EPISODE 11| 4.24.2025

Search, Trust, Hire: Fixing the Broken Way We Choose Business Partners

In this episode of Strategic Thinkers, Sean Atkinson sits down with SEO and digital trust strategist Wendell Jordan for a brutally honest conversation about how small businesses make hiring decisions—and why so many of them go wrong.

They explore the hidden pitfalls of vendor selection, the illusion of “top search results,” and why trust signals must go beyond visibility. From proximity-based search confusion to smart outsourcing strategies, this episode is packed with insight for business owners looking to grow without getting burned.

Whether you’re building your brand or bringing in help, this is a masterclass in protecting your business from costly mistakes.

Takeaways:● Building an online presence is crucial for small business owners.● Trust is earned through transparency and effective communication.● Customization of services is key to meeting client needs.● Collaboration with other experts can enhance service delivery.● Avoiding cookie-cutter solutions is essential for client satisfaction.● Understanding the client's journey helps in building trust.● Mistakes in outsourcing can lead to significant setbacks.● Evaluating SEO providers requires careful consideration of their methods.● Search engine results can be misleading without proper evaluation.● Proximity and search history affect search engine results. Using a private browser can help assess your online visibility.● One keyword does not define your entire SEO campaign.● Paid ads can create a false sense of ranking.● Organic search is crucial for long-term visibility.● Understanding your local market is essential for SEO success.● Client success stories illustrate the impact of effective SEO.● Proximity plays a significant role in search results.● Feedback from customers can guide your marketing strategy.● Don't rely solely on paid ads for visibility.● Future learning opportunities are available through workshops

Chapters00:00
Introduction to Strategic Thinking
03:07
Building Online Presence and Trust
05:46
Client Relationships and Customization
09:08
The Importance of Collaboration
12:02
Learning from Mistakes and Trust Issues
15:03
Evaluating SEO Providers
17:52
Understanding Search Engine Results
21:11
The Role of Trust in Business Relationships
27:08
Understanding Online Privacy and Search Visibility
30:05
The Importance of Organic Search vs Paid Ads
36:22
Client Success Stories and Their Impact
46:00
Navigating Business Names and Local SEO
51:09
Future Collaborations and Learning Opportunities