It is time for another episode of the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast, hosted by Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider. This week’s conversation covered creative content trends, goal setting for the year ahead, smart use of LinkedIn, a fun product spotlight, and a moving local shout-out. The themes ranged from playful to strategic, but each topic held value for business owners, marketers, and anyone looking to elevate their brand.
Microdramas and the Rise of Story-Driven Content
The episode opened with a look at one of the latest trends sweeping social platforms: microdramas. These short, punchy narrative videos are becoming a new form of entertainment and a powerful content tool. Jade and Kirby explored how brands can take inspiration from this trend by creating their own simple, bite-sized stories.
Microdramas work because they do not require major production. They rely on character, tension, and humor, not expensive sets or elaborate equipment. For marketers, this creates an opportunity. You can spotlight a product, capture a customer pain point, exaggerate a workplace scenario, or highlight your company culture in a way that is engaging and memorable.
The key is that microdramas invite creativity. They let brands show personality. They help companies escape the traditional sales pitch and instead entertain, educate, and build emotional connection. For any business that wants to stand out in a noisy feed, this is a format worth exploring.
Now Is the Time to Plan for 2026
Kirby and Jade then switched gears to talk about goal setting, and they made an important point: waiting until January to plan for the new year is too late. If you want meaningful goals, thoughtful execution, and a sense of alignment heading into the next year, the planning should start now.
The end of 2025 is approaching quickly. This is the moment to review what has gone well, what still needs work, and what needs to be completed before December 31. Clarity today leads to better decisions tomorrow. Those who wait until the new year begins often find themselves choosing goals they do not actually care about or are not ready to pursue.
Kirby emphasized that planning early gives you two advantages. First, you finish the current year strong. Second, you can be more thoughtful about what you truly want out of 2026. Instead of reactive goals, you can set intentional ones. Instead of scrambling on January 1, you can begin the year with momentum and direction.
Leveraging LinkedIn Navigator for Business Growth
Jade has been diving into LinkedIn Navigator, and this week she shared insights about using LinkedIn to drive sales and business connections. The conversation centered around how the platform continues to grow, becoming one of the most reliable spaces for professionals to connect, educate, and market themselves.
LinkedIn is not just for job seekers. It is a relationship-building tool. When used consistently, it helps brands build visibility and thought leadership. Jade discussed how LinkedIn Navigator can refine your prospecting, help you understand your ideal audience, and create a more organized system for outreach.
Consistency is the heartbeat of LinkedIn. Show up often, share value, comment on other posts, and treat the platform as a place to build credibility. For small and mid-sized businesses, LinkedIn provides direct access to decision-makers and industry peers. Used strategically, it can move relationships forward and generate real business opportunities.
Product of the Week: Custom Socks
This week’s product spotlight was a fun one: custom socks. Jade shared a playful example featuring Porshe and Maverick posed as the Grinch and his dog. The result was a memorable, humorous, and highly brandable piece of merch that shows how flexible custom socks can be. Want to learn more about creating these for your brand? Click here.
Custom socks give brands a lot of creative freedom. You can feature mascots, pets, team members, patterns, icons, holiday themes, and more. They combine usefulness with personality, which makes them a great option for holiday gifts, event giveaways, employee appreciation, or retail merchandise.
When done well, custom socks are a conversation starter. People show them off, photograph them, and share them. They create visibility without feeling like traditional promotional items. For companies looking to add a little personality to their merch mix, this is a product worth considering.
Shout-Out: The Mural on Main Street
The episode wrapped up with a shout-out to a new mural on Main Street in Coshocton. The artwork is a depiction of the powerful “I will take it from here” image that shows the military taking the flag from first responders. It is a tribute to service, sacrifice, and unity. It is also a meaningful addition to the local community.
Jade and Kirby highlighted how public art can elevate a community, inspire pride, and tell a story. This mural does all of those things. It honors the people who serve and protect, and it gives Coshocton residents a visual reminder of courage and commitment. It is the kind of project that brings people together and adds character to the place they call home.
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!
