Ever wonder what goes into the high-quality video content that earned SAGE a spot on the prestigious 2025 PPAI Online 18 list? In this episode of the Promo Perspectives Podcast, we're pulling back the curtain on the process and workflow of video production with SAGE's talented producer, Lafonso Brown!

Following up on our previous discussion about videography philosophies, Lafonso dives deep into the nitty-gritty of creating impactful promotional videos. He shares invaluable insights into:

• Pre-production secrets: From brainstorming unique concepts (like our "Email Campaigns" skit!) and meticulous scriptwriting to detailed storyboarding and shot lists – discover how rigorous planning saves time and elevates your final product.
• Production challenges and solutions: Learn about lighting techniques, audio recording strategies (including double-system sound!), and how to navigate on-location shoots, whether it's a fictional narrative or a fast-paced event like Expo.
• Post-production magic: Lafonso reveals the software (Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition) and workflow behind transforming raw footage into polished, engaging content, even for animated software demos.

Whether you're a distributor looking to enhance your client presentations or a supplier aiming to showcase your products, understanding the dedication behind professional video production can revolutionize your approach. Lafonso emphasizes that while the tools might vary, the importance of a well-defined process is universal for telling a truly good story.

SAGE recently secured the #1 spot on the PPAI Online 18 for our outstanding social media performance, and a big reason for that success is our video content! In this episode, Lafonso shares his incredible journey into video production and dives into fundamental principles that will help promotional product suppliers and distributors create compelling visuals, even on a budget.

In this episode, you'll learn:

The Power of Storytelling: How understanding narrative in other media (like books and movies) can inform your video production, and how to evoke emotions without saying a word. Essential Video Production Rules: Lafonso breaks down key principles like white balance, focus, headroom, and look room – and when it's okay to break them for creative effect! Budget-Friendly Equipment: Get practical recommendations for building an affordable video kit using your smartphone, tripods, microphones, and lighting. Stepping Up Your Game: Advice on moving beyond basic smartphone setups with DSLR cameras and more advanced lighting. The Importance of Subtlety: Why the best video production is often invisible, drawing viewers into your story without them even realizing the techniques at play.

Whether you're a distributor looking to showcase products or a supplier aiming to reach more industry professionals, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow your business through impactful video.

On this episode, Anne-Marie Bolton, SAGE's Senior Social Media Coordinator, shares the secrets behind SAGE's #1 ranking in the PPAI Online 18, highlighting their successful content mix and engagement tactics. Learn about SAGE's four content pillars – Cultivation, Celebration, Education, and Innovation – and how they guide their award-winning social media presence.

This episode covers:

• Developing a strategic social media plan with clear goals.
• Tailoring content for different platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram.
• Determining optimal posting frequency and consistency.
• Tips for suppliers and distributors to showcase products and build brand authority.
• Leveraging user-generated content and industry collaborations.
• The importance of brand guidelines and utilizing tools like Canva.

Whether you're a small business or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your social media game.

In this episode, the final installment of our series on fulfillment, we are joined by a special guest from the supplier side: Nick Marconi, Inside Sales Account Executive at S&S Activewear, now combined with AlphaBroder!

Get an exclusive look into the massive operation behind one of the industry's largest apparel suppliers. Nick shares insights on how S&S and AlphaBroder operate as a "house of brands," managing over 130 different brands, the logistics of their extensive warehousing and fulfillment network across 15 locations, and details on their Contract Decorator Network (CDN) program.

Plus, Nick shares tips and advice for distributors on streamlining their fulfillment process by leveraging supplier programs and offering variety, and why getting samples is crucial for distributor success and client satisfaction.

Whether you're a distributor looking to optimize your operations or a decorator interested in partnering with a major supplier, this episode is packed with valuable information!

In this episode, hosts Gabe Gotay and Patrick Harvot continue their deep dive into fulfillment, joined by special guest Jack Meese, Sales Manager at Print One Inc. Discover how Jack revolutionized his fulfillment process by transitioning from cumbersome spreadsheets to efficient SAGE Stores.

Tune in to learn about:

The "aha!" moment: Why SAGE Stores were a no-brainer for Print One and their clients.

Real-world applications: How Jack uses short-term online stores for universities, corporate programs, and special events.

The power of communication: Strategies for keeping clients informed and engaged before, during, and after a store launch.

Smart inventory management: Jack explains his two primary methods for handling inventory – producing after store closure vs. fulfilling from pre-ordered stock.

Crucial advice: Why ordering 5-10% extra can be a lifesaver and how to manage those extra items.

Shipping simplified: How Print One handles shipping for bulk orders versus individual drop-shipments using SAGE's integrated tools.

Becoming a consultant: How to leverage technology to focus on client relationships and account growth.

If you're looking for actionable tips to streamline your order fulfillment, manage client expectations, and make your promotional products business more efficient, this episode is packed with insights from a distributor who's been there and done that!

In this third episode of our series on fulfillment, hosts Gabe Gotay and Patrick Harvot are joined by special guests Jill Houston and Michael Barber from Corporate Pride.

Get a real-world look at how a successful distributorship sets up and manages company stores and tackles fulfillment challenges. Jill and Michael share: 👕 An in-depth example of a new-hire apparel store, including budget codes and order processing.

💡 How using a demo store can be a powerful sales tool.

👩‍💻 Their transition from order takers to consultants using stores and showrooms.

📦 Their current fulfillment process and the potential for leveraging 3PLs.

⏱️ The importance of setting clear customer expectations on timelines.

✅ How customer needs influence product choices and fulfillment strategies.

🔑 Why the SAGE professional site tier is a game-changer for showrooms!

Whether you're already running company stores or considering offering them, this episode is packed with actionable insights directly from experienced distributors. Don't miss Jill and Michael's valuable perspectives on making company stores and fulfillment a profitable part of your promo business! Subscribe to Promo Perspectives for more tips, tricks, and industry insights every week!

Following up on the main episode's discussion, Gabe and Patrick tackle the crucial topic of inventory management. They break down the pros and cons of holding inventory versus not holding it, discuss the impact of order minimums, and explore when and why you might consider working with a third-party logistics (3PL) warehousing company.

Then, they clarify the differences and similarities between SAGE Showrooms and SAGE Stores. Understand which platform is best suited for different client needs and discover how a showroom can even evolve into a full-fledged store. Get practical examples of when to use each and learn how to leverage these SAGE tools to streamline your business and enhance client relationships.

Stay tuned for even more "Promo Perspectives" on fulfillment! In upcoming episodes, we'll be bringing you insights directly from distributors and a supplier in the promotional products space. Don't miss out on getting the full spectrum of perspectives!

Join SAGE's Gabe Gotay and Patrick Harvot as they kick off a multi-part series on mastering order fulfillment for your promotional products business. In this introductory episode of Promo Perspectives, learn the crucial first steps: gathering customer requirements, identifying pain points, and understanding different store setup options. Discover how to create efficient online ordering platforms that save you and your clients time and money. Subscribe for more in-depth episodes with distributor and supplier guests!