OUR LATEST INSIGHTS

Up to date, high-level business information that is relevant to our clients and contacts, helping keep up to date on the ver-changing business world of today.

Terri Braun / July 27, 2026

Featured Client Agave & Rye Liberty

Located in Liberty Township, Ohio, Agave & Rye Liberty is part of a lively restaurant chain known for its gourmet tacos, handcrafted cocktails, and refreshing mocktails. It features quality dine-in and take-out options, as well as catering services and a beautiful venue for events.

Terri Braun / July 27, 2026

Featured Contact Great Escape Coaching

Founded by John Salajka, Great Escape Coaching provides personalized services to help individuals and businesses achieve greater clarity, confidence, and success. This includes life and business coaching, leadership development, career guidance, goal-setting strategies, accountability support, personal growth programs, and more.

Stacey Shackleton / July 27, 2026

The Fear of Public Speaking and How to Overcome It

Imagine you’re standing in front of a room full of people. Your hands are shaking, your heart is racing, and you feel like you have a lump in your throat. You go to speak and start your presentation, but nothing comes out. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for many individuals who have a fear of public speaking.

In this issue of the Pulse, we’ll discuss the fear of public speaking and ways you can overcome that fear.

Public speaking is a common fear that plagues many individuals. In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine, about 77% of the general population has a fear of public speaking.

The level of fear differs from person to person, with some only experiencing a little nervousness, while for others it can be completely debilitating. This fear can present itself through physical symptoms, such as shaking, sweating, a dry mouth, a rapid heartbeat and nausea.

However, the effects of public speaking don’t stop there. Having a fear of public speaking can have long-term effects, such as lower educational achievement and occupational impairment, as public speaking skills are valuable in higher education and the workforce, particularly at the leadership level. So, how can you overcome your fear of public speaking?

Practice

Be sure to practice your presentation ahead of time. This could look like practicing your presentation out loud by yourself or in front of a few trusted colleagues. You may also find it helpful to record yourself presenting it out loud so you can listen to it back and look for areas of improvement.

Know your material

Ensure the topic you’re presenting is one you’re comfortable with and that you know your material. If you know your material, you’re more likely to feel confident when presenting, and if you happen to forget what you practiced, you will have your knowledge to fall back on.

Join a group

If you really want to work on your public speaking skills and practicing on your own isn’t cutting it for you, consider joining a group to further develop this skill. One of the most well-known groups is Toastmasters International, a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person, but there are a variety of groups you can join, as well as classes and workshops you can take.

Focus on a friendly face

If you’re presenting in front of a large group of people, try focusing on one friendly face in the crowd and pretend you’re presenting to just that individual. Presenting to a large audience can be daunting, whereas presenting to one individual can feel more conversational in nature.

Take some deep breaths before

Before you begin a presentation, take a few deep breaths. While this may seem simple, it can be very effective at calming your nervous system. As stated in a Yale School of Medicine article, titled The Power of the Breath, “Through the action of our diaphragm, slow, even breaths that originate deep within the abdomen stimulate the vagus nerve in a way that signals safety and cues our bodies and minds to relax, restore, and release chronic and unhealthy patterns.”

In conclusion…

A fear of public speaking is a very real fear that affects the majority of the population and while it can feel insurmountable, there are methods you can use to overcome it for the benefit of your own well-being and the advancement of your education and employment.

[email protected] / July 24, 2026

Recommendation For Main & Johnson

To whom it may concern,

I’m pleased to write a letter of recommendation Main & Johnson, a distinguished consulting firm based in Mount Holly, North Carolina. It has earned recognition for helping businesses navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth through strategic guidance and actionable solutions. Its commitment to professionalism, insight, and measurable results makes it a trusted partner for companies aiming to strengthen their operations and expand their market presence.

Main & Johnson provides a robust suite of services designed to support organizational development and performance improvement. Its offerings include strategic business planning, market analysis, operational efficiency assessments, leadership development, and performance optimization. By combining deep industry knowledge with data-driven insights, it helps organizations identify opportunities, streamline processes, and implement strategies that drive tangible business outcomes.

What truly sets Main & Johnson apart is its talented and dedicated team. Its professionals bring a unique blend of expertise, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving to every engagement. The team is recognized for its clear communication, thoughtful guidance, and commitment to delivering solutions tailored to each client’s goals, ensuring organizations are equipped to achieve both short-term wins and long-term growth.

Overall, Main & Johnson stands as a leading corporate growth consulting firm in Mount Holly, North Carolina. Through its comprehensive services and the skill of its team, it consistently empowers businesses to enhance performance, seize opportunities, and achieve strategic success with confidence.

Sincerely,

Lyall Newby
Strategic-Partner
Schooley Mitchell

Download the PDF
Visit the website

[email protected] / July 24, 2026

Recommendation For SouthState Bank

To whom it may concern,

I’m pleased to write this letter of recommendation for SouthState Bank, a well-established financial institution located in Gastonia, North Carolina. It is widely recognized for its commitment to providing reliable and comprehensive banking services to both individuals and businesses. Its professionalism, strong community presence, and dedication to client support make it a trusted institution in the region.

SouthState Bank offers a broad range of financial services designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients. Its offerings include personal and business checking and savings accounts, loans, mortgages, credit cards, investment solutions, and wealth management. Additionally, it provides financial planning, digital banking services, and risk management support, allowing clients to manage their finances efficiently and make informed financial decisions.

A defining strength of SouthState Bank is its skilled and dedicated team. Its professionals bring extensive expertise in banking, investment, and financial planning, delivering services with a client-focused approach. The team is known for its attentiveness, clear communication, and commitment to helping clients navigate complex financial matters with confidence and ease.

Overall, SouthState Bank stands out as a dependable and highly capable banking institution in Gastonia, North Carolina. Through its wide-ranging services and the expertise of its team, it consistently provides comprehensive financial solutions, fosters strong client relationships, and supports both personal and business financial success.

Sincerely,

Lyall Newby
Strategic-Partner
Schooley Mitchell

Download the PDF
Visit the website

Terri Braun / July 24, 2026

Check out Kirsch CPA Group

If you’re looking for quality accounting, tax, assurance, or advisory services, contact Kirsch CPA Group today! It’s an employee-owned firm that’s dedicated to helping businesses make smarter financial decisions and achieve sustainable growth.

[email protected] / July 24, 2026

Recommendation For Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity

To whom it may concern,

I’m pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families build and improve places to call home in Manville community and surrounding areas. Its work reflects careful planning, resourcefulness, and a mission-driven focus that positively impacts the lives of residents.

Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity provides a range of services designed to support individuals and families in need of housing. It builds and renovates homes, offers homeownership programs, facilitates affordable housing initiatives, and provides guidance and education to help families achieve long-term financial stability. It engages volunteers and community partners to strengthen the impact of its housing projects.

A key strength of Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity is its skilled and dedicated team. Staff members and volunteers demonstrate professionalism, expertise, and a shared commitment to the organization’s mission. Their collaborative approach ensures that projects are executed efficiently, safely, and with a focus on quality and sustainability.

I wholeheartedly recommend Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity as it stands out as a dependable and mission-driven nonprofit. Through its comprehensive housing services and the dedication of its team, it consistently contributes to the well-being of families while fostering stronger, more resilient communities.

Sincerely,

JR Caughey
Strategic-Partner
Schooley Mitchell

Download the PDF
Visit the website