Key Takeaways 

• Homeowners are more informed than ever thanks to open-access information online—even from manufacturers.

• As a trade professional, it’s your duty to be more knowledgeable than your customers about the products you install, service, and sell.

• Your credibility is on the line—some homeowners will test your expertise. Be ready.

• Continuous learning is non-negotiable. Stay sharp through trade shows, distributors, podcasts, online resources, and peer conversations.

• Your personal and company brand matters. The knowledge you carry reflects your professionalism and value in the field.

 

 

With large amounts of information at our finger tips, and easier to obtain faster than ever, and we could find ourselves walking into the lions den if we are not careful. It is very easy for a home-owner to gather information or knowledge of HVAC. There are plenty of websites, even at the manufactures level, that do not require an account or password to gain access to said information. To this I say, prepare yourself for battle, for this is one you can not afford to lose.

 

As a Trade Professional, it is YOUR DUTY to be more knowledgeable about the product you are installing, servicing or even selling than the end user. It can be and will be quite embarrassing if you are not. Now, most home owners may not test your knowledge, because at some point you've already gained their trust (but don't stop there). However, we all know, there are some who will interrogate you as if you're on trial. These are the moments you should be prepared for. 

 

There's an old saying, "if you cant dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with your.....". This used to be a bit easier back in the day, and you can't afford now a days to take that chance. 

 

Make sure you stay on your A game, continue your education in the trade in anyway that you can and never stop learning! There are plenty of credible sources out there that can provide this for us, distributors, trade shows, competitions, podcasts, online magazines, vocational schools ect. Get involved, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The more you learn, the more valuable you can make yourself. 

 

Keep in mind that the most important brand, is YOUR brand, as a technician and as a company.