reminds you of some men that you know.  I’ve reformatted the text to make it a bit more reader friendly.

 

The True Gentleman

by John Walter Wayland

The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies…

Who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity…

Who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another…

Who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements…

Who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy…

Whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own…

And who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.

 

Thanks for keeping the bar high

Michael Angelo Caruso motivation speaker author

Fortunately, I meet the coolest people when I’m on the speaking circuit. 

My customers and clients are usually true ladies and gentlemen who are into self-improvement and professional development. 

The people who read my e-mails and blog posts are the best people on the planet.  Of course, I’m referring to you.  You’re welcome.

 

Good etiquette is habit forming

Aristotle said, “You are what you repeatedly do,” only he said it in Greek, wearing only a robe. 

It’s never too late to create good habits such as being on time, using good grammar, displaying strong communication skills, being more organized, and dressing nicer. 

One tip for changing your behavior is called “habit replacement.”

Learn more about creating success habits from my audio CD, Create Success Habits

 

See you online!

Let’s connect on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter & Google+

Oh, and I’ve posted new videos on YouTube!

 

This timely topic is the easiest bar bet ever

Friday, March 8th, 2013

Daylight saving time Michael Angelo Caruso Blog

Want to win an easy couple of bucks?

Introduce the term “Daylight Savings Time” into a friendly discussion.  Then, ask “Wait a minute–is the proper term, ‘Daylight Savings Time’ or ‘Daylight Saving Time?’”  and get ready to win some money. (more…)

5 cool ideas on how to be a better presenter overnight

Thursday, February 7th, 2013

Michael Angelo Caruso speaker Acquiring a skill takes time.  About 10,000 hours, if you believe Malcolm Gladwell’s research.

If you want to be a polished speaker, for example, it’s best to immerse yourself in the discipline. 

Allow yourself to grow into the new skill set through a routine of dedicated study, experiential learning, and monitored feedback loops.

But when your boss asks you to assemble an awesome presentation for a major client inside of just four hours, you may have to skip the immersion and dedicated study.

 

Want to be a great speaker, like, tomorrow?

Here are 5 cool ideas that will help you become a better speaker quite quickly.  You might begin improving, by not using the word “like” as frequently.

1.  Search YouTube for the top speakers in your line of work.  Focus on people who are  better presenters than you so you can learn from them.  If you happen upon some crappy speakers, pay attention so you can be reminded of what not to do.

2. Eliminate 10% of your weakest PowerPoint slides right now.  Trust me, no one will miss them, including you.  Start by taking out the slides that have you saying something like, “You probably can’t see this from the back of the room.”

3. Record yourself.   If listening to a recording of yourself will make you want to quit your job, watching a video of yourself may give you thoughts of suicide.  But hang in there (pun not intended, but I kinda like it).  Recording yourself is painful, but it is without a doubt the fastest way for you to discover what needs to be fixed.    

4.  Study a helpful information product, preferably a DVD.  Reading about speaking is like watching the radio to learn how to dance.   

Present like a Pro michael angelo caruso speaker training 5.  All good presentations end with a call to action.  Make sure you conclude every presentation by asking the audience to do something.  The call to action doesn’t have to involve a business transaction.  Learn more from the Present Like a Pro DVD, my best information product on the subject.

From Royal Oak, Michigan-

Michael Angelo Caruso, 248-224-9667

 

Reprint this article at no cost

You can republish this information on your blog, website or in your newsletter for free!

Just send us a message stating your intentions.  Assume the answer is “yes” as long as you provide attribution and mention www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com.

Video marketing gets the word out

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

I’ll show you why video is one of the most effective ways to give a presentation.

As you may know, I teach presentations skills to leaders, salespeople, and customer service reps– skills that one can use in a live, interpersonal setting.  Your work team will always need this type of training.

Yet, when it comes to getting the word out, video is a super-elegant solution that offers tons of advantages.

To see what I mean, watch the following short vid.  Feel free to comment after watching, especially if you like the message. Add your positive spin!

 

 

So what just happened?

Well, the entire clip lasts all of about one minute and 45 seconds, but consider all the “deliverables” to the viewer. 

You get to attend a portion of a lively presentation of an entertaining keynote speaker without traveling or even getting out of your chair.  You learn quite a bit about the world of video marketing. 

You’re reminded of an international service organization called Rotary. 

You learn that it’s a good idea for the President of every company to post a short “welcome” video on YouTube.  Has the leader of your organization done this? 

The video explains that producing this sort of video is easier than one might think.

You also learn a lot about the speaker including his speaking style, tone, pitch, cadence, humor, and that some hair sticks up on the back of his head.  These are things you could never learn from a .pdf or an email or some sort of static link.

Video is kinda fun!

 

Video marketing is da bomb!

Michael Angelo Caruso video marketing Even seasoned professionals occasional flub a live presentation. 

But once you create the perfect video, it plays perfectly ever single time.

Produce most of your videos in “evergreen” format. 

Don’t reference  dates or trendy anecdotes that instantly date your message. 

That way, your vids will be useful and relevant for a longer period.

And did you know that YouTube videos, when posted correctly, can easily outrank websites, blog posts, and Facebook pages?  Bonus!

Don’t get left behind.  Get going on your video marketing today.

Best of luck with your presentations or whatever you’re working on!

 

P.S.  Don’t forget to comment after watching the video or just let me know what you think in the comment area below. 

“You’re all set” makes for a terrible presentation

Tuesday, January 15th, 2013

Michael Angelo Caruso customer service speaker training Every business has a customer service problem. 

I’ve yet to work with a client who didn’t need help improving their service model.

In many cases, the people providing the customer service are the last to become aware of the problem because they are used to the way things are. A good consultant can spot such problems almost immediately.

[Note:  You're welcome to republish this article on your website, blog or in your newsletter.  Simply send Michael a message, stating your intentions.]

 

It’s cheaper to keep customers than to find new ones

Yet, most businesses pour tons of money into sales and spend relatively little money or energy improving existing customer service.  It’s these scripts and systems that keep your company vital and profitable.

If, for example, your receptionist or customer service reps tell customers, “You’re all set,” you’ve got a serious problem. (more…)

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