By Joe Apfelbaum, EO New York member and CEO of Ajax Union

Nothing is worse than standing in front of a group of your peers and not feeling confident. Well, maybe one thing is worse—the sound of someone snoring during your first public-speaking event!

When Google approached me to lead seminars on their behalf, I happily agreed to become the only certified Google Trainer in New York City, because I would be teaching the masses what I was already teaching successful business owners and entrepreneurs one on one. During my first seminar, I recall using the word “basically” one too many times and pacing in front of my audience. Although people appreciated my passion and knowledge, I cringed just thinking about the next time I’d have to do this. I was exhausted from anxiety and overwhelmed by dread. (more…)