The GaryVee Audio Experience

Episode: The #1 Difference Between Sales and Branding

Host: Gary Vaynerchuk
Date: February 23, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Gary Vaynerchuk dives deep into the ongoing conversation around the difference between sales and branding, fielding practical questions from his community. Gary addresses topics ranging from building lifelong brand loyalty (with a fun nod to his dream of owning the Jets), to the motivation behind sticking with projects through slow phases, how he handles unfairness in business, and whether 24/7 community management is a worthy investment for brands. Through relatable anecdotes and actionable advice, Gary reaffirms his belief in process over outcome and the enduring power of human connection in business.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brand Loyalty and the Jets Dream

• Question: What would Gary do first if he bought the New York Jets?
• Gary’s Answer:
  • He would launch a program to mail a Jets jersey and a handwritten note from himself to every six-year-old boy and girl in the New York/New Jersey tri-state area.
  • Goal: Convert local youth into loyal Jets fans instead of losing them to competing teams.
  • [00:37] Gary: "I want to basically convert every single youth into the green, not the blue. And so that would be the number one thing I would do."
  • Insight: Building a brand starts with forging emotional connections early, investing in future fans rather than short-term sales.

2. Motivation Without Immediate Growth

• Question: How does Gary stay motivated on projects like Wine Library before seeing significant growth?
• Gary’s Answer:
  • He focuses on his overarching purpose and vision rather than getting "crippled" by a single project’s performance.
  • Emphasizes playing the "net net" long game: accepting occasional missteps while aiming for overall positive outcomes.
  • [01:19] Gary: "I have a very clear vision professionally where I want to go. But overall I just want to be a good human being, do business the right way, the right process, put in the right hustle and I control that."
  • Insight: Success is about process and consistency, not fixating on short-term results or setbacks.

3. Dealing with Unfairness and Governmental Influence in Business

• Question: How does Gary react to cases where government officials "pick winners," such as casino approvals?
• Gary’s Answer:
  • Acknowledges the reality of backdoor deals and shenanigans in both US and international business.
  • Chooses to ignore external manipulation in favor of focusing on areas he can control.
  • [02:11] Gary: "I spend all of my time, and I mean all of it, on the things that I can control."
  • [02:52] Gary: "Even though there's a lot of back end deals, people not rooting for me, deals that were made for me not to win, I feel that I have the talent and the skills to still break through."
  • Insight: Winners are made by doubling down on controllable actions, not by obsessing over systemic unfairness.

4. Is 24/7 Community Management Worthwhile?

• Question: Should brands invest in round-the-clock community management, or is it overkill?
• Gary’s Answer:
  • Strongly supports it, maintaining that every small engagement (even a quick thank you) matters.
  • Every positive interaction has a compounding effect on brand loyalty.
  • [03:16] Gary: "I believe that everybody that you engage with and say hello to... get affected by that. I do think the human investment matters."
  • Insight: Brand-building is a cumulative process shaped by meaningful, continuous interactions with customers.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Strategic Brand Building:
  "I want to basically convert every single youth into the green, not the blue." —Gary Vaynerchuk [00:37]

• On Motivation and Vision:
  "I just believe in my holistic purpose... this is a net net game." —Gary Vaynerchuk [01:19]

• On Controlling the Controllable:
  "I spend all of my time, and I mean all of it, on the things that I can control." —Gary Vaynerchuk [02:11]

• On Human Investment in Brand Management:
  "I do think the human investment matters." —Gary Vaynerchuk [03:16]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Jets Loyalty Program Idea: [00:37]
• Long-Term Vision & Motivation: [01:19]
• Government & Unfairness in Business: [02:11]
• 24/7 Community Management: [03:16]

Summary

Gary Vaynerchuk uses listener questions to clarify his philosophy on branding versus sales, underscoring the importance of emotional connection, consistent effort, self-accountability, and relentless community engagement. His visionary yet grounded responses offer a blueprint for entrepreneurs who want to align their personal purpose with long-lasting brand success.