Posts Tagged ‘5 Cool ideas’
Saturday, January 28th, 2012
Assembling a team can be challenging when team members have different backgrounds, unique personal agendas, and unrelated methodologies. If it is difficult to get busy people to sit at the same table, it can be much more challenging to get a team emotionally centered. Here are 5 Cool Ideas to get teams started.
5 Cool Ideas for starting a team
1. A meaningful quote can provide solidarity and purpose.
We know that a picture is worth a thousand words, but what is a word worth? Well, a word can be invaluable if it helps center a team on a theme. A special word can unify and educate. Introduce a word every day and over time, people will increase their vocabularies. Share a combination of words like a quote or a song lyric to cultivate passion and a sense of team spirit.
2. Workers relate better when they learn about each other.
Elton Mayo, founder of the modern day Human Resources department, taught us that workers have a need to feel like they belong. A sense of belonging sets the stage for employee retention, loyalty and a general sense of espirit d’corp. Have team members share something about themselves that no one else knows. This process is fun and builds rapport like no other exercise.
People will offer the most interesting information as they try to entertain and make each other laugh and think. You can do this exercise every week for a month and it will never get old.
3. Have a look at the past.
Have everyone bring a childhood photo to work. Scan the photos into a presentation and have fun guessing who is who. Tell stories about the photos and enjoy each other as you discuss things that have nothing to do with work. Then, get down to business.
4. Group reading can establish work themes team and teach lessons.
Many work groups participate in book clubs. Team members come to work a half-hour early one day a week to discuss a book that everyone is reading. Take turns having everyone recommend a book.
5. Present one Cool Idea a day.
Get the ideas from my 5 Cool Ideas book series. Use the books to present one cool idea or a 5 Cool Ideas topic before every meeting. The idea should be related to the task at hand. Ideas will spark other ideas.
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The above article is available for republication on your blog, website and in your newsletter. Simply send a message stating your intent through Michael’s website.
Learn more about the 5 Cool Ideas books at www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com.
Tags: 5 Cool ideas, best speaker in michigan, Elton Mayo, five cool ideas, human resource, michael Angelo Caruso, motivational speaker
Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Customer Service, Entreprenuers, Growing Your Business, Marketing, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Selling, Success, Training | 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 »
Thursday, July 21st, 2011
Everything we do has rewards and consequences. You can control various forms of this pleasure and pain if you understand the linkage between thoughts, emotions, behavior and reward.
Thoughts, for example, usually lead to emotions. Emotions drive behavior. Behavior determines reward. Do you have complete control over your own thoughts, emotions and behavior? Here are 5 Cool Ideas for being in control.
1. Own your own stuff and be in control. Miguel Ruiz writes in his book The Four Agreements that we need to control our own thoughts and emotions. When we own our own stuff, we can limit others’ control of our stuff.
2. Own your thoughts. Controlling your own thoughts is based on the concept of free will, which means that you are responsible and accountable for your own thinking. Not to put thoughts in your head, but this seems like a “no-brainer,” doesn’t it?
If, for example, you study the odds of winning the lottery and decide that you have a very slim chance of winning, you will probably decide not to play.
3. Own your emotions, including sadness. Thoughts help determine emotions. If you decide not to play the lottery, you will probably not feel like buying a ticket. Being in control of your emotions doesn’t mean that you cannot cry.
At my mother’s funeral service, I wept like a child–and I was in complete control of my emotions. I was in control because it was totally appropriate to cry under those conditions. To the contrary, if your mother dies and you don’t cry, you may not have control of your emotions.
4. Be 100% responsible for your behavior. Emotions drive behavior. In our lottery example, if you don’t feel like purchasing a ticket, you won’t win the lottery.
Of course, no one can make you buy a lottery ticket. No one can make you do anything you don’t want to do, if you own your behavior. In almost every situation, a person has options.
If a wife insists that her husband quits bowling because Tuesday night is scouting night for their son, the husband has at least two options. The husband could quit bowling and then hold his wife in contempt because she made him quit. Another option is for the husband to quit bowling and be happy with the behavior that allows him to spend more time with his son.
5. Own your stuff and you will own your reward. Believing we don’t have control over our behavior makes it easier to blame others for our own failure. People who take ownership of their thoughts, emotions, and behavior almost always enjoy more control.
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Control is a form of success
If you’re interested in having more success in terms of money, health, and relationships, check out Michael’s one-hour audio CD titled, Creating Success Habits. It comes with a 30-page e-book on the same topic.
Tags: 5 Cool ideas, audio, behavior, CD, emotions, four agreements, free will, ideas, michael Angelo Caruso, miguel ruiz, success habits, tips
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
It’s been a both a pleasure and an honor to be a professional speaker for over 15 years. I’ve learned a few good techniques along the way and here are 5 Cool Ideas to help you be a better presenter.
1. A good pre-game show will help you get your game on. When creating your presentation, write it backwards, starting with the call-to-action.
2. Use my “Power of Three” to speak without notes. Many people are nervous when speaking in front of an audience. Nerves only make it harder to seem relaxed and stay on message. The secret is to focus on only three points.
3. Do six things in the first five minutes of every presentation. I cover all six tips in on the DVD, but here are two:
a) Teach the audience something they don’t know and they’ll pay attention to the rest of your talk and
b) Get the audience to do something right away, such as write something down, raise their hand, etc. This precedent will come in handy when you issue a call-to-action at the end of your presentation.
4. What you say with your body is more important than what you say with your mouth. Body language doesn’t lie. Saying you’re confident is wasted breath, if your body language says the opposite. Learn to present with congruity.
5. Always ask the audience to take action. If you are very specific and give a reasonable time frame, attendees are more likely to follow through.
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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: 5 Cool ideas, dvd on speaking, michael Angelo Caruso, michigan, power of three, Present Like a Pro, presentations, speaker, Speaking
Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Customer Service, Entreprenuers, Growing Your Business, Keynote, Leadership, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Speaking | 3 Comments »
Thursday, February 3rd, 2011
Cairo, Egpyt is a fascinating place right now. Actually, Cairo has always been an interesting place, especially for American tourists.
I visited Egypt in 2002 and remember being surprised at how passionate its citizens are about negotiating. I vividly remembering my interpreter haggling with an airport vendor about the price of a refrigerator magnet!
This reminds me of what’s happening in Cairo right now, as citizens struggle to make their voices heard. Passions are running very hot in Egypt, but when is persuasion perceived as aggression? Most world leaders are recommending peaceful negotiations, yet real change seems unlikely without even more drama.
Speaking of persuasion, here’s a fun story about something that happened when I got to ride a camel at the pyramids.
5 Cool Ideas for Being More Persuasive
(inspired by the free newsletter available at www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com)
There’s nothing like a trip to a foreign country to learn more about various communication techniques. During a trip to Egypt, I had the opportunity to ride a camel. My encounter with the camel’s keeper inspired me to create 5 Cool Ideas on how to increase your powers of persuasion.
1. Establish desirable expectation.
Remember that persuasion works best when you are communicating with someone who wants to be persuaded. Once I climbed aboard the camel, my guide led the beast about 50 feet. The guide then asked me if I was happy. I could not stop smiling so naturally, I told the man that I was very happy.
2. Use assertive behavior to escort the persuasion.
The camel steward’s objective was to receive a good size tip. He was correct in assuming that if I was happy with his services, that I would give him one. When I admitted that I was happy, he held out his hand and said, “Now would be a good time to show me your appreciation.”
3. Be persistent.
I gave the camel steward some Egyptian pounds and he immediately asked for more. Surprised with his bravado, yet still delighted with his services, I gave him more money. At this point, I had only been seated on the camel for about two minutes. The camel then continued his stroll
4. Make it a win/win.
Having received an extra tip, my Egyptian friend gave me lots of extra attention. He provided props for photographs and arranged some special poses. He even made the camel smile!
5. Gratitude is a great pacifier.
After the ride, my guide told me it was a pleasure being with me and to ask for him the next time I am going camel riding in Cairo. The man’s nice words helped minimize any ill effects of the persuasion and set the stage for future persuasion. He asked me for another tip, which I gladly provided since I always tip at the conclusion of good service. Gratitude takes the edge off of unwanted persuasion.
Tags: 5 Cool ideas, aggression, cairo, camel, egypt, michael Angelo Caruso, negotiation, persuasion
Posted in Communication, Creativity, Customer Service, Sales and Marketing, Selling, Success | No Comments »
Monday, January 31st, 2011
Here’s the story of how a random act of customer service completely backfired . . .
A while back, I released a DVD titled, Present Like a Pro (PLP). This video of my best presentation tips turned out much better than expected, thanks to quality vendors.
Present Like a Pro continues to sell at a brisk pace, especially at during my Present Like a Pro training sessions, such as the one I’m giving March 3 in Troy, Michigan.
Nonetheless, I was shocked at what happened during my product launch.
My launch concept was inspired by two marketing campaigns I had studied:
1) Russell Brunson’s “free plus shipping” technique and
2) The Hyatt Regency hotel chain, which at the time was offering “random acts of customer service” to guests.
The DVD was priced at $49, but I decided give it away to the first 1,000 people on my list who showed interest. This seemed like a fabulous idea, but I was truly shocked at what happened next!
Random act of customer service backfires!
My data base consists primarily of business executives, middle managers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs such as speaker and authors. I thought a $49 DVD offered free would kill. But, initially, it didn’t.
Here’s what happened.
A few people were paranoid about the free offer. An East Coast woman who has been on my list for YEARS, called to make sure the offer wasn’t a phishing scam. Noted.
A substantial number of people didn’t follow instructions, resulting in lots of back-end customer service support. In other words, the auto-processes we set up actually created work for my team and me. Oops! Noted.
Finally–and here’s the shocker–after receiving my offer of a free DVD valued at $49, a stunning number of people quit my list!
I couldn’t be more surprised! My “random act of kindness” was causing me to lose customers! Er . . .noted
I suppose some of these folks never give presentations. Perhaps some of them were not interested in self-improvement. Whatever the reason, my team and I went back to the drawing board to create — a second marketing campaign that we’re using to this day.
To date, the Present Like a Pro DVD has generated thousands of dollars in sales and since I continue to market the product to my distribution list, much of that money has come from people who turned down the free offer during the product launch! Noted.
Marketing lesson #153: When customers don’t recognize a good deal that you’ve offered, it’s your fault.
By the way, I haven’t given up on offering random acts of customer service. People on my “dist list” are frequent recipients. Sign up for my free 5 Cool Ideas newsletter today and collect hundreds of dollars in freebies every year!
-Michael Angelo Caruso, Royal Oak, Michigan
Tags: 5 Cool ideas, Hyatt Regency, michael Angelo Caruso, michigan, Present Like a Pro, random act of customer service, Russell Brunson, Travis Millward
Posted in Communication, Creativity, Customer Service, Entreprenuers, Growing Your Business, Information products, Internet marketing, Marketing, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Selling, Seminar, Success | 2 Comments »
Sunday, January 2nd, 2011
Have you booked a speaker for an upcoming event? Here are some easy ways to get the most people to attend and make this your best seminar, fundraiser, or convention keynote.
1. Get on the speaker’s mailing list.
You and your committee members should subscribe to the speaker’s mailing list as soon as you hire him or her. (My free newsletter is available at 5 Cool Ideas newsletter ).
Once in the loop, you’ll receive periodic updates from your speaker that will keep you thinking of fresh ways to promote your event. For example, my newsletter contains practical communication tips and you can use the publication to attract interest and encourage registrations for your event.
You can republish these great communication tips in your newsletter, on your Website, and on blogs. You may also forward the 5 Cool Ideas to your distribution list.
2. Use positive adjectives.
Inform people of your special guest speaker by providing key links (one at a time). People who hire me find it useful to provide these links:
www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com
www.michaelangelocaruso.com/michael-angelo-caruso-blog/
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=michael+angelo+caruso&aq=f
Always use positive adjectives to describe your event, the food being served, the entertainment, and your speaker. Psychologists tells us that words such as fantastic, memorable, exciting, and funny are extremely effective persuasion tools.
3. Social media is effective and free!
I have developed a HUGE Facebook following. When you hire me, post details of your event on my personal page (4,600 friends) or fan page (look for the avatar with me holding a microphone).
Ask me to post a personal message on your Facebook group page. Continue to build your following on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and YouTube and you’ll have less trouble getting audiences to attend your events.
4. Video marketing is the best way to promote speakers.
In the old days—way back in the early 1990s,lol—the best way to promote a speaker was to distribute a flyer. Now you have your prospective attendees watch and listen to a speaker on video.
This sells tickets like crazy, providing the video is well done and the speaker knows his stuff. As an example, follow these steps to harness the awesome power of video marketing:
a. Search the name of your speaker or “Michael Angelo Caruso” on YouTube.
b. Select a video that you want to use.
c. Click the “Like” and “Subscribe” buttons, so you’ll receive notification of whenever a new video is posted.
d. Post a Comment; say something nice about me and then reference your event. Be sure to include a link to your landing page so people can register or buy tickets.
e. Share the video on Facebook, your other social media pages, and even on your organization’s Web page.
f. Copy/paste the video’s URL into your e-mail blasts along with your personal endorsement. Never underestimate the value of your personal recommendation.
5. Sell tickets five at a time.
People don’t like to attend events alone, so why sell tickets that way? Ask your Web person to arrange an online registration page that defaults to ticket blocks of five and ten, with an option to order a single ticket. You might offer a free ticket if someone purchases ten.
Have fun with your promotions and others will, too! Best of luck with your event!
_______________________
More information, such as Michael’s bio, head shot, and client testimonials are available at www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com.
Tags: 5 Cool ideas, 5 ways to promote a speaker, detroit, event planning, facebook, Internet marketing, linkedin, michael Angelo Caruso, michaelangelocaruso, michigan, promote, promote a speaker, Social Media, speaker, twitter, video marketing, youtube
Posted in Communication, Creativity, Entertainment, Growing Your Business, Internet marketing, Marketing, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Selling, Seminar, Social Media, Speaking, Success | No Comments »
Sunday, November 21st, 2010
From www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com 248-224-9667
Conversing with high school leaders at (Rotary's) RYLA event
In my booklet, Hmmm . . . Little Ideas With BIG Results, I write “people are your greatest resource.” Everyone seems to believe this, but most people aren’t very graceful at starting conversations. Basketball coach Phil Jackson writes that the champion Los Angeles Lakers were great trash talkers during games, but withdrawn and quiet during important meetings. Here are 5 Cool Ideas on how to start a conversation.
1. Work with a conversation-starting quota. The next time you go out to lunch, pledge to yourself that you will start at least four conversations. You might speak to someone on the elevator, on the way to your car, while waiting to be seated at the restaurant and maybe in the lobby of your building upon your return.
2. The person who reaches out has the power. In her book, How to Create Your Own Luck: The ‘You Never Know’ Approach to Networking, Taking Chances and Opening Yourself to Opportunity, author Susan RoAne reminds us that luck is a “make-it-happen” communication process. I’ve learned that the person who initiates the conversation usually has influence and power over the conversation.
3. Open with small talk, but not too small. If you initiate conversation about sports and the weather, most of your conversations will be about sports and the weather. On the other hand, if you open with fast-lane topics like politics or sex, you may be moving too quickly for the other person.
4. Treat the other person like a celebrity. Ironically, the best technique for starting a conversation is asking a question and then listening to the answer as if the other person is the ultimate authority on the subject. Ask people their opinions and then hang on every word. Smile and nod your head frequently.
Soliciting an opinion is kind of like asking for help. People love to help. People also love to be helped. Most people won’t ask your opinion because they haven’t read this book.
5. Give people what they want, unless what they want is negativity. Conversation isn’t always about what you want. Shared dialogue is primarily about what the other person wants. Go with the flow if the dialogue is fun and good-natured. Nurture conversations that are positive and up-beat in tone. Excuse yourself from gripers and complainers. There are over 260 million people in the United States. Let’s start talking.
Tags: 5 Cool ideas, detroit, los angeles lakers, michael Angelo Caruso, michigan, phil jackson, Speaking, start a conversation, susan roane
Posted in Career development, Communication, Customer Service, Growing Your Business, Leadership, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Selling, Speaking, Success | No Comments »
Sunday, July 18th, 2010
In my booklet, Hmmm . . . Little Ideas With BIG Results, I write “people are your greatest resource.” The art of conversation brings your greatest resource closer to you. Everyone seems to believe this, but most people aren’t very graceful at starting conversations.
Former basketball coach Phil Jackson writes that the champion Los Angeles Lakers were great trash talkers during games, but withdrawn and quiet during important meetings.
Use these tips the next time you want to strike up a conversation with Kobe Bryant. Apparently, he won’t be taking the initiative to speak first. Here are 5 Cool Ideas* on how to start a conversation.
1. Work with a conversation-starting quota.
The next time you go out to lunch, pledge to yourself that you will start at least four conversations. You might speak to someone on the elevator, on the way to your car, while waiting to be seated at the restaurant and maybe in the lobby of your building upon your return.
2. The person who reaches out has the power.
In her book, How to Create Your Own Luck: The ‘You Never Know’ Approach to Networking, Taking Chances and Opening Yourself to Opportunity, author Susan RoAne reminds us that luck is a “make-it-happen” communication process. I’ve learned that the person who initiates the conversation usually has influence and power over the conversation.
3. Open with small talk, but not too small.
If you initiate conversation about sports and the weather, most of your conversations will be about sports and the weather. On the other hand, if you open with fast-lane topics like politics or sex, you may be moving too quickly for the other person.
4. Treat the other person like a celebrity.
Ironically, the best technique for starting a conversation is asking a question and then listening to the answer as if the other person is the ultimate authority on the subject. Ask people their opinions and then hang on every word. Smile and nod your head frequently.
Soliciting an opinion is kind of like asking for help. People love to help. People also love to be helped. Most people won’t ask your opinion because they haven’t read this book.
5. Give people what they want, unless what they want is negativity.
Conversation isn’t always about what you want. Shared dialogue is primarily about what the other person wants. Go with the flow if the dialogue is fun and good-natured. Nurture conversations that are positive and up-beat in tone. Excuse yourself from gripers and complainers. There are over 300 million people in the United States. Let’s start talking.
* 5 Cool Ideas is a book series by Michael Angelo Caruso
Tags: 5 Cool ideas, communication tips, kobe bryant, lakers, michael Angelo Caruso, personal improvement, phil jackson, start a conversation, susan roane
Posted in Communication, Entertainment, Leadership, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Success, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Sunday, May 30th, 2010
Dennis Hopper finally died.
There’s no denying that the man had rough life. Many people wondered how Hopper lived as long as he did. Some thought he had died again, such was the tumultuous existence of this Holly-world and real-world rebel. When you consider all Hopper’s associated weirdness and drama, it’s a wonder the actor was able to cobble together a decent career.
Here are 5 Cool Ideas on the accidental marketing of Dennis Hopper, inspired by the New York Times obituary written by Edward Wyatt.
1. Adversity can be a trump card.
Dennis Hopper was born in Dodge City, Kansas, home of many a showdown between good guys and bad guys. During his life, Hopper had constant showdowns with alcohol, drugs, directors, wives (five marriages), nature (a fire claimed his Bel Air home in 1962) and finally, prostate cancer after a 10-year battle with the disease.
2. Dennis Hopper almost accidentally defined cinematic cool.
This guy starred in some of the coolest movies ever made including, Easy Rider, Blue Velvet, Rebel Without a Cause and Cool Hand Luke. The parts came to him sporadically and Hopper often fell into great roles despite a bad reputation. In many instances, he did well due to his proximity to greatness. For instance, Hopper credited Marlon Brando with the idea of having him portray a gonzo journalist in Apocalypse Now.
3. An early victory can make you a “success” for life.
Easy Rider won the prize for best first film at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival, perhaps because it faced only one competitor. This victory put Hopper on everyone’s radar. He also shared an Oscar nomination for writing the movie, so the phrase “Oscar nominated” applied to Dennis for another, oh, 41 years.
4. When it comes to marketing, you get points for what might be true.
Hopper was romantically linked to Natalie Wood and Michelle Phillips. Extra points! Again, the proximity factor. These dalliances were never officially documented. Hopper got credit for possibly sleeping with both women. Note: When it comes to marketing, getting points for what might be true can work for you or against you.
5. Versatility is an excellent marketing device.
Paul Newman, photographed by Dennis Hopper
When acting gigs were slow, Hopper learned to paint and write poetry. He also became an accomplished photographer known for his “intimate and unguarded” images of Ike and Tina Turner, Andy Warhol and Jane Fonda.
Goodbye, Dennis
Dennis Hopper, like so many other talented people, succeeded in spite of himself. But for all his mistakes and missteps, the accidental marketing of Dennis Hopper was made easier thanks to his habit of breaking bad in real life as well as in front of the movie camera.
See ya, Dennis. Rest in peace, finally. Again.
Tags: 5 Cool ideas, cannes film festival, dennis hopper, easy rider, michael Angelo Caruso, new york times
Posted in Career development, Entertainment, Entreprenuers, Marketing, Sales and Marketing, Success, Writing and Publishing | No Comments »
