In this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider dive into three timely topics that connect technology, culture, and business strategy. From the ongoing changes in streaming services to influencer privileges at the NYC Marathon and the rise of AI in sales, this episode brings fresh insights for marketers and business owners who want to stay sharp.
YouTube TV, Disney, and What It Teaches Us About Marketing
The first topic centered around YouTube TV’s recent negotiations with Disney and the growing frustration among subscribers over fewer available channels. Kirby and Jade discussed how the streaming wars illustrate an important marketing truth: customers notice when value disappears.
As brands evolve, they must protect what made customers choose them in the first place. When companies take away features, raise prices, or make access harder, they risk eroding loyalty.
Marketing takeaway: Whether you sell a service, a product, or branded merchandise, consistency and perceived value matter. People are willing to pay for quality, but not confusion. When your customers start asking, “Why am I still paying for this?” you have a retention problem—not just a pricing one.
NYC Marathon and the Influencer Debate
Next, the hosts tackled a headline from the running world: the NYC Marathon allowed influencers to start an hour before the elite runners.
Kirby, a passionate runner himself, had strong opinions on the subject. He shared how running has always been about fairness, discipline, and respect for the craft. While influencers bring exposure to the sport, giving them special treatment disrupts the integrity of competition.
Jade pointed out that this moment also reveals a broader tension in modern marketing—the balance between authenticity and influence. Social reach has value, but credibility and expertise still matter.
Lesson for marketers: Attention is valuable, but it should never replace authenticity. Whether you’re choosing brand ambassadors or designing campaigns, influence works best when it supports, not overshadows, the core mission.
AI and the Future of Sales Follow-Up
The final discussion focused on how AI is raising the standard for responsiveness. With automation tools now able to follow up perfectly every time, non-paid entities—bots, automated assistants, and CRMs—are outperforming many human sales efforts.
That begs the question: if AI can follow up instantly, do salespeople need to change how they operate?
Kirby and Jade agreed that AI should enhance, not replace, the human element. Technology can send reminders, craft responses, and track communication, but it cannot replace empathy, understanding, and genuine connection.
Takeaway: Use AI to handle consistency so your team can focus on creativity and relationships. The future of sales belongs to those who combine technology with humanity.
Product of the Week: The Spector Kit
This week’s product spotlight is the Spector Kit from Spector & Co., a sleek and functional gift set designed for modern professionals.
The kit includes quality essentials, ideal for onboarding, executive gifts, or client appreciation programs. It represents the kind of branded merchandise that balances style, practicality, and long-term visibility.
Explore it here at our Year-End Gift Shop.
Lesson: The best merch supports your brand by being both useful and memorable. When recipients use your product daily, your logo becomes part of their routine.
Shout-Out: Surge Veterans Day Giveback
This week’s shout-out goes to the Surge Veterans Day Giveback, an initiative recognizing and serving those who have given so much. Kirby and Jade praised the organization for combining gratitude and action—two qualities that define meaningful community impact.
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it! You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place!
And as always, we are here to help! If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
