S13 E9: Smells Like Money Podcast: In a Room Full of Apples, You Need to Be the Banana

In this final installment of a 3-part series, Suzan Chin-Taylor sits down once again with Jeff Jones to explore a topic that’s near and dear to every business owner’s heart: branding and differentiation. With the digital landscape evolving faster than ever—especially with the rise of AI—Jeff and Suzan discuss how skilled trades businesses can stand out in increasingly competitive markets and prepare for the next shift in search, marketing, and consumer trust.

Host: Suzan Chin-Taylor | Guest: Jeff Jones

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Key Discussion Points:

Why branding and differentiation are essential in a crowded trades market
The future of online search and the shift from traditional Google results to AI-driven answers
How AI is changing the game for marketing, content creation, and customer communication
The importance of developing trust and leveraging real customer testimonials
Powerful differentiators that build trust and set you apart from competitors
The impact of community involvement and authenticity in building a local brand
Actionable tips for using reviews, QR codes, and staff incentives to drive referrals

💡 Memorable Quotes:

“People don’t buy what you do—they buy why you do it.
“Referrals are four times more likely to convert than a cold call.”
“Customer service is not a differentiator unless you define what it means and how it impacts your clients.”

Contact Information:

Jeff Jones, Director of Sales and Marketing, The Oland

Websites: violand.com

Email: jjones@violand.com

Conclusion:

As AI transforms how customers search, evaluate, and choose service providers, standing out in the skilled trades industry requires more than just great work—it demands clear, authentic branding and meaningful differentiation. Jeff Jones reminds us that trust is now the true currency in digital marketing, and success lies in connecting your values with your community and customers in memorable ways.

Whether it’s through compelling testimonials, unique guarantees, or consistent customer experience, your brand story is what sets you apart. Embrace the tools of today, ask the right questions, and be bold in how you present your business—because those who innovate and lead with purpose will thrive in the evolving digital landscape.

Ready to level up your brand? Start by defining your “why”—and then go out and live it.

💡 Until next time—keep innovating, stay strategic, and keep it flowing! 🚀

Subscribe and Follow:

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Smells Like Money Podcast for more insights and innovations in the wastewater industry. Follow us on creativeraven.com/podcast-episodes for updates and more episodes.

I hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.

Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!

Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast:

Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/

Email: raven@creativeraven.com

Telephone: +1 760-217-8010

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https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/

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https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/