by Kirby Hasseman
For the last several years, I have set a goal to read enough to change me. Two years ago I read 50 books. Last year I read 31. This year I have set the goal to read 40 books. Why? Because “in 5 years you will be the same person, except for the people you meet and the books you read. Simply put, it helps me (and you) grow.
So what have I read so far this year? Let’s take a look…and I will include links so you can check them out yourself.
Night School: I know, this is fiction. But somehow, Jack Reacher novels always make me feel like more of a man! I love the novels of Lee Child, so this is often a fun distraction for me.
Deep Work: These rules for success in a distracted world are good reminders. The fact is, I think most of us understand that we get more done when we are focused. But Cal Newport fills the conjecture with studies and facts.
Get Smart: Brian Tracy covers the basics of success principles in this short book. There are not new ground breaking principles here, but awesome reminders about business truth.
Business For Punks: Truth be told, I really liked this one because it was about BrewDog (and I am starting a new brewery). That being said, I enjoyed their irreverent look at how to start a business.
The Fortune Cookie Principle: Often the most profound lessons are the simplest. We each need a compelling brand story to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Bernadette Jiwa teaches us to create one.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k: Sorry for the language, that’s the title. If you are offended by language, I think it goes without saying you should steer clear of this one. If you are not, however, I think this has real and lasting lessons is priorities, business and life. This was one of my favorites of the year (so far).
Delivering Marketing Joy: What? It’s my list! I re-released this new updated version of my book on how to do Promo right. I may be biased, but I think it’s worth a read! 🙂
Contagious: This one is high on my recommended list too. Jonah Berger explains why things catch on (or go viral) and how you can work to make your idea spread as well. This was a really good one.
SCRUM: This one was cool because the Hasseman Marketing team read it together. It’s a great book that explains how to get more done in less time…and I think it lives up to the title. I am anxious to continue to work with the team to implement some of the ideas here.
The Founder’s Mentality: This book is about the inevitable challenges that all business founders run into…and how to overcome them.
The First Two Rules of Leadership: This was one of those books that was a good reminder. You can be a leader and not be a jerk. I am trying. 🙂
Doing Good Better: I was really excited about this book. It was not what I thought it was going to be BUT it was still interesting. It took a very analytical view of doing good in the world. I didn’t agree with everything the author said, but it made me think!
Beautiful Outlaw: One of my team members challenged me to read more “spiritual” books this year because I told the team I wanted to be more intentional in that area of my life. Josh gave me this one and I really enjoyed it. This book talks about the playful personality of Jesus…not something discussed a lot. I have actually quoted it several times since I finished it.
UnShakeable: This book by Tony Robbins works to unlock the keys to financial freedom. I thought it was good. His book Money, Master the Game was not bad…but too long. This one was more consumable.
Headstrong: This one was tough. On the one hand, it was filled with interesting science and started strong. But by the end I felt like he was telling me I could not live in the 3 dimensional world and be healthy. Interesting…but not sure that I want to live my life this way.
Hustle: I really liked this one! This book was written and published in 7 days…to prove it could be done. But that being said, I was inspired by it and found it fun. It also may have provided me an idea for my next book!
Predictable Success: Written by Les McKeown and recommended by Roger Burnett, this was a good book for those starting or trying to grow a business. Les gives a name for the stages of business that we all can identify with.
Originals: This was a good book by Adam Grant. Not only does he make the point that original thinkers are those that change the world (duh), but he gives some great insights on how to keep innovating…no matter what.
Camino Island: If you are heading on vacation anytime soon, or just need a fun and easy read, this is a good one. John Grisham is a GREAT storyteller. I don’t always like the way he ends his books, but I liked this one a lot.
Flow: So I like the concept of this book, but it was a tough read for me. Very text book-like. The gist is that we all try to create a life to live on the beach and do nothing so we can be happy. Studies will tell you that is NOT how happy is done. We are most happy when we are in the middle of a challenge that we are excited about. Boom…
Order to Kill: I was a huge fan of the Mitch Rapp novels by Vince Flynn. When he passed away I was very disappointed. But Kyle Mills has picked up the ball nicely with this one. As a side note, the first book American Assassin is going to be a movie this fall.
5 Questions: This book was actually given to me by the author…on a plane. This short book unpacks the reasons that Faith makes sense. If you have questions about this in your life, check it out.
Radical Candor: This book is about working to be a better leader and a better boss…without being a jerk. The author is very honest about some of her struggles in this and that helps. She also makes the case of why good feedback is so important for everyone.
The ONE Thing: With all of the things we are trying to accomplish every day, The ONE thing reminds us we need to do the most important thing (and only that) first. The counter-intuitive idea is simple. If you want to do more…do less.
At the half way point in the year, that is my list so far. As always, please let me know if you have any books you think I need to read. I am open to it! And if you want a more detailed “review” of any book on the list, let me know.
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by Kirby Hasseman
(Coshocton, OH) Coshocton based marketing firm and promotional products distributor Hasseman Marketing & Communications is growing again. Hasseman Marketing is excited to welcome Jim Duncan to their team. Duncan joins Hasseman Marketing after working at Cargo Transporters in Claremont, NC for the past 6 years. “We are so excited to welcome Jim to the team!” “His energy and professionalism will really help us and his client’s grow.” says owner Kirby Hasseman. Jim is a native of Martins Ferry, OH and currently resides in Lenoir, NC with his wife, Susan and their four children, James, Billy, Elizabeth, and Emily. Jim spends his free time with his family at the campground. When he isn’t camping he also enjoys hunting, fishing, and watching his children play sports. Jim will be servicing North Carolina region and mostly working in the Caldwell, Catawba, Alexander, and Burke counties. “I am glad to be working with great companies to help them grow”, says Duncan. If you are interested in working with Jim or learning more about what he can offer your organization, please contact him at [email protected] or call him at 1-828-228-8165. Hasseman Marketing is located at 432 Main Street in Coshocton, Ohio. Hasseman Marketing is a full service marketing company that provides clients fantastic marketing campaigns that include promotional products, video production, social media, and graphic design. They can be found online at www.HassemanMarketing.com. In addition, you can follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hassemanmarketing.
by Kirby Hasseman
The American economy is driven (pun-intended) by the American Truck Driver! So it makes sense to show them some love.
So what can you do? Well other than listening to the Alabama Country Classic “Roll On,” you could consider giving the Truck Drivers helping your company go with some awesome and useful gifts. Here are a couple of cool ideas that they might just love!
Coleman 1/2 Gallon Insulated Jug: This is a classic insulated jug that is perfect for the soccer game…or long miles on the road. This is extremely functional and has a high perceived value. On a long hot day, this item can help your team stay cool on the road.
Viking Tumbler: For those long hours on the road, they will want their coffee hot. But when they get home, they want their beverage cold. Great news…this does both. This Vacuum Seal Tumbler is awesome and a great value to boot.
Pocket Work Flashlight: This item is small, but it’s mighty! This flashlight not only is easy to carry with you, but it also has a super bright light. It also has a powerful magnet so the trucker in your life can use both hands when needed. This is a powerful tool at a powerful value.
Roadster Sticky Pad: Think about safety and uselfulness. The Roadster provides both to the drivers in your life. The Roadster provides a safe place for phones, GPS, sunglasses and more…and it keeps them there. Great for life on the road. Click here for more.
12 Can Duffel Cooler: Great for the road, and any other time. The 12 Can Duffel Cooler is one of our favorites for any occasion. Great quality and the perfect size for drinks and a big lunch on the road. This is a winner for many miles ahead.
LED Roadside Safey Light: Everyone you know can use a flashlight, but this one is perfect for that time on the road when things go wrong. There is a magnet on the end of the flashlight so you can place the light on the truck…and see what is going on! It even has a flashing light setting for extra safety! Click here for more details.
Clip It Vent Mount: We are all connected to our technology and this clip it vent mount keeps it within reach. The Clip It Vent Mount keeps the phone within reach in case of emergencies and allows for use for GPS and more. This is a great gift for the driver on the open road.
Need more? No problem. Let us know and we can hook you up! Make sure you say “thank you” in style to the Truck Driver (and team) in your life! Need more ideas, let us know! You can shop online here….or you can email us for more information.
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by Kirby Hasseman
Yes! Summer is finally here (for the most part). It’s the season for time outside, grilling steaks and walking along the beach…at least that’s our hope for you! But how do you create a cool promo campaign that make your customers think “summer” and still think of you? We can help. Here are a few summer items that are sure to heat up your next promo campaign! Flip Flops: Nothing says “it’s summer” like wearing Flip Flops! So if you are working on a campaign that promotes a summer sales incentive, a sales trip, or even just a gift that you want your customers to use around the pool, these Flip Flops can be an easy and fun gift. Viking Tumbler: Yes, the Viking tumbler is great at keeping coffee hot (which we still drink in the summer) but these Vacuum tumblers also keep your ice cold for 24 hours! Now in our experience, if you need to keep a cold drink cold for 24 hours, you are doing it wrong. But we are not here to judge! We just want you to know these are awesome for drinks around the pool. Check them out here. Sunscreen Stick: We love this because it’s functional with so many promotions. Your clients might have sunscreen, but this is perfect for use on the face to make sure the nose doesn’t end up fried! It’s functional and thoughtful. It can also be use for golf outings, summer events and more. Oh, and with a full color imprint you have lots of room to tell your story! Check it out here. Mirrored Sunglasses: The future’s so bright…you gotta wear shades! There are so many ways to build a campaign around these fun sunglasses! And with an affordable price point, these just shout out “summertime!” You want summer? You need these shades! Yes, each of these items can help you build a summer campaign or event to remember. But if you want to take your campaign to the “varsity” level, package all of these together for a rock star kit!
Need more ideas, let us know! You can shop online here….or you can email us for more information.
As always, if you don’t want to miss any content or update or special, make sure to join our VIP list here.
by Kirby Hasseman
Last week, Dale Denham announced his 4th Annual Online18 from PromoMarketing. On this list, Dale outlines his list of the 18 biggest influencers in the Promotional Products Industry…and our very own Kirby Hasseman was recognized as this year’s number 1 influencer. What an honor! In looking at the list, we also realized that these fantastic people have been our teachers and mentors over the past few years…and we wanted to outline some of the lessons I have learned from the #Online18. They Give First: If you look up and down this list, this group of people provides value to those around them. Whether this is through creating valuable content or by sharing the content of others, the Online18 “give first.” They are Connectors: If you look at this list of influencers, you will notice people who know people. More importantly, you have a list of people that are willing to connect people. They do not hoard relationships or business…they spread it. They Create: Though there is a different level of “content creation” up and down this list, the Online18 is a group of people that create. Whether it’s through blogging, video, Facebook, Twitter, etc. they share what is going on in their lives. In doing so, they create value for those that follow them. They Choose Themselves: It takes a level of bravery to put yourself out there. It’s easier to wait for someone to choose you. This group doesn’t wait for someone else to appoint them to create value…they take the words of the infamous Nike campaign and they “just do it.” They Engage: In addition to pushing out their own content, this group engages with other content. We all have “that voice” in our head that tells us we are not good enough. The Online18 understands that by engaging with others content, you validate and start to build relationships with them. So like, comment and share your way to growing your own network! They Curate: You don’t have to be the only content creator on the block. It can be totally appropriate to share other valuable content to your followers as well. You add value and credibility. You also have the added benefit of helping the content creator as well. The Online18 is a great list of leaders in the Promo industry…and you can learn a lot of all of them. But let’s not forget the one that put the list together…Dale Denham. Dale puts a lot of time in this list each and every year. And the secret of course is the real influencer is the one that gets to select the influencers. That’s a great lesson to learn as well!
Want to learn more about Hasseman Marketing, check out our About us page here. As always, you can shop online here. And if you are a Promo Pro, you can get our Sales Playbook here.
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