Many people complain that they don’t get any juice from their blogging activity.
The problem is usually related to one of two issues.
1) Not enough people are seeing the blog.
2) The blog topic isn’t interesting enough.
By “interesting,” I mean relevant and by “relevant,” I mean something that is in the news. Extra points, if the blog topic is related to what you’re marketing.
Never forget that the Internet works on keywords, so your blog has a better chance of being read if it contains the most popular keywords of that particular day. A good place to get your daily keywords is from news sites, such as www.CNN.com.
Here’s how this formula worked to a tee for me this week.
Peter Falk, TV’s Lt. Columbo, died late last week. I posted a blog about how Columbo’s famous “just one more thing” line became an effective selling tactic and pushed it out to my social media platforms.
Radio show morning host, Michael Patrick Shiels, a connection in my vast social media network, read the blog and had his producer contact me for an interview.
(By the way, another author/speaker in my city also had the idea to post about Columbo, but he incorrectly spelled the name “Colombo,” which no doubt reduced his number of original views. Spelling counts, people.)
You can hear the interview tomorrow morning, Tuesday, June 28 at 6:45 AM ET at MichiganTalkNetwork.com.
Of course, once the interview was booked, I reposted the same topic along with the new development to squeeze extra juice out of the topic. I might even create an “epilogue post” after the interview is completed.
Good luck with blogging and all your marketing efforts!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anyone can blog. Listen to Michael Angelo Caruso interview with Paula Parisot, a soccer mom and paid blogger. The 60-minute audio CD is titled, Blogging for Profit.
Peter Falk, who played one of television’s greatest characters, passed away last week, but not before giving salespeople one of the greatest closing techniques of all time. Tweet
Falk played Lt. Columbo, a bumbling police detective so unusual, he didn’t need a first name. Columbo was a true original, a slow-moving, hunched over man wearing a rumpled raincoat and carrying a stogie.
Columbo never seemed to know which way was up—until he solved the crime, usually by tricking the perpetrator into talking too much.
The TV detective used what we now refer to as “Doorknob Close.” His patented “close” was to turn around as he headed out the door and say something disarming like, “Just one more thing.” [Watch the 5:02 mark in the above video.]
The Doorknob Close, also known as the “Reverse Close,” works best when the detective/seller has given up and is literally saying “goodbye” to the perpetrator/prospect.
No seller ever plans to use the Doorknob Close, but it can be very useful because it contains the element of surprise. Here’s how it works.
Let’s say a sales presentation does not go well and the prospect has not been forthcoming regarding his reasons for not buying. Perhaps the prospect has ended the presentation by saying something such as, “I need more time to think about it.”
The salesperson thanks the prospect for his time and slowly walks to the door. The seller places her hand on the doorknob and then suddenly turns around and says, “Now that the presentation is over, may I just ask . . . why didn’t buy from me today?”
Peter Falk
The timing of this question makes it much more effective than if it’s asked earlier in the presentation because the prospect, thinking the presentation is over, begins to relax.
The Doorknob Close is powerful because it catches the prospect in an unguarded moment. The question, when posed from the doorway, almost always results in new information, which the seller can then use as an opportunity to reopen the discussion.
Caveat: Do not reward an honest answer by re-entering the room, taking your coat off and asking for another cup of coffee. The Doorknob close is an extra opportunity to close, but don’t try to force the prospect into immediately reversing his decision.
The Doorknob Close in Action
As with all the closes, there are many variations. One of my clients, a national retailer of automobile tires, uses what they refer to as a “second effort” to convert the sale as the prospect is walking out the door.
A person who is leaving the store without making a purchase may not return, so the employee tries to re-engage the prospect before he leaves the premises. This technique can be used on the telephone, too.
Thanks, Lt. Columbo!
The Doorknob Close has rescued countless sales through the years. Never give up on asking one more question and keeping dialog open. Sometimes that “one more thing” is the sale. RIP, Peter Falk and Lt. Columbo.
Every seller should know about 22 ways to close
Want to close more sales and make more money? Learn more sales closes from 22 Sales Closes That Work, a one-hour audio program and 30-page e-book that will help you improve your sales numbers almost overnight.
As with all of Michael Angelo Caruso’s offerings, this product comes with an unconditional money-back guarantee.
The first type likes to mosey through a do-it-yourself program. It’s a comfortable pace and they have a lot of fun.
The second type is always thirsty for ways to get practical tips that save time and produce revenue. This group also has a lot of fun, but they also find ways to build brands and make money.
The latter group likes to “Facebook with purpose” and these are the folks who tend to seek me out for help.
Here’s a partial list of what I teach in my social media sessions, which will help you improve your business almost immediately. This program includes dozens of proven strategies for securing a stronger Internet presence using Facebook (FB), Linkedin (LI), Twitter (TW), and YouTube (YT). Tweet
This is non-technical content:
Facebook is the New White Pages
- Learn how social media will help your biz when you use it as a system
- Appreciate how FB, LI and TW are alike and different
- Grow your friend list without getting slapped by the “Facebook police”
- Use Michael’s “3K Klub” trick to get FB friends to help you sell
- Protect your name online; learn valuable image marketing tips
- Discover the single best way to engage Facebook friends
- Add 100 additional connections in a flash
- Arrange for your FB posts to go to Twitter at the same time
- Use the “Notes” tab to provide more content
- Get Michael’s proven strategies for micro-blogging
- Improve dialog 0n FB, so you’re getting more biz and less small talk
Linkedin is the New Yellow Pages
- Get the most from cyber-introductions
- Learn LI’s best (hidden) feature
- Build a highly qualified list of prospects on Linkedin within 30 days
- Get a secret way to direct message groups of Linkedin contacts
- Arrange five more key Recommendations on Linkedin
- Learn clever ways to re-purpose those testimonials
- Leverage the power of LI groups
- Use LI polls to test-market ideas
- Market targeted messages to Linkedin sub-lists
- Why you should post .pdfs, even though Google can’t read’em
- Use Linkedin to push your competition off the first page search results
Twitter, Video Marketing and How They Work Together
- Use Twitter as early warning system for customer service issues
- Connect your social media platforms
- Harness the awesome power of video marketing
- Learn why Twitter is more important than FB and LI combined
- Establish a Twitter presence by making 100 your firs day
- Improve your Twitter page background and readability
- Integrate your social media marketing with your regular distribution list
- Schedule your Tweets to occur 24×7
- Learn Video production secrets to save you tons of time and money
- Keep YT from recommending your competition in “related” vids
- Use video marketing to get happy customers to sell for you
Let’s talk!
Your first consultation is free! Just give my office a call at 248-224-9667. Let’s get the word out.
I’ve given over 2,000 paid presentations on leadership, team building, and give lots of sales training. Have delivered a ton of keynote speeches at conventions and dinners, too.
Humor is an important part of what I do. Funny jokes and stories keep audiences engaged and relaxed. Relaxed audiences learn more.
Here’s a funny bit about a guy that gets pulled over by a cop. Tweet it
A driver gets stopped by a cop who asks him to take a breathalyzer test.
“I can’t,” says the driver. “I have terminal asthma and can’t risk having an attack.”
The cop says, “Well, then I’ll need you to come down to the station so we can draw your blood.”
“No, that won’t work,” says the driver. “I’m a hemophiliac.”
“Okay,” says the cop, “I’ll need you to give me a urine sample then.”
“Sorry,” the man says. “I’m a diabetic.”
Now the cop grows impatient. “Sir, I’ll need you to get out of the car and walk a straight line.”
Internet marketers and business owners always ask me where they should be putting their marketing efforts. Of course, your company Web site is a critical place for you to spend time and money.
But what’s the second most important Web site for your business? I’ll give you a hint.
It’s not Linkedin. And it’s not your Linkedin business page, although you should have one.
It’s not your Facebook page. And it’s not your Facebook business page. You should have one of those, too.
The second most important Web site for your business is not YouTube.
It’s not even Google.
These are all valuable sites for marketing your products and services, but the one site that should be a part of every online business in 2009 is …
Here’s why in one sentence–Google crawls individual Tweets. Tweet this article.
You can post Facebook status updates all day and night, but Google will not see them. The same is true for your Linkedin status updates.
But, Google indexes your individual messages on Twitter and makes them available to people doing Web searches forever. Of course, you’ll be putting key words in your Tweets, but imagine what will happen when you’re putting your Web site address (or an abbreviated version of it) in 80% of your Tweets.
This is probably hard to imagine because Facebook and Linkedin don’t work like this. Twitter is more powerful than Facebook and Linkedin combined!
That’s why, if you aren’t using Twitter, you are missing out on the greatest opportunity for building relationships with your customers and prospects. You are missing out on the best free branding tool on the web.
And you are missing out on huge amounts of free traffic and increased sales!
There’s just no excuse for any business, large or small, to not be using Twitter, which has improved my reach immensely. I’m on Twitter at @MichaelACaruso
Learn more about using Twitter and other social media platforms from my four CD program–a home or work study course titled, Social Media for Work. For a limited time, I am including a free 30-page, social media e-book with all orders, so click today!
Best of luck on all your marketing efforts. I you want training or other types of help, let me know. Let’s get the word out!
Even if you spend quality time with dad this Sunday, Monday will actually be Father’s Day.
Sunday will be filled with Father’s Day traditions, such as a good meal, fun activities, good stories, inside jokes about family members, and maybe a little family drama.
After all, drama is a family tradition, too, right?
But, Monday is Father’s Day, too, because that’s when many of us come to understand how important dad is. Tweet this blog post.
You’ll think more about dad the day after
On Monday, about 24 hours after Father’s Day, great numbers of people will (again) admit that they love dear old dad more each year and never want to say “goodbye” to him.
On Monday, many of us will realize that dad’s health is failing a bit more quickly than they realized and that time is short.
And on Monday, many folks will realize that they are not open-ended when it comes to cleaning up long-standing arguments and helping dad get his “paperwork” in order.
Some of that paperwork may involve getting his great stories in writing or on video.
Finally, if you are a dad–or a mom–it will be Monday when you decide to create legacy for your children.
I miss my dad a lot
My dad, pictured with me above, died in 1997 and I miss him more than ever. But his memory lives on for me, my three brothers, new generations of Carusos and even non-Carusos, because I published my father’s letters, shortly after he passed away.
In honor of my dad and yours, in honor of fathers, mothers, and parents everywhere, I’m offering a 50% discount on the Dear Michael Angelo CDs. Click on either link above to learn more and to order.
Use Coupon Code DAD to get $10 off
Pay only $9.99 plus shipping! You’re welcome.
You’ll be highly entertained, I promise. You’ll also be inspired to be a better son, daughter, father or mother. Thanks for being on my list, I really appreciate you!
This special price (only $9.99!) will be available until Monday at midnight– Monday because that’s the day you’ll really think about your dad.
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?
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…
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!
Businesses all over the fruited plain are constantly trying to figure out the best keyword to use on their Web sites.
The best keyword for all of us, it turns out, is “research.”
Brother Dave on left
And search engine optimization (SEO), despite its complicated moniker, offers some very simple marketing lessons. I’m reminded of something my brother Dave Caruso taught me a while back when we were trying to improve the effectiveness of my Web site.
My site has always had a number of products and programs related to “self improvement.”
Dave, a great linear thinker and fantastic “systems” guy, did a few quick Google searches to compare how often people search “self help” vs. “self improvement.”
He found that the following variations gave these totals (results in millions):
Keyword search # of hits
self-help 89,700
self help 89, 600
self improvement 30,200
self-improvement 21,200
This was HUGE and I immediately wanted to change my site to take advantage of this discovery.
Then, Dave checked the number of hits for one more term: “personal improvement.” At the time, those key words showed 124,000,000–far more than the other key word phrases!
“Personal improvement” was the keyword phrase to optimize. Thanks, brother!
When doing SEO, make sure you do research to discover which key words and phrases will rank highly. You may be surprised!
Keyword research helps people find me, even if I’m in Royal Oak, Michigan. Which, um, I am. – Michael Angelo Caruso, Motivational speaker, Internet student
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
Want to get more from Twitter? Here’s a list of best practices that’ll help you maximize the awesome power of this great social media tool.
Twitter is not as difficult or as mysterious as it first seems. As Bob Dylan sings, “The times, they are a changin.’” Thanks to Twitter, now you are the newspaper. You are your own advertising company and public relations firm. Let’s get the word out!
Here are 5 cool ideas for using Twitter:
1. Talk about things central to your brand or personality. It helps if your tweets are relevant to what’s going on in the media. “Trending” topics almost always get more attention online.
2. Be funny. If you’re not funny, tweet messages from people who are funny. People like to share witticisms.
3. Post an original tweet about every two hours. Do not share information that’s been shared to death. Avoid clichés like the plague. You may also want to stay away from negative news.
4. Leave trails to your Web site. Use the first 70 characters of your Tweet to ask a question or pose a problem. Use the second 70 characters to answer the question or offer a solution. Often, but not always, the solution should contain a link to your Web site. Use tiny URLs that don’t use a lot of characters.
5. Get with the program. Follow those who follow you. Retweet messages from the cool kids. Recommend people on Follow Friday, by posting “#FF” and their Twitter names, e.g., @MichaelACaruso.
These are just a few ideas for sweet tweets. See how you can use these techniques and more by following me on Twitter at @MichaelACaruso.
Many people complain that they don’t get any juice from their blogging activity.
There are two types of people using social media.
I’ve given over 2,000 paid presentations on 
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.
