[email protected] / August 18, 2026

Turning Everyday Conversations into Business Opportunities

It is a common misconception that business connections are only made through polished elevator pitches or planned presentations to a room full of prospects. In reality, the best business connections can often be made through everyday interactions; the neighbor you walk by every morning, the regular at the coffee shop you frequent, or the supplier you see every other week at the office.

In this issue of the Pulse, we discuss how true connection begins with conversation.

Networking events and formal, scheduled business meetings, while effective, are not exclusive paths to forging prosperous business relationships. Many opportunities come from being an active and engaging listener and having an open and curious mindset.

I recently ran into an old friend. We got to catching up on each others lives and she mentioned some issues she’d been running into lately with the restaurant she owns. The onset of rising ingredient costs had made it impossible for her to keep costs under control without making difficult decisions around menu prices and portion sizes. It wasn’t a sales conversation, and I certainly wasn’t looking for one. It was simply two friends talking. Yet by the end of our conversation, I realized it was a perfect example of how everyday discussions can uncover opportunities.

Reflect on your day-to-day; what interactions do you often have? Next time one arises, approach it with these tips at the forefront of your mind:

  • Be genuinely curious
    • ‘What changes have surprised you most over the last few years?’
  • Listen for challenges rather than waiting for an opportunity to sell
    • ‘What area of the business is causing the most headaches right now?’
  • Ask follow-up questions
    • ‘What have you tried so far to address the problem?’
  • Focus first on how you may be able to help
    • ‘Is there anything you’ve been wanting to look into but haven’t had the time?’
  • Stay engaged
    • “Has anything improved since you first started dealing with those challenges?’

When my friend explained the impact rising ingredient costs were having on her restaurant, I could have immediately started offering suggestions. Instead, asking a few simple questions: “What has been the biggest challenge?” and “Are there any other expenses putting pressure on the business?” would lead to a better understanding of her situation and would lead to a much more meaningful conversation.

These tips still apply in the traditional sense too; be curious, attentive and helpful when speaking to a potential prospect, during a scheduled pitch meeting or when discussing referral opportunities.

But remember that, often, the most valuable business conversations don’t feel like business conversation at all. Your next casual run-in may just lead to discovering opportunity where you least expected it.

[email protected] / August 11, 2026

Common telecom billing errors, and how to avoid them

Telecom bills have been notorious for billing errors, ever since a 2005 Gartner study revealed up to 80% of invoices contained some kind of mistake.  

Since then, better technology and automation have improved the situation, but telecom billing errors should still be taken seriously. Even today, that number is as high as 15%.  

In this article, we look at the most common telecom billing errors, and how your business can take measures to prevent losing money to them.  

How are you billed for telecom services? 

Your business’ telecom invoice is likely made up of two main components; equipment rental and usage fees. If you own all your equipment outright, then you will only need to worry about billing errors in the usage portion.  

Billing errors from the vendor.  

Many billing errors are mistakes on the vendor’s end. It’s important to scrutinize – or have a professional audit – your telecom bills for these errors. They can include: 

  • Billed for disconnected services – sometimes, after cancelling a service such as an extra phone line or data add-on, a customer may still find themselves incurring charges for the extra service they did not receive.  
  • Billed for another customer’s services – these kinds of mistakes happen and can be quite costly if not flagged. 
  • Non-recurring errors – there can be many one-time mistakes, such as incorrect service or overage charges, that are easily resolved as long as they are noticed.  
  • Tax errors – if your business operates in multiple nations, states, or regions, multiple tax laws and processes may leave you susceptible to errors you don’t understand or know to look out for.  
  • Unfulfilled credits – if you’re promised a credit or discount from an agent, it is prudent to ensure this promise has been fulfilled. 

You’re paying for the wrong plan.  

Sometimes it’s less that there is a mistake on your bill, and more that you’re continuing to pay for the wrong service for your business. This can look like: 

  • Paying for excess usage – when your plan doesn’t cover the full scope of your needs, you will end up paying costly overage fees.  
  • Paying for a plan that’s more than you need – likewise, if you are only using a fraction of your plan’s allowances each pay period, you are likely paying for a plan that is more expensive than it needs to be.  
  • One size fits all plans or bundles – some vendors only offer bundles that aren’t customizable to each customer, meaning you’re likely not paying for optimized solutions.  
  • Outdated plans – in the ever-changing, competitive world of telecom, plans and market rates change quickly, meaning the length of your contract may mean you’re paying for an out-of-date plan, and therefore, not getting fair market prices.  

What can you do to avoid overpaying? 

The best strategy to avoid overpaying for billing errors is vigilance and attention to detail.  

First, it’s important to know what you’ve agreed to pay for, so you know if you’re invoiced for a service incorrectly. This means taking the time to review your bills every payment period and asking questions about any charge you don’t recognize.  

Likewise, when it comes time to reevaluate your contract, consider shopping around. Making a change to your services can be daunting, but your business’ needs are unique, and the provider that can best accommodate that individuality will likely optimize your cost.  

If this all sounds overwhelming and time consuming, that’s because it can be. We highly recommend working alongside professionals, who have the expertise in reviewing bills and identifying errors.  

In conclusion… 

While the rate of telecom billing errors has decreased in the past twenty years, they are still prevalent enough to be concerning. However, attention to detail and proactivity can save your business significantly in the face of incorrect invoices.  

[email protected] / August 4, 2026

Why I Love My Bad Days

One month before the Rio Olympics, runner Alexi Pappas couldn’t hit her splits in practice. She was begging her watch to change its mind. Then her coach told her to take it off — and shared the best advice she’s ever received. That single piece of wisdom led her to break a national record and changed how she chases her goals, carrying her through ultramarathons, a memoir and three films. Bad days aren’t a detour, she says — they mean you’re right on track. 

[email protected] / July 28, 2026

Are you sure you’re paying a fair price for medical-grade oxygen?

Many businesses across the healthcare, veterinary, and med spa industries, among others, need medical-grade oxygen in compressed gas form to operate.  When it comes to essential expenses, it’s easy to take the number on your invoice at face value. You pay what you need to pay to keep things running. 

But how do you know you’re paying a fair price for your medical-grade oxygen? In this article, we take a look at some of the variables that might be impacting your invoices. 

A lot factors into your compressed gas bill. 

What a business or practice might be paying for compressed medical-grade oxygen is dependent on a number of different conditions. Some of those include: 

  • Your location 
  • Whether you have a set contract 
  • Whether your deliveries are scheduled 
  • Whether your delivery schedule is optimized to your usage needs 
  • Whether you own or rent your tanks 
  • Additional fees and service charges levied by your provider 

Without all these variables being considered, there’s a chance you might not be paying fair or best-in-class rates for your compressed oxygen. 

Location is everything.  

Depending on the location of your operation, the cost of medical-grade oxygen may vary. There are several reasons for this, including regional market rivalries, local laws, and delivery distances. Many of these things will ultimately be out of your control. 

Your contract determines your prices. 

A contract may protect you or it may harm you. If you’re locked in at great prices, contracts can keep your rates consistent and fair. If not? They can saddle you with inflated rates and cancellation fees if you choose to look elsewhere. Understanding your contract, if you have one, is paramount. 

Proper delivery scheduling saves you money. 

As one industry expert explains, “for some businesses, the cost of running out of oxygen is perhaps higher than any other cost. If you’re using delivered oxygen to support the life of animals (e.g. in a vet facility), or aquatic life (in a fish farm), running out unexpectedly could result in a significant financial loss.” 

Ensuring your delivery schedule matches your usage is critical. Running out of gas, as previously mentioned, is not an option. If it does happen, calling for an expedited delivery will cost you far more than a scheduled one. 

Owning vs. renting. 

There are different considerations for price with owning versus renting oxygen cylinders. On the one hand, renting comes with regular fees. On the other hand, purchasing comes with an upfront investment, as well as replacements or repair over time. Likewise, some providers will deny refill service if they deem your tanks unsafe, so maintenance is very important.  

Are you being charged additional fees? 

Some providers of medical-grade oxygen may charge additional fees as part of your invoice. Whether or not these are standard or fair depends on each scenario. Understanding these fees is important to your budget and ensuring you’re not overspending.  

In conclusion… 

Your operation depends on compressed medical-grade oxygen. But are you confident that your bills are set up in your best interest? With all the factors that comprise your invoice every pay cycle, it’s easy to lose track of what is optimal. 

[email protected] / July 21, 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 14, 2026

Inflation Is Eating Into Your Business: Here’s Where the Costs Are Rising

Inflation Is Eating Into Your Business: Here’s Where the Costs Are Rising

In the past six years since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been significant global economic uncertainty. Specifically, inflation has seen a major rise. This stagnated period initiated global supply chain disruptions and aggressive monetary tightening which created a challenging environment for businesses. 

How does inflation work? 

Inflation is “the persistent rise in the average price of goods and services over time. As general prices increase, each unit of currency buys less, which reduces your purchasing power and increases the cost of living.” According to Statistics Canada, prices have risen roughly 20% in Canada and nearly 25% in the United States since the beginning of 2020 due to cumulative inflation. 

How does this affect my business? 

 In 2026, businesses are feeling the effects of inflation from fluctuating energy prices, fuel costs, interest rate tensions, and changes in consumer spending.  

In 2026, small and medium-sized businesses are enduring a more severe impact from inflation than large corporations, primarily because they lack the scale to absorb soaring operational costs or command supply chain leverage. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reports that small business optimism has fallen to its lowest level since 2024, with inflation ranked alongside taxes as their single most pressing issue.  

Where is inflation hitting your business the hardest?  

 Across North America, most businesses are not being hit by a single cost, but by several rising together. The biggest pressure points vary somewhat by industry, but the following stand out:   

Pressure points How its affecting your business 
Labor U.S. inflation is outpacing nominal wage growth, resulting in a net decrease in real wages and purchasing power. While nominal wages and salaries grew by 3.4% annually, inflation sat at 4.2%. This shortfall means workers’ purchasing power is shrinking, though baseline pay budgets remain relatively stable at 3.5%. Despite stagnant real pay for workers, the actual cost of labor for businesses is rising.  
Gas and Fuel Gas and fuel inflation significantly increases operating costs by raising expenses associated with transportation, logistics, and daily business operations. As fuel is essential for many industries, rising prices shrink profit margins and often compel businesses to either increase the prices of their goods and services or absorb the resulting financial losses.
Utility Costs Commercial electricity and water rates have surged, with average power prices rising significantly across the U.S. and Canada. In some regions, power prices increased by more than 25% to 76% due to regional supply constraints.
Costs of Good and Materials Rising costs for goods and materials force businesses to either increase prices, which may reduce customer demand, or absorb the extra costs, lowering profit margins. This can strain cash flow, reduce opportunities to invest in business growth, and make long-term planning more challenging.
Rent inflation Rent and leasing increases raises fixed operating costs for businesses. As an unavoidable expense with no direct return on investment, increasing rent reduces profit margins, limits cash flow for growth and hiring, and can lead to downsizing.

How businesses reduce costs during inflation? 

Although businesses cannot control inflation, they can implement practical strategies to minimize its effects and maintain profitability. By carefully managing operations and financial planning, companies can better navigate the challenges associated with periods of high inflation. 

Lowering Utility Costs: Utilities are often one area most owners don’t even realize they are losing money. Energy, gas, waste, heating/cooling, and other operational audits can significantly help businesses identify where they are losing money. For example, small errors with natural gas metering could be costing your business money in ways that you never realized. If after a meter is installed and running, the utility doesn’t perform regular checks to ensure it doesn’t drift out of calibration. Over time, it’s natural for certain components to shift or wear down, but this can lead to inaccurate readings and therefore lead you to paying more for the gas bill each month.  

Cost reduction consultancy: One of the most strategic ways businesses can counteract the effects of inflation is through cost reduction consultancy. https://www.schooleymitchell.com/what-we-do/Cost reduction consultancy can help businesses by: 

  • Identifying overcharges, billing errors, and duplicate services.  
  • Finding lower-cost providers or negotiating better rates.  
  • Eliminating unnecessary or underused services.  
  • Optimizing recurring expenses such as telecom, shipping, waste, merchant services, utilities, and software.  
  • Improving cash flow by lowering monthly operating costs.  
  • Helping businesses maintain profitability during periods of rising prices and inflation. 

Combating Rent Inflation: To manage rising rental costs, small businesses can negotiate long-term leases with fixed rental rates, sublease unused space, or relocate to more affordable locations. Negotiating rent prices with landlords is the most effective way for businesses to manage rising rent prices. In many cases, receiving lower rent from a reliable tenant is preferable to leaving a property vacant. Businesses can improve their chances of securing a rent reduction by following these strategies: 

  • Research market rates: Compare commercial rental prices in your area to determine whether your current rent is competitive. Having this information will strengthen your position during negotiations. 
  • Know your options: Enter negotiations with alternative locations or solutions in mind. Demonstrating that you are prepared to relocate, if necessary, can provide additional bargaining power. 
  • Be realistic and collaborative: Recognize that landlords may also be facing financial pressures. Aim for a fair agreement that benefits both parties, rather than expecting substantial rent reductions. 

In conclusion, while inflation continues to challenge businesses by increasing expenses and putting pressure on profitability, rising costs do not have to determine a company’s future. Small changes such as identifying hidden costs, improving efficiency, and negotiating better terms can have a meaningful impact on reducing operational costs.  

[email protected] / June 30, 2026

Could dynamic prices change your shipping bills?

If your business has been utilizing shipping services for years, you’ll know it’s been the industry norm to experience static periodic rate adjustments. These rate adjustments could make it difficult to keep on top of your expenses, as what you were paying at the beginning of the year could completely change by the end. 

A new challenge business owners might face lies in how shipping providers could be changing their pricing strategies to include dynamic pricing. Major carriers across North America are gravitating towards this model, which could have a lasting impact on their clients. In this article, we take a look at what that means and what you might be able to expect. 

What is dynamic pricing? 

Dynamic pricing is a structure by which rates continuously change based on variables such as demand, capacity, and more. You might be familiar with this structure if you’ve ever shopped for flights, hotel rooms, taken an Uber, or even ordered something on Amazon.  

What impacts dynamic pricing for small package and parcel shipping? 

There are a lot of variables that can change shipping rates under a dynamic pricing model. Some of the most important factors include: 

  • Real-time data on variables like: 
    • Available truck capacity 
    • Lane demand 
    • Distance 
    • Fuel costs 
    • Seasonal factors 
  • AI-suggested rates based on detected market patterns 

What does this mean for your business shipping services? 

No matter the size of your operation, dynamic pricing could potentially impact your prices significantly. At a minimum, it can make it harder to plan and budget for shipping as tightly as you might want. For businesses already struggling to meet consumer demands for fast, free shipping, this could become increasingly complicated.  

Experts at Harvard Business Review warn dynamic pricing for parcel shipping “could pose serious margin risks” to some businesses.  

“These evolutions will impact everyone in the supply chain, including consumers who will feel the shift through reduced free shipping, larger order minimums, slower deliveries, and higher prices. And this isn’t just an e-commerce issue. Pharma, telecom, auto parts, industrials: anyone who moves high volumes of parcels is exposed.” 

With dynamic pricing potentially resulting in pricing changes as often as several times a day, it’s more imperative than ever that businesses stay on top of their shipping expenses and contracts.  

[email protected] / June 29, 2026

Volunteering in Support of The Children’s Center Utah

Lisa recently volunteered at the Shine Gala, hosted at the Salt Lake Country Club. This was a fundraiser for the Children’s Center Utah, a mental healthcare facility for children under seven and their families who have been affected by a traumatic event. The service is provided to families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford this support. Following the event, the Shine Gala officially announced a total donation total of $1,100,000!

Lisa helped welcome and check guests in, and checked out auction items. She also visited the Children’s Center itself, and was extremely impressed by its positive environment, organization, and the care of the staff and team involved. Lisa is proud to have played a part in such a successful fundraiser, in support of such a good cause!

       

Stacey Shackleton / June 18, 2026

Schooley Mitchell Helps Businesses Unlock Significant FICA Tax Savings-Salt Lake City, UT

The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) is a mandatory federal payroll tax that is deducted from each paycheck, but did you know you might be overspending on those taxes? Schooley Mitchell is now helping organizations reduce their payroll expenses through FICA tax related savings programs, and at the same time improve employee retention and benefit plans.
Through these programs, Schooley Mitchell is able to save businesses an average of $575 per employee, per year – perpetually.
Schooley Mitchell is the largest independent cost reduction consulting firm in North America, with offices from coast-to-coast in the U.S. and Canada. For additional information about Schooley Mitchell’s services, visit www.schooleymitchell.com/lmillar.

For more information about how Schooley Mitchell can help save you money on your FICA payroll taxes, contact Lisa Millar at [email protected].