The Dynamics of Swag: Inside the Promotional Merchandise Industry with Jay Sapovits on Resilience Unravelled

In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, host Russell Thackeray interviews Jay Sapovits, founder of Ink’d Stores, a promotional marketing firm based in Boston. Jay discusses the intricacies of the merch and swag industry, providing insights into B2B promotional products, ROI tracking, and the cultural phenomenon of branded merchandise in the U.S. He contrasts the U.S. market with the UK, explaining how cultural differences impact the merch culture. Jay also delves into his business philosophy, emphasizing a personalized, human-centric approach over an automated one. He shares his perspective on resilience, the impact of technology, and the importance of taking consistent, focused action against self-doubt and distractions. 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Jay's Background and Business Overview 02:47 Understanding Swag and Merchandising 03:39 Market Dynamics and Business Strategy 06:26 Cultural Differences in Swag 11:56 Technological Integration and Human Touch 18:22 Challenges with Customer Service Automation 19:55 Manufacturing and Production Control 20:42 Understanding Audience for Effective Gifting 21:35 Tracking ROI on Promotional Giveaways 23:38 The Importance of Data in Marketing 25:24 Creative and Cost-Effective Marketing Strategies 27:18 Building Business Resilience 29:50 Personal Growth and Overcoming Mental Barriers 33:59 Final Thoughts and Contact Information You can contact us at info@qedod.com Resources can be found online or link to our website https://resilienceunravelled.com #resilience, #burnout, #intuition