Archive for the ‘Training’ Category

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Oh, and you’re doing social media wrong

Thursday, June 9th, 2011

Is social media not fun for you anymore?

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?

Internet marketer, Michael Angelo Caruso, gives social media training.  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…


Here’s what you’re doing wrong on social media:

Your accounts are stagnant.

You’re busy on Facebook, but not productive.

You’re selling too much and closing too little.

You follow the wrong people on Twitter.

You don’t allow comments on your blog.

You add people online, but don’t follow up in any meaningful way.

You have ads on your blog.

You’re not using RSS feeds.

Your blog posts are too short.

Your videos are too long.

You don’t follow people back.

You curse online.

You don’t “Facebook with purpose.”

You push the same updates to every platform.

You don’t edit your photos before posting.

You’re not producing enough content.


Want to know more?

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!

Customer feedback is a gift

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

Good or bad, true or false, it’s always good to know what customers are thinking.  Customer feedback is a gift.  That’s why I love it when clients tell me what they think of my training programs.

Often, the client will prepare an executive summary for his boss and cc me, which is pretty cool.

Here’s what my client Frank, sent his boss and his team, after I did a sales training program for his team in southern California a while back:

August 30, 2010

To: Our Employees

From: Frank S.

Re: Sales Training with Caruso

Greetings,

Thank you to those of you who were able to attended sales training with Michael Angelo Caruso on August 14, 2010 at La Mirada.   Based on the course evaluations, all who attended the training enjoyed it and learned some very helpful ideas.

Below are some key points discussed at the sales training. We need to practice and reinforce these habits with all PTO team members. These small acts of politeness and respect to our customers (and everyone you come into contact with) have already made a difference in helping us grow customer relationships and our sales.

1) Smile, say “hello”, and introduce yourself to every customer you come in contact with.  Smiling releases endorphins, which will make you will feel better throughout the day.

2) Get the customer’s and name and “listen” to your customer very attentively.  Many times, when customer is given the opportunity to explain the whole issue, you learn exactly what you need to close the sale.  Ask more questions and then listen for other sales opportunities.

3) After a customer receives a product quote and says “Let me think about it”, respond “what specifically do you still have questions about?”  Then remind the customer that we have the right product and we are ready to deliver it ASAP.

4) When appropriate, ask the customer about their weekend or family.  Try to learn a little bit about the customer. Building customer relationships, builds loyalty.

5) After a sale is complete, shake the customer’s hand, give him your business card, and genuinely say “thanks for the business.” Then, close with “we look forward to seeing you next time!”

6) Call at least the top 5 largest invoices from the prior day and thank the customer for their business and make sure the sale was problem free.  If they are not available, leave a “thank you” message on their voicemail.

7) Michael made a good point about teaching customers how to treat us.  Our store employees are much more than just clerks.  We will now refer to our counter personnel are now “Parts consultants.”

With everyone focused on these little things, we will continue to grow our company together.   Thanks for your help!


Summary

Frank’s company has been a client of mine for over five years and I’m grateful.  I find the above feedback immensely gratifying for two main reasons:

a)  They like me, they really like me!  (Apologies to the actress, Sally Field.)

b) These great people are now in a better place when it comes to improving sales and providing better customer service.

The moral of the story is to pay attention to what customers say after you’ve served them.

I know I do.  Customer feedback is a gift.  What’s your favorite way to receive feedback?  Written?  Verbal?  On a blog or via Linkedin?

-Michael, MichaelAngeloCaruso.com in Royal Oak, Michigan

3 tricks for repurposing content

Sunday, April 10th, 2011

I generate a ton of content!

Michael Angelo Caruso's info productsYou may know that I produce a bi-monthly newsletter, post three blogs a week, and maintain multiple accounts on Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter.

I also conduct monthly teleseminars, post tons of video on my YouTube and Vimeo channels and have created over 75 information products.

People often ask me how I get it all done.  Sometimes I wonder, too!


My favorite magic trick

One of my “tricks” involves repurposing content.  It’s a useful technique for anyone who works as a leader or supervisor, salesperson, customer service rep or whatever.

When you repurpose your great content, your information becomes accessible to more people in more convenient ways.  When your relevant content shows up in multiple places, YOU become more familiar, and people start thinking of you as an industry expert.  Pretty cool!

Do you ever give presentations?  Here are three easy ways to make your talk available in different modalities:

1) Record your live presentation with a digital recorder like those sold at Radio Shack. Then, import the sound file to a free audio editing program such as “Audacity” and burn audio CDs to giveaway or sell.

2) Record a three-minute highlight of your speech with a Flip video camera and post the clip on YouTube. Be sure to display your Web site on the “bottom third” of the screen to drive traffic to your Web site.

3) Publish an e-book version of your speech. Use voice recognition software to create a transcript or keystroke the speech into a Word doc (if you use a PC) and convert the document into a .pdf.

Oh, and congratulations! When you do #3, you’ll officially be a published author!


Churn out your own info products

For dozens of more tips on this subject and to generate a passive revenue stream for yourself, listen to my 60-minute audio CD, How to Create Info Products.  It comes with a 30-page e-book, too!

Thanks for your interest in self-improvement.  Now go repurpose some of your great content!

-Michael Angelo Caruso, Royal Oak, Michigan

Facebook is not Internet marketing

Sunday, February 20th, 2011

Michael Angelo Caruso Internet marketing facebook, linked, twitter, social mediaSo you’re spending hours on Facebook (FB) building a “brand” so you can earn “extra revenue” that will allow you to “retire.”

Let’s be serious.

If you’re marketing on Facebook but not on Twitter (TW), you’re wasting your time.  Why?  Because the Internet works in the aggregate, that’s why.

A healthy Facebook following means little compared to a healthy following on the Big Three social media platforms–FB, TW, and Linkedin (LI), with a YouTube presence added to the mix.

Each of these platforms offers something special to the branding process, more colors, if you will.  You wouldn’t fill your wardrobe with only navy blue shirts and pants, would you?

Twitter, for example, is more important than Facebook and Linkedin combined, for example, because search engines such as Google crawl individual tweets.  This is extremely important to driving traffic to your Web site!

Essentially, we’re talking about doing things that drive traffic to your Web site and money to your bank account.  This is done by systematically developing your brand using important, albeit inexpensive web online platforms, so beware of “social media experts”  who only want to help you with Facebook because “that’s all you need.”

Here are two training options that I offer clients–

Package #1:  Substantial Social Media Platform within 90 days

Facebook is the New White Pages

Facebook tutuorialSocial media can help your biz when you use it as a system; how FB, LI and TW are alike and different; growing your lists; how to protect your name online; valuable photo tips; the best ways to draw people in; add 100 qualified friends in a flash; arrange for your FB posts to go to Twitter at the same time; use the “Notes” tab to provide more content; use Michael’s proven strategies for micro-blogging; improve dialog with your FB connections; answers to your questions, unlimited e-mail access to Michael for 90 days

Linkedin is the New Yellow Pages

How to maximize cyber-introductions; LI’s best (hidden) feature; beef up your presence on Linkedin by adding 75 qualified connections within 30 days; arrange five more key Recommendations on Linkedin; clever ways to re-purpose those testimonials; the power of LI groups; how to use LI polls to test-market ideas; answers to your questions, unlimited e-mail access to Michael for 90 days

Twitter, Video Marketing and How They Work Together

Using Twitter as “defensive marketing;” connect your social media platforms; employ the awesome power of video marketing; why Twitter is more important than FB and LI combined; establish a Twitter presence right away by adding 100 additional connections; improve your Twitter page background and readability; integrate your social media marketing with your regular distribution list; answers to your questions, unlimited e-mail access to Michael for 90 days

You’ll receive an occasional easy “homework” assignment from me to ensure gradual progress and success.

Bonuses

Package #1 includes all the above content, plus . . .

-  Four of my audio CDs on this subject ($99 value)

-  I’ll spend time with you to explain things

-  Unlimited e-mails with Michael for 90 days

Investment for Package #1

$ 975.00 if I teach you do it;   $ 1,750.00 if I help you do it;    $2,500 if I do it all; (designed to pay for itself in 90 days)

As with all of my products and services, you will get much more than you pay for.

Package #2:  Comprehensive Internet Marketing Campaign

Including, Social Media Platform within 90 days, video marketing, establish an e-newsletter and a blog

-  All of the content in consulting Package #1, plus . . .

Social Media strategies redux

-  Create one or two videos for YouTube

-  Set up Twitter to automatically post to Facebook

-  Set up your blog to automatically post to Facebook

-  Show how to re-purpose content on Facebook

-  Arrange five more key Recommendations on Linkedin

-  Integrate your social media marketing with your regular distribution list

E-mail marketing tutorial

- Strengthen your distribution list

- Get best practices for sending bulk e-mail

- Create the perfect e-mail

- Publish an e-newsletter, quickly and easily

- Improve deliverability, open rate, read rate of your bulk e-mails

- Improve your Click-Thru-Rate (CTR)

- Avoid spam filters

Web site tips and efficiency tricks

- Site evaluation and suggestions for easy changes that yield big results

- Re-identify your most important keywords

- Recommend a new vendor, if necessary

- Use your Web site to collect e-mail addresses

Video marketing thrust

- Explain the concept and Michael’s easy, non-technical methodology

- Create one or two videos for YouTube

- Upload videos to Vimeo, Facebook

- Send video links in e-mails and e-newsletters

Blogging power

- Blogs are better than Web sites; post twice a week

- How to never run out of content

- Set up your blog to automatically post to Facebook

- Show how to re-purpose content through article marketing

- Use blog to establish external links (Google LOVES external links)

Bonuses

Package #2 includes all of the above, plus . . .

-  Four of my audio CDs on this subject ($99 value)

-  I’ll spend time with you to explain things

-  Unlimited e-mails with Michael for 180 days

Triple Your Income, 6 CDs on how to get paid for speaking, writing, and consulting ($250 value)

-  I will comp you to as many of my speaking events as I can (priceless)

Investment for Package #2

$2,900 if I teach you do it;  $3,500 if I help you do it;  $4,900 if I do it all; (designed to pay for itself in 180 days)

As with all of my products and services, you will get much more than you pay for.

Testimonials

Dr. steven ringler“Michael Angelo Caruso helped improve my business’s Internet presence in a very short time.   I highly recommend him for your online marketing needs.  This guy really delivers!”       -Dr. Steven Ringler, Plastic Surgeon, Grand Rapids, Michigan, www.stevenringlermd.com

“Michael Angelo Caruso is a wonderful teacher!  He is currently working with me to build my business through Internet marketing.  He’s also a patient man; I’ve needed my hand held on more than one occasion.  Along with his integrity comes humor.”   –Joni Johnson, Co-owner, www.instafirmbodywrap.com, Troy, Michigan


Summary

Michael Angelo Caruso internet marketing So, however you decide to handle social media marketing, be sure to be involved with
The Big Three and not just Facebook.

If you’d like my help, choose from one of the above two training options and let me know what you decide. Call me right away and I will personally congratulate you before we set up our first official call.

Take your company or organization to new heights using my proven techniques for systematic, online branding by using inexpensive social media instead of expensive advertising campaigns!

What do you think?

-Michael Angelo Caruso, Royal Oak, Michigan  248-224-9667

5 Cool Ideas for a better presentation

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

Michael Angelo Caruso IACPA Iowa accountantsSpeaking is a lot like driving.  We all think we’re good drivers, but there are a lot of dented cars on the road!

Here are 5 Cool Ideas for sharpening your next presentation, followed by a link to order my Present Like a Pro DVD:

1.  It’s better to make mistakes when you’re alone.
I teach managers and salespeople how to be more effective.  The fastest improvement occurs when clients adopt my motto:  It’s better to screw up when you’re alone.

2.  Practice the beginning of your talk more than any other part.
Your nervous system is most likely to be under siege at the beginning of your presentation.  Practice the first part of your talk more than the middle or the end.

3.  Call your own voice mail to record sections of your presentation.
Use this “poor man’s” recording technique to listen to yourself and make improvements.

4.  PowerPoint often hurts more than it helps.
Stories are far more effective than bullet points because people tend to make buying decisions using the “emotional side” of the brain.  Use stories to inspire, motivate, and get the audience involved.  Develop a strong “signature story” and work it, baby.

5.  Be specific with your time-sensitive call to action.
All good presentations end with a clear call to action.  Don’t say “Please take this form back to your office and send it to me when you have time,” when you can say, “Please fill out this form before you leave the room.  I’ll be at the door to collect it from you.”

Order the Present Like a Pro DVD now!  It will be especially helpful to your leadership and sales team!

Place your order within 48 hours and I’ll immediately e-mail you a fantastic 30-page, companion e-book at no extra charge.  Watch for it and download it quickly.

As with all my products and services, you’ll get much more than you pay for.

Speaking about speaking,

Michael Angelo Caruso, Keynote Speaker                  T   248-224-9667  

P.S. You must order Present Like a Pro within 48 hours to receive the bonus 30-page e-book.

P.P.S. You’re welcome to publish these 5 Cool Ideas in your corporate newsletter, on your Web site and blog.  Just send a quick message to Reprint@EdisonHouse.com.

www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com

The Fifth, 432 S. Washington, #1105  Royal Oak, MI  48067

Social media tip from Jan 14 class, tickets still available

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Facebook fWe’re just into the New Year and everyone is thinking about ways to make 2011 even better than 2o1o.

Here’s a free Facebook tip to help you improve online marketing efforts, followed by a special invitation to a low-dough training event I’m doing with Russ Cuthrell on January 14, 2011.  (As of today, there are only 20 seats left!)

The Facebook tip involves your Info page.  The average FB user posts long, frequent messages on her wall, but skimps when posting content on her Info page.

She thinks that sending “salesy” messages and posts to FB friends will carry the day and often worries about putting too much “personal” information on her Info page.  This type of thinking is counter-intuitive and will harm Facebook marketing efforts.  Here’s why . . .

Facebook, like all pages on the Internet, functions on the existence of keywords.  The Info page is a terrific place to place keywords, but this only occurs, if you type long answers into the template!

Remember that FB uses the content on your Info page to connect you with like-minded people–the very same people who are likely to be interested in what you’re selling.  FB can do this best when you list your favorite quotations, music, books, location, etc.

You’re not giving up anything valuable like your social security or driver’s license number.  Facebook has over 40 privacy buttons to filter out any troublemakers.


If you are doing business, you need to be found online

You or your marketing person need meet with me January 14!

My friend Russ Cuthrell and I are hosting a very inexpensive event where you can learn about social media and how to get more traffic for your Web site.  This is NOT a technical program.

Mark your calendar to attend a Social Media/SEO Seminar the morning of Friday, January 14 in Clinton Township, Michigan.  It’s sponsored by the Macomb County Chamber.

Get info and register here> http://bit.ly/SocialMediaSearchJan14

Social media is simply the biggest communication breakthrough since the invention of e-mail.  Learn the inside secrets so both you and your business rock in 2011.   I will teach you valuable tricks for doing biz on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and You Tube.   My good friend, Russ, will teach you more about Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

These two strategies will bring you more tons more prospects and clients as you make more money in 2011!

This event is super inexpensive! Tickets are only $25 online or $30 at the door.  Bring/send your entire marketing team!

For info/registration, go to >   http://bit.ly/SocialMediaSearchJan14

See you on Friday, the 14th!

Happy New You,
Michael Angelo Caruso
Communication Consultant, Speaker, Author       248-224-9667

P.S.  Share this e-mail with your favorite, local, marketing person.  They will thank you!

www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com    432S. Washington, #1105   Royal Oak, MI  48067

Let’s connect on  Facebook.

Do you have the courage to be different? (Part 1 of 2)

Sunday, December 19th, 2010
Helping banks differentiate

Helping banks differentiate

I was recently hired by a major regional bank in Ohio to help them differentiate their services.

Banks, in case you haven’t heard, have a lot of challenges these days.

Few of them enjoy any kind of unique, individual reputation; most banks have been grouped into what many consider to be the “Evil Empire.”

During the program, I compared banks to restaurants.

So many eateries harm their reputations and profits by not differentiating.  Oddly, most restaurants do the opposite when they practice “group think” and copy concepts, protocols, or scripts that don’t work.

For example, the standard “two for dinner?” greeting could be easily upgraded to make guests feel special.

Dropping the entree on the table and saying, “Enjoy,” is not a good way to improve the presentation.

How about when the server checks in during the meal to ask, “Is everything okay?” which is like asking, “Is everything average?”

Restaurants, banks, and other businesses are very concerned about having the lowest price.  Price is important, but it’s not usually the most important reason people buy.  One way to differentiate price is to stop worrying about the lowest price and start being concerned about presenting the best value.

dollar sign green marksHere are two ways to differentiate price:

1)  Push back against price inquiries. Delay giving your price until you have a short conversation with the customer.  This extra time will help you establish rapport, build trust, gather information, and present a proper value proposition.

2)  Never give a price without naming a benefit. Since many product/service providers just give a price, you will be differentiating your offering in a very positive way.


Differentiating the “thank you”

Finally, how you say “thank you” can easily separate you from the competition.  The “thank you” doesn’t have to be expensive.  A handwritten card is so unusual these days that the gesture is sure to stand out.

Do you have the courage to be different from the competition?  Please comment if you’ve had success with product or service differentiation.


Note #1:
Part 2 of Do you have the courage to be different?, features a great story of how my newspaper delivery person accidentally provided differentiation that immediately resulted in bigger tips.

Note #2:  Learn more about Michael’s live programs and information products at www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com.

Internet marketing training at my home Jan. 27

Sunday, December 12th, 2010
Internet marketing at Michael's home!

Internet marketing at Michael's home!

Want to receive Internet marketing training in a great setting?

You’ll learn some fantastic techniques for marketing online so you can sharpen your current campaigns, make more money, contribute more to your favorite charity, or even start a biz.

You can attend this Internet Marketing Summit on January 27 at my home in Royal Oak, Michigan.  I live at on the 11th floor of a high-rise condo called, The Fifth and the view is inspiring!

You’ll learn to:

- Do effective e-mail marketing

- Get the most from your Web site

- Benefit from video marketing–the hottest trend in the land

- Make the Web work better for you

- Use free social media platforms to market your great products/services

- Grow your data base

You’ll get $250 in bonus products!  And I’ll feed you twice!

Read testimonials and register today!

This program is fun and affordable.  This is not a technical class–you will not get lost.  As with all my products and services, you will get much more than you pay for.

Call 248-224-9667 for more info and some free consulting.

www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com   432 S. Washington, #1105  Royal Oak, MI  48073

P.S.  Here’s a fun video that shows how fun my class is.

Dbusiness magazine and I help you with difficult people

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

Leaders, sales people and customer service reps often find themselves doing business with challenging personalities.  Here are some helpful tips on the subject:

http://www.dbusiness.com/Blogs/Annual-2010/Persuading-Difficult-People/

Coaching opens doors, fast tracks success

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

Every Tuesday, a talented young man from Dubuque, Iowa calls my personal cell phone.

We’ve only met once, but now have a deep relationship that has changed us both in many positive ways.

Josh Jasper

Josh Jasper

His name is Josh Jasper and he is Executive Director at Riverview Center, a non-profit entity specializing in the prevention of domestic violence.

Josh and I meet for an hour by phone once a week and he’s made some amazing progress in a short period of time.  He’s made HUGE headway in the following areas:

  • Awareness–We’ve planted some ideas in Josh’s noggin for becoming an even better speaker.  He’s already benefited from a few of these.  Some will come to fruition in a few more talks.
  • Lead generation–Josh now has at least a quasi-system for getting more speaking gigs by working with a special network of people that we’ve identified.
  • Info products gift–I’ve sent Mr. Jasper some of my books and audio programs.  This material offers many ways any speaker or writer can sharpen his game.
  • We’ve produced Josh’s very first audio program! He now has a master copy of the recording we did a couple weeks ago.
  • His first book! We’ve got the beginnings of Josh’s first book.  He’s about to become an author–very exciting!

A customized coaching program is available to the right kind of candidate.  I don’t accept everyone as a client, but am willing to speak with you, if you’re interested in fast-tracking your career by becoming an industry expert.

Coaching has worked for me.  I have a long list of mentors, including Jim Pawlak, Bill Douglass, Alex Mandossian, and many others.  I look forward to helping you!

For more information, contact my office at http://www.michaelangelocaruso.com/contact-me/ or by calling 248-224-9667.

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