Receive Michael's free report: "Lying Is In Vogue Again, Still"

Subscribe to Michael's free "5 Cool Ideas" e-newsletter

Posts Tagged ‘Rotary’

Pages: 1 2 3 Next

This Rotary fundraiser is an easy $10K+

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

danville rotary michael angelo caruso seminar fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Danville raised $13,535

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

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

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

The good news is that the call was recorded.

Raise money and recruit members

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

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

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

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

It feels good to giveback!

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

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

Tags: corunna, durand, fundraiser, iTunes, members, michael Angelo Caruso, michigan, owosso, Rotary, rotary club, service, Troy Rotary
Posted in Communication, Creativity, Internet marketing, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Rotary, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Selling, Seminar, Speaking, Success | No Comments »

The True Gentleman

Tuesday, March 26th, 2013

People are truly creatures of comfort.

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

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

The examples are numerous:

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

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

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

But a gentleman is still a gentleman

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

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

The True Gentleman

by John Walter Wayland

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

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

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

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

Who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy…

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

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

Thanks for keeping the bar high

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

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

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

Good etiquette is habit forming

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

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

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

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

See you online!

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

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

Tags: blog, casual friday, facebook, google plus, infusionsoft, Internet marketing, John Walter Wayland, linkedin, michael Angelo Caruso, Rotary, the true gentleman, twitter
Posted in Blogging, Career development, Communication, Growing Your Business, Internet marketing, Leadership, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Rotary, Self improvement, Success | 47 Comments »

Video marketing gets the word out

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

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

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

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

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

So what just happened?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video is kinda fun!

Video marketing is da bomb!

Even seasoned professionals occasional flub a live presentation.

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

Produce most of your videos in “evergreen” format.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tags: Customer Service, evergreen, leaders, michael Angelo Caruso, presentation training, Rotary, salespeople, video marketing, youtube
Posted in Communication, Creativity, Customer Service, Entertainment, Entreprenuers, Funny, Growing Your Business, Information products, Internet marketing, Leadership, Marketing, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Rotary, Sales and Marketing, Selling, Speaking, Success, Training | 2 Comments »

Why I give money to strangers — Q3 New Year’s Resolution update

Wednesday, November 7th, 2012

This has been the best year of my life, but not for the reasons you might think.

I am not head over heels in love. I am not in love at all, rather I’m still holding auditions. Tweet this

I have not won the lottery. I don’t even play the lottery.

This has been the best year of my life because on January, 2012, I committed to improving four important areas of my life.

The goal is simple, but audacious and guess what? I’m almost there!

My audacious New Year’s Resolution

This year, I pledged to double my time off, double my exercise, double my philanthropy and double my income. I’m reporting on progress in each category every three months and in this post, I’d like to tell you about my interest in philanthropy. (more…)

Tags: bank of america, michael Angelo Caruso, New Year's resolution, Rotary, somerset, Troy Rotary
Posted in Communication, Personal Development, Rotary, Self improvement | No Comments »

How I doubled my philanthropy this year

Monday, July 9th, 2012

If you’ve been reading this blog once in a while, you’re probably aware of my audacious New Year’s Resolution.

This year I promised to double my exercise, double my philanthropy, double my time off and double my income. [Tweet this article and add your endorsement.]

I also promised to update you every three months or so on my progress.

Doubling my exercise was easy. I only put in about 20 to 30 minutes three times a week in 2011. So, as I reported in my first quarter blog post, getting twice as much exercise was as simple as exercising every day. Mission accomplished, although I returned from Thailand in May with a bruised heal. I had a slight motorcycle accident if there is such a thing.

Doubling my giving through Rotary

Philanthropy for me is a combination of donating money and time. I began my year as President of the Rotary Club of Troy, Michigan starting July 1 and have more than doubled my philanthropy as I got ready for the position.

Of course, I donate money to the club, but even better, I’ve been spending time securing donations from donors and benefactors using a concept called OPM — Other People’s Money. (more…)

Tags: double your income, double your time off, michael Angelo Caruso, New Year's resolution, philanthropy, Rotary, thailand, Troy Rotary
Posted in Career development, Creativity, Entreprenuers, Growing Your Business, Leadership, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Rotary, Selling, Speaking, Success, Training | No Comments »

Rotary 4-way test helpful to non-Rotarians, too!

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

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

Standards are great because everybody has them. Tweet this

This old chestnut is more amusing than ever as society continues to evolve into lifestyles that allow for less etiquette, incomplete sentences, and Casual Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. etc.

Rotary, a century-old service organization, has long used a simple creed that helps benchmark a high ethical standard for it’s members.

The Rotary Four-Way Test

The 4-Way Test is a simple and elegant standard that goes like this:

1. Is it the truth?

2. Is it fair to all concerned?

3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Can one standard apply to everyone?

Herbert J. Taylor

Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor created this code of ethics in 1932 and it was adopted by Rotary 11 years later.

The test has been translated into more than 100 languages and is recited during weekly Rotary meeting in 33, 000 clubs all over the world.

The world would be a better place if everyone adopted this standard, eh?

I am a lifetime Rotarian and currently serving as President of the Troy Rotary Club of Michigan where we recite the four-way test at the end of every meeting.

Tags: 4-way test, Herb Taylor, Herbert J. Taylor, Is it the truth, michael Angelo Caruso, Rotary, service above self, Troy Rotary
Posted in Career development, Communication, Entreprenuers, Growing Your Business, Leadership, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Success | No Comments »

Automated marketing will set you free

Monday, May 7th, 2012

As this blog post goes live, I’m not quite home from Thailand and back to work.

I should be back to work–it’s Monday, but my speaking/consulting/publishing business is on auto-pilot as I traveled in Asia.

During my trip, I used marketing automation to:

1) Share links to helpful articles on marketing via Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

2) Generate two keynote requests from people who saw my posts.

3) Process several orders for my my info products–the money was directly deposited into my bank account while I was sipping Singha beer poolside in Bangkok.

4) I’ve “automatically” sent you this message to promote today’s webinar on how you can automate your business (details below).

All of the above are automated processes that were put in place before I left the United States. Best of all, I can tweak the processes a bit and repeat the entire sequence whenever I like.

You can use similar strategy to take an extra vacation this year!

What biz wouldn’t benefit from automated marketing?

Marketing automation has become all the rage lately as businesses try to find the best ways to take advantage of drip campaigns, e-commerce, and auto-responders.

Think about it. How can a prospect or client ever forget about you, if they are regularly being reminded about the benefits of working with you?

Plus, referrals, almost always the result of good timing, are much more likely to happen for you when customers and partners are always buzzing about you.

It doesn’t matter if you work for a small business or a Rotary Club. Automated marketing is your ticket to a more vital organization and a brighter future.

You can do this!

Today, May 14 at 2PM ET, I’m speaking on a free webinar with a few of my marketing buddies.

We’ll tell you everything you need to know about automating your marketing and growing your great business.

Michael Angelo Caruso ipad head shot Bill Cowger Acacia Photography Detroit Michigan

We’re all using a nifty piece of software called Infusionsoft.

As a satisfied customer and affiliate, I can’t say enough about how this great automation system has improved my business and my life.

There is no obligation and no hard sell, I promise. Just tons of great info on how you can automate your biz and get more time off.

I look forward to talking with you or someone from your team at 11 PM PT, 1PM CT or 2 PM ET time today.

Again, to get more info and to register for the free webinar, click on this link:

https://crm.infusionsoft.com/go/3keyscaruso/macaruso/

Your work life will never be the same again.

Guess I should get back to work now.

Tags: automation, bangkok, CRM, facebook, infusionsoft, land of a thousand smiles, linkedin, Marketing, michael Angelo Caruso, Rotary, Speaking, thailand, twitter
Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Customer Service, Entreprenuers, Growing Your Business, Information products, Internet marketing, Keynote, Marketing, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Success | No Comments »

Raise $10K+ for your fave charity without selling a single raffle ticket

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

Almost everyone has favorite charity.

It can be a service group such as Rotary or Kiwanis. It can be a national organization such as the American Cancer Society or even a local church.

So far, I’ve raised over $150,000 for Rotary clubs, Chambers of Commerce, and other charities by speaking at seminar fundraisers.

The concept is remarkably simple and you don’t have to sell a single raffle ticket (yawn).

In a nutshell, I will waive my speaking fee in lieu of a small stipend/travel expenses of about $500.

You must agree to put a minimum of 200 people in the room and allow me to soft-sell information products related to the program topic.

When those people pay about $30 a piece for my half-day program on leadership, your efforts will gross $6,000. Tack on a half-dozen corporate sponsors and the total dollars raised looks closer to $10,000!

The proven formula

I created a how-to manual that explains the nuts and bolts of this arrangement and how this success formula can work for you.

There is a 100-day promotion schedule, during which time, you and your team will receive encouragement, solutions to various marketing conundrums, and top-notch marketing tips, including Internet marketing strategies for using social media, etc.

This is a limited offer, since I only do about six of these pro-bono events per year.

What you should do next

If you’re interested in this unique fundraising opportunity, here’s what you should do next:

1) Read the short, how-to article on how to host a seminar fundraiser.

2) Meet with your team to explain the offer and determine their level of interest

3) Contact me to say “hi” and to inquire about specific event dates

4) Make plans to have you and your fundraising team members attend my free call on Mondays at 4 PM ET. Just have them call into my teleconference bridge line at 218-339-3600 using access code 686134*

Remember that when you sell raffle tickets, only a few people get to “win.” When you hold a seminar fundraiser, everyone wins. I hope we get the opportunity to work together!

-Michael Angelo Caruso, Royal Oak, Michigan

Tags: american cancer society, chambers of commerce, kiwanis, michael Angelo Caruso, raffle tickets, Rotary, seminar fundraiser
Posted in Career development, Creativity, Entreprenuers, Growing Your Business, Internet marketing, Problem Solving, Rotary, Sales and Marketing, Social Media, Speaking, Success | No Comments »

Women’s lib, my butt

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Actress, Erin Cummings, second from left, and friends

Sure, women have come a long way, baby, but the glass ceiling hasn’t even been scratched, let alone broken.

Women hold more MBAs than men, but are employed in fewer executive positions for far less money.

The Troy Rotary Club of Michigan–I’m going to be President next year– is honoring Troy business women and women everywhere with its second annual Troy Business Woman of the Year Awards luncheon on Wednesday, October 5.

Detroit-area folks are welcome to attend and nominate. Here are details.

Troy Rotary Business Woman of the Year Awards!

The Rotary Club of Troy will honor a number of women business leaders at a special luncheon on Wednesday, October 5th, 2011.

We’d love for you to participate in the “Troy Rotary’s Business Women of the Year” event as a nominee and/or an attendee.

We’ll interview the awardees to learn their business secrets and also hear from our guest speaker, Denise Roberts from Sales Partners.

Nominees must work in Troy, Michigan. Applicants or those who nominate the applicant should submit three-paragraphs explaining their accomplishments in noteworthy community involvement and business during the last 12 months.

Send your information to Linda K. Weaver at lkweaver@wowway.com.

Troy Rotary will take make a determination based on these accomplishments.

The luncheon will take place at the award-winning Bank of America building at 2600 Big Beaver Rd. (16 Mile Rd.) just east of Somerset North. We enjoy fabulous food and the view of the outdoor fountain is magnificent most of the year. Plus, there’s almost always an interesting guest speaker.

Please pay for lunch at the door– $15 cash or check per person. (Your second lunch with Troy Rotary is no charge!)

Directions to Troy Rotary

Head west on Big Beaver so you can turn right onto Lakeview Drive between Somerset North and Bank of America. Make an IMMEDIATE right into the first driveway. This will take you into the guest parking lot. Leave a few extra minutes to clear bank security at the front door.

This map may help: http://tinyurl.com/TroyRotaryInvitation

Please be there a few minutes before noon on October 5 so you can network with Rotarians and guests. Call Michael Caruso at (248) 224-9667 for more information

Bring your camera and lots of business cards and we’ll see you soon! You will enjoy our fun members and they will enjoy you!

Nominating is easy!

Troy Rotary is honoring a number of Troy Business Woman at a special luncheon on Wednesday, October 5th. You may nominate someone you know, ask someone to nominate you or nominate yourself.

Nominees must work in Troy and must be present to win. Please provide the following information and submit to Linda K.Weaver at lkweaver@wowway.com by September 27. Questions? Call Michael Angelo Caruso at (248) 224-9667.

Info on nominee

You may copy/paste and e-mail info to Linda, above.

Requested info

Name of nominee _______________________________

Phone number _________________________________

E-mail address _________________________________

1. Please tell us about your background as a business woman:

2. Briefly list your business achievements during the past 12 months:

3. Rotary is a community service organization. Please tell us about any volunteer work you’ve done during the last year. This includes “after hours” activities such as charity work, community projects, etc.

_______________
Thank you!

We hope to see you at the October 5th luncheon at the award-winning Bank of America building at 2600 Big Beaver Rd. (16 Mile Rd.) just east of Somerset North. We enjoy fabulous food and the view of the magnificent outdoor fountain. Lunch is $15 cash or check per person and your second lunch with Troy Rotary is free!

What if women ruled the world?

Of course, neither gender needs to “rule the world.” We’re all together in this. Still, it’s nice to honor area business ladies for a job well done!

Tags: award, Business Woman of the Year, Linda K. Weaver, michael Angelo Caruso, michigan, October 5, Rotary, troy, Troy Rotary, women
Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Entertainment, Growing Your Business, Leadership, Marketing, Personal Development, Rotary, Self improvement, Speaking, Success | No Comments »

It’s my birthday, so I got you a gift

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

I’m having fun getting older! One of my favorite benefits is realizing that life isn’t about getting, it’s about giving. Tweet this article

Philanthropy has become a serious passion for me, especially my work with Rotary. I love giving back and helping others do the same. Last November, I used my massive social media network to get a computer donated to an unemployed, single mom. Got her a printer, too.

Giving is getting

Yes, Facebook fans, my birthday is on Sunday! So I got you a present. It’s not a traditional gift, but I wanted to show you some appreciation for staying on my list and hanging in there with me.

The gift is worth $5,000.

That’s what I charge for most speaking engagements, but I’m available to you at no cost, if you’d like to raise money for your favorite cause. Let me explain.

In the last two years, I’ve helped raise over $150,000 for various charities, Chambers of Commerce, and Rotary Clubs. We did this by holding fun seminar events in various cities across North America.

Under this arrangement, I waive my usual speaking fee and people like you get to be an even bigger hero in your community.

I speak about how to use social media for business and as a result, everyone who attends gets to make more money online. Pretty neat, huh?

My content is original and non-technical.

Watch a short, fun video of my teaching style.

You can download my how-to manual for holding a seminar fundraiser, which includes tips for marketing online, my recommended 100-day promotion schedule, and much more!

There are a few details we should talk about and by the way, this deal won’t last forever. My accountant is wondering why I offer it at all. Contact my office for the deets.

But if you want to raise funds for your Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club or favorite charity, this could be my perfect birthday present … to you.

Tags: best speaker in america, Chamber of Commerce, facebook, fundraiser, michael Angelo Caruso, michigan, philanthropy, Rotary, Seminar
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Pages: 1 2 3 Next