Archive for the ‘Sales and Marketing’ Category
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Friday, December 23rd, 2011
In the old days (1980s!), business people used to try to get “letters of recommendation” from satisfied customers.
It was a hassle to get people type the document and an even bigger struggle getting the compliments into a format that allowed large groups of people to read them.
Today, it’s much easier because you can just re-purpose what people send you via social media. Yet, many people are reluctant to recycle the compliments they receive.
Are they too humble? Are they not thinking strategically about their careers? Are they lazy?
Maybe all of the above? All I can tell you is that compliments become third-party testimonials when you share them.
Convert Linkedin posts into new biz
Here’s a great compliment from a Mr. Carlo Abati via Linkedin:
Date: 12/01/2011
Subject: RYLA Students
G’ Mornin’ Michael,
This morning’ our Rotary club of Windsor – St.Clair had the pleasure of handing out the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Certificates to three very deserving young students.
I’m writing this message to you to let you know how highly they spoke of you, and how you’ve been a GREAT influence on them, especially with regards to leadership aspirations as it relates to their “Student Government” within their respective high schools!
Thanks for everything you do for this program, as I think it’s among the BEST in the nation!
All the Best to you. Ciao, Carlo.
Third-party compliments feel great!
This kind of message makes me feel good. Makes me look good, too, so I’m re-purposing this Linkedin message as a Facebook Note and as a blog post at www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com
And another kind message from entrepreneur and fellow professional speaker, Jim Jung:
Jim Jung and Michael Angelo Caruso
“If any of you haven’t yet heard Michael Angelo Caruso present at one of his tremendous seminars you are truly missing out. Michael is a resource for great knowledge with tons of meaningful content to help you improve, to grow your business and to grow as an individual.
I’ve had to pleasure to co-present with him and it has always been an honor and a privilege.
Michael is very positive and a pleasure to be associated with. Take the opportunity to get to know him or attend a function where he is presenting. Michael is a person you will want to add to your “must meet” list. I hope we do more together in the future.”
Wow! Now, even I want to work with that Caruso guy! I’ve shared this great third-party testimonial on my new Google+ page.
Recycle your compliments
Everyone wins when you share the nice things people say about you. The other person wins because you’ll be promoting him when you share the source of the compliment. Your readers win because they get a fresh perspective as to the quality of your work.
Of course, you win TWICE because this interesting exercise in self-promotion will also improve relationships with those who originated the compliment.
So go green; recycle compliments!
Posted in Blogging, Communication, Creativity, Growing Your Business, Internet marketing, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Selling, Success | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
Check out the fun dinner Larry King threw for his celeb friends. Then, check out my throw down to you and win a cool prize.
What’s Larry King’s doing in “retirement?”
Well, “The King” has a new gig. He has celebrity friends over for dinner. It’s all to promote his new television show. CNN Presents: A Larry King Special: Dinner with the Kings airs at 8 p.m. ET Sunday.
The first episode features Conan O’Brien, Tyra Banks, Shaquille O’Neal, Seth MacFarlane, Jack Dorsey, Quincy Jones, and Russell Brand. (You don’t recognize the name, “Jack Dorsey?” He invented a little thing called “Twitter.”)
Larry King and his wife Shawn asked celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck to assemble a five course meal and the cool guests supplied the fun and laughs.
The first such dinner showcased Wolfgang’s classics, including Spago’s signature smoked salmon pizza with dill crème fraiche and caviar, mini burgers, sesame miso cones filled with spicy tuna tartare, and a whole wild king salmon the chefs filleted on-site in the Kings’ kitchen.
Let’s have our own celebrity dinner
Well, we can at least have fun making a guest list, right?
Plan a celebrity dinner for you, five famous people, and me. Post the invitation list, the menu, and whatever else you think might impress me as a comment below or on one of my Facebook pages.
The most appealing guest list will get a copy of my 5 Cool Ideas book, 2nd edition and over-the-top kudos from yours truly. Enter here or on my Facebook public figure page.
It’s the thought that counts
Of course, this type of dream dinner will only be make believe, at least this time around. But winner of this contest will win a cool prize and get some attention from me when I announce the results December 12 here and on my Facebook page. Meanwhile, let’s have some fun considering the guest lists that are submitted.
Thanks in advance for the invitation. Good luck!
Tags: 5 Cool ideas, celebrity dinner, conan o'brien, facebook, jack dorsey, larry king, michael Angelo Caruso, quincy jones, russell brand, seth mcfarlane, shaquille o'neal, wolfgang puck
Posted in Communication, Creativity, Entreprenuers, Marketing, Sales and Marketing, Social Media | 1 Comment »
Sunday, November 20th, 2011
Anyone who gives presentations has had the sinking feeling that comes from forgetting what you want to say.
It’s the worst possible scenario because you become flustered, embarrassed, and usually fall apart on the spot.
Worse, your credibility is ruined with the audience, who suddenly feels that you don’t know your stuff.
Rick Perry suffered this problem during a recent debate at Michigan’s Oakland University. The Governor of Texas confidently stated that, if elected President, he would do away with three areas of government. He rattled off the first two and then … nothing.
Some politicos say this gaffe could cost him the election!
I’ve given over 2,000 presentations and keynote speeches and have developed a near foolproof way to never forget what to say. I call it, “The Power of Three” and it works like this.
How to never forget what you’re trying to say
When preparing your speech, presentation or debate, ask yourself, “What three things do I want my audience to know?”
Then, hold out your index finger and assign the first item to that finger. Psychologists refer to this technique as “association.” Assign the second and third item to the middle and ring finger of the same hand. Then run down a quick version of the three points, counting down the three items using your fingers.
Repeat the process all the way up to your presentation. You can practice the power of three in the car, during television commercials, and even in the shower.
Use my power of three technique and you’re not likely to forget what to say when speaking to an audience.
It’s a shame Rick Perry didn’t consult with me when he visited Michigan, eh?
______________
Get more great tips by ordering Michael’s Present Like a Pro DVD. It’s a 45-minute video that both shows and tells how you can be much more effective when speaking to groups. www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com or 248-224-9667 for more info.
Tags: association, michael Angelo Caruso, michaelangelocaruso.com, michigan, oakland university, power of three, Present Like a Pro, public speaking, rick perry, Speaking, speaking without notes, texas
Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Growing Your Business, Keynote, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Selling, Speaking, Success | No Comments »
Thursday, September 29th, 2011
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.
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.
More resources
For more safe driving tips, visit www.AAA.com/SafeDriving.
To get more tips for solving problems, listen to my Creating Success Habits audio CD.
Tags: AAA, best speaker in america, best speaker in michigan, deer, driving, driving tip, habits, michael Angelo Caruso, michigan, Problem Solving, Success
Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Customer Service, Entreprenuers, Growing Your Business, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Success | No Comments »
Friday, September 16th, 2011
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.
______________
The above article is an excerpt from Michael Angelo Caruso’s book, 5 Cool Ideas available from Edison House.
Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Customer Service, Growing Your Business, Leadership, Marketing, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Selling, Speaking, Success | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011
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.
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!
Tags: best speaker in america, e-mail email, introduction, michael Angelo Caruso, template
Posted in Career development, Communication, Customer Service, Growing Your Business, Internet marketing, Leadership, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Selling, Success, Writing and Publishing | No Comments »
Monday, August 1st, 2011
Quincy Jones
I read Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones a while back.
Quincy has had an amazing life. Most people know him as the producer of Michael Jackson’s, Thriller, but Q has worked with hundreds of famous people, including Frank Sinatra, Lesley Gore, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Miles Davis.
Originally a music arranger, Quincy met a lot of musicians before he turned 21-years-old. By most accounts, Quincy took care of his relationships and one friendship led to another and so on, resulting in a lifetime of fruitful collaborations.
You only have to meet someone once
The French have a delightful way of saying “goodbye.” They say, “à la prochaine,” which means, until the next time.
I like this way of signing off because it downplays “goodbye” and emphasizes the next hello.
With Alex Mandossian in Los Angeles
For years, I’ve said “goodbye” to friends, retail clerks, and even strangers I meet by saying, “See you next time.”
Call me crazy, but I feel that once I meet someone, I never have to meet them again.
Once I begin a relationship with you, for example, we never have to start over again; we can merely pick up where we left off.
My friend, Alex Mandossian, one of the smartest Internet marketers in the land, likes to sign off with the phrase, “I hope our paths cross again.” It’s the same concept.
People are your greatest resource
When asked to speak to students at commencements and other keynote events, I advise youngsters to meet people as fast as they can. That way they can begin relationships that will serve them for decades.
Do this online, as well. The average social media user has between 120 and 150 Facebook friends. Increase that number for better-than-average return from your online networking.
This same principle can be applied in business when it comes to communicating, marketing, and even blogging. Just try to connect in meaningful ways. Give continuous value to people.
And like Quincy, meet people as fast as you can.
-Michael Angelo Caruso, Royal Oak, Michigan
Tags: à la prochaine, Alex Mandossian, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, facebook, Frank Sinatra, Lesley Gore, michael Angelo Caruso, Michael Jackson, miles davis, motivational speaker, Ray Charles, Thriller
Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Entertainment, Growing Your Business, Leadership, Marketing, Music, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Success | 2 Comments »
Sunday, July 31st, 2011
Options and choices rock!
My clever friend Charlie Wollborg recently reminded me that it’s okay if Plan A doesn’t work. There are 25 other letters in the alphabet.
Charley’s correct. When it comes to marketing plans or e-mail Subject lines or which video to post, it’s always better to have choices.
Dan Peek is on the left
And that’s what the pop band America figured out when one of its founding members left the band just when all their hard work was paying off.
Dan Peek left the America in 1977, when the band was on top of the world, thanks to mega hits such as Horse With No Name and Ventura Highway.
Remaining members, Dewey Bunell and Gerry Beckley decided to press on with something other than Plan A. They produced many more hits as America and have kept their enterprise alive for decades.
Anyway, Dan Peek died last week, at age 60, but the band plays on, thanks to Plan F.
Always have a plan or two
An old, grim military maxim states: No plan survives first contact with the enemy.
Sure, things can and will go wrong.
Make a plan anyway. Have a plan B. And a Plan F.
Michael Angelo Caruso speaking in Jamaica
- Michael Angelo Caruso, Business Strategy Consultant, Detroit, Michigan
Tags: america, dan peek, dewey bunnell, e-mail, gerry beckley, horse with no name, Marketing, michael Angelo Caruso, plan a, plan f, post, Subject lines, ventura highway, video
Posted in Career development, Communication, Entreprenuers, Growing Your Business, Leadership, Marketing, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Success, Training | No Comments »
Monday, July 18th, 2011
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.
Facebook tip: Connect with people who have 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.
As I’ve indicated, this shouldn’t be your “Plan A,” but it works. Plan A is to build your list by making more personal connections on your own.
You can get into my airspace by connecting with me here:
Facebook
Find me on these four pages:
My personal FB page with the most room for you
This Facebook page is full with nearly 5,000 friends– the max allowed.
I started a FB page called “Get the Word Out” with cool tips for marketing online and offline.
Like this page for sure–my Public Figure page on Facebook -I post my best content and pics here
My 5 Cool Ideas page on FB –great tips for work and home!
Oh, and please “Like” my Troy Rotary Facebook page –Joining Rotary is the best decision I’ve ever made
Linkedin
Find me on Linkedin and check out my awesome “Recommendations” page.
Twitter
Twitter is more powerful than Facebook and Linkedin combined!
http://twitter.com/MichaelACaruso
YouTube
Watch a couple of my fun YouTube videos, then subscribe and join my growing network here, too!
Google Plus
Here’s where to find me on the newest of the “Big 4″ social media platforms, GooglePlus. Everyone should have a Google profile. Get yours by signing up for a free Gmail address.
Just do it!
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.
From Royal Oak, Michigan-
Michael Angelo Caruso
Tags: best speaker in michigan, facebook, Internet marketing, linked, michael Angelo Caruso, michigan, royal oak, Social Media, twitter, youtube
Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Customer Service, Entreprenuers, Growing Your Business, Internet marketing, Personal Development, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Social Media, Success | No Comments »
Monday, July 11th, 2011
Set the hook when selling
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.
People call in from all over North America.
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
Michael Angelo Caruso
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?
Tags: best speaker in michigan, free, free call, Internet marketing, Marketing, michael Angelo Caruso, Rotary, sample selling, setting the hook
Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Customer Service, Entertainment, Entreprenuers, Funny, Growing Your Business, Internet marketing, Marketing, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Rotary, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Selling, Social Media, Speaking, Success, Training | No Comments »
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