Listen "From 495 No’s to Zappos: Cold Calling, Grit, and Smarter Merch Ops with Ethan Dowie"
Episode Synopsis
On this BizBlend episode, host Sana digs into the real story behind “call 496.” After 495 rejections, entrepreneur Ethan Dowie landed Zappos as Indigo Promotions’ first major client—then parlayed that momentum into work with brands like MGM Resorts, Bloomberg, and MAC Cosmetics. We unpack what it actually takes to keep dialing, how to turn frustration with late shipments and bland swag into a tighter operations stack, and where persistence can tip into stubbornness. Clean, direct talk on B2B sales, cold calling, branded merchandise logistics, multi-item dropship complexity, and founder readiness when big names say yes. If you’re building pipeline, scaling fulfillment, or rethinking your merch program, this conversation gives you practical, repeatable moves you can use today.
About the Guest:
Ethan Dowie is the founder of Indigo Promotions, a branded merchandise partner known for quality, speed, and execution across complex, multi-touch projects. He’s a builder who still picks up the phone, tests messaging in the wild, and keeps clients for the long haul.
Key Takeaways:
Cold calling still works when you lead with relevance. Ethan learned the message by making the calls; the script emerged from reps, not theory.
Do things that don’t scale at the start. Early, focused outreach accelerates learning loops and reveals what prospects actually need.
Complex merch needs real ops. Multi-item kits, mixed packaging rules, and global dropships demand process discipline, not just design flair.
Winning a big logo is step one; keeping it requires craft. Product/service quality must justify the seat at the table—name-dropping isn’t a strategy.
Persistence vs. stubbornness. Keep going, but keep learning; iterate your pitch, target accounts precisely, and know when to switch lanes.
Be realistic about readiness. Landing a major brand too early can expose gaps; build skills and systems so you can deliver under pressure.
Mindset that lasts. Don’t take rejection personally; treat it as data and refine the next call, email, or offer.
Leverage momentum. One flagship client can unlock rooms you couldn’t access before—if your delivery is airtight.
Connect with the Guest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethandowie
Message with the text “brand consultant” to request a quick brand/merch assessment and a call.
Want to be a guest on BizBlend? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch
DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik
Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.
Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:
• Mental Health & Emotional Well-being
• Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth
• Holistic Healing & Conscious Living
• Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment
With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.
👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.
Contact
💼 Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™
📧 Email: www.healthymindbyavik.com
📍 Based in: India & USA
🎙️ Open to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let's connect to create a ripple effect of positivity.
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Because every story matters and yours could be the one that lights the way!
#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #HealthyMindByAvik #MentalHealthAwareness
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About the Guest:
Ethan Dowie is the founder of Indigo Promotions, a branded merchandise partner known for quality, speed, and execution across complex, multi-touch projects. He’s a builder who still picks up the phone, tests messaging in the wild, and keeps clients for the long haul.
Key Takeaways:
Cold calling still works when you lead with relevance. Ethan learned the message by making the calls; the script emerged from reps, not theory.
Do things that don’t scale at the start. Early, focused outreach accelerates learning loops and reveals what prospects actually need.
Complex merch needs real ops. Multi-item kits, mixed packaging rules, and global dropships demand process discipline, not just design flair.
Winning a big logo is step one; keeping it requires craft. Product/service quality must justify the seat at the table—name-dropping isn’t a strategy.
Persistence vs. stubbornness. Keep going, but keep learning; iterate your pitch, target accounts precisely, and know when to switch lanes.
Be realistic about readiness. Landing a major brand too early can expose gaps; build skills and systems so you can deliver under pressure.
Mindset that lasts. Don’t take rejection personally; treat it as data and refine the next call, email, or offer.
Leverage momentum. One flagship client can unlock rooms you couldn’t access before—if your delivery is airtight.
Connect with the Guest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethandowie
Message with the text “brand consultant” to request a quick brand/merch assessment and a call.
Want to be a guest on BizBlend? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch
DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik
Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.
Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:
• Mental Health & Emotional Well-being
• Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth
• Holistic Healing & Conscious Living
• Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment
With over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.
👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.
Contact
💼 Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™
📧 Email: www.healthymindbyavik.com
📍 Based in: India & USA
🎙️ Open to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let's connect to create a ripple effect of positivity.
CHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:
🎧 Listen our 17 Podcast Shows Here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik
🤝 Be a guest on our other shows: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/beaguest
🤝 Video Testimonial: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/testimonials
🤝 Join Our Guest & Listener Community: https://nas.io/healthymind
🤝 Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/
OUR SERVICES
🤝 Business Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/corporatepodcasting/
🤝 Individual Podcast Management - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/Podcasting/
🤝 Share Your Story With World - https://ourofferings.healthymindbyavik.com/shareyourstory
STAY TUNED AND FOLLOW US!
🤝 Medium - https://medium.com/@contentbyavik
🤝 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymindbyavik
🤝 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod/
🤝 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind
🤝 Linkedin Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthymindbyavik
🤝 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster/
🤝 Twitter - https://twitter.com/podhealthclub
🤝 Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/Avikpodhealth/
SHARE YOUR REVIEW
🤝 Share your Google Review - https://www.podpage.com/bizblend/reviews/new/
🤝 Share a video Testimonial and it will be displayed on our website -https://famewall.healthymindbyavik.com/
Because every story matters and yours could be the one that lights the way!
#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #HealthyMindByAvik #MentalHealthAwareness
#comedypodcast #truecrimepodcast #historypodcast, #startupspodcast #podcasthost #podcasttips, #podcaststudio #podcastseries #podcastformentalhealth #podcastforentrepreneurs, #podcastformoms #femalepodcasters, #podcastcommunity #podcastgoals #podcastrecommendations #bestpodcast, #podcastlovers, #podcastersofinstagram #newpodcastalert #podcast #podcasting #podcastlife #podcasts #spotifypodcast #applepodcasts #podbean #podcastcommunity #podcastgoals #bestpodcast #podcastlovers #podcasthost #podcastseries #podcastforspeakers
#StorytellingAsMedicine #PodcastLife #PersonalDevelopment #ConsciousLiving #GrowthMindset #MindfulnessMatters #VoicesOfUnity #InspirationDaily #podcast #podcasting #podcaster #podcastlife #podcastlove #podcastshow #podcastcommunity #newpodcast #podcastaddict #podcasthost #podcastepisode #podcastinglife #podrecommendation #wellnesspodcast #healthpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #wellbeing #selfcare #mentalhealth #mindfulness #healthandwellness #wellnessjourney #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #healthandwellnesspodcast #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #viral #trending #tiktok #tiktokviral #explore #trendingvideo #youtube #motivation #inspiration #positivity #mindset #selflove #success