In this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider dig into one of the most exciting trends in marketing right now — brand activations and immersive experiences — share some honest time management hacks for busy business owners, and make the case for why putting a real human face on your social media is one of the smartest moves you can make for your brand. And before you dive in, grab your free spot in the 5 Day Business Bootcamp at Bootcamp.HassemanMarketing.com.
What Is a Brand Activation — And Why Should You Care?
Let’s start with the trend that is getting a lot of attention right now: brand activations and immersive experiences.
So what exactly is a brand activation? At its core, it is any experience you create that brings your brand to life in a way that invites people to engage with it directly. Think pop-up events, interactive product demonstrations, experiential marketing moments, or immersive environments that put your audience inside your brand story rather than just in front of it.
The reason activations are gaining momentum is simple — people remember experiences far longer than they remember ads. When someone participates in something your brand created, they develop a connection that a banner ad or a social media post simply cannot replicate.
And here is the good news: you do not need a massive budget to pull one off. Activations can scale to fit almost any business. A local retailer hosting a community event. A service business creating an interactive booth at a trade show. A B2B company designing an unforgettable conference experience. The size matters less than the intention behind it.
Kirby and Jade broke down what activations look like in practice and how businesses of any size can start thinking about incorporating them into their marketing mix. If you have been looking for a way to create real, lasting connections with your audience, this is worth your attention.
Time Management Hacks That Actually Work
Every business owner and marketer knows the feeling — there is never enough time in the day. So Kirby and Jade got into some of the time management strategies that have actually made a difference.
A couple of the big ones: blocking off your calendar intentionally so that your time reflects your actual priorities, and batching similar activities together so you can stay in one mode of thinking rather than constantly switching gears. Both sound straightforward, but the impact of actually doing them consistently is significant.
They also opened it up and asked the audience — what is working for you? It is a conversation worth joining. If you have a time management hack that has changed how you work, drop it in the comments. The best ideas in this space often come from people in the trenches doing the work every day.
Humanizing Your Social Media Presence
This one is simple but important. In a world where so much social media content feels polished, automated, and a little hollow, the brands and people who are winning are the ones who show up as themselves.
Putting a real face on your social media — your face, your team’s faces, genuine moments from inside your business — builds trust in a way that designed graphics and stock photos simply cannot. People do business with people they know, like, and trust. Social media is one of the most accessible tools you have to build all three of those things at scale.
It does not have to be perfectly produced. In fact, it probably should not be. Authenticity is the point. Show up, be real, and let people see the human side of your brand. That is what creates connection — and connection is what creates customers.
Product of the Week: 32 oz HydraPeak Insulated Water Bottle
This week’s featured product is the 32 oz HydraPeak Insulated Water Bottle with Straw Lid — and it is a great one. Hydration products are consistently among the most used and most appreciated promotional items out there, and the HydraPeak delivers on quality. This is the kind of branded product that goes everywhere with people — the gym, the office, the car — which means your logo goes everywhere too. Check it out here.
The Shout-Out: Kaylee Andrews
This week’s Joy Report shout-out goes to Kaylee Andrews, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Coshocton Regional Medical Center. Kaylee was a standout panelist at our recent event, sharing her philosophy of showing up in the community as a deliberate marketing strategy — and then backing it up by helping create the Health and Wellness Day in Coshocton County. That is marketing with purpose, and we love to see it. Kaylee, we see you.
Grab Your Free Spot in the 5 Day Business Bootcamp
If you are ready to get more intentional about your marketing and start driving real results, the FREE 5 Day Business Bootcamp is the place to start. Get access now at Bootcamp.HassemanMarketing.com.
And if you are not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. New episodes every week.
It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday—where we take a mystery drink, pair it with branded drinkware, and give you our honest (and sometimes hilarious) reactions.
This week, Claire Bowman, Briar Swigert, and Kirby Hasseman showed up ready to go… even if seasonal allergies were trying to slow them down. Despite the sniffles, the crew brought the energy—and this episode delivered a classic Thirsty Thursday twist.
Let’s get into it.
The Drink: Hoppin’ Frog Peanut Butter Chocolate Porter
This week’s mystery drink was the Hoppin’ Frog Peanut Butter Chocolate Porter—a bold, dessert-style beer that definitely made an impression.
Right out of the gate, the reactions were mixed.
Kirby took the first sip and was immediately on board. He liked it right away, appreciating the rich, sweet profile.
Claire had the opposite reaction. It was a quick “no thanks” at first—just not what she was expecting.
Briar was intrigued. Not fully in or out, but curious enough to keep going back for another sip.
And that’s where things got interesting.
As the episode went on, the drink started to win people over. Claire, who was firmly out at the beginning, admitted it was growing on her. Briar leaned further into it, appreciating the uniqueness of the flavor. By the end, all three agreed—it was actually pretty good.
But in true Thirsty Thursday fashion, not everything escaped critique.
Briar pointed out that while the drink delivered, he was not a fan of the branding on the can. A good reminder that packaging matters—especially when you’re trying to make a strong first impression.
The Drinkware: The Florence 16 oz Plastic Coffee Tumbler
While the drink took a minute to win the crew over, the drinkware was much more straightforward.
Another Thirsty Thursday in the books—powered by curiosity, honest opinions, and a little persistence.
Cheers to trying new things…and sticking around long enough to let them grow on you.
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!
Before we jump in, we have a gift for you. If you want to level up your hiring and marketing strategy, grab your free copy of TARGET for Talent here: https://hassemanmarketing.com/target-for-talent/ It’s a practical resource to help you attract the right people and build a stronger team.
In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman break down a major shift in the marketing landscape: YouTube becoming the world’s largest media platform, surpassing traditional giants like Disney. The takeaway is simple but powerful. Attention has shifted. And if your brand is not thinking about video, storytelling, and consistent content, you are missing where your audience is spending time.
Why YouTube Is Winning
The conversation is not just about YouTube’s size. It is about why it is winning. YouTube rewards creators and brands that show up consistently, provide value, and build trust over time. It is not about one viral moment. It is about creating a body of work that earns attention. For businesses, this means thinking beyond one-off campaigns and focusing on long-term content strategy.
Jade Is On The Online 18
Jade also shares her recent recognition on the PPAI Online 18, highlighting top young leaders in the promotional products industry. This is more than an award. It is a reminder that visibility comes from putting yourself out there, sharing your voice, and consistently delivering value. Personal branding is no longer optional. It is a key driver of opportunity.
Sell The Outcome
Another key theme in this episode is a simple but often overlooked marketing truth: sell the outcome, not the features. Too many organizations focus on what their product does instead of what it actually delivers. Customers do not buy features. They buy results. They buy solutions. They buy a better version of their current situation. When you shift your messaging to focus on outcomes, your marketing becomes clearer, more compelling, and more effective.
Product of the Week
As always, Jade and Kirby wrap up the episode with a Product of the Week. This time, they highlight the Luminex Mini Fan, a practical and timely branded merch item that delivers real value, especially as warmer weather approaches. It is a simple reminder that the best promotional products are the ones people actually use. You can check out the Product of the Week shop here: https://hassemanmarketing.commonsku.com/shop/12b4a1b1-31e1-41a2-abb1-bafd0cc5524e/shop/8801e37e-7124-4c28-a582-ae2d5917a7f2
This episode is packed with practical insights for businesses looking to grow their reach, build their brand, and connect more effectively with their audience.
Hit play, and let’s talk Better Merch and Better Marketing.
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.
If you need help with branded merch, content strategy, or building a marketing plan that actually drives results, let’s talk. We would love to help you create Better Merch and Better Marketing.
It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday, where we try a mystery drink from a piece of branded drinkware and give you our honest reactions along the way.
This week, Claire Bowman, Briar Swigert, and Kirby Hasseman gathered around the table for another taste test—and this one ended up being a pretty big win across the board.
Let’s break it down.
The Drink: Juicy ASAP IPA
The mystery drink for this episode was the Juicy ASAP IPA from Saucy Brew Works.
If you’re an IPA fan, you know the category can sometimes lean a little too bitter. That wasn’t the case here. The Juicy ASAP IPA delivered exactly what the name promises—a smooth, juicy IPA that was easy to drink and full of flavor.
The verdict from the crew? All thumbs up.
Everyone agreed it had a nice balance—plenty of flavor without the harsh bite that sometimes comes with IPAs. It’s the kind of beer you could easily see enjoying at a backyard hangout, a summer cookout, or while watching the game.
In short: smooth, juicy, and very drinkable.
The Drinkware: The Hayden 25 oz Dome Plastic Tumbler
While the drink got solid reviews, the drinkware stole the show.
This week’s featured piece was The Hayden 25 oz Dome Plastic Tumbler from our pals at Bel Promo.
From the moment it hit the table, the crew loved it.
Here’s why:
Generous 25 oz size – perfect for cold drinks, smoothies, or your favorite IPA
Fun dome lid design that makes it stand out from typical tumblers
Durable plastic construction that’s great for events, giveaways, and everyday use
Great branding space to showcase a logo or message
The Hayden is one of those promo pieces that feels fun, practical, and memorable all at once. It’s easy to imagine this showing up at company events, festivals, or as part of a branded merch kit.
And in true Thirsty Thursday fashion—the crew gave it unanimous love.
Final Verdict
This episode ended up being a rare double win.
Juicy ASAP IPA: Smooth, flavorful, and very drinkable. The Hayden Tumbler: A standout piece of drinkware that everyone loved.
When great drinkware meets a great drink, that’s a Thirsty Thursday success.
Be sure to watch the full episode below to see the reactions, the laughs, and the official verdict from the crew. And if you’re looking for fun, functional drinkware for your next campaign or event, the Hayden is definitely worth checking out.
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!
It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday—and this one came with a special introduction.
This episode, we welcomed our newest team member, Claire Bowman, to the table. Of course, Kirby immediately dubbed her “Ever Claire.” Because if you’re joining this crew, you have to have a sense of humor!
What better way to welcome someone to the culture of Marketing Joy than with a mystery drink and a new piece of branded drinkware? Watch now!
The Drink: Svedka Strawberry Lemon Flavored Vodka
This week’s mystery pour was Svedka Strawberry Lemon Flavored Vodka.
First impression? Strong.
Very strong.
But here’s the twist—while it packed a punch, the reviews were actually positive across the board.
Not something we’d typically drink straight.
Definitely something we could see becoming a staple in a mixed drink.
Sweet, fruity, and built for summer cocktails.
In other words: On its own? Intense. In a mixer? Dangerous in the best way.
And honestly, it made for a fun, lively episode—especially with Claire stepping into the Thirsty Thursday hot seat for the first time.
The Drinkware: “The Boss” – 26 oz RPET Water Bottle (Koozie Group)
This isn’t just another water bottle. The embossed imprint elevates it. It feels intentional. Clean. Professional. The kind of piece people keep on their desk, in their gym bag, or in their car.
And that’s the whole point of great branded merch—longevity.
Svedka Strawberry Lemon Vodka: Bold. Strong. Surprisingly solid—especially as a mixer.
The Boss 26 oz RPET Bottle: Clean design. Sustainable build. Premium imprint. A real winner.
And most importantly—welcome to the team, Claire. Or should we say… Ever Claire.
Another Thirsty Thursday in the books. Marketing should be fun—and this one definitely was. Cheers.
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!
It is time for a brand-new episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, and this one kicks off 2026. Let’s learn a few lessons from Quick Serve Restaurants…and much more! Watch now!
In this episode, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider share business lessons inspired by quick-serve restaurants and what marketers can learn from their consistency, systems, and customer experience. They also break down the top five categories of branded merchandise that people actually keep, offering insight into what creates long-term brand value.
Kirby and Jade then talk through their goals for 2026 and what they are focused on improving in the year ahead. Hopefully, this gets your wheels turning!
The Product of the Week is the Moon Jams Bundle, a fun and engaging kit that brings energy and creativity to branded merch programs. The episode wraps up with a spotlight on Marlite and their commitment to giving back during the holiday season. A strong start to the new year with practical takeaways for marketers and business owners alike.
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!
