What Business Owners Get Wrong About Branding & Marketing | Interview with Joshua Hays

Description:In this episode of Let’s Bee Real, Bee Powell sits down with Joshua Hays, founder of New York Ave, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in business: the REAL difference between branding, marketing, and advertising—and why most business owners get it wrong.Joshua shares his journey from childhood entrepreneur to leading one of Central Florida’s most respected marketing agencies. Together, Bee and Joshua dive into branding values, community impact, AI’s disruption of the marketing industry, and how small businesses can stay connected to their audience in a noisy digital world.If you're a business owner, marketer, entrepreneur, or local community leader, this conversation is full of practical insights on brand identity, strategy, consistency, and the future of digital marketing.🔍 Topics Covered✅ Branding vs. marketing vs. advertising✅ Why core values matter more than logos✅ The biggest marketing mistakes business owners make✅ How AI is transforming the marketing world✅ Staying creative and inspired in a changing industry✅ Why local businesses fuel local communities✅ How consistency builds customer connection✅ Real-world brand success examples⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Favorite colors banter00:15 – Welcome to Let’s Bee Real00:22 – Introduction of guest Joshua Hays00:48 – Josh’s background in entrepreneurship & marketing01:50 – Why Josh loves building teams02:51 – Childhood inspirations + core values03:45 – Integrity in marketing04:29 – Branding vs. marketing vs. advertising explained06:17 – Real estate branding and the meaning behind colors07:07 – Bee’s yellow brand identity07:48 – Color psychology + brand meaning08:56 – Biggest marketing mistakes business owners make10:12 – Why business owners spread themselves too thin11:03 – What brand success really looks like12:27 – Building authentic connection with your audience13:35 – Staying consistent in a noisy digital world14:17 – The rapid evolution of tech + AI15:22 – How Josh uses AI for strategy & creativity16:10 – What keeps Josh creative17:59 – Supporting the local community through local business19:16 – Why “shop local” matters20:11 – Local branding vs national brands21:11 – Lightning round: fun questions22:13 – Favorite candy bar (and a surprise!)22:29 – Marketing pet peeves22:56 – Dream home vibes23:25 – The billboard question23:54 – What business owners misunderstand about branding24:19 – Finish the sentence: “The best marketing is…”24:36 – Closing thoughts with Bee Powell