<p>In this episode of Beyond the Swag, Kevin sits down with Diane Meier of Meier NYC — a branding strategist who has worked with iconic names like Gucci, Rolex, Bergdorf Goodman, and De Beers — to unpack a hard truth most companies miss:<br /></p><p>Branding isn’t your logo.<br /></p><p>And swag isn’t the problem. Strategy is.<br /></p><p>Diane shares how merchandise becomes powerful when it’s used to shift positioning, solve real customer challenges, and reinforce how a company behaves in the world. From reusable bags made out of recycled bottles to jar-return programs that drove repeat traffic, this conversation proves that physical brand touchpoints can do far more than hand out impressions — they can drive perception, retention, and long-term loyalty.<br /></p><p>You’ll hear why copying competitors kills growth, how cheap promo quietly damages trust, and why the real opportunity lies in solving problems instead of filling boxes.<br /></p><p>If you’ve ever thought swag was just a line item expense, this episode will challenge that thinking.</p><p>Merch isn’t about volume.<br /></p><p>It’s about intention.<br /></p><p>And when done right, merch is media.</p>