Turn up the volume and get ready to rock with this episode of Promo Perspectives! We’re continuing our series on band merch and bringing you a conversation with Angelica and Caleb from Merch Media.

Angelica and Caleb are music lovers at heart, and they've turned that passion into a business that helps independent artists create awesome promotional products. You'll hear about their own love for music, from the iconic concert experiences that shaped them to the artists that inspire them every day.

We dive deep into the world of band merchandise, covering topics like:

• The difference between official and "unofficial" merch.

• How to get creative and stand out in the music market.

• Why band merch is a vital source of income for artists.

• The importance of online stores and other emerging tech like NFC chips.

• The value of networking and building connections within the music community.

Whether you're a supplier, distributor, or a fan who wants to support your favorite artists, this episode is packed with great tips and insights.

On this episode of the Promo Perspectives podcast, we dive into the world of band merchandise from the distributor's point of view. We're joined by Adrian and Shadow from Seven Sins Printing and Embroidery, a company dedicated to helping artists translate their visual identity into profitable merch.

Adrian and Shadow share their story of how they immersed themselves in the Texas music scene and the unique challenges and triumphs of working with bands. They discuss the importance of understanding different music genres' preferences, from the types of garments to specific artwork styles. They also reveal the secrets behind their success, including their commitment to fair pricing, lightning-fast communication, and building strong, lasting relationships with their clients.

Whether you're a distributor looking to break into the band merch market or a supplier wanting to understand this niche better, Adrian and Shadow offer invaluable insights and practical advice. They touch on everything from navigating the unpredictability of tour life to the power of word-of-mouth marketing within the music community.

Episode Highlights:

• The Nuances of Merch: Discover how different music genres, from death metal to alternative, have distinct preferences for apparel types, artwork sizing, and even colors.

• The Power of Connection: Learn why communication and building a relationship with your clients are just as important as the quality of your product.

• Beyond the T-Shirt: Adrian and Shadow discuss the deeper meaning of band merch as a "badge of honor" and a conversation starter, fostering a sense of community among fans.

Don't miss this insightful conversation with two passionate professionals who are making a real impact in the music industry.

The live entertainment industry is booming, and promotional products distributors have a massive opportunity to profit from this growth. In this episode of Promo Perspectives, we take a deep dive into the $14 billion band merchandise industry.

Hosted by SAGE's Gabe Gotay, a musician himself, this podcast explores the history of band merch, from Elvis Presley's "I Love Elvis" buttons to the Grateful Dead's iconic t-shirts and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. We break down the stats and explore why band merchandise is not just a side hustle, but a crucial revenue stream for artists.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The numbers: The band merch industry is projected to reach over $16 billion by 2030. Learn which genres and products are driving the most sales.

• The history: We trace the evolution of band merch, from early pioneers like Elvis and the Beatles to modern-day icons and the rise of the t-shirt as a cultural canvas.

• The strategy: Discover how to find and connect with independent artists and mid-tier touring acts—the ideal clients for distributors. We'll also cover common pain points and how you can position yourself as a valuable partner.

This is the first episode in a series all about the music merch market. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where we'll hear from distributors and musicians themselves!

In this episode, we continue our series on decoration methods, focusing on insights from the supplier decorator side. Our guest is Jenna Sackett, Brand Engagement Manager at Stahls.

Jenna shares how Stahls' educates the industry on best practices for various heat transfer methods, from foundational techniques to cutting-edge innovations like UltraColor Max and specialty finishes. Discover how understanding these methods can help you educate your customers, secure repeat business, and become a trusted consultant. She also touches on the importance of quality materials for your reputation and the exciting future of on-demand and small-batch production in the promotional products industry.

What you'll learn:

• Stahls unique approach to educating decorators and distributors.
• An overview of popular heat transfer methods and their best use cases.
• The importance of quality and how it impacts your business and client relationships.
• Insights into the rise of on-demand and small-batch production.
• Tips for becoming a guide, not just a seller, to your clients.

Join SAGE for an insightful episode of Promo Perspectives as we dive deep into the world of promotional product decoration! This episode offers a comprehensive look at popular techniques like embroidery, screen printing, heat transfer, laser engraving, and embossing/debossing, breaking down their pros, cons, and best uses.

Independent distributor Ryan Feigenblatt of The Boca Ratonian shares his invaluable expertise, revealing how he navigates client conversations, simplifies complex methods with relatable analogies, and ensures successful projects. Ryan also discusses the nuances of new innovations like DTF (Direct to Film) and the critical role of supplier relationships and continuous education.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the industry, gain practical tips to confidently discuss decoration options and elevate your promotional product game! Check out the SAGE Decoration Guide for more in-depth knowledge.

In this episode of the Promo Perspectives podcast, join us and special guest Jeremy Rossbach as we dive deep into the heart of marketing: passion and creativity. Jeremy, a seasoned tech professional who transitioned back to his marketing roots, shares his unique journey, from running data centers to becoming a passionate advocate for network observability and even a podcaster.

Discover how Jeremy channels his marketing energy into meaningful endeavors, including his own podcast, "NetOps Expert," and pro bono work for a non-profit empowering underserved youth through tennis. This episode explores the vital connection between personal values, creative pursuits, and effective marketing. We also discuss how diverse creative talents within a marketing team, from authors and graphic designers to musicians, contribute to truly collaborative and impactful work. We also touch on the delicate balance of receiving and giving constructive criticism in the creative process.

In this episode, we're joined by SAGE's Vice President of Marketing, Billie Forman, to dive into the world of marketing with a large team. This episode serves as a powerful counterpoint to our recent discussion on marketing with a small, limited team.

Billie, with 18 years of experience at SAGE and a deep understanding of the promo industry, shares invaluable insights on:

• The advantages of a diverse, specialized marketing team: Discover how having in-house experts like copywriters, graphic designers, and video producers can lead to greater efficiency, higher quality work, and a deeper understanding of your brand.

• Real-world examples of successful large-team initiatives: Learn how SAGE leverages its diverse team for major projects like the Promo Perspectives podcast itself and the industry's "Super Bowl," PPAI Expo.

• Overcoming the complexities of managing a large, diverse team: Billie discusses strategies for fostering communication, collaboration, and prioritizing projects, especially in a hybrid work environment.

• Fostering individual growth: Get tips on how to empower team members, provide transparency for career advancement, and trust your specialists to excel.

• Scaling a marketing team: Billie offers practical advice on identifying skill gaps, justifying new hires, and deciding whether to bring on a generalist or a specialist.

• The role of AI in modern marketing: Explore how SAGE's team is currently utilizing AI for tasks like image generation, voiceovers, content polishing, and strategic assistance.

Whether you're looking to grow your marketing department or optimize your current large team, this episode is packed with actionable advice from an industry expert!

In this episode of Promo Perspectives, we're joined by his friend William Rubsamen of Whirlix Design to discuss marketing strategies for small businesses with limited marketing teams. Many distributors in the promotional products industry operate with small teams, often with owners or their family members handling marketing efforts. This episode aims to provide practical tips, tricks, and insights to help these businesses thrive.

Gabe and William dive into the realities of wearing many hats in a small marketing department, covering topics like:

Setting Goals: The importance of defining clear, SMART goals to guide your marketing efforts and ensure your content is impactful.

Choosing Channels: How to identify the most effective marketing channels for your specific business, with a special focus on the power of video content.

Leveraging AI: A deep dive into how artificial intelligence tools can save time and enhance various aspects of the marketing process, from planning to content creation.

Competitive Analysis: Understanding what competitors are doing, even with limited resources, using free and affordable tools.

Budget-Friendly Tools: Practical advice on utilizing free or low-cost marketing tools like Canva and Hootsuite, to maximize impact without breaking the bank.

Whether you're a seasoned marketer in a small business or just starting to build your marketing presence, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you make the most of your resources and achieve your business goals.